A New Chapter for Superyacht Safety The superyacht industry is constantly pursuing perfection, but few developments have quietly shifted the culture of this sector as profoundly as the rise of confidential safety reporting through CHIRP Maritime . At the forefront of this movement is Paul Shepherd, Chair of the CHIRP Superyacht Board, who brings together a lifetime of commercial, cruise and yachting experience to champion a simple idea. A safer industry begins with honesty, and honesty requires a place where crew can speak without fear. Paul’s introduction to CHIRP came long before he ever imagined leading its superyacht programme. As a cadet, he found printed CHIRP reports tucked into maritime academy libraries, and those informal stacks of paper offered something rare in the industry at that time. They revealed mistakes that others had made and the lessons that could prevent them from happening again. Today that same philosophy is being applied to an industry that has grown larger, more complex and more demanding than ever before. “You do not have enough time in your lifetime to make every mistake yourself. You must learn from each other.” CHIRP exists to make that learning possible. How Confidential Reporting Actually Works Despite growing conversations around safety, the word reporting still triggers fear for many yacht crew. Paul is very clear that CHIRP is not a disciplinary tool, and it is not a mechanism designed to cause trouble for individuals, captains or management companies. It is a confidential safety platform, and confidentiality is its foundation. When a crew member reaches out, whether through the website, phone, email, app or postal address, their identity is locked behind a wall of protection. Only two individuals in the programme see the reporter’s name, and even the Chair of the Superyacht Board is never told the vessel, the flag, the location, the tonnage or the gender of the reporter. Reports are examined purely on their operational value and never on identifying details. A board composed of active yacht crew and managers reviews the incident and distills the lesson into an anonymized publication that can be shared across the global fleet. These reports are deliberately stripped of every detail that could reveal the source. The only thing that remains is the insight that might protect someone else. “We remove everything that is not essential to the lesson because the lesson is all that matters.” This is why CHIRP’s maritime programme has operated for two decades without a single breach of confidentiality. The Issue Keeping Safety Leaders Awake: Work Aloft and the Accident Everyone Knows Is Coming Among all the themes that have emerged in superyacht reporting, one stands out as the most persistent and the most predictable. Unsafe work aloft is happening every day, and everyone in the industry knows it. Whether polishing a mast, scrubbing a superstructure or washing a hardtop, crew are routinely seen balancing on wet surfaces without fall arrest protection, without supervision and without understanding the consequences of a single slip. Paul describes these scenes plainly because the risks are not abstract. They are immediate and severe. “Somewhere today a deckhand is one slip away from a life-changing injury, and everyone involved knows it should never happen.” CHIRP often receives photographs of unsafe work taking place in real time, and when that happens the team contacts the flag state directly. In several cases, flags have responded within minutes and have immediately intervened with the captain. This is the kind of direct pressure the sector has needed for years. This is Superyacht Safety in action. New Technical Risks That Are Still Misunderstood Although lithium-ion fires have become a familiar talking point in the industry, CHIRP has also highlighted lesser-known hazards such as engine start batteries that are incompatible with onboard charging systems. In multiple cases these mismatches led to battery explosions that released vaporized acid into enclosed spaces, creating a far more dangerous scenario than a simple equipment failure. To help prevent future incidents, CHIRP’s engineering advisors developed clear checklists yachts can use to verify correct installation and maintenance. This practical output demonstrates how confidential reporting can lead to immediate, actionable improvements across the fleet. The Human Element and Why Crew Welfare Determines Safety The operational tempo of modern yachting has increased dramatically. Dual-season programs, heavy charter turnover, high guest expectations and complex toys all require a level of staffing that many yachts simply do not have. CHIRP continues to receive reports connected directly to fatigue, chronic exhaustion and unrealistic workloads. Paul argues for a shift away from the concept of minimum safe manning, which was designed for simple navigation from one port to another. Today’s yachts are floating hotels, dive platforms, water sports centers and luxury residences. They cannot be safely staffed using outdated formulas. “We need minimum operational safe manning. Moving a yacht from A to B is not the same as delivering a full guest program for weeks at a time.” Crew accommodation and living conditions also play a role in performance, and CHIRP has documented cases of mold, broken showers, poor ventilation and sleeping environments that undermine both wellbeing and alertness. When these conditions combine with long hours, it becomes impossible to expect consistent safety standards. CHIRP also works closely with ISWAN’s Yacht Crew Help  when reports contain elements of harassment or intimidation. These cases often require emotional support, crisis management and intervention that go beyond safety reporting alone. The Regulatory Divide Holding the Industry Back Paul’s most uncompromising criticism is aimed squarely at the structural gap between private and commercial yacht regulation. Two yachts of identical size and operation can be held to entirely different safety obligations simply because one is registered privately. This affects manning, equipment, inspection frequencies and even the qualifications required to work onboard. For Paul this separation is not only outdated but also morally indefensible. “The moment an owner employs a single crew member, the operation is no longer private. That employee deserves the same protections as any seafarer anywhere in the world.” Many industry leaders now agree that harmonization is long overdue. Safety should not be determined by a checkbox on a registration form. The Future Vision and the Role of Every Crew Member Paul believes that the industry will eventually reach a point where CHIRP becomes unnecessary because transparency and shared learning will become a natural part of yacht operations. Until that day arrives, CHIRP serves as the bridge between what crew know and what the industry still needs to hear. “Silence is not discretion. Silence is a system that has not yet learned to listen.” Every crew member carries a lesson that could save someone else. Even incidents that happened years ago can offer insight. Reporting is not about blame, and it is not about exposing a yacht. It is about strengthening the safety net for the next crew standing on a wet deck, for the next engineer replacing a battery, for the next stewardess working through fatigue in a cabin that should be better maintained. How to Report to CHIRP Confidentially Crew anywhere in the world can submit a report: 🌐 Website:   https://www.chirp.co.uk 📧 Email:   mail@chirp.co.uk ☎️ Phone (UK):  +44 20 4534 2881 Your identity is protected at every stage. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ SUPPORTED BY CHIRP Maritime & The Seafarers’ Charity ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Dedicated to strengthening Superyacht Safety, advancing welfare for all seafarers and supporting a global culture of learning, transparency and protection across the maritime sector. www.chirp.co.uk www.theseafarerscharity.org Paul Shepherd, Chair of the CHIRP Superyacht Board, explains how confidential reporting is reshaping Superyacht Safety across the global fleet.

The Superyacht Industry has crossed a defining threshold: more than €50 billion in annual global impact. The scale of this milestone is reshaping priorities from the shipyard floor to the executive boardroom, influencing the way owners invest, how builders innovate, and how service networks prepare for the next decade of demand. What was once a steady upward trend has become a dynamic wave of expansion, signaling a new era of long-term growth and accelerated technological ambition. At the heart of this shift is a deeper understanding that yachts today are evolving platforms—capable of adaptation, advancement, and reinvention far beyond their initial delivery. Owners are approaching stewardship with a more strategic lens, and the industry is responding with unprecedented sophistication. Refit Becomes the Strategic Centerpiece of Ownership This evolution was on full display at this year’s METSTRADE, where record attendance and a complete takeover of the venue underscored the relentless pace of innovation. Yet it wasn’t the crowd size that defined the event—it was the clarity of focus. Refit, once the quiet counterpart to new construction, has become the dominant force in the modern yacht economy. Conversations across the show centered on hybrid conversions, stabilization systems, circular materials, lifecycle engineering, and technology integrations that extend both capability and value. The marine sector is no longer waiting for mid-life overhauls; it is embracing continuous modernization as a cornerstone of ownership. “Refit is no longer an afterthought. It has become the industry’s strategic compass.” Shipyards have already adjusted course. Damen Yachting and the New Philosophy of Stewardship Within Damen Yachting’s refit division, three high-profile projects illustrate how owners and shipyards are redefining the lifecycle of a modern superyacht. AVANTI , the 74-metre Amels 242 delivered in 2022, returned to the yard not out of necessity but intention—a deliberate commitment to preserve pedigree and ensure long-term performance. The approach reflects the increasing emphasis on proactive care, where maintenance becomes a form of asset protection. SYNTHESIS , delivered in 2021, entered her scheduled five-year service program, receiving technical upgrades and a meticulous exterior respray. This rigorous approach to lifecycle management is now common among owners who understand the cost efficiency—and operational advantage—of staying ahead of the curve. MOONSTONE , following a remarkable 26-month rebuild featuring a seven-metre hull extension, returned to the yard once more for a targeted refinement period. Her evolution captures the essence of the modern refit mindset: transformation is not a single moment, but an ongoing journey. Leadership Moves Reflect a More Agile Industry The Superyacht Industry is experiencing structural evolution at the corporate level as well. At Sunseeker, the appointment of Scott Millar as Interim CEO marks a strategic point of renewal for the iconic brand, while Nimbus Group strengthens its leadership with Johann Inden, whose engineering depth positions the company for more technical and operational precision. These transitions reflect a broader trend—marine brands are modernizing not only their fleets, but the leadership philosophies guiding them. Saxdor Expands Into Emerging Global Markets Founded in 2019 and now one of the world’s fastest-growing manufacturers in its class, Saxdor is expanding into regions including India, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria—markets ripe for new recreational boating culture. Under CEO Erna Rusi, Saxdor has distinguished itself through a fusion of performance, innovation, and accessibility. “Innovation only matters when people can access it.” Her vision aligns with a global shift toward making boating aspirational yet attainable, especially for new demographics entering the marine space. Zeelander 8: Quiet Power and Experiential Luxury The forthcoming Zeelander 8, measuring 23.9 metres, represents the evolving values of today’s yacht owners—individuals who prioritize silence, comfort, experiential features, and efficiency as much as top speed. With remarkably low running noise, custom water-toy integration, advanced diving systems, and a finish that blends craftsmanship with modern utility, the Z8 embodies the next generation of luxury performance. Its arrival marks a significant moment in the expanding landscape of refined, owner-focused yachts. Electric Innovation at the 100-Foot Scale Sunreef’s newly commissioned 100 Sunreef Power Eco, named Double Happiness , signals a decisive step forward in electric yacht design. Featuring four 180 kW electric motors, a 990 kWh battery bank, a solar-equipped Bimini, and backup Volvo D11 generators, the yacht delivers near-silent cruising while embracing sustainable long-range capability. “Quiet power isn’t the future—it’s already here.” Its design philosophy is emblematic of the broader eco-conscious transformation sweeping through shipyards worldwide. A New Era for the Superyacht Industry The trajectory of the Superyacht Industry is no longer defined by incremental evolution; it is being reshaped by a collective shift in priorities, expectations, and ambition. Refit has moved beyond maintenance and into the realm of strategic asset management, transforming yachts into long-term platforms that evolve with their owners. Advancements in hybrid propulsion, silent-running technology, and intelligent systems are accelerating faster than any previous innovation cycle, pushing builders and designers into a new frontier of capability and sophistication. At the same time, leadership changes across major brands reveal an industry becoming more agile, more future-focused, and more willing to reimagine what luxury on the water should look like. Emerging markets are opening new doors for manufacturers, while next-generation flagships—whether powered by electricity, engineered for whisper-quiet performance, or designed around experiential living—signal a broader appetite for meaningful change. Perhaps the most compelling transformation is the mindset of owners themselves. A yacht is no longer seen as a fixed expression of status or style, but as a living investment—one that can be refined, re-engineered, upgraded, and adapted over time. This philosophy of continual evolution is shaping everything from shipyard schedules to research and development pipelines, guiding the industry toward cleaner, smarter, more responsive vessels. As the sector looks toward 2026, the momentum is unmistakable. What lies ahead is not simply the next chapter in the marine calendar, but the emergence of a new era—one defined by innovation, sustainability, and a deeper, more deliberate understanding of what the future of yachting can become. Record refits, new leadership, expanding markets, and a silent electric future — the superyacht industry enters its most transformative era yet.

The name Captain Sandy Yawn is instantly recognizable far beyond the world of superyachts. Known globally for her command presence, resilience, and unfiltered honesty, she has become one of the most influential figures in modern maritime culture. Yet behind the recognition lies a story that is raw, uncompromising, and rooted in second chances — not just for herself, but for the thousands of young people she hopes to guide into maritime careers. From her early life navigating addiction and instability to commanding some of the world’s most complex vessels, Sandy’s journey has become a blueprint for reinvention. But today, her focus extends far beyond helm stations and yacht operations. Through Captain Sandy’s Charities , she is working to reshape the future of maritime workforce development and open doors for youth who might never have known this world existed. “Someone invested in me when I didn’t have direction. Now I want to be the person who creates opportunity for the next generation.” The Making of a Leader The trajectory of Captain Sandy Yawn is not the polished, predictable path often associated with superyacht captains. Her upbringing in Bradenton, Florida included instability, addiction, and brushes with the law — circumstances that would derail most young people long before adulthood. Sobriety at 25 marked a turning point, but it was a job washing boats that opened the door to something bigger. A boat owner saw her potential, invested in her training, and set her on a course that would redefine her life. Sandy learned every job onboard: engineering, deck work, interior service, tender operations, maintenance, navigation. Her career was built through hands-on experience, discipline, and relentless training — not shortcuts or privilege. “I was given a chance, but I still had to work for every step. That’s the part people forget — the hard work is what builds character.” Her leadership was cemented during a catastrophic engine-room fire aboard a 47-meter yacht in the Red Sea, an incident where the right training saved both the vessel and every crew member onboard. It remains one of the defining moments of her command philosophy: preparation, calm, clarity, and teamwork. The Global Impact of a Below Deck Captain While millions know Captain Sandy Yawn through Bravo’s Below Deck Mediterranean , her influence extends far beyond television. The show has — unexpectedly — become a recruitment pipeline for the maritime industry, introducing a worldwide audience to chartering, yachting careers, and life at sea. Tourism increases in every region the show films in. Charter inquiries rise. And young people, inspired by what they see on screen, pursue qualifications and maritime training programs. Sandy acknowledges the entertainment aspect of the show, but she remains firm that professionalism and safety never bend to television. Her leadership bar stays high — even when cameras are rolling and charter timelines are compressed. “Production has their bar. I have mine. I can bring people up, but I will never lower my standards. Not for TV, not for anyone.” A Workforce Crisis — and a Way Forward The maritime industry is facing a critical shortage of crew, engineers, mechanics, welders, tradespeople, and marine-sector workers. Hundreds of large yachts are under construction globally, and shipyards, marinas, and commercial operations are desperate for qualified talent. This crisis is exactly why Captain Sandy Yawn founded her nonprofit. Captain Sandy’s Charities: Access, Education, and Real Opportunity At the core of her mission is one idea: career access. Captain Sandy’s Charities provides: A fully accredited educational curriculum for Florida teachers Hands-on marine exposure programs for youth Workforce pathways into ecotourism, science, deck roles, engineering, and shipyard trades Career exploration tools through their media initiative Beyond the Docs Community partnerships that connect young people directly with industry employers The curriculum introduces students to every corner of the maritime sector — from yacht crew to marine biology to port operations. This early exposure often transforms uncertainty into ambition. “Young people can’t aspire to what they’ve never seen. Our job is to open the door — and show them everything on the other side.” Building the Next Generation What makes the charity unique is its combination of academic structure and real-world application. Students do not simply read about maritime jobs; they visit shipyards, marinas, and marine institutions. They explore career paths that require no university degree. They learn that with STCW certification, discipline, and commitment, an entire industry becomes accessible. With the support of donors, partners, and advocates, the organization is scaling its impact — preparing the workforce that will sustain yacht crew operations, marine science programs, commercial fleets, and shipyard workforces for years to come. Why It Matters As the superyacht fleet expands and the marine industry diversifies, the demand for trained, motivated talent has never been higher. For young people facing economic uncertainty or limited career guidance, organizations like Captain Sandy’s Charities can be life-changing. But for Sandy, the mission is personal. She knows firsthand what it feels like to be lost, underestimated, or without direction. And she knows exactly how transformative the right opportunity can be. “I was saved by someone who believed in me. This charity is my way of paying that forward — at scale.” The Legacy of Captain Sandy Yawn Today, Captain Sandy Yawn represents something larger than leadership on deck. She embodies reinvention, resilience, and the possibility of new beginnings. Her work is shaping not just the future of yachting, but the future of maritime education and workforce development. Her legacy will not be measured in seasons of television or miles traveled, but in the thousands of young people who discover a path they never knew was possible — because she showed them where to look. Captain Sandy Yawn joins Yachting USA for an honest conversation about leadership, reinvention, and the mission of her charity to build the next generation of maritime professionals. Featuring Executive Director Liz Schmidt.

Lürssen Comes to Pier 66 The white hulls outside the window tell the story before anyone speaks. From its new office at Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale, Lürssen Americas looks directly onto a face dock capable of welcoming some of the largest private vessels on the planet. For Director of Lürssen Americas, Timothy Hamilton, that view is more than scenery. It is evidence of a deliberate bet on where the next chapter of the superyacht business will be written. “On this face dock we can take some of the biggest boats in all of Fort Lauderdale – bigger than most of what you can even get into West Palm or Miami.” Pier 66 offers exactly what a builder of 100-metre-plus yachts needs: deep water, serious infrastructure and a front-row position in the middle of the U.S. yachting corridor. With a fully redeveloped hotel, convention center and marina around the corner, the shipyard’s American headquarters sits in a neighbourhood purpose-built for large yacht business. Lürssen already had the yards, the engineering depth and the 150-year shipbuilding legacy in Germany. What it wanted was proximity to the people who drive the market. Pier 66 delivers that in one zip code. Fort Lauderdale vs Monaco: The Real Capital Ask ten industry insiders to name the “yachting capital of the world” and you’ll start an argument that never quite ends. Hamilton has heard the debate in every port – and he doesn’t hesitate. “Monaco is the yachting centre of Europe. Fort Lauderdale is the yachting capital of the world.” The distinction matters. Monaco is glamorous, highly visible and absolutely central to the Mediterranean calendar. But Fort Lauderdale offers something different: scale. Here, yacht builders, brokers, surveyors, designers, management companies and senior crew all live and work in concentrated numbers. Almost every internationally active yacht passes through South Florida at some point in its year – to refit, to crew up, to provision, to change hands or to meet a new owner for the very first time. That is why Lürssen, like other Northern European yards, chose this strip of Florida coastline when it came time to open a permanent Americas base. “We’re not here because all the clients live in Fort Lauderdale. We’re here because the entire ecosystem around the client is here.” Family offices, captains, lawyers, yacht managers, charter brokers – the people an owner actually leans on when making a nine-figure decision – are all within a short drive of Pier 66. From Parasail Boats to the Biggest Yachts Afloat Hamilton’s own journey into the upper tier of yacht building began far from German shipyards and glossy trade shows. He grew up on Florida’s Gulf Coast, just outside Destin, in a family where boats were part of daily life. His first job at 16 was on tourist boats; by 18 he held his U.S. Coast Guard master’s license and was running parasail boats through the emerald waters of Northwest Florida. One day a 130-foot Westship, Lady Val , pulled into Destin. That moment changed everything. “My jaw dropped. I literally followed her into the harbour and tied up behind her. When the owner came off, he told me that if he could do it all over again, he’d do what his crew were doing.” It was a light-bulb realisation: you could build an entire life around yachts. From there, Hamilton charted a path that would take him to Palm Beach Atlantic University, onto yachts as crew, across the Atlantic to Monaco with Edmiston, and eventually into senior commercial roles with Mediterranean brands during the hardest years of the 2008 recession. Those experiences – in brokerage, new-build sales and shipyard representation – gave him an unusually wide view of the business. They also prepared him for his current role as the American bridge into the Lürssen universe. Why American Owners Go to Northern Europe Today, Hamilton spends his days translating the priorities of American owners into projects built in Bremen and Rendsburg. The numbers explain why Lürssen felt it needed a permanent base in the Americas. Historically, only a small fraction of the yard’s orders came from this side of the Atlantic. In recent years that picture has flipped. “Right now about sixty-five percent of our business is from the Americas – not just the United States, but Canada, Central and South America as well.” The money has always existed in the region. What has changed is the willingness of American clients to commit to very large, very complex yachts – often 80 metres and above, and increasingly over 100 metres. Once, a 60-metre yacht belonged on the “largest in the world” lists. Now, in Hamilton’s words, “60 metres barely makes anyone look twice.” So why do these clients still travel to Northern Europe instead of building at home or in emerging markets? For Hamilton, the answer is experience and industrial depth. “When you’re building over 100 metres, the investment is huge and so is the risk. There are only a handful of yards on earth with deep experience delivering that size of vessel over and over again – and surviving the crises that come with it.” Lürssen’s advantage, he argues, is not just craftsmanship but the fact that the shipyard functions more like a high-end industrial machine than a one-off workshop. Workflow, process control, engineering systems and the maturity of the subcontractor base all combine to reduce the systemic risk that can destroy a project – or a yard – when something goes wrong. The Family Behind the Brand Behind that industrial machine is something surprisingly old-fashioned: a family. Lürssen has been owned by the same family for 150 years. It has survived two world wars, multiple recessions, cost spikes, market crashes and – more recently – one of the most significant yacht losses in maritime history due to fire. “Shipbuilding is a very difficult business. The only reason Lürssen is still here, and growing, is the character and stamina of the Lürssen family.” Where rival German yards such as Blohm+Voss and Nobiskrug ran out of runway, Lürssen not only survived but had the reserves to acquire key assets when others failed. Today those former competitors operate under the Lürssen umbrella, further concentrating expertise. Inside the company, Hamilton sees another reason for optimism: a new generation of leadership. The current CEO and many of the managing directors, heads of production and senior project managers are in their late thirties and early forties, often with doctorates and decades of shipbuilding already behind them. That combination – a long-term family owner with deep pockets and a young, highly educated leadership bench – is rare in any heavy industry. In bespoke superyachts, it is almost unique. What Big Yachts Give Back Outside industry circles, superyachts are still easy targets. Headlines frame them as symbols of excess, shorthand for everything people dislike about the ultra-wealthy. Hamilton takes a different view. “The most generous thing a billionaire can do, economically speaking, is buy a yacht.” His argument is blunt: money parked in a bank account does very little for anyone. Money spent on a large yacht pours directly into wages and small businesses – thousands of them over the multi-year life of a project. Shipyard employees, naval architects, interior designers, electricians, fabricators, outfitters, soft-goods suppliers, marinas, pilots, provisioners, agents, sea-school instructors, local taxi drivers and restaurants in every port of call – their livelihoods all connect back to the decision of a single owner to sign a contract. For Hamilton, it is not an abstract theory. His entire career, his family’s life in South Florida and the incomes of countless colleagues exist because individuals choose to build and operate these vessels instead of quietly accumulating wealth. Crew Culture, Safety and the Invisible Design Decisions For all the economic impact, Hamilton is clear-eyed about where the industry is struggling. One of the most uncomfortable areas is crew culture. He recognises what many insiders acknowledge in private: young people, particularly women, can find themselves in environments where power imbalances, isolation and fear of speaking up create real risk. That is pushing a new generation of designers and researchers to ask a different question: how can yacht design itself improve crew wellbeing and safety? “You can use the same real estate – or even less – with intentional, thoughtful design to create a better environment for crew.” Some of the ideas gaining traction include: Cabin layouts that offer genuine privacy instead of cramped bunk rooms. Circulation routes that minimise vulnerable pinch points or blind corners. Lighting systems tuned to circadian rhythms for crew working irregular watches. Clear, physical separation between workspaces and limited-access owner areas. These are not purely altruistic moves. Healthy, rested, respected crew deliver better service, make better safety decisions and stay in the industry longer. That ultimately protects the owner’s experience and the value of the asset. Hamilton sees growing interest from students and young designers – including a Savannah College of Art and Design thesis project he mentions – who are treating crew wellbeing as a primary design constraint, not an afterthought. Can America Rebuild Its Yacht-Building Muscle? Any conversation about Lürssen’s success in the Americas inevitably raises a harder question: why did so much large-yacht construction disappear from North America in the first place? Hamilton has watched the same trend others in the industry lament. In the 1980s there were dozens of North American yards building custom yachts over 30 metres. Today, only a handful remain. He doesn’t believe that is because Americans forgot how to build boats. “Shipbuilding isn’t about facilities. It’s about the workforce.” In Germany and the Netherlands, yacht building clusters around very specific rivers and towns. Competitors sit across the creek from each other. The real asset is not land; it is generations of welders, outfitters, joiners, electricians and engineers who have spent their entire careers on complex vessels – supported by a dense ring of specialist subcontractors. South Florida has exactly that kind of subcontractor ecosystem for refit and repair. Theoretically, a modern yard could be built around it. The challenge is political will, capital, long-term vision and the discipline to endure the brutal cycles of a luxury industry. Hamilton is watching one proposed 40-metre aluminium series project in the U.S. with interest. He would like to see serious yacht building return to North American shores – not because it threatens Lürssen, but because a stronger domestic industry ultimately grows the global market and raises standards for everyone. A New Generation of Lürssen Yachts While the conversation often drifts to the “headline” projects over 100 metres, Hamilton is quick to point out that Lürssen’s bread-and-butter remains in the 80- to 100-metre band. Here, the yard is seeing a shift in how younger owners want to use their yachts. One recent delivery, Haven , is a good example: a 2,100-gross-tonne tri-deck with a 30-metre sun deck and vast exterior spaces designed for an active California family who prefer life outside over towering interior volume. “This new generation of owners doesn’t go on board to sit inside. They want space to move, to be outside, to use the boat.” Another recently completed project follows the same pattern: large, open decks, beach-club living and a more casual, residential feel. Many of these yachts will never appear in public photo shoots. Non-disclosure agreements and a culture of discretion mean that some of Lürssen’s most sophisticated work is only seen by a small inner circle. Inside the industry, however, those projects travel by word of mouth. Captains, designers, project managers and owners trade impressions quietly. Reputations are built not on press releases, but on whether a yard answers the phone when something breaks at sea and how it behaves when costs or timelines are under pressure. Looking Ahead from Pier 66 From his desk at Pier 66, Timothy Hamilton has a uniquely layered vantage point. He knows what it feels like to run a parasail boat for tourists, to stand in the engine room of the latest Dutch hydrogen-assisted newbuild, to defend a nine-figure budget line-by-line with a family office and to ride out one recession after another. What he sees now is an industry where: American demand  for larger, more complex yachts is still climbing. Lürssen  is positioning itself at the centre of that market, physically and commercially. Crew culture and design  are finally being discussed with the seriousness they deserve. North American shipbuilding  still has the raw ingredients to make a comeback – if someone is brave enough to lead it. “The market is exploding. The talent pool inside Lürssen is deep. And the appetite among American clients for truly large yachts has never been higher.” Whether the next three decades of Hamilton’s career include a renaissance of U.S. yacht building or simply a series of record-breaking German deliveries remains to be seen. For now, the message from Pier 66 is clear: the centre of gravity in the superyacht world is shifting, and Lürssen intends to be right where the weight of that future falls. Inside Lürssen’s move to Pier 66 — why the world’s most powerful shipyard chose Fort Lauderdale as its American base, and what it reveals about the future of superyachts, crew culture, and the U.S. market.

In Ilulissat, Greenland, the fog doesn’t just roll in — it erases the horizon. One moment the ice fjord is framed by towering white silhouettes; the next, the icebergs vanish into a soft grey wall. It is here, at the literal edge of the ice, that the conversation about the blue economy becomes impossible to ignore. Katherine O’Fallon, Executive Director of the Marine Research Hub, is on the ground in Greenland with the Rising Seas Institute, now housed at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). Beside her is senior content developer and program manager Sharon Gray, whose work focuses on turning complex climate science into accessible education, data and action. Together, they are part of a growing coalition determined to connect the science unfolding in Greenland with the lived realities of coastal communities thousands of kilometres away. “Greenland’s glaciers change the world.” That simple idea sits at the heart of this story — and at the centre of the modern blue economy. Standing at the Edge of an Ice Fjord The setting is surreal. The conversation unfolds in Ilulissat, overlooking a UNESCO World Heritage ice fjord where icebergs drift past like slow-moving monuments. On this particular day, the fog hides most of the dramatic backdrop, but the scale of what is happening here still presses in from every direction. Sharon has been coming to Greenland for years, guiding expeditions that bring decision-makers, business leaders and educators face-to-face with rapid environmental change. The goal is not shock value; it is context. “You can study sea level rise for a decade,”  she explains, “but you don’t really understand the scale until you’ve stood in front of the ice and watched it move.” For many participants, including university board members and community leaders, these trips become a turning point. They return home with a visceral understanding of what sea level rise actually looks like — and a renewed urgency to link climate science to policy, planning and investment. From Nonprofit to University Powerhouse The Rising Seas Institute began life as a nonprofit in 2017, co-founded by renowned sea level expert John Englander and climate science leader Bob Corell. Its mission was simple and ambitious: become a trusted hub for clear, actionable information on sea level rise. Sharon joined earlier, almost by chance. Trained as a marine scientist working with sharks and marine mammals, she shifted away from full-time fieldwork after becoming a parent and answered a modest online ad for an assistant. The “assistant” role turned out to be a collaboration with Englander himself. What started as a small partnership has grown into a dedicated institution with global reach. Today, the Rising Seas Institute is a program of Nova Southeastern University, a move driven in part by leaders who experienced Greenland first-hand and recognised the need to anchor this work inside a major academic institution. That shift matters for the blue economy. It signals that sea level rise, adaptation and coastal resilience are no longer niche topics — they are central to how universities, cities and industries plan for the next 10, 30 and 100 years. “We want to be the place people come to for solid data on sea level rise,”  Sharon says. “A central hub where they know they’ll get the facts they need to plan what to do and what to expect.” Greenland, Florida and the Blue Economy Connection For coastal communities in Florida — and in more than 140 coastal nations — what happens in Greenland will shape everything from insurance markets to infrastructure design. Ninety-plus per cent of excess heat from global warming is stored in the ocean. As the ocean warms, the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets respond. Together, those ice sheets hold 98% of the planet’s potential sea level rise. When ice calves into the ocean, global sea levels rise, no matter where we live. “What happens here in Greenland is going to affect everybody,”  Sharon notes. “It’s all one giant system.” This is where the blue economy becomes more than a buzzword. It is the intersection of ocean science, coastal infrastructure, community wellbeing, policy and industry. A port expansion, a cruise terminal, a marina redevelopment, a waterfront airport — all of these depend on decisions that take future sea levels seriously. For South Florida, the stakes are particularly high. The region sits at the frontline of rising seas, king tides and storm surge. Yet the impacts will not be limited to coastlines; they ripple into housing, finance, tourism, energy, food systems and mental health. Adaptation, Mitigation and a “Wicked Problem” Sea level rise is not a distant scenario reserved for the end of the century. It is already underway, and the rate is accelerating. The Rising Seas Institute draws a clear distinction between mitigation and adaptation in the context of the blue economy: Mitigation : Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow the warming that drives long-term sea level rise. Adaptation : Preparing communities, infrastructure and ecosystems for the rise that is now unavoidable. Because so much excess heat is already stored in the ocean, a certain amount of sea level rise is locked in, even under strong mitigation scenarios. Emissions cuts still matter — they can reduce the ultimate  height of future seas — but they cannot rewind the clock. That reality makes sea level rise a textbook “wicked problem”: there is no single solution, every action has side effects, and doing nothing is also a choice with consequences. “We’re not very good at preparing for slow-moving crises,”  Sharon admits. “We like to react after they happen. With sea level rise, that’s the riskiest approach we could take.” The challenge — and opportunity — is to use science, data and collaboration to plan ahead rather than wait for the next disaster to dictate the agenda. Data, Local Knowledge and Living Shorelines In a world obsessed with quick fixes, the Rising Seas Institute takes a more grounded approach. Data is central, but it is not the only source of insight. On their Greenland expeditions, the team works with local guides, many of whom were born in nearby settlements and have watched glaciers retreat and weather patterns shift across their lifetimes. “Their culture is so deeply connected to nature,”  Sharon says. “They notice changes that don’t always show up in a spreadsheet. Science is very data-oriented. They have a relationship.” Bringing indigenous and local perspectives into the blue economy conversation adds depth to adaptation planning. It broadens the lens beyond engineering and finance to include culture, heritage and identity. At the same time, innovation is emerging along coastlines worldwide. Living shorelines, nature-based seawalls and reef-mimicking structures are helping communities soften the edge between land and sea. In South Florida, companies partnered with the Marine Research Hub are developing solutions that blend engineering with ecology — proof that blue economy thinking can generate jobs, protect assets and restore ecosystems at the same time. The key is to avoid solving one problem by creating another. Experimental geoengineering concepts, like refreezing sea ice or deploying solar shades, may one day play a role, but they demand careful testing and transparent data to avoid unintended consequences. Building a Global Blue Economy Hub at NSU Within NSU, the Rising Seas Institute aims to be more than a research group. The vision is multidisciplinary from the outset. Law, business, psychology, engineering, communications and marine science all intersect in sea level rise. Future courses and programs are expected to pull students from across the university into shared classrooms — and, eventually, onto the ice in Greenland and other field locations. “No one is truly taking the lead on integrating all of this,”  Sharon notes. “The scientists we work with are asking for someone to connect the dots.” The Institute wants to: Curate reliable, up-to-date sea level rise data. Convene experts from multiple disciplines to interpret it. Partner with international universities, including institutions in Greenland and Antarctica. Create opportunities for students to study and conduct research in frontline regions. Support a new generation of blue economy leaders who understand both the science and the human realities of rising seas. A planned newsletter and expanded digital presence will help make this knowledge accessible far beyond campus, providing a central destination for sea level rise information worldwide. Civic Action, Community Power and Where People Fit In Amid the global scale of the problem, Sharon returns repeatedly to the power of local action. National and international agreements matter, but many of the most practical decisions will be made at the community level: zoning codes, building standards, drainage projects, insurance rules, emergency planning. “It’s not going to happen top-down,”  she says. “Real change will be driven from the bottom up.” For individuals and organisations looking to engage with the blue economy, the path often begins with education and conversation: Learn how sea level rise projections affect your specific region. Share reliable information with friends, colleagues and local leaders. Get involved in civic processes — from public hearings to local planning boards. Support research, innovation and companies that prioritise long-term resilience over short-term gain. The Rising Seas Institute actively invites questions through its website and is committed to answering them — a small but important way of turning concern into connection. Hope, Ingenuity and the Work Ahead Standing on Greenland’s ancient ice, it is impossible to escape the gravity of sea level rise. Watching a glacier calve is both awe-inspiring and deeply unsettling — beauty and warning in a single moment. And yet, for Sharon Gray, hope is not naïve optimism. It is a deliberate choice grounded in human creativity. “If I wasn’t hopeful, I wouldn’t be doing this work,”  she says. “My hope is in people — in our ability to come together, get creative and find solutions.” The blue economy will define how coastal societies navigate the century ahead: how we protect what must be protected, when we choose to retreat, where we build, what we insure and who we listen to along the way. From Greenland’s ice fjord to South Florida’s mangroves, one truth is becoming clear: we can’t afford to look away. The challenge now is to use the data we have, the stories we gather and the ingenuity we’re known for to shape a future where rising seas don’t wash away our options — they sharpen our resolve.

For the marine sector, sustainability is no longer an aspirational add-on. It has become the lens through which leadership is measured. At this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show , the Marine Research Hub’s Innovation & Sustainability Awards revealed just how far the industry has come—and how much more it is prepared to take on. From solar-electric propulsion and teak-free luxury materials to AI-assisted vessel safety, the 2025 honorees illustrated the depth and potential of the evolving Blue Economy. Together, these organizations represent more than technological progress; they reflect a fundamental shift in mindset. Innovation is no longer reserved for future planning—it is guiding decisions today. “Innovation is not merely about solving today’s problems — it is about designing a marine future capable of withstanding the challenges we haven’t yet seen.” Silent Yachts: Solar-Electric Thinking Built From the Hull Up Winner of the Blue-Green Technology & Innovation Award, Silent Yachts has differentiated itself by refusing to retrofit old ideas. Their yachts are conceived from the outset as solar-electric platforms—built around energy autonomy rather than diesel dependency. With 350 kWh of onboard storage and 17 kW peak solar capacity, Silent Yachts demonstrates what clean cruising can look like at scale: quiet propulsion, reduced emissions, and genuine long-range capability. Their commitment extends beyond propulsion. New investments in shipyard infrastructure, manufacturing technologies, and customer support have positioned Silent Yachts at the forefront of clean-tech marine engineering. Rather than responding to change, they are shaping it—advancing the performance expectations of sustainable yachts within the broader Blue Economy. “A solar-electric yacht is more than a vessel — it is a statement of what is possible when technology, discipline, and vision align.” Sunreef Yachts: Designing Luxury Without Compromise A longtime participant in the awards and a previous overall winner, Sunreef Yachts  returned this year with a decisive sustainability milestone: a complete departure from teak decking. For decades, teak symbolized marine luxury, yet its sourcing and environmental implications challenged the industry to rethink tradition. Sunreef’s response is both technical and aesthetic. Their new natural wood-alternative decking maintains the expected feel of high-end yacht finishes while delivering stronger thermal performance and reduced energy demand. This material shift, combined with continued advancements in their proprietary solar skin, reinforces Sunreef’s role as a leader in eco-conscious design. Their latest solar integration offers higher efficiency and a seamless black-surface aesthetic that enhances the yacht’s profile without compromising its ecological footprint. Through these developments, Sunreef underscores an important truth within the Blue Economy: sustainability can elevate luxury rather than diminish it. “Eco-responsibility should never diminish luxury — it should elevate it, refine it, and push it into the future.” WAVS Task Force: Protecting What Moves Beneath Us Winner in the category of Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Practices, the Whale and Vessel Safety (WAVS) Task Force has emerged as one of the industry’s most collaborative conservation initiatives. Formed in response to proposed North Atlantic right whale regulations, WAVS recognized a broader opportunity: to unify the marine sector around solutions that genuinely improve vessel-wildlife safety. Their work spans thermal imaging with AI classification, AIS-based alert systems, and extensive real-world testing across the eastern seaboard. What makes WAVS exceptional is not only the technology but the coalition behind it—manufacturers, engineers, electronics companies, and builders collaborating across competitive boundaries. Their approach reflects a defining principle of the Blue Economy: sustainability is not just about propulsion systems or materials. It is also about how vessels interact with their environment, and how industry players choose to share responsibility for the waters they operate in. “The future of marine conservation depends on technology — but even more on the willingness of an industry to collaborate.” A Blueprint for the Blue Economy’s Next Chapter FLIBS 2025 offered something more substantive than a showcase of new technologies—it revealed a shift in how the marine sector is preparing for the decade ahead. Clean propulsion systems, eco-forward materials, and intelligent safety technologies are no longer niche pursuits. They are beginning to influence purchasing decisions, investment strategies, and long-term planning across commercial and recreational markets. These advancements strengthen the sector in ways that are both practical and long-term. They expand opportunities for skilled labor, draw new investment into marine technology, and reinforce coastal regions that rely on healthy ocean systems. Most importantly, they demonstrate that sustainability enhances—not restricts—the ambition and capability of modern marine design. The 2025 Innovation & Sustainability Awards made one message unmistakably clear: the Blue Economy will be shaped by companies willing to innovate beyond legacy expectations and collaborate in ways that drive meaningful, measurable change. “The Blue Economy will be built by those who innovate boldly, collaborate widely, and design with the next generation in mind.” How three industry leaders are transforming clean propulsion, eco-design, and marine conservation across today’s evolving Blue Economy.

The Future of Yachting Belongs to Leaders Who Know How to Listen The modern superyacht is no longer defined solely by its length, finish, or engineering brilliance. Increasingly, its success is shaped by something less visible yet far more consequential: crew leadership. As global expectations rise, charters intensify, and generational shifts reshape the workforce, the ability to lead people – not just manage tasks – has become one of the most valuable skills in the maritime world. In an industry built on precision, confidentiality, and relentless service, the human element has emerged as the make-or-break variable. Yachts now face not only operational complexity but interpersonal complexity: different cultures, different ages, faster burnout, growing mental-health pressures, and an evolving definition of professionalism. The vessels that thrive are not necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets, but the ones that invest in their people. “Leadership at sea is no longer about rank. It is about culture – how you communicate, how you listen, and how you support the people who carry the vessel on their shoulders.” Understanding the New Demands of Crew Leadership Today’s crews are multigenerational, diverse, highly skilled, and often entering the industry with different motivations than those who came before them. Many are purpose-driven. Many expect psychological safety. Many want mentorship. Fewer tolerate toxic leadership, unclear communication, or environments where they feel unseen. For captains and heads of department, the challenge is clear: the technical requirements of the job have not changed, but the human requirements have. Yet while safety and competency regulations evolve constantly, there remains no industry-wide mandate for leadership training. Talented mariners are promoted into leadership roles without the tools, coaching, or support systems required to guide teams under pressure. Experience matters, but experience alone does not automatically translate into effective crew leadership. “A yacht can carry the most advanced technology in the world, but without strong crew leadership it will never operate at its full potential.” Why Culture Is Now a Strategic Asset Culture is no longer a soft concept. It is a measurable operational asset that affects everything from guest satisfaction to owner retention and refit planning. Engagement surveys on board reveal patterns that are strikingly consistent across vessels: When crew feel supported by leadership, retention stabilises. When communication improves, conflict decreases. When autonomy and trust increase, performance accelerates. When wellbeing is prioritised, burnout drops dramatically. The vessels with the highest crew retention rates are not simply “nice places to work”. They are intentional. They create space for feedback, reflection, and development. They build clarity around expectations. They recognise that crew are human beings living in an environment where work, rest, relationships, and identity all coexist in tight quarters. In that environment, crew leadership is the anchor that holds everything together. “Retention is not luck. It is the result of consistent choices made by leaders about how they treat their people, especially when the pressure is on.” The Rise of Purpose-Driven Crew Leadership Forward-thinking vessels are embracing a new model of development, one that blends real-world maritime experience with structured psychological insight. These programmes move beyond motivational slogans and into practical, evidence-based frameworks that captains and leaders can apply immediately. Workshops focused on culture, communication, job satisfaction, and team dynamics are showing tangible impact. So are one-to-one coaching sessions that help leaders identify blind spots, strengthen emotional resilience, and refine their management approach. The aim is not to create perfection. It is to create awareness, shared language, and a leadership style that is consistent, accountable, and humane. “When crew are invited into the conversation – when their voice genuinely shapes the culture – everything on board becomes more stable, more efficient, and more human.” Recognising Distress Before It Becomes Damage One of the most overlooked skills in crew leadership is the ability to recognise subtle changes in behaviour, communication, or energy. Distress rarely announces itself loudly at first. It shows up as quiet withdrawal, irritability, sleeplessness, loss of confidence, or uncharacteristic mistakes. Leadership that is trained to notice these signs creates safer, more stable vessels. Not by intruding, but by opening doors. By building trust. By creating a climate where crew feel able to speak before they hit a breaking point. The most effective leaders know when to step back, when to step in, and when to invite professional support. They understand that they are not expected to be therapists, but they are expected to care. Building Teams That Endure – and Outperform Crew turnover remains one of the most expensive and disruptive forces in yachting. Yet the solution is rarely about salary alone. Retention strengthens when leadership empowers crew to: share ideas and concerns without fear feel psychologically safe in their roles develop professionally over time take ownership of their responsibilities build meaningful relationships on board understand the purpose of the programme The vessels that master this are quietly rewriting the standards of excellence. They recognise that the quality of crew leadership directly shapes the quality of every guest experience and every season. “The most successful yachts are not the ones with the fewest problems. They are the ones where leaders have built the trust to face those problems together.” The Evolution of Leadership at Sea The next decade of yachting will not be defined by automation alone, nor will it be shaped solely by operational innovation. The strongest vessels will be those that invest in crew leadership – the captains, pursers, engineers, stews, and deck officers who carry the responsibility of shaping culture every single day. As expectations rise, one truth becomes increasingly difficult to ignore: Leadership without training is no longer enough.Crew deserve more.Owners deserve stability.The future of the industry deserves better. What happens from here will depend on the leaders who are willing to evolve. A deep dive into crew leadership, team cohesion, and the evolving demands placed on captains and senior crew. Essential insight for anyone shaping culture on board.

There are moments in life when the path we have been following no longer feels aligned with who we are becoming. For Kim and Chazz Coursey, that realization arrived quietly, then all at once. The routines they once relied on began to feel restrictive, the stability they had built no longer reflected the people they were evolving into, and the momentum of their lives was being driven more by obligation than intention. What followed was not a leap into fantasy, but a difficult and deliberate choice: to dismantle the predictable, sell nearly everything they owned in the United States, and step into a year of profound inner work and reinvention across Southeast Asia. Their journey was not an escape. It was a reclamation — of self, of relationship, of emotional truth, and of the deeper kind of freedom that comes only from confronting oneself honestly. Authentic living is not found in external change but in internal alignment, and their story reflects the discipline, resilience, and courage required to pursue it fully. “You’re not truly free unless you are truly disciplined. The highest form of self-love is discipline.” Leaving Familiarity to Rebuild Identity When the Courseys left the United States, they were not running toward glamour or ease. They were stepping away from burnout, emotional stagnation, and the quiet suffocation that arises when life becomes a repetition of expectations rather than a reflection of truth. Their first months abroad were disorienting, stripped of routine, and filled with the discomfort that comes from seeing oneself without distraction. Yet this discomfort became the foundation of their transformation. It forced clarity, demanded honesty, and revealed the parts of their identity that had been buried beneath responsibility, performance, and survival. Reinvention rarely announces itself. It unfolds through the courage to stop avoiding what needs to be confronted. Through their travels, they discovered that aligned living requires presence, humility, and a willingness to sit with the parts of oneself that are hardest to acknowledge. “You have nothing to lose — only something to gain. Good or bad, you gain from the journey.” The Emotional Work Behind Authentic Living Travel alone does not create transformation. It simply removes the noise. What shaped the Courseys’ experience was their commitment to inner work — to emotional discipline, conscious communication, and the personal responsibility required to sustain a healthy relationship. Authentic living demanded that each of them confront their own wounds, patterns, and emotional conditioning rather than placing that weight onto the other. Their partnership strengthened because they understood a truth many couples avoid: a relationship thrives only when both people are actively doing the work to be whole on their own. This truth became even clearer when Kim faced one of the deepest losses of her life — the sudden passing of her brother. Grief reshaped the landscape of her emotional world, pushing her into depths she had never needed to navigate before. Yet even within that pain, she discovered a form of inner strength she had not known she possessed. “Grief stays with you. It becomes part of how you carry the world — but it can also make you stronger.” It was not travel that made her stronger. It was presence. It was honesty. It was the discipline to feel instead of suppress — and Chazz’s ability to stand beside her without taking her pain as his own. This shared resilience became the backbone of their relationship. Discipline of the Body, Discipline of the Mind While Kim was deepening her connection to self through yoga, breathwork, and energetic awareness, Chazz was undergoing an equally significant transformation through competitive bodybuilding. What he learned extended far beyond the physical — it revealed the mindset required to sustain growth, endure discomfort, and maintain integrity when excuses begin to sound convincing. Emotional work and physical work mirrored each other. Both required discipline. Both demanded honesty. Both revealed the truth that authentic living is built through consistent action, not sudden breakthroughs. Their practices — hers rooted in embodiment, his in endurance — became a shared language of self-respect and intentional living. Together they learned that transformation is not about becoming someone new. It is about becoming who you were always meant to be. What Their Journey Teaches Us About Ourselves Authentic living is not a lifestyle trend or an aesthetic. It is a commitment — to honesty, to healing, to accountability, and to the continuous refinement of one’s inner world. Their story demonstrates that reinvention does not require dramatic change in location but a deliberate shift in consciousness. Their experience teaches us that: Growth demands emotional honesty Healing requires responsibility, not avoidance Discipline is a form of self-love Relationships thrive through shared accountability Fear loses its power when faced with clarity Reinvention begins internally, not externally Their relationship, once separated by entire continents, became a testament to alignment: when two people choose each other with intention, distance becomes irrelevant. What matters is commitment, truth, and the willingness to grow — individually and together. “If it’s meant for you, it will find you — no matter the distance.” The Self-Care Principles Supporting This Work Geraldine Hardy’s self-care methodology draws from clinical hypnotherapy, nervous system regulation, breathwork, emotional processing, and grounded spiritual practice. Her programs serve as an anchor for individuals seeking not only healing but transformation — the kind shaped through daily alignment and long-term resilience. Available offerings include: • Self-Care Foundations  — 9 modules / 3 hours • Self-Care + 1 Private Coaching Session • Self-Care + 2 Deep Healing Sessions Explore the complete experience at geraldinehardy.com . ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ SUPPORTED BY ASPERTON INSURANCE ADVISORS ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Asperton Insurance Advisors stands beside individuals and businesses across maritime and luxury sectors, offering protection rooted in trust, clarity, and long-term security. Their support of this message reinforces the importance of stability, preparedness, and responsible leadership in every environment — onshore or at sea. 🔵 Learn more: asperton.com Where healing meets intention — and authentic living begins.

In an industry often portrayed through glamour and spectacle, Captain Kerry Titheradge is distinguished by something far more substantial. His path did not begin on the water, nor did it follow a generational maritime tradition. Instead, it started inland, far from the coastline, shaped by constant movement, changing circumstances, and the quiet resilience required to grow up adapting to new environments. Born in Brisbane and raised deep in Australia’s interior, Kerry’s early life was marked by contrasting experiences. He dealt with asthma as a child, enough to impact his routine but not to define his identity. His family experienced both financial stability and the sudden loss of it after his father’s business went bankrupt, shifting them from comfort to relying on support from their local church. The transitions were real, but not dramatic — simply part of the environment he learned to navigate. What these years gave him was not hardship for the sake of hardship, but an ability to read people quickly, adjust to new surroundings, and move forward without dwelling on what had been lost. These skills would later prove invaluable in every facet of his maritime career. “Every time we moved, you had one choice: adapt or fall behind. Reinvention became normal, not dramatic.” This is the underlying truth of Kerry’s early years: change was constant, adaptation became instinct, and resilience was built quietly long before a career at sea began. Building a Career Through Discipline and Strategy Kerry did not arrive in the maritime world by accident. He began his working life in trades — refrigeration, electrical work, fabrication, and the kind of hands-on roles that are still the backbone of operational reliability in the yachting sector. When one job ended, he found another. When opportunity didn’t exist, he created it. His first introduction to life on the water came through a parasailing boat. From that point forward, he charted a deliberate, structured path. He worked days on one vessel, nights on ferries, and volunteered without pay on landing barges to log the precise sea time required to grow. This wasn’t chance or luck. It was strategy. “I never waited for opportunity. I built the hours, the skills, and the proof before anyone asked for it.” Progress came through work ethic, not shortcuts. Through planning, not presumption. And through consistency, not spectacle. Starting Again — The MCA Years When Kerry moved to the United States, he encountered a setback most people never see. His Australian qualifications were not recognized by the MCA. Years of experience and certification suddenly did not translate into the system he needed to advance. Instead of resisting the process, he did what he had always done: he rebuilt. He studied again, sat the exams again, worked through instructors who were less experienced than he was, and requalified without complaint. It was not glamorous, but it was decisive. That foundation led to one of the most significant milestones of his career: stepping into temporary command of a 90-meter yacht in the Maldives — moving from a 60-foot program to a major vessel in less than two days. From the outside, it looked like a dramatic leap. In reality, it was the natural outcome of years of groundwork. A Personal Turning Point That Quietly Redefined Leadership The most pivotal shift in Kerry’s life did not occur at sea. It came at a time when his personal and professional worlds were aligned and he was preparing to return to Australia with his family. During this period, he discovered his wife had been unfaithful — a moment that altered the trajectory of his life in a way no professional challenge ever had. There was no public fallout, no dramatic display. What followed was internal: processing the loss of trust, reassessing his direction, and understanding the emotional impact in private. The experience did not weaken him, nor did it define him. It simply forced a recalibration. “It took me to a depth I had never known. Not the situation, but the way it stripped everything back and made me examine who I really was.” He stepped away from yachting temporarily, sought professional support, and rebuilt the personal clarity required to lead responsibly. He chose to rebuild with purpose, not reaction. The outcome was not softness, but precision — a clearer sense of self, boundaries, and presence. Leadership Built on Structure, Not Spectacle Kerry’s leadership style today reflects the totality of his experiences. He runs programs with clear expectations, structured operations, and professional boundaries. But he does so with a grounded understanding of the human realities his crew carry with them. He has witnessed the impact of stress, pressure, and unspoken burdens. He has lost crew to tragic circumstances. He has seen how quickly things can shift when support is absent. He does not lower standards. He does not compromise safety. He simply leads with awareness shaped by both professional and personal history. Reinvention With Captain Kerry Titheradge: A Steady, Practical Discipline Despite the visibility that now surrounds him, Kerry’s journey is not defined by television or personality. It is defined by repetition, resilience, and the willingness to rebuild more than once. “Reinvention is not dramatic. It is disciplined. It is consistent. And it is always possible.” His story is not one of spectacle, but of method. Not of entertainment, but of endurance. It is the story of a man who has stood back up each time life shifted his footing — and who continues to lead with the steadiness earned through that process. This is the real measure of Captain Kerry Titheradge. Captain Kerry Titheradge discusses leadership, resilience, and the realities of today’s superyacht industry.

The Hidden Reality of Speaking Up at Sea The yachting industry often projects the appearance of refinement and order, yet beneath its polished surface lies a more complex and uncomfortable truth. Crew who report harassment, assault, unpaid wages, or unsafe conditions frequently discover just how quickly support evaporates once a complaint threatens a vessel’s reputation or operational convenience. Cases where survivors are dismissed, pressured into silence, or replaced altogether are not rare anomalies. They remain an unspoken part of maritime culture, and they reveal how deeply the power imbalance at sea can shape a crew member’s experience. For many, the most shocking part is not the incident itself, but the aftermath. When the person who reports abuse becomes the person removed from the vessel, it exposes a structural failure that is still far too common. This is where Maritime Law becomes essential. It serves not only as a legal tool, but as one of the few systems capable of challenging deeply rooted patterns that have gone unchecked for years. “We cannot fix an industry where abuse is reported and the only person removed from the vessel is the victim. That is the definition of a broken system.” Retaliation and the Persistence of Silence Across countless cases, a troubling pattern emerges. A crew member reports misconduct, authorities are contacted, and statements are taken. Flag states, management companies, and captains are informed. On paper, the correct procedures are followed. Yet instead of meaningful action, the outcome is often dismissal, silence, or a financial settlement paired with a non-disclosure agreement. Retaliation is not incidental. It is deliberate, targeted, and used as a shield to maintain operational continuity, avoid scandal, and protect the image of the vessel. This type of response does more than harm individual survivors. It perpetuates a culture where speaking up is perceived as dangerous. When those who report abuse lose their jobs while perpetrators remain on board, the message spreads quickly through the crew community. It becomes another reminder that abuse is easier to ignore than to address. “Retaliation is not a misunderstanding. Retaliation is a strategy. It protects vessels, reputations, and insurance policies. It does not protect people.” Within this environment, Maritime Law plays a critical role. It provides a structured pathway for crew who have been silenced, dismissed, or intimidated into believing they have no recourse. Through legal action, patterns of misconduct, negligence, and cover-ups are brought into the open, and accountability becomes possible. The Illusion of Power Behind NDAs Non-disclosure agreements have become a common tool used to contain sensitive incidents on board. They are often presented in moments of distress, framed as the only path forward, and paired with compensation that feels urgent when a crew member is frightened, unemployed, or stranded far from home. While NDAs can have legitimate uses, in many of these cases they function as intimidation tactics rather than binding contracts. Legally, an NDA cannot override a person’s right to report a crime or unsafe working conditions. NDAs also cannot be used to shield criminal behaviour or to force silence when a case involves violence, harassment, or serious misconduct. Many crew never realise this, and vessels rely on this lack of awareness to discourage further action. “NDAs are frequently used as weapons, not contracts. A survivor should never assume silence is their only option.” Understanding that NDAs can be challenged through Maritime Law is often the turning point for crew who believed their voice had been permanently taken from them. The Myth That No Contract Means No Rights Some vessels operate without issuing written employment contracts, a practice that leaves crew vulnerable and uncertain about who their employer actually is. This ambiguity becomes especially dangerous when something goes wrong. No named employer. No reference to jurisdiction. No framework for responsibilities or protections. Many crew conclude that without a contract, they have no legal standing. This is simply untrue. Maritime Law protects seafarers regardless of whether a written agreement exists. Crew are still entitled to wages, medical care, safe working conditions, and protection from retaliation. They can still challenge wrongful termination or unsafe practices. The lack of a contract does not eliminate their rights. It simply makes navigating the process more complex, which is where legal guidance becomes essential. Understanding Jurisdiction Without the Confusion Jurisdiction remains one of the most intimidating aspects of Maritime Law. Crew are often unsure which country governs their case: their own, the flag state, the port where the incident occurred, or the location of the company that manages the vessel. The complexity is real, but crew are not expected to decode it. In many cases, jurisdiction is determined by the vessel’s base of operations rather than the flag it flies or the shell company that owns it. Even foreign-flagged vessels can fall under the laws of another country if the operational ties are strong enough. A skilled maritime lawyer will determine where a case can be filed and which laws apply. Crew do not need to navigate this alone; they simply need to recognise when legal intervention is necessary. Vessel Arrest: A Remedy With Immediate Impact One of the most powerful remedies available under Maritime Law is the ability to arrest a vessel. When wages go unpaid, when safety violations are ignored, or when unlawful retaliation occurs, lawyers can work with authorities to detain the yacht. The vessel cannot leave port, operations stop, and the situation demands immediate resolution. This mechanism exists because maritime operations historically relied on mobility to avoid accountability. Vessel arrest removes that advantage. “Vessel arrest is not a threat. It is a remedy. It exists because too many vessels have relied on the belief that crew will stay quiet.” For many crew, the knowledge that this option exists can be transformative. It shifts the balance of power back toward those who have been wronged. Freelancers and Day Workers Are Not Excluded Freelancers and temporary crew often assume that their limited time aboard a vessel excludes them from legal protection. This is another misconception that keeps people silent. Even short-term workers have rights under Maritime Law, particularly when their labour contributes to the vessel’s operation or safety. The duration of their employment does not erase their entitlement to fair treatment, safety, and proper compensation. Understanding this helps prevent vessels from exploiting temporary labour with the assumption that legal consequences are unlikely. Why Legal Action Drives Real Change Maritime Law is not only a means of resolving individual disputes. It is also a catalyst for cultural change. Litigation exposes patterns that the industry has historically buried. When cases reach the courtroom, they generate visibility, influence policy, and create precedents that protect the next generation of crew. Every legal challenge chips away at the systems that allow misconduct to flourish in secrecy. “Every case that reaches the courtroom becomes another step toward an industry that refuses to tolerate abuse.” The maritime sector often evolves through accountability rather than voluntary reform. Crew willingness to pursue legal remedies is one of the most effective ways to reshape the culture at sea. A Path Forward for Crew Worldwide Crew do not need to solve jurisdiction. They do not need to interpret flag state regulations or decode the legal structure of offshore entities. Their responsibility is far simpler. When something feels unsafe, unlawful, or retaliatory, their next step is to reach out to someone equipped to navigate the legal landscape. Maritime Law was designed to protect seafarers, not to intimidate them. Understanding that rights exist even within imperfect systems is the foundation of lasting change, not only for individuals but for the entire yachting industry. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ SUPPORTED BY MOORE DIXON ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Moore Dixon stands beside yacht owners, operators, and businesses across the global maritime sector, offering clarity, protection, and industry-leading risk advisory. Their support of this conversation reinforces the importance of transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership in every environment — onshore or at sea. 🌐 Learn more: mdbl.im

The superyacht industry stands at a turning point. Rising costs, shifting owner expectations, and rapid technological evolution have reshaped the modern fleet — yet one critical factor continues to destabilize operations across every ocean: Superyacht Crew Retention. For decades, owners have quietly stepped away from yachting not because of the boats themselves, but because of the people operating them. Crew turnover, burnout, mismanaged contracts, inconsistent standards, and unresolved disputes have pushed even long-standing owners out of the sector. Industry veteran Graeme Lord, founder of PYC Cayman , has spent 35 years watching the same systemic failures repeat. Today, he is building a new model — one designed to stabilize careers, protect owners, elevate professionalism, and restore long-term confidence. “If owners are leaving the industry because of crew issues… then the crew issue is the industry.” Superyacht Crew Retention: A System Built for a Different Era The traditional crew employment structure has barely changed in four decades. Crew are hired directly by an ownership entity, managed inconsistently by captains or administrators, and often left vulnerable when disputes arise or ownership changes hands. Younger owners — particularly American UHNWIs — now demand better structures, enhanced liability protection, and a clear separation between private lives and employment responsibility. The old model no longer fits the modern market. This is where PYC Cayman  steps in. “Owners want a wall between themselves and employment liability. Crew want protection, stability, and respect. PYC sits in the middle — neutral, structured, and fair.” Creating Stability Through Structure At the heart of the retention problem is instability. Crew feel replaceable. Owners feel let down. Management feels stretched thin. PYC Cayman breaks this cycle through a full-scale employment architecture that includes: True employment contracts built for longevity Rotation as a standard practice High-quality medical coverage Unlimited mental-health access A developing pension system Neutral dispute resolution Proper severance built into every agreement Real salary benchmarking using actual market data “Crew deserve protection. Owners deserve consistency. Retention happens when the structure serves both equally well.” Why Crew Are Leaving — and How to Stop It The number-one reason crew leave is not pay, location, or job title.It ’s poor scheduling and burnout. Crew often miss weddings, funerals, medical appointments, and once-in-a-lifetime family events because operations are unpredictable. Most captains want to support their teams — they simply lack the tools. PYC’s structure provides proactive scheduling, rotation mapping, and communication that allows crew to plan their lives — and stay loyal. “A captain shouldn’t have to beg for time off on behalf of his team. A crew member shouldn’t have to lie to secure a day to breathe.” When people feel valued, they stay.When operations are stable, owners stay.Retention connects the two. AI-Proof Careers in an AI-Driven World While countless land-based industries face sweeping automation, yachting stands firm. Superyacht roles remain AI-proof. No machine can replicate seamanship, service intuition, guest psychology, or the nuance of onboard hospitality. Lord believes this is one of yachting’s greatest advantages: “Crew are AI-proof. But that only matters if the industry treats them like long-term professionals — not disposable labor.” With AI eliminating traditional career paths on shore, structured, well-supported superyacht careers have never been more valuable. Professionalism Is the New Currency Superyacht Crew Retention is rooted not only in contracts but in culture. Lord emphasizes: Guest-first service Forbes-style consistency People management training Personal branding Professional discipline Leadership education Rotation partnership respect Hiring based on personality fit “You can have an extraordinary yacht with an average crew, and you’ll get an average experience.You can have an average yacht with an extraordinary crew — and it will feel world-class.” Owners know this.Guests feel this.Crew must embrace this. Where the Industry Must Go Next Superyacht Crew Retention must become the industry’s top strategic priority. The sector cannot afford to keep burning through talent or forcing owners into operational fatigue. Lord’s long-term vision is simple:Create a global network of well-trained, well-supported, long-serving crew who treat yachting not as a temporary job, but as a stable, rewarding profession. “My legacy is simple. I want crew to say their career improved the day they came under our umbrella.” A New Era for Crew Careers The industry is ready for change — real change, structural change, cultural change. And Superyacht Crew Retention is no longer a quiet back-of-the-boat conversation.It is the deciding factor in whether yachting grows, plateaus, or fractures under its own weight. With leaders like Graeme Lord pushing the evolution forward, the future of crew culture looks stronger, more stable, and more sustainable than ever before.

The Split-Second That Changes Everything Some moments arrive without warning and reveal who we truly are. For Geraldine Hardy, one of those moments came on a humid afternoon in Thailand, when a routine scooter ride unfolded into a scene that demanded presence, courage, and the deepest form of inner strength. While navigating a busy road, she witnessed a young woman thrown from her scooter in a violent accident. The impact was severe. Without hesitation, Geraldine stopped her own scooter, secured herself and her dog, and ran toward the injured stranger. What followed was not chaos but clarity. Years of inner work, self-awareness, and spiritual study moved instinct into the driver’s seat. “In the moments that test us, it is not the mind that leads. It is the heart, the instinct, and the quiet inner strength we’ve built long before the crisis arrives.” The accident scene was charged with confusion. People yelled. Others tried to intervene in ways that risked worsening the young woman’s injuries. Trucks and scooters continued streaming past. And yet, in the middle of it all, Geraldine found stillness. She protected the girl’s body, held her hand, shielded her from the traffic, and kept the environment calm until medical help arrived. This was not the result of adrenaline but of something far more grounded: the practiced art of staying human under pressure. Inner Strength Begins Long Before the Moment Arrives Geraldine has spent the past months studying Kabbalah, a discipline that sharpens self-awareness, deepens emotional resilience, and encourages the shift from overthinking to aligned instinct. That internal work became the backbone of her response in Thailand. The accident was not just an event. It was a mirror. It reflected what happens when fear dissolves and inner strength steps forward. “Inner strength is not loud. It does not announce itself. You only recognize it when the world around you stops making sense, and yet you remain steady.” Her ability to protect, comfort, and stay mentally clear was not an accident. It was the outcome of resilience cultivated over years: through personal loss, health challenges, career transitions, and the courage it takes to rebuild a life with purpose. For anyone working at sea, living abroad, or navigating unfamiliar environments, these skills are not optional. They are survival tools. And in Geraldine’s case, they became the difference between chaos and control, panic and presence. Boundaries, Humanity and the Quiet Power of Presence As the injured woman slowly regained consciousness, Geraldine guided bystanders to step back and give space. She called for a Russian speaker to comfort the girl in her own language. She maintained calm, even when locals shouted or distracted. She held her boundaries with firmness and humanity. This was not about heroism. It was about responsibility. It was about remembering that inner strength grows from a thousand small choices made long before a crisis: choosing integrity, choosing courage, choosing clarity over panic. “When the world becomes loud, inner strength is the voice that says: stay here, stay present, stay human.” The experience brought her back to a truth many of us forget. Life can change in a blink. What we cultivate internally determines not only how we respond to others, but how we navigate our own uncertainty, vulnerability, and fear. Leadership Begins With Inner Strength Beyond the immediate moment, the experience highlighted a universal truth about leadership. Whether you are a founder, a crew member, a captain, or someone rebuilding their life from the inside out, the challenges that shape you rarely announce themselves. Running a startup, making difficult personal transitions, or facing health battles requires the same qualities Geraldine needed on that roadside: clarity, decisiveness, boundaries, and the ability to regulate fear. These are the qualities that keep teams stable and ventures alive. They are also the qualities that keep us aligned with who we are, even when external circumstances push us off balance. Inner strength is the foundation. The Responsibility of Being Human The accident forced a reckoning with another truth of life abroad: not every system protects you. Not everyone acts with compassion. Some choose avoidance. Some choose blame. Some choose noise over care. But we always hold one choice: who we decide to be. “Inner strength is not just surviving the moment. It is choosing who you will be inside it.” For Geraldine, this moment in Thailand was not just about helping a stranger. It was a reminder of why self-care, spiritual grounding, emotional resilience, and conscious leadership matter. They prepare us for the moments when life demands something more than comfort. They prepare us to show up. Returning to the Heart of the Lesson The accident may have lasted minutes, but its impact will last much longer. It reaffirmed that inner strength is not something we find in the moment. It is something we build through the choices, practices, and boundaries we commit to every day. It is something we embody long before anyone else sees it. And it is something the world needs more of: presence, humanity, courage, and the willingness to step forward when others step back. “Inner strength does not wait for permission. It rises when you decide to be the person the moment needs.” ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━      SUPPORTED BY ASPERTON INSURANCE ADVISORS ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Asperton Insurance Advisors stands beside individuals and businesses across maritime and luxury sectors, offering protection rooted in trust, clarity, and long-term security. Their support of this message reinforces the importance of stability, preparedness, and responsible leadership in every environment — onshore or at sea. 🌐 Learn more: asperton.com