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Welcome to the BERNARD GALLAY Yacht Brokerage

BGYB specializes in the yacht sales & purchase, luxury yacht charter and  yacht management, offering our clients a unique, professional and enthusiastic service. We ensure that we build up a close relationship with our clients, based upon trust, honesty and dedication in order to give them the best service offered within the yachting industry.

 

BGYB is a member of the MYBA – Mediterranean Yacht Broker Association, which the most important international brokerage companies belong to and whose commercial terms and uses have become an international reference for the yachting industry.

 

Not only does BGYB have its membership with MYBA to guarantee its credibility, but the company's representatives are experienced yachtsmen and reputable sailors including Philippe Monnet (Monaco), François Boucher (Paris), Nicolas Marchand (Monaco), Stephane Della (La Ciotat), Jean-Yves Candelot (Palma), Richard Szyjan (Grenada), Lisa Spiller (Montpellier), Bruno Gallien (Montpellier) and Thierry Barrot (Hong Kong).

 

BGYB plays a significant role in the brokerage world, with offices scattered internationally: Montpellier, Paris, Moscow, Palma de Mallorca, Monaco, Grenada, Hong Kong, La Ciotat and Turkey.

2015 - Yacht Market Overview

SALES

Despite the difficulties of the uncertain economic climate, the close of 2014 proved fruitful for BGYB. We marked the second half of the year with numerous sales, such as those of 105ft M/Y Classic SPREZZATURA, M/Y Morgan 70 MATHIGO, S/Y Swan 65 CASSIOPEIA and S/Y Racing Imoca 60 DCNS.

Having celebrated our 20th Anniversary in 2014, we have reflected on the success of these last two decades, which has led to our clients’ confidence in our expertise of yachts and our knowledge of the yacht sales market. For these reasons, we have been entrusted with the exclusive sales management of some of the most prestigious yachts in the world.

The sales of 80ft Power Cat PELICANO, S/Y Oyster 655 SVETLANA, S/Y Racing Orma 60 EMOTION, S/Y Racing Imoca 60 GAMESA, and the notable additions to our Central Agency Signings, only go to show that client confidence in BGYB has continued through the turn of the year and into the start of 2015. These signings include : 80ft M/Y Classic GOLDEN PRINCESS, M/Y Facon 73 ROA, 137ft S/Y Sparkam & Stephens Schooner QUEEN NEFERTITI, 105ft Turkish Gulet VITA DOLCE, the sparkling sloops 83ft WALLY ONE, Vismara 78 KORENOC and Swan 77 LA FORZA DEL DESTINO as well as the majestic aluminium sloops 86ft BENIGUET, 83ft DJANGO TOO, 80ft AMAALTA and Futuna 70 ICTHUS.

More recently, BGYB announced its partnership with Ice Yachts, an innovative boatyard that draws on the experience of Felci Yacht Design to create the most progressive sailing yachts on the market. Having been appointed Official Agent for Ice Yachts, notably for the stunning ICE 62 (nominated for the 2014 European Yacht of the year), BGYB looks forward to a long and fruitful collaboration with this innovative builder.

Our more recent activity likewise reflects BGYB’s position at the forefront of yacht brokerage, with the sales of the S/Y Maxi 88 DEMOISELLES, 60ft Sloop GHEO, Lagoon 57 S/ Cat PLACE TO BE and the fantastic Racing Ultim 70 Trimaran GITANA 11, to name but a few. No deal better shows the company’s status, however, than the sale of Norman Foster’s 135ft ultra-modern luxury M/Y OCEAN SAPPHIRE, for which BGYB acted as the buyer’s broker. Such business represents what has been a truly successful half of 2015, and having already broken our yearly sales record, we at BGYB are confident that the yacht market, and our place within it, will continue to grow and thrive.
 

CHARTER

Last year was highly successful for the BGYB charter department, proven by the number of charter booking days which doubled from 2013. Now over half way through 2015, another prosperous year is coming to a close.

At the end of 2014, Youri Loof, former captain of the Swan 82’ ALPINA joined the BGYB Charter Team. Ever since, Youri has worked alongside Lisa Spiller, our dedicated charter manager, to combine their expertise in yacht racing charter. One of the products of their teamwork is the new BGYB Racing Folio, recently published in April 2015. This Racing Folio aims to display a selection of racing yachts available for charter, helping our clients to realise their diverse racing ambitions.
 

This year, we have seen the addition of several new charter yachts to our fleet. Namely, these include 88ft VITA DOLCE, 78ft SOUTHERN STAR, Ice 62 CANTELOUP VIII, Outremer 5X NO LIMIT and finally, the Ultim 70 Trimaran ULTIM EMOTION (ex. GITANA 11), one of the first maxi trimarans avail- able for private charter. Having won numerous races in the last decade, ULTIM EMOTION has established an exceptional racing pedigree and will be available to compete in a host of prestigious regattas throughout the year, including the Rolex Middle Sea Race and the Caribbean RORC 600 later on in 2016. At BGYB, we plan to expand our current selection of charter yachts to include more yachts over 30 metres long, focusing on a wider selection of motor yachts. Moreover, having established a strong partnership with the famous Southern Wind fleet, we intend to maintain this successful collaboration for years to come.
 

For the upcoming winter season, 80ft S/Cat MAGIC CAT & S/Cat Outremer 5X NO LIMIT, 100ft NOMAD IV, Southern Wind yachts 78ft SOUTHERN STAR, 94ft WINDFALL & 102ft FARFALLA, as well as Jongert 2000 AUGUSTINE will be available in the Caribbean, offering exciting charter opportunities.

As the summer season is coming to a close and the busy Christmas and winter season approaches, the BGYB charter team will continue to deliver excellent customer service, providing our clients with unforgettable charter experiences.
 

Sailor Laurent Bourgnon

It is with great sadness that in July 2015 we discovered the loss of Laurent Bourgnon with whom we had had a long and pleasant partnership over the charter of his 70ft Power Cat JAMBO. Not only he had been an international renowned skipper, having won most of the major solo racing events, he was a free spirit and a delight to work with.

2014 - Yacht Market Overview

 

     After a very strong ending to 2013, BERNARD GALLAY Yacht Brokerage - BGYB celebrates its 20th anniversary having enjoyed a successful first half of 2014. This has been highlighted by our growing charter fleet and increased sales potential due to sales prices stabilizing to an equalled low level across the global market. BGYB has gone from strength to strength in recent times with both our sales and charter brokerage departments making huge advances into their respective markets, collaborating with some the top brokerage firms in the world. With the acquisition of many new yachts for sale, most notably the 157ft Luxury Motor Yacht CHANTAL, the magnificent 118ft SY Maxi Dolphin Sloop VIRIELLA and the amazing 60ft Day Sailing Yacht CIAO GIANNI, 2014 has been exciting as we continue to add significant Central Agency signings, a feat that bears testimony to BGYB’s influence on the global yacht market.

 In recent years the turbulent economic climate has meant that it has sometimes been difficult to predict market shifts, however, in recent months increasing numbers of brokerage firms are reporting improving sales figures and stable prices. This newfound confidence has rejuvenated yacht brokerage around the world. BGYB has announced over 25 price reductions since the start of 2014 to continue market stimulation and keep prices competitive. These include our flagship yachts such as the world renowned 147ft S/Y MARI-CHA III and the 157ft Modern Classic M/Y CHANTAL. We believe that the future is getting brighter for the international superyacht market and that BGYB will continue to expand as one of the leading brokerages.

Perhaps the most the successful aspect of 2014 has come from the charter department at BGYB. Introduced in 2008 by our highly regarded charter manager Lisa Spiller, a partner with BGYB, it is no secret that the growth of international charters at BGYB has increased dramatically since 2012. Our charter fleet is increasingly specialized with the majority of our yachts between 18 and 50m long. BGYB has developed a strong partnership with the Southern Wind fleet, most recently through the introduction of the SW 102 FARFALLA. It has been an excellent year for charter activities so far, with BGYB doubling the number of charter booking days from 2013, and after these results we expect to add even more CA charter yachts to our fleet. The charter department’s success would not have been possible without the hard work of our charter team who provide one of the finest customer services in the industry. BGYB has been delighted as we have many clients who return to charter with us each, and often many times, a year!

For the upcoming charter winter season, NOMAD IV, FARFALLA, CAPE ARROW, WINDFALL and SHAMLOR provide the best opportunities in the Caribbean, whilst MAGIC CAT will pass Panama en route to French Polynesia as part of her round the world voyage, offering exciting and unique new charter destinations. Other great opportunities include racing charters in the Caribbean such as RORC 600, St Barth Bucket, Les Voiles de St Bath, the Heineken Regatta and the Loro Piana Caribbean Regatta, during which NOMAD IV, CAPE ARROW, WINDFALL and SHAMLOR will be available. BGYB Charter is just coming out of the back of one of the most successful summers since its founding, and based on current evidence there is no sign of it slowing down. We anticipate more business coming into the winter season and the year to come.

The Yacht Show Season is upon us and BGYB is eagerly anticipating the presentation of our new CA charter yacht FARFALLA at the Monaco Yacht Show, the most prestigious pleasure boat show in the world. In particular, brokers and clients are all invited to enjoy a cocktail on board FARFALLA as we present it to the world. Above all, during Les Voiles de St Tropez BGYB will celebrate its 20th Anniversary. Clients and brokers will be able to come and meet the people behind BGYB, and view the boats on display in the bay of St-Tropez such as our CA sales listings MARI-CHA III, MOONBEAM OF FIFE III & CIAO GIANNI and our CA charter listings, NOMAD IV and CAPE ARROW. Finally, BGYB will be present at the Antigua Charter Yacht Show with hopefully some new CA listings to present to the superyacht world.

From our perspective, 2014 has been a year of celebration and reflection on what we have achieved in the last two decades, and where we will move the company forward to next. With the continued expansion of both sales and charter departments of the company, combined with a very precise marketing strategy, and partnerships with other luxury brands, the next chapter of BGYB has already begun to write itself. We are very excited to have reached this milestone in our history and we invite you to join us for the next.

2014 - BGYB's 20th Anniversary
 

A rugby player until the age of 22, Bernard Gallay was to be swayed towards the path of oceanic adventures after a fortuitous encounter in 1982, with the sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. Having accomplished the first ever single-handed non-stop circumnavigation in 1968, Sir Robin was a seasoned professional and for three years, sought to teach Bernard all that he knew. This competitive sailing apprenticeship continued to flourish, with various involvements in The America’s Cup and The Solitaire du Figaro.

 

In 1992, Bernard Gallay met Nigel Burgess, founder of his eponymous company, at the start of The Vendée Globe, a round-the-world single-handed yacht race, sailed non-stop and without assistance. Bernard Gallay, on-board VUARNET WATCHES, took to the start line of this legendary round-the-world race alongside Nigel Burgess, on-board NIGEL BURGESS, a yacht which carried the name of the yacht brokerage he had created.

 

On his way home, having been disqualified for two forced pit stops, Bernard reflected on another direction in which he could take his passion for yachts and in turn, was inspired to break into the world of yacht brokerage himself. BERNARD GALLAY Yacht Brokerage, BGYB, was founded in 1994 and a mere two years later, was accepted into the renowned Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association, MYBA.

 

In 2000, Bernard Gallay once again took part in The Vendée Globe, this time on-board VOILA.FR and finished 8th out of the 24 participants.

 

His last race involvement took place in 2005 on-board BAHIA EXPRESS in the Transat 6.50, nicknamed the Mini Transat, a solo transatlantic yacht race that starts in France and ends in Brazil where competitors sail on board 6.50m ocean racers.

 

The following year, Bernard Gallay turned the page on his racing career and instead focused all his energy on the development of BGYB. The company went from strength to strength with the arrival of several experienced sailors and racers whom he met during his time sailing. In 2007, BGYB became highly regarded amongst large yacht brokers having completed the sales of both the 53m ketch DRUMBEAT and the 145ft motor yacht NO LO SE in the same year.

 

The days of single-handed racing are long gone, but exciting challenges remain on the horizon: to establish BGYB within the world of large yachts and yachting, strengthening the brand name within the yacht brokerage industry and imparting its unique identity amongst the competition.

 

In 2008, Lisa Spiller launched the Charter Department which has truly flourished ever since. She now manages 25 yachts ranging from 20m to 50m in length, as well as the charter of yachts up to and exceeding 70m for an international clientele.

 

2014 will see the brand celebrate 20 years since its creation. Some noteworthy events have already distinguished this anniversary, such as the new central agency listings, MARI-CHA III, for sale, and NOMAD IV, for charter. Without forgetting their roots in offshore racing and regattas, BGYB are ever present at international yachting events, including the most prominent yacht shows (Monaco, Cannes, Antibes) and large sailing regattas (St. Barths Bucket, Voiles de St. Tropez, Palma Super Yacht Regatta).

 

Future projects include expansion in England and on the East Coast of the USA. To enhance the BGYB brand further in the near future, we aim to constantly pursue new ways in which we can develop and improve the quality of service for our clients and strengthen each of our locations over time and in performance.

 

 

Yacht Market Overview (Spring 2014)
 

BERNARD GALLAY Yacht Brokerage ended 2013 on a high and the hard work and perseverance which has enabled the company to develop has continued and kick started what looks to be a positive year for BGYB in terms of Yacht sales and charter. New central agency signings as well as our expanding network of brokers bodes well for BGYB’s 20th Year on the scene.

 

The yacht brokerage market has been through a tough period in recent years, yet BGYB can report a healthy increase of sales since the start of 2012. It is evident that the market has favoured the buyer in this period and the key has been maintaining the strong rapport between the brokers and the sellers. Our expert team have been able to study the market, find the limit in terms of yacht value and explain the trends to the sellers. Often this has lead to price reductions, which have begun to feed the market expectation and generate strong interest from potential clients. Around the turn of the year we achieved a fruitful quantity of sales, including the 145 ft Abeking & Rasmusen MY NO LO SE, the Maiora 30 DP LADY KATANA II, 80 ft Neo-Classic SY WISH and 70 ft Volvo Race Winner GROUPAMA 4

 

With BGYB’s strengthening reputation, more and more owners are placing their confidence in our sales team; this is exemplified by our new Central Agency signings which include the 152 ft Ocean Passage MY CHANTAL, 147 ft SY MARI-CHA III, 141ft Neo-Classic MY TEOREM and 98ft Jongert 2900 CELANDINE. We would also like to take this opportunity to introduce our new BGYB representatives in California, Phillip Winter and Charles Devanneaux, who we very much look forward to working with as we continue to expand BGYB’s global presence.

 

Since it’s introduction 2008, our Charter department has established itself within the industry and has recently developed a diverse fleet to suit all charter clients. We can report a successful winter season in the Caribbean and having fortified our Central Agency listings for charter we can foresee a busy and prosperous summer season here in the Mediterranean. BGYB Charter Department’s recent impressive additions are comprised of the 100ft SY NOMAD IV (2014 Show boat Design Award), 114ft SY BAIURDO VI, 70ft MY ESMERELDA OF LONDON, 62ft SCat VACOA and 60ft MCat EWHALA.

 

As ever, we eagerly await the upcoming yacht shows and superyacht regattas. We would like to announce that we will be exhibiting MARI-CHA III at the Antibes Yacht Show as well as NOMAD IV’s presence at the MYBA Genoa Charter Show. BGYB would also like to invite you to the annual BGYB Charter Open Day in May and we look forward to meeting you throughout the year as we celebrate the company’s 20th birthday.

 

Despite the challenging years that we have experienced recently, BERNARD GALLAY Yacht Brokerage has continued to flourish and we now boast a wide range of yachts coupled with a growing network of brokers. As well as celebrating two decades on the market, in 2014, we also look forward to many more, developing the BGYB brand.

 

Yacht Market Overview (September 2013)
 

In general, 2013 has thus far proved to be a tough year for the Brokerage market. However, with a great deal of hard work and effort, BGYB has produced an increased number of sales compared to that of 2012. A positive first eight months allows us to believe that the year will end well and that we will continue to achieve a healthy amount of sales during the final quarter of 2013.

Sales and transactions have never before required so much commitment and time but despite this, BGYB are forecasting an increase in the number of yacht sales and sales commission income, provided that the current trends continue until the end of the year. Recent sales include the 60 ft SY KER, the Classic 85 ft SY WISH, the 64 ft Sloop GRAND CRU, the 100 ft luxury MY LADY KATANA II and the Volvo Ocean Race 70 GROUPAMA 4. As the BGYB brand develops,  more yacht owners are entrusting BERNARD GALLAY Yacht Brokerage with the sale and charter of their yachts, this is exemplified by our Turkey branch which continues to flourish year on year in terms of sales brokerage and charter. We are proud to announce the central agency signings of several boats including 60 ft SY GROUPE BEL, 100 ft MY SPREZZATURA, 60 ft SY PARADOX and 84 ft SY LADY SAIL.

Carefully following the market during the sales process and adapting the price to suit the trends is the secret to success in the brokerage market. It is for this reason that BGYB, in compliance with the owners, has significantly reduced the price of over 25 yachts since the turn of the year. These include the Morgan 70 MATHIGO, VOR 70 GROUPAMA 70, 78 ft SY WHIMSY and the 84 ft Fitzroy NEPTUNE. As long as the sellers continue to be reasonable about pricing and are not tempted to overvalue their yachts, we believe that the yacht market will remain stable in the near future and possibly progress into a more dynamic industry.

Our standout department this year, exemplifying the progress of BGYB, has to be our Charter department which has doubled its fleet and now boasts yachts such as the164 ft Classic MY HALAS, SY Wally 100 DARK SHADOW, SY SW 94 RS WINDFALL, SY Swan 82 ALPINA and the 160 ft SY Royal Huissman DWINGER. Equally impressive is the duplication of the number of charter bookings since last year and we are negotiating even more central agency signings as we speak.

We look forward to the superyacht regattas and boat shows over the coming months. BGYB will exhibit central agency listings such as ETANA, ATAO and WHIMSY at the Cannes and Monaco boat shows as well as representing yachts in the world renowned Voiles de St.Tropez and Rolex Middle Sea Race.

With a growing charter department and an ever-strengthening network, spanning from Russia to Turkey, BGYB continues to be a thriving firm amidst challenging times. Therefore, we look forward to tackling any obstacles that may arise in 2014 with confidence and a positive outlook.

 

Yacht Market Overview (April/May 2013)
 

2012 was never going to be an easy year for the yachting industry, and the doom and gloom that forecasters predicted largely came true with the overall brokerage market down 11% in volume and down 25% in value terms.However, BGYB were able to profit from a string of large yacht sales in the last quarter of 2012 ending the year on a more positive note. These included the 50m luxury motor yacht SHANDOR and 33m high performance cruising catamaran SWIFT. It is worth pointing out that both buyers were based in Turkey highlighting the dynamic and strengthening market there. BGYB is very excited to continue working in this area and with our offices based in Marmaris. BGYB also completed several sales of mid-range sailing and cruising yachts range including the Brenta 55 IMAGINE and Swan 65 EARLY PURPLE. Thanks to a highly developed marketing campaign, more and more yacht owners have been entrusting BGYB with the sale, and also charter, of their yachts. An area of particular interest will be the 24-40m range with analysts reporting increasing interest for this size. As a result, BGYB will be heavily promoting its new central agency signings such as ATAO, WHIMSY and CASSIOPEIA. 

 

This last year has seen BGYB strengthening  its activity in the yacht management sector, specifically in its partnership with a specialist yacht management firm in Monaco. Further to this, BGYB has also been developing its relationships with banking associates with a view to offering an improved service for the financing of yachts. Falling sales prices continue to stimulate the market and BGYB has seen over 25 of it’s yachts have their prices significantly reduced since September 2012. These include the 84ft Fitzroy NEPTUNE, 90ft QUINTA SANTA MARIA and 109ft AVENTURA, these superb yachts now represent unparalleled opportunities for prospective owners and we are confident that these yachts will sell shortly. Our advice to sellers continues to be that competitive pricing and an emphasis on quality will always be attractive prospects to potential buyers.In times when the yachting industry has been suffering, it is the professionalism and reputation of BGYB that continues to set us apart. Nowhere is this more true than in our charter department which has been delighted with the ever increasing number of repeat clients and has even secured bookings for 2014! In fact, BGYB has never had so many charter yachts to propose to clients and with new signings of central agency yachts such as the 100ft Wally DARK SHADOW, 94ft SWS WINDFALL and Swan 82’ ALPINA, 2013 is set to be the most exciting year for BGYB chartering yet.Superyacht regattas have proved as popular as ever with BGYB representing yachts in the RORC 600, Fastnet, Les Voiles de Saint Tropez and Maxi Transat to name but a few. We expect this trend to continue and are very much looking forward to the opportunities it presents in the year to come. 2013 will be a challenge for the industry, there is no doubt there, but it is a challenge that BGYB will relish and tackle head on with a sense of optimism and confidence. 

 

 

BERNARD GALLAY Yacht Brokerage - BGYB - has seen a successful period in this first half of 2012. Despite a tough 6 months for the superyachting industry, in an economy that has not yet recovered to the level it was at until 2007, significant price reductions have continued to stimulate the sales market, and this has triggered consistent activity in the industry.
In recent months, the company has secured impressive sales, such as the 24m custom-built motor catamaran SONG SAIGON, after having been presented at the Antibes Yacht Show in April 2012, and the 65ft Nautor’s Swan EARLY PURPLE. In terms of racing, Bernard Gallay is preparing to witness an exciting few months to come. After having sold the Open 60 IMOCA ex. BRIT AIR, we have become partners of the yacht’s new skipper, the experienced Bertrand de Broc. The yacht, which finished 2nd in the last edition of the famous Vendée Globe solo around the world race non stop, will line up again in the forthcoming edition, starting in November, under the new name of VOTRE NOM AUTOUR DU MONDE. We wish all the best for Bertrand de Broc in this 2012/2013 race.
The charter side of the company is also gearing up for exciting times in the racing world, with yachts involved in some of the most prestigious events the sailing world has to offer. We have secured a charter for the 100ft Maxi MED SPIRIT in various races such as the Rolex RORC 600, the Newport Bermuda Race (Class winner this year) and the next edition of “Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez”. MED SPIRIT will also compete in the Rolex Middle Sea Race and the Transatlantic Superyacht Regatta, and will hopefully follow up her run of form. As Central Agents of the 100ft Southern Wind Shipyard CAPE ARROW since 2011, we would like to congratulate her on her victory in the SWS Trophy at the Loro Piano Superyacht Regatta 2012 in Porto Cervo. First launched in 2008, this regatta opens the Mediterranean superyacht calendar and attracts an ever-increasing fleet of sailing yachts. In the last few years, passion and enthusiasm for large yachts sailing regattas has increased considerably, and our developing repeat client base, notably from Russia and North America, demonstrates the confidence and loyalty that they have in our company.
Quite apart from racing, holiday charters have also seen much success in the last months. The uncertainty of the yacht market has tended to boost charter with luxury yachts, as clients prefer to enjoy the yachts when and where they need, rather than take the step towards ownership. An example of fantastic charters BGYB has signed this season is the luxury 177ft super yacht NOBLE HOUSE, who sailed in the stunning Fiji Islands.
The company is also looking forward to the forthcoming Boat Show season, and will be present at both the Cannes and Monaco shows taking place in September. Despite an economic climate that remains uncertain, BGYB can be optimistic for the year to come, having had a positive first half of 2012, with consistent and stimulating activity in the market.

 

During the transition period between 2011 and 2012, BGYB and indeed the whole yacht market have seen significant price reductions on vessels of all shapes and sizes. With prices continuing to drop, buyers have started to become increasingly active in the market at the start of this year suggesting that buyers who have waited are benefitting greatly. The price reductions that we have seen have already started to stimulate and re-boot the market resulting in more enquires and more sales. With this increase, the market will no doubt re-establish itself and prices will soon return to their normal levels.

The sales and purchase side of our business has taken a significant step forward in recent months. Not only have we continued to sign larger yachts as Central Agents but we also have signed superb yachts as Co-Central Listings such as 109ft Centreboard Sloop AVENTURA and 108ft Converted Maxi Catamaran SWIFT with brokerage house Fraser Yachts. This cooperation with our colleagues in the industry allows us to share our resources, build stronger relationships with our clients and provide an outstanding service.

Perhaps the most exciting news that BGYB has to announce since autumn is the opening of our new office in Turkey. Our brokers, Thierry Sagnes and Christophe Apotheloz are based in Marmaris on the West coast of the country. They operate along the entire Turkish coastline as well as in Greece, Lebanon and Israel. A presence in this market is not only important for us in the further development of our brand and business but we also strongly feel that this is a market that will develop considerably in the coming years. We have also seen our management activity do well as new facilities in Sète in the South of France allow us to welcome more and more of our yachts, especially those of over 50m in length, during the winter months.

On the charter side of the business, we have seen continual development and have not experienced a single step back since we moved into the field five years ago. We have signed prestigious yachts as Central and Co-Central Listings such as 100ft Southern Wind Shipyard Yacht CAPE ARROW and 80ft Wally Yacht GENIE. CAPE ARROW has recently been announced as a finalist in the ShowBoats Design Awards 2012 for both the Naval Architecture Award and the Interior Layout Award for Sailing Yachts. This fantastic nomination further highlights the quality of the yachts we have available for charter.

In the last few years, the passion and enthusiasm for sailing regattas has increased considerably and we have attracted business from clients wanting charters for racing events such as Les Voiles de St. Tropez and The Rolex Middle Sea Race to name but a few. The most rewarding aspect about this is that many of these customers are repeat clients, which demonstrates the confidence and loyalty that they have in our business and reflects the excellent service we offer. We have also experienced interest from new markets, notably Russia, and we will be present at the MYBA Charter Show in Genoa for the first time this year as well as the Antibes Yacht Show in April for the fourth time.

In addition, we have seen growing activity in catamaran charter over the last year as we have experienced more and more interest in yachts of this type. BGYB was present at this year’s Antigua Charter Show where catamaran WORLD’S END won two prizes (Coffee Roasters Prize Winner and Chef’s Culinary Challenge) in her category for yachts under 100ft. This is the second consecutive year that a yacht from our charter fleet has won in this competition as catamaran MAGIC CAT won the meeting last year. This competition highlights some very accomplished chefs and charter yachts that currently represent the best standards of creativity in the culinary world.

From mid-March onwards, signs of improvement in world finance means we have received more and more contact from potential clients in both sales and charter sides of the business, which is very promising for the rest of the year to come. We believe that the rest of 2012 and 2013 will be better years for the industry and that we will see the true resurgence of the market in 2014 and 2015.

 

 

 

Until now, BGYB has experienced a very similar year in 2011 to that of 2010. We have enjoyed continued success in all aspects of our business which has been very exciting for us in this challenging time.
BGYB have signed more and more wonderful yachts as Central Agents this year. This provides us with the ability to create and maintain strong relationships with the owners and also the opportunity to work with other brokers around the world. These relationships are based upon honesty and trust, thus what is important at BGYB at this time is realistic pricing. This allows us to be true to not only our potential buying clients but also to the owners of the boats we have for sale. The asking prices here at BGYB and indeed worldwide, have become very interesting meaning that there are intriguing proposals to be seen and fantastic opportunities to be had in what has continued to be a buyers’ market in 2011.
The charter area of our business has increased in productivity over this year. We are about to finish the summer season with several luxury yacht charters booked for the famous “Les Voiles de St. Tropez” at the end of September. We have also secured a year long charter on 53 metre MY SANSSOUCI STAR, demonstrating the ambition and enthusiasm inherent throughout our business and providing us with a real sense of achievement.
BGYB are currently gearing up for the Cannes and Monaco Yacht Shows 2011 and will also be present at a number of others, including Antibes Yacht Show next year. Perhaps the most exciting event that BGYB will be attending is the London Luxury Yacht Exhibition in November at the Henry Moore Gallery in Kensington, which we are very much looking forward to as this will allow us to prepare the 2012 season.
Going into 2012, there are still a few key questions that need to be addressed ; Has demand stabilised? How will the market develop? What is clear is that after this year’s yacht shows that will finish in October, we will be able to get a clearer idea of the shape of the market and take this into 2012 full of optimism.
For us here, 2012 looks to be a very compelling year. We will continue to invest time in developing our offices in Hong Kong and Moscow while ensuring that BGYB continues to be a firm that moves with these challenging times.