Titans of Yachting: Camper & Nicholson International, Edmiston Yacht Company, Christensen Yachts

Francois van Well
Feadship

With men such as Malcolm Forbes and Henry Ford on its list of famous clientele, it’s no wonder Feadship has become the global leader in premium quality displacement motor yacht construction. Founded in 1949, the firm has withstood the test of time, with more than 200 yachts gracing the world’s ocean and an average of five major vessels launched per year. At the bow of the company’s success is president of Feadship America Francois van Well. Previously a director for Royal Van Lent, the Dutch designer and builder of luxury custom megayachts sold under the Feadship brand that was recently acquired by LVMH, Van Well has concentrated on developing and maintaining strong relationships with his U.S. clients through his South Florida offices and has prepared marketing material especially catered to the American culture, maintaining Feadship’s strong reputation for perfection and innovation.

HAUTE LIVING What attracted you to the yachting industry?
FRANCOIS VAN WELL I have been sailing, designing, and building sailboats with my father since I was seven years old, and I have a master’s degree in naval architecture.

HL What were your company’s yearly sales for 2007? Forecast for 2008?
FVW After a very strong 2007, 2008 looks equally promising.

HL What are your tactics for staying at the top of the industry?
FVW To keep doing what we do best: Building the best quality yachts in the world, and at the same time staying ahead of competitors through innovation, clever design, and implementation of new technologies.

HL Which is your favorite yacht on the water today? Why?
FVW The yacht that is used most, as that indicates it brings happiness to the owner, and we have done our job right.

HL What was the most outrageous/over-the-top request you have received from a client?
FVW Of those there are many, ranging from a Lapis Lazuli bathtub in the owner’s stateroom, to more than 43 knots for a 162 foot yacht, to storing an EC135 helicopter in a hangar (on yacht that does more than 33 knots), to a 239-foot yacht with an aggressive reverse-styled bow to match its name, Predator, and the list goes on. If you can dream it, we can build it. All it takes is time and money.

HL What are some of the current trends you are seeing in the yachting industry?
FVW The large yachts are generally getting larger and the styling is getting contemporary, with a change of focus towards enjoying the outdoors.

HL What is one piece of advice you always give to your clients?
FVW The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.

HL Tell us one thing most people wouldn’t know about you.
FVW I am an active practitioner of the Japanese martial art Aikido.

HL You’ll never be found without your…
FVW Business cards.

HL Where can we find you on a Friday night?
FVW If I am not traveling, I will be having dinner with my beautiful wife and some of our close friends.

HL What are your favorite vacation destinations and/or leisure activities?
FVW I love being on the water, whether it is sailing, fishing, or cruising. Depending on my mood, I enjoy the hustle and bustle of places like Monaco, or the peace and tranquility of say Thailand, Panama, or the Bahamas. As with everything, once in a while you need to get away from it all (in my case the water), and for that I love to ski in Deer Valley, Utah.

HL What features of a yacht do you feel are necessary luxuries?
FVW The ones you don’t see in the pictures in the brochures: Comfort, quietness, and quality. There is nothing more aggravating than things breaking down all the time.

HL What is your favorite name for a yacht?
FVW I like funny names with a special meaning to the owners-one that brings a smile to both the owners and the people on the dock.

HL When it comes to yacht size, is there such a thing as too big?
FVW It all depends on where you want to go and how many people you want to take. A client once told me he had the most fun on the water in his 14-foot Laser sailing dinghy with his five-year-old son, but that he needed a large yacht to accommodate the rest of his family and friends.

HL What is the biggest challenge that you have faced in the industry?
FVW Keeping the fun in yachting whilst our industry is maturing and many rules and regulations are being imposed on it.

HL What is the “next big thing” we can expect to see from your company?
FVW Come see us at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show to find out!