CONVERSATION by IYC

Yachting has always been built on relationships, intuition, and exclusivity—but a quiet transformation is underway. In this episode, IYC Chairman Stefanos Makrymichalos joins us to explore how data, digital platforms, and evolving client expectations are reshaping the industry from the inside out.We look beyond tools and technology to ask a deeper question: what does it really mean to become a digital-first yachting business? From broker-client relationships powered by platforms like MyIYC, to operational efficiency through BLUE, and a more transparent charter journey with RESERVE, we unpack how technology is redefining service, trust, and decision-making.The conversation also challenges the industry’s resistance to change, the growing importance of speed and adaptability as competitive advantages, and whether a new generation of clients will fundamentally shift how yachting is experienced and delivered.Podcast Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin

What makes a yacht truly unforgettable—and what keeps guests coming back year after year?In this episode, we sit down with Captain Nicholas Smith of CBI Navi-built 50m ELENI, one of the most successful charter yachts operating in the West Mediterranean. With her summer season nearly fully booked and reservations already extending into 2027, ELENI is a standout example of what long-term charter success really looks like.Podcast hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin

In this episode, we chat with Marnix Hoekstra of Vripack to explore what truly lies behind the creation of a custom yacht; not just as an object, but as a deeply personal expression of vision, lifestyle, and emotion.From the first spark of inspiration to the moment a yacht touches the water, we discuss how ideas are transformed into technically complex, emotionally driven yacht designs. We explore the balance between creativity and engineering, the human side of the build process, and what it truly takes to turn a vision into a vessel.Podcast Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin

Chartering a yacht is the pinnacle of luxury travel, but behind the effortless experience lies a world of unspoken rules.In this episode, we sit down with IYC Charter Consultant Abigail Davies to explore the etiquette that defines a truly seamless journey at sea. From navigating the balance between privacy and crew dynamics to mastering requests, hosting, tipping, and family travel onboard, we uncover what separates exceptional guests from those who unintentionally disrupt the rhythm of life onboard.Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin

In this episode, we dive into the heart of yacht sales and chartering with Frankie Maxwell, IYC US Sales & Charter Director. We explore why, even in an era of AI, automated valuations, and data-driven decisions, trust remains the most valuable currency in yachting. From the moments that make or break a deal to the strategies that keep relationships personal in a digital world, Frankie shares insights on building, maintaining, and earning trust in today’s market.Podcast hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin

A new generation of yacht owners is quietly rewriting the rules of the industry.In this episode, we sit down with the Director of Strategic Alliances at Oceanco, Paris Baloumis, to explore a fundamental shift in superyacht ownership, from status symbols to deeply personal, experience-driven platforms. Today’s clients aren’t just building bigger yachts; they’re building spaces to live, explore, and express a vision of life at sea.Podcast hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin

Over the past twenty years, the 50m yacht has quietly transformed. Once designed primarily as statements of scale and prestige, these yachts are now conceived as floating homes; spaces that prioritize lifestyle, well-being, and connection to the sea.In this episode, we explore the evolution of 50m yacht design with IYC Managing Partner Monaco, Mathilde de Roffignac. From changing owner expectations to advances in architecture, technology, and sustainability, we unpack how this yacht size has become a canvas for innovation, and what the future of yacht design might look like.more on www.iyc.comPodcast hosted by Sidney Bitter-Lakin

We’re joined by Agne Pavia, IYC Charter Consultant, to discuss what charter really means today — from bespoke concierge services to the global networks and technology reshaping how clients book and experience life at sea.Find out more about RESERVE by IYC: https://bit.ly/3OXDmueHosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin

IYC CEO, Raphael Sauleau, breaks down the current yacht market from the top-end yachts still flying off the docks to the mid-size segment feeling the pressure. Buyers, sellers, and brokers: here’s what’s really happening, and how to navigate it.more on www.iyc.comPodcast hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin