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

Camper & Nicholson International

[highlight_text] We have the best brokers, largest fleet of yachts, and also have offices worldwide, everywhere all the biggest yachts are to be found. [/highlight_text]

For the past 11 years, Jillian Montgomery has been the CEO of Camper & Nicholsons International, one of the world’s oldest and most successful leisure marine companies. With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, Montgomery has played a substantial roll in the expansion of the company, cementing a position for CNI as one of the global leaders in all aspects of luxury yachting. Directly responsible for running the company’s offices in Europe, the United States, and Mexico, Montgomery exudes passion for the industry through her excitement and positive energy.

HAUTE LIVING What attracted you to the yachting industry?
JILLIAN MONTGOMERY When I moved to Monaco and saw the yachts, the thought of working in such an exciting environment was irresistible. I knew I had to be a part of this and have never regretted working in this thrilling, evolving industry.

HL What were your company’s yearly sales for 2007? Forecast for 2008?

JM We sold over a billion dollars worth of yachts and are hoping to do so again next year.
HL What are your tactics for staying at the top of the industry?
JM We strive to remain the best by offering a great service to our clients. We have the best brokers, largest fleet of yachts, and also have offices worldwide, everywhere all the biggest yachts are to be found.

HL Which is your favorite yacht on the water today? Why?
JM I couldn’t pick one. There are so many amazing yachts out there. I love the romance and thrill of the classic sailing yachts for a genuine sailing experience, but the large, modern motor yachts are spacious, stable, and exude glamour. The smaller, performance motor yachts are perfect for exploring the coastline of the Côte d’Azur, and their power and speed at a touch of the throttle is pure excitement.

HL What was the most outrageous/over-the-top request you have received from a client?
JM That would have to be for a luxury charter yacht just for their two dogs because the dogs didn’t like flying, but there are many stories I hear from our charter brokers. They really do go to the ends of the earth in search of some bizarre things for clients’ requests.

HL What are some of the current trends you are seeing in the yachting industry?
JM Boats are getting bigger and charters longer. We are also seeing more far-flung destinations such as the Far East and India and more round the world trips. The design of yachts is also changing to accommodate more sophisticated toys, such as submersibles and helicopters.

HL What is one piece of advice you always give to your clients?
JM I tell them that they have the services of an expert available, so always listen to the broker, be it for charter or sales. A good broker makes all the difference, and Camper & Nicholsons International have the best. We are completely tuned-in to the needs and wishes of our clients.

HL Tell us one thing most people wouldn’t know about you.
JM I used to be a croupier in a casino.

HL You’ll never be found without your…
JM High heels.

HL Where can we find you on a Friday night?
JM The American Bar at the Hotel de Paris.

HL What are your favorite vacation destinations and/or leisure activities?
JM I love the U.S. and am still exploring it, but my favorite vacation destination has to be Croatia. It is still so beautiful and unspoiled.

HL What features of a yacht do you feel are necessary luxuries?
JM A Jacuzzi, gymnasium, and sumptuous furnishings. But it is the interior designer and the owner that go the extra mile to really make the yachts in our fleet stand out. It’s all about the little touches.

HL What is your favorite name for a yacht?
JM I loved the name of Robert Maxwell’s yacht, which was named after his daughter, Lady Ghislaine.

HL When it comes to yacht size, is there such a thing as too big?
JM Sometimes that can be the case because the marinas in the main do not have berths big enough for extremely large yachts. This means that these yachts have to either berth in the commercial area of a marina or anchor off, neither of which are ideal situations.

HL What is the biggest challenge that you have faced in the industry?
JM The huge growth in the industry over the last few decades has presented a challenge. What started off as a cottage industry has grown enormously worldwide and is still growing, and I am proud to have been a part of this. CNI is the pioneers of superyacht charter, and Mr. George Nicholson really is the original broker. Keeping up with the growth is a challenge, but with the established teams at CNI it is an exciting one.

HL What is the “next big thing” we can expect to see from your company?
JM You’ll have to wait and see. I’m not giving away our future plans to the rest of the industry.

Nicholas Edmiston
Edmiston Yacht Company

In the international yachting business, one man has set the standard for delivering only the very best. As such, he has rightly attained one of the most distinguished careers in the opulent industry. With more than 35 years of experience under his belt, Nicholas Edmiston, founder of Edmiston yacht company, has established a business that is regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities in all aspects of yachting. Through his ever-positive and forward-thinking attitude, and well-developed relationships with designers, shipyards, and brokers worldwide, Edmiston has created a unique niche in the water world.

HAUTE LIVING What attracted you to the yachting industry?
NICHOLAS EDMISTON I have been in sailing since I was a very small boy and have always been passionate about yachts.

HL What were your company’s yearly sales for 2007? Forecast for 2008?
NE $35 million in 2007 and $45 million in 2008.

HL What are your tactics for staying at the top of the industry?
NE Hard work and original thinking.

HL Which is your favorite yacht on the water today? Why?
NE I have always avoided having a favorite. There are so many spectacular yachts today-both sail and power- some of which are not necessarily newest, but to me, elegance is essential.

HL What was the most outrageous/over-the-top request you have received from a client?
NE No request is ever too outrageous-nor is any detail too small to be overlooked.

HL What are some of the current trends you are seeing in the yachting industry?
NE There has been a trend towards building some very large yachts in the past three years, but I believe we may see a trend towards efficiency and eco-friendliness.

HL What is one piece of advice you always give to your clients?
NE Yachting is supposed to be fun, so make sure you let us help you enjoy your yacht.

HL Tell us one thing most people wouldn’t know about you.
NE I am a trustee member of Cutty Sark and am actively involved in the fundraising program there to secure the legendary ship’s future.

HL You’ll never be found without your…
NE Mobile telephone.

HL Where can we find you on a Friday night?
NE Regrettably, in the office.

HL What are your favorite vacation destinations and/or leisure activities?
NE Home; shooting, skiing, and sailing.

HL What features of a yacht do you feel are necessary luxuries?
NE An excellent chef.

HL What is your favorite name for a yacht?
NE ALARM.

HL When it comes to yacht size, is there such a thing as too big?
NE Yes, I believe that when a yacht gets too big an owner tends to lose the relationship with the sea.

HL What is the biggest challenge that you have faced in the industry?
NE Nothing shocks me anymore. We are faced with challenges on a regular basis, but they are there to be overcome.

HL What is the “next big thing” we can expect to see from your company?
NE We are always thinking ahead, but I would not want to disclose anything on our hidden agenda.

Dave Christensen and  Joe Foggia
Christensen Yachts

The Vancouver-based Christensen Yachts, founded by Dave Christensen, has developed over the past 25 years into a world-class luxury yacht building enterprise. At the forefront of this development is the company president, Joe Foggia, who is also the stepson of Dave Christensen. The two are working together to accomplish what many family-owned businesses struggle to do: expand while transitioning from one generation to the next. At age 77, Christensen has become more of an advisor to the 39-year-old Foggia, who has been shaping the way Christensen Yachts has grown since 2001. Both Foggia and Christensen see the business evolving into a larger enterprise, with the capacity to cater to buyers who want bigger, more specialized, and even more expensive luxury yachts.

HAUTE LIVING What attracted you to the yachting industry?
JOE FOGGIA I grew up in this industry and have loved boats all my life.

HL What were your company’s yearly sales for 2007? Forecast for 2008?
JF I’ll say that we’re on par to surpass our financial goals for 2008.

HL What are your tactics for staying at the top of the industry?
Dave Christensen One tactic is that we have become a model for superior consistency in shipbuilding. We also utilize and rely upon sound management, an intelligent marketing program, agile business processes, and making constant improvements in our customer relationships. Making use of these assets lets us deliver the yachts on time, with consistent, top-quality work.

HL Which is your favorite yacht on the water today? Why?
JF Any yacht that has happy owners.

HL What was the most outrageous/over-the-top request you received from a client?
JF In 1995, we were asked to put an elevator in a yacht. They are now standard.

HL What are some of the current trends you are seeing in the yachting industry?
DC It is a fact that worldwide demand for bigger and bigger boats is increasing. The traditional yacht builders of the world are finding it difficult to keep up with the demand. Orders for superyachts over 130 feet have increased substantially over the last few years. Another reason is that the U.S. economy and exchange rate of the dollar vs. the euro also makes American shipbuilders more attractive to European tycoons. This is great news for those of us in the luxury yacht building industry.

HL What is one piece of advice you always give to your clients?
JF Do not make a crossing; meet the boat at its destination.

HL Tell us one thing most people wouldn’t know about you.
JF What you see is what you get.

HL You’ll never be found without your…
JF iPhone or BlackBerry.

HL Where can we find you on a Friday night?
JF If not traveling, then I will be at home watching movies and Fox News.

HL What are your favorite vacation destinations and/or leisure activities?
JF For vacation, Santorini, Greece. I enjoy boating, Sea-Dooing, and ATVing.

HL What features of a yacht do you feel are necessary luxuries?
JF A hot tub, a bar, and fun people to be around.

HL What is your favorite name for a yacht?
JF Happy Customer!

HL What is the “next big thing” we can expect to see from your company?
DC We’re about to open our second manufacturing shipyard, a 450,000-square-foot plant in Tennessee, this January. The new shipyard on Tellico Lake is about 30 miles south of Knoxville and will produce yachts up to 230 feet long. Right now we have an order for two 225-foot yachts from the same buyer. The company will start to assemble the first hulls in January at the Tennessee plant and will employ 160 people producing about one yacht in the 200-foot range every eight months, but within five years employment is expected to rise to nearly 600.

Luca Bassani
Wally

Luca Bassani is the Italian visionary and founder of the maritime design company Wally, a brand renowned for designing and building quality crafted sailing yachts with a modern flair. Wally Yachts are easily identifiable at marinas all over the world and are well received by both sailing professionals and the general public. Recently, Bassani switched gears and has begun focusing on motor yachts, producing a highly impressive line of vessels that push the envelope in progressive style and function.

HAUTE LIVING What attracted you to the yachting industry?
LUCA BASSANI Yachting has been my passion since I was a child. I wanted to turn my passion into a business.

HL What were your company’s yearly sales for 2007? Forecast for 2008?
LB In 2007 my company’s sales were $45 million. In 2008 they are projected to reach $55 million.

HL What are your tactics for staying at the top of the industry?
LB We love to innovate and we love quality. Every year we keep introducing new boats and new ideas.

HL Which is your favorite yacht on the water today? Why?
LB Well I have two boats in mind, and they are both Wallys: the 118-foot WallyPower and a 143-foot Wally creation. They’re my favorite because they are the most modern, the cleanest, and the most aesthetically pleasing.

HL What was the most outrageous/over-the-top request you have received from a client?
LB I’ve received a lot of outrageous requests. I’m not going to say one because the client might recognize his yacht. Usually they come with absolutely unfeasible requests, and they come with strength and a conviction that we can do it very easily.

HL What are some of the current trends you are seeing in the yachting industry?
LB The main trends have to do with the interior design.  I haven’t seen many different trends when dealing with the exterior.

HL What is one piece of advice you always give to your clients?
LB I always tell them that they are very lucky to be able to spend such a large amount of money. When you have this chance in your life to build such enormous yachts, you need to leave something in the history of yachting. Don’t build a boat that’s been built a thousand times. Try to build something new and original, something in which you can leave your own signature on the history of yachting.

HL Tell us one thing most people wouldn’t know about you.
LB Oh-la-la! I don’t know what people don’t already know. I have a
secret garden!

HL You’ll never be found without your…
LB Handkerchief.

HL Where can we find you on a Friday night?
LB Usually I’m traveling in a car, boat, or plane somewhere for the weekend.

HL What are your favorite vacation destinations and/or leisure activities?
LB During summertime I like to go to Corsica on my boat, and in the wintertime St. Moritz.

HL What features of a yacht do you feel are necessary luxuries?
LB Having the best crew, that’s the real luxury.

HL What is your favorite name for a yacht?
LB After so many names I really love the name Tiketitan. I was building a boat that I only wanted to be two colors, teak and titanium, and I kept saying “teak and titanium, teak and titanium.” It became Tiketitan.

HL When it comes to yacht size, is there such a thing as too big?
LB Yes, I think a yacht can be too big.  Anything over 500 feet is too big.

HL What is the biggest challenge that you have faced in the industry?
LB That would be to go against everyone else in the industry. Every time that I build a new boat with a new idea it’s a big challenge, because everyone is against me.

HL What is the “next big thing” we can expect to see from your company?
LB The next big thing is the WallyIsland and all the concepts around this boat.  For me the WallyIsland is a new attitude.

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!