3 YEARs OF CHRISTIE YACHTS
AS WE APPROACH OUR 3 YEAR ANNIVERSARY, WILL CHRISTIE REFLECTS ON THE HIGHLIGHTS AND FUTURE PLANS FOR THE COMPANY
Such has time flown by that I had to sense check whether it was our two or three year anniversary a couple of weeks ago when someone asked me how long Christie Yachts had been in business! It jolted me into reflecting on all that we have achieved and what we are looking forward to after three very busy and exciting years.
I am pleased to say that with the help of a brilliant and dynamic team, we have truly surpassed any expectations that I had back in 2021. We are punching significantly above our weight and have some exciting plans ahead.
BROKERAGE HIGHLIGHTS
From a standing start, our brokerage business got straight into action. Before we even had an office or website we had sold two boats, both off-market. This proved the depth of our network and trust based relationships in the industry. Sourcing boats that are not publicly for sale, or even for sale at all when we approach the owners is something that we have already successfully achieved three times. Two of them we can’t mention because of confidentiality, but it is pleasing to have experienced clients coming to us as they recognise our ability to open the right doors and work discretely on their behalf.
The same is true of owners, four of which have contracted us in the last three months alone to sell their yachts discretely off-market. No publicity, no unnecessary attention. It’s often the best way to achieve a premium price. One we already have under offer, one we have three offers on the table which we are working through, while the other two will come to the market publicly with a full marketing campaign after the summer if unsold.
EXPERIENCED CLIENTS
The sale of the EUR 149 million, 95m Lurssen KISMET, where we acted for the Buyer, was a fantastic reference. It proved that truly experienced yacht owners value our discretion, straight-talking advice, strong representation and network.
In the words of the client - "I’ve known Will and his team for many years. They are honest, direct, knowledgeable and most important incredibly creative to work with. I recommend them without limitation."
OFF-MARKET SPECIALISTS
We have already sourced three yachts for buyers off-market, proving we have the trusted relationships to open the right doors. The highlight in this specialist field was the sale of the stunning 50m Heesen ERICA, that we sourced for a frustrated buyer just in time for the summer season.
In the words of the client - “Christie Yachts hunted down two completely off-market yachts and I ended up buying one of them. Will really fought hard and represented my interests extremely well. My lawyer from a very renowned law firm specialising in yacht transactions, did tell me from the outset that “Will is the best yacht broker.” I must agree.”
TRUSTED BY OWNERS
Our brokerage business goes from strength to strength with the stunning, multi-award winning 40m Baglietto CLUB M recently listed with for sale Christie Yachts as exclusive Central Agents.
In the words of the Owner - “A focused sales strategy, dynamic brokers, a reputation for integrity and a proven track record in the sale of the finest Superyachts are the reasons that I entrusted the Christie Yachts team to manage the sale of CLUB M.”
BUILDING THE TEAM
I have been very fortunate to have built a tight team of highly motivated, dynamic and hard working individuals without whom we would have never got to where we are now. We are building an energetic, enthusiastic and professional team who are enjoyable to work with, both as colleagues and for our clients. Yachting is a serious business, but should be fun at the same time - we will always seek to maintain that balance.
Felix Sowerbutts made the brave decision to join us when we still didn’t even have an office in 2021 and has made such a massive contribution to the company the last two and a half years. Highlights include introducing the Buyer of the stunning 52m CRN, CIAO, representing the Buyer of the 35m Princess, EL GUAJIRO and securing the exclusive sales agency for Lynx Yachts, which we are confident will be a huge success as we develop their model line-up. Felix has been a huge support to the company - his encyclopaedic knowledge of the market (and youthful memory!) has been an incredible resource and a great benefit to our clients.
Photo: Lynx Yachts Crossover 27
Toby Slocombe joined us in January this year to start our charter retail business and wasted no time in getting going. In the first four months alone we have signed, amongst many others, three charter contracts over EUR 1 million. It is exciting to see this part of our business grow so quickly and again proves the strength of our relationships across the industry. Toby’s hard working approach, twinned with his previous experience as a yacht crew member is invaluable. His friendly nature has proved a hit with owners and agents alike and has already given our clients access to yachts that are not always readily available for charter.
THE FUTURE
“IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE”
Clients and industry colleagues regularly ask me how we will grow and how large will we get. I always reply, “it’s all about the people.” When dynamic, experienced and “A Team” players are interested in joining us, then we will grow. We have a firm “no dead wood” policy! It is imperative that every member of our team adds value and shares the same business ethics and approach as us. Our reputation for integrity is our foundation.
We are in discussions with some excellent and experienced yacht charter managers (Charter Management is an area that we will definitely soon enter), yacht brokers and yacht charter retail brokers. We will grow organically with only the very best people. The top performers in the industry move rarely, but it is encouraging to have some great candidates exploring the option of joining us in the near future.
We are supported by some fantastic suppliers for areas such marketing, design and finance - these professionals give us a level, depth and speed of service that means bringing these resources in-house makes no sense. Our close working relationship makes them an extension of our team already.
Bigger isn’t always better and we are proving that. We can move fast. By maintaining a tight team I am able to be personally involved in every deal. It is incredibly powerful for clients to have a smaller, focused and collaborative team all fighting their corner. That strategy has served us well and it is our plan to continue in such a manner.
Excellent service means that the significant majority of our business is repeat or referral. A job well done for each and every client is the best guarantee of future success so that remains our focus, day in, day out.