YACHT OWNER REPRESENTATIVE SYBAss IAMI YORP Accredited FOUNDER, ULTIMAR ULTIMAR NETWORK SL Yacht Owner Representation & Project Management - New Build - Refit - Operation
When I sat down with a yacht owner recently, I heard a story that’s all too familiar in this industry A tale of disappointment, unmet expectations, and an experience that left him questioning his entire build journey. It was clear he felt let down, not by the yacht itself, but by the process. It reminded me why I founded ULTIMAR, and his response to him knowing the professional service available... a raised smile, a subtle shake of the head, and the words "sh*t, if only i knew" In the high stakes world of yacht ownership, its becoming more clear that proper Owner representation for new builds is essential. A yacht isn’t just an asset, it’s a statement, and a personal vision. Without the right advisor, someone who is solely invested in their interests, details get overlooked, decisions get rushed, and compromises are made. The result? A yacht that doesn’t fully reflect the owners original vision. ULTIMAR is a no conflict, clear, reliable project leadership that protects the owners vision and investment. Ensuring no corner is cut, no vision diluted, and no detail ignored, with the philosophy that protecting what you value most means being present at every stage, with eyes and ears open, advocating your vision. If you’re stepping into a new build, ask yourself, are you genuinely protected, or are you just along for the ride? Jack Inglis ULTIMAR Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) Superyacht Alliance #yacht #superyacht #ultimar #yachtowner #ownerrepresentation #superyachtlife #luxury #yachting #yachtadvisor #assetmanagement #newbuildyacht
Good insight - this came up a few times at the recent British Superyacht event, that "the owner doesn't always get what they expect", often through a lack of detailed planning and understanding at the early stages and a mismatch of expectations.
Simone Bianchi
2mo
There are so many aspects that are neglected everywhere, but it's an important point of view, to realise that the problem is not the Yacht or the result itself, but the complete arrogance and habits around it that need to change. I hope to have the chance to meet at the next METS Jack
Vincent GARGUET
2mo
Let’s meet in AMS METS, to share approaches.
Ian Dixon
1mo
Bring the right people together into the owner's team; listen to the owner's requirements, (so you can also manage their expectations); which means you can design systems based on what they actually want and with everyone working together make sure you deliver them on time and to budget. Happy owners are the lifeblood of the industry and we need to demonstrate to them that buying a yacht can be an enjoyable experience and one they want to repeat over and over again.......
Andrew Adams
2mo
The management of expectations is somewhat overlooked in most facets of the industry, there is a lot to learn !
Christian Leyk
1mo
Well, that’s why my aim is to involve the client in all steps of the process, designing not for him but with him. Building is as much part of yacht owner as using it later, so it should be as enjoyable.
Tim Clarke
2mo
The owners often make an assumption because they are spending anything from 1 mill to hundred of million that the manufacturer will look after their interests which obviously isn’t the case.
Seems this industry from one end to the other is not the best at communications and honesty about the reality of a Yacht. Time to up the game
Meeli Lepik
2mo
Completely agree, Jack Inglis. Thank you for highlighting this. There has been few good times when I have stood as Interior Manager with flushed cheeks in front of the the confused owner, trying to find answers why his original wishes about his lifestyle has not been fulfilled. But why you didn't ask? He says in dismay... Indeed, why didn't we? :) The reality is that we just didn't know because there was no clear information or line of communication established during the build to find out. Same like you, Holistic Yacht Interiors also now asks. Would be great to say hello in Amsterdam, Jack!
Technical Manager at CCS Yacht - Coating Consultants for Superyachts
1moDid they get what the bought? This is different from expectation? In the rush to get a slot, contracts (LOI etc) are signed. Then people start to marry expectation with contract. And builders then can say “we cannot do this; we cannot do that etc.” (“It was stated in your LOI/contract”). As you have correctly stated, the build team representative has to be at the table (drawing) and on board as soon as possible to define the expectations into some contractual basis so the customers receives contractually what he expected. Alas, challenges will arrive, delays may occur; suppliers may not live up to expectations/contract. (you can perhaps reject their work but correction is whole other can of worms). Keep doing good stuff. It is indeed shame that at end of a long process, you are the not the very definition of a happy customer.