CONVERSATION by IYC

Proven Platform: Inside the Production Yacht Market

Production yachts are no longer the “entry point” to yachting. They’ve become one of the industry’s smartest and most compelling choices. With shorter build times, advanced engineering, elevated design, and stronger resale confidence, today’s production models are challenging long-held assumptions about what defines true luxury at sea. In this episode, IYC Sales Consultant William Burns joins us to unpack the evolution of the production yacht market and why more owners and charter clients are embracing proven platforms over fully bespoke builds. From investment value and charter potential to design innovation and changing buyer psychology, we explore how production yachts are reshaping modern yacht ownership. Podcast hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin

Multi-Million Dollar Refit: HOLDIN’ MY OWN | Part 1

Following a multi-million dollar transformation, 182' (55m) HOLDIN’ MY OWN was reimagined as a true charter platform. Captain Dave Smith and IYC’s Marie Molls break down the strategy behind the rebuild, from technical upgrades to guest-focused design choices that redefine life on board. From layout changes to charter positioning, this is a look at what it really takes to build a standout yacht in today’s market. Podcast hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin

The Digital Shift: Data, Speed, and the Reinvention of Client Experience

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

The Art of Repeat Bookings: Inside ELENI 50M’s Charter Success

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

Designing Emotion at Sea with Marnix Hoekstra

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