In this episode of Yacht Podcasts, Katia Damborsky talks to David Seal about a rather unusual filming project that followed the delivery and eventual public reveal of HEED, a 53-metre Rossinavi superyacht.

The project began on delivery day, a moment that David describes as organised chaos rather than the champagne-filled celebration people might imagine. With the final payment being transferred, shipyard workers completing their jobs and crew preparing to depart, there was plenty happening behind the scenes.

There was also an unusual restriction. David couldn't reveal the yacht's name, its builder or too much of its appearance until the official unveiling at the Monaco Yacht Show. Over four videos, the team gradually introduced the yacht and the business behind it.

That business is SeaNet, founded by Matty Zadnikar, which specialises in yacht co-ownership alongside crew services and yacht management.

David and Katia discuss why fractional ownership is attracting people who could comfortably afford to purchase a superyacht outright. For some owners, the attraction isn't simply financial. It's about enjoying their time on board without having to deal with every aspect of running a yacht that they may only use for a few weeks each year.

Of course, there are compromises. Sharing ownership means giving up some flexibility over when and where the yacht can cruise. David explains why he believes the financial advantages can nevertheless make the arrangement appealing.

The conversation also turns to the challenges of filming the final HEED video, which combined a yacht walkthrough with interviews involving the SeaNet team at the Cannes Yachting Festival.

David shares his impressions of the yacht's Alberto Mancini exterior design and Achille Salvagni interiors, including some particularly unusual furniture details, and reflects on working with Matty Zadnikar throughout the project.

In this episode:

• What really happens on superyacht delivery day

• Why HEED's identity had to remain a secret

• The challenges of filming a four-part yacht series

• How SeaNet's co-ownership model works

• Why wealthy yacht owners consider fractional ownership

• The financial advantages and practical compromises

• Behind the scenes of the HEED reveal

• Filming at the Cannes Yachting Festival

• Alberto Mancini's exterior design

• Achille Salvagni's distinctive interiors

• David's experience working with Matty Zadnikar

Follow Katia Damborsky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theyachtwriter/

Follow Yachts For Sale Blog on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yachtsforsaleblog/

If you are interested in becoming a yacht broker: www.yachtbrokermasterclass.com

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I met John in Fort Lauderdale to find out how he built the business and how Quantum developed the zero-speed stabilisation systems that are now such an important feature of modern superyachts.

John tells me about his childhood in England, his engineering apprenticeship and the girlfriend whose father first introduced him to sailing. That early experience eventually led him to Corsica, where he found his first job aboard a sailing yacht before moving on to work as an engineer on larger motor yachts.

One thing that particularly interested me was how John first became involved with stabilisers. During his time working aboard yachts, he repeatedly encountered equipment that engineers were reluctant to touch. Captains would warn him not to interfere with the stabilisers because nobody knew how to repair them if something went wrong.

We discuss his move to America, his time working at Derecktor Shipyards in Rhode Island and his decision to start his own business. Quantum began in a small workshop in Newport, producing components for classic yacht restorations, including bronze keel bolts, before John gradually moved into repairing existing stabilisation systems.

John explains how the business expanded to Fort Lauderdale and how he began working with engineers in the Netherlands to develop more sophisticated stabiliser controls. One of the important developments came through his collaboration with Theo Koop and Hans Ohms, whose control technology offered a considerable improvement over the systems available at the time.

We also talk about Quantum's first complete stabiliser installations, including an early order from professional golfer Greg Norman for his yacht Aussie Rules. John recalls how the company developed its own equipment while competing against much larger, established manufacturers.

Perhaps the most interesting part of our conversation concerns the development of zero-speed stabilisation, which allows a yacht to reduce rolling while at anchor rather than only when underway.

John describes how an owner agreed to let Quantum experiment with a system aboard his yacht, despite there being no guarantee that it would work. What followed was months of testing, repeated failures and some rather unconventional engineering, including building electronic filters by hand using components purchased from Radio Shack.

Eventually, the system began to work. John remembers the yacht arriving in St Barts, where other captains noticed that it was barely rolling while the surrounding yachts were moving considerably. That demonstration helped establish a technology that would become an important part of Quantum's business.

We also discuss the challenges of introducing new technology to an established industry, the importance of finding the right people and the difficulties of competing with companies that had considerably greater resources.

An interesting conversation with someone whose career began in a small engineering workshop in England and led to the development of technology used aboard some of the world's largest yachts.

This podcast is sponsored by Keane Specialty Insurance.

If it floats, they can quote it. For specialist yacht, boat and watercraft insurance, use the link in the description or scan the QR code shown during the podcast.

Follow Yachts For Sale Blog on Instagram: @yachtsforsaleblog

Watch and subscribe to our YouTube channels:

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Jasper Smith made his career in the video games industry before discovering a passion for ocean exploration that eventually led him to establish ARKSEN, a company building explorer yachts, adventure vehicles and outdoor equipment.

I first met Jasper several years ago, when ARKSEN was still developing its first explorer yachts, so it was good to catch up and see how the business has progressed.

In this podcast, Jasper tells me about his adventures sailing through Alaska, Greenland and the Bering Sea, and how those experiences influenced his approach to building yachts.

We look at ARKSEN's growing range of boats, from small RIBs and the new Adventure Series to the ARKSEN 85, a long-range explorer yacht capable of travelling 7,000 nautical miles.

One thing I particularly wanted to understand was why ARKSEN yachts cost considerably more than some other boats of a similar size. Jasper explains where the money goes, including the engineering, hybrid propulsion, soundproofing and backup systems designed to make these yachts reliable in remote parts of the world.

We also discuss why ARKSEN has expanded into clothing, vehicles and adventure travel, its involvement in the David Attenborough documentary Ocean, and the company's rather different approach to yacht construction.

Finally, Jasper shares his views on some of the problems facing the yacht industry, including shipyards competing on price, cutting costs and promising owners more than they can deliver.

An interesting conversation about yacht building, the importance of good engineering and why Jasper believes that quality and customer trust should come before price.

This podcast is sponsored by Keane Specialty Insurance.

If it floats, they can quote it. For specialist yacht, boat and watercraft insurance, use the link in the description.

Francesca went on to establish her own architectural studio, which today has a team of more than 55 people and works across yachting, residential and hospitality projects in 16 countries.

But this is less about the size of the company and more about how that journey happened, and how Francesca’s approach to yacht design has evolved along the way.

For her, designing a yacht today no longer begins with colours, materials or a particular style. It begins with understanding how the owner actually wants to live on board. That shift from style to lifestyle has become increasingly important as owners spend longer periods at sea, work remotely and use their yachts throughout the year.

AKULA is a particularly interesting example. Francesca explains how the owner’s sailing background and desire to use more sustainable materials led to some unusual design decisions, including the use of recycled Kevlar sailing sails within the interior.

David and Francesca also explore the design process itself, from listening to the owner and developing a strong idea before developing the project, to working with shipyards and suppliers, managing a growing creative team, dealing with criticism and understanding when perfection has to meet practical reality. 

n this episode:

• More than 20 years of working in yacht design
• From CRN and Custom Line to building FM Architettura
• Why understanding an owner's lifestyle comes before choosing a style
• What makes yacht design particularly complex
• The story behind AKULA and its recycled sailing materials
• Why a strong idea must come before the project
• How Francesca responds when an owner rejects a design
• Managing creativity, discipline and a team of more than 55 people
• Why the next generation of designers matters to the future of yachting

To get a quote for your vessel from Keane Specialty Insurance: https://keanespecialty.com/get-a-quote/

For more details about Francesca and FM Architettura: https://fm-arch.it/

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@YachtsForSaleBlog https://www.youtube.com/@YachtsForSaleBlog

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@YachtPodcasts https://www.youtube.com/@YachtPodcasts

In this episode of The Yacht Podcast, David shares what really happened behind the scenes of his journey to Los Roques and the wider Blue Corridor project, a route designed to support superyachts travelling between Los Roques, Panama and the Galápagos.

What started as a project focused on a little-known superyacht destination became something much bigger. David talks about exploring the islands by boat, snorkelling among coral and marine life, trying kite surfing, fishing for yellowtail snapper and experiencing a side of Venezuela that left a very strong impression on him.

The journey then took an unexpected turn with a private flight into the Amazon, a helicopter trip over Angel Falls and conversations with members of the Venezuelan government about the country's potential for tourism. There was also a rather eventful flight over the jungle involving suspected illegal mining operations and some very unhappy passengers.

In this episode:

• How the Blue Corridor project began
• Why Los Roques could be interesting for visiting superyachts
• David's first impressions of the archipelago
• Snorkelling, fishing, paddle boarding and kite surfing
• Travelling into the Amazon and flying over Angel Falls
• An unexpected conversation with Venezuela's Minister of Tourism
• The rather dramatic flight over suspected illegal mining operations
• Why David says this definitely wasn't a holiday
• And the freshest fish he has ever eaten, prepared just minutes after it was caught

As David puts it, there was far more to the trip than could ever fit into one video, and this podcast tells some of the stories that happened when the cameras weren't necessarily rolling.

Follow Katia Damborsky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theyachtwriter/

Watch our YouTube channels:

@YachtsForSaleBlog https://www.youtube.com/@YachtsForSaleBlog

@YachtsForCharter https://www.youtube.com/@YachtsForCharter

@YachtBuilders https://www.youtube.com/@YachtBuilders

@YachtPodcasts https://www.youtube.com/@YachtPodcasts

Follow Yachts For Sale Blog on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yachtsforsaleblog/

If you are interested in becoming a yacht broker: www.yachtbrokermasterclass.com

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This was the shoot of RHINO, a 55-metre Benetti delivered in 2016.

The assignment came together quickly. What started as a request to film a yacht in Croatia eventually became RHINO, an immaculately maintained, high-volume Benetti of more than 700 GT. That meant a substantial amount of yacht to capture in a single day, with two videographers, a photographer and Katia on board.

But the real story of this episode is what happens behind the camera.

David and Katia talk about the sometimes difficult balance between producing the video they believe their audience wants to watch while also delivering the photography and footage required by brokers and owners' representatives. When several people are involved, each can understandably have slightly different expectations of what the finished production should achieve.

RHINO, however, made their job considerably easier. Katia describes her as an exceptionally well-presented yacht with impressive volume for her length, and it was clear how much work had gone into keeping her in such good condition.

There were still a few complications. The filming day ran considerably longer than expected, the drone was lost and a replacement had to be brought to the dock. And somewhere along the way, the production schedule insisted that everyone stop at midday for a properly served lunch on the upper deck, complete with carbonara prepared by the yacht chef.

It's an unusually candid look at what goes into producing a yacht walkthrough, including the parts that viewers normally never see.

In this episode:

• How a last-minute filming request became a shoot on RHINO • A 55m Benetti with more than 700 GT of volume • Why larger yachts require a larger production team • What happens when expectations change during a shoot • Balancing the audience, broker and owner's representative • Why brokers also need footage that may never appear in the final video • David's "horse designed by committee" analogy • How pressure behind the camera can affect presenting • Katia's thoughts on learning to present yacht walkthroughs • The unexpected yacht-chef lunch on the upper deck • Losing a drone during the shoot • Finding a replacement drone and getting the job finished

Follow Katia Damborsky on Instagram: @theyachtwriter

Follow Yachts For Sale Blog on Instagram: @yachtsforsaleblog

The 50-metre Feadship, originally delivered in 1983 as AZTECA, has a history that Katia knows particularly well. Designed by the legendary Jon Bannenberg, she was one of two remarkable Feadships built in tandem, an ambitious project that produced two yachts whose design was years ahead of its time.

More than 40 years later, KORU looks very different. Following a major refit, her exterior has been transformed, and as a serious Bannenberg fan, Katia admits she was slightly nervous about what she would find when she went on board. Had too much of the yacht's original character disappeared? In fact, she came away impressed by how sympathetically the yacht had been updated for modern use.

From there, the conversation moves behind the scenes of the shoot itself, and unusually, almost everything went right. Katia describes KORU's crew as the best she has ever worked with on a yacht shoot, with spaces prepared before the filming team even had to ask.

David and Katia also talk about what it is really like to film a 50-metre yacht, the value of having a broker who knows the boat alongside you, and why the right crew and filming team can completely change the experience of a long day's shooting.

As David eventually points out, this may be one of those rare podcast episodes where everything simply went perfectly.

In this episode:

• Why KORU got Katia so excited • The story behind this classic 1983 Feadship • Jon Bannenberg's original design and KORU's history • The story of the two Feadships built in tandem • Why Katia was nervous about seeing KORU after her refit • How the yacht's heritage has been brought into the modern era • Why Katia calls KORU's crew the best she has ever worked with on a shoot • What really happens behind the scenes when filming a 50m yacht • Why having a knowledgeable broker on board made a difference • How a new videographer changed the dynamic of the shoot • One of those rare filming days when everything simply worked

Follow Katia Damborsky on Instagram: @theyachtwriter

Watch our YouTube channels:

@YachtsForSaleBlog @yachtsforsaleblog

If you are interested in becoming a yacht broker: Yacht Broker Masterclass

And if you would like to keep updated on events at the Yachts For Sale YouTube team, you can join the free INSIDE INFO newsletter at: Yachts For Sale Blog

In this episode of The Yacht Podcast, David Seal sits down with Katia Damborsky to talk about filming DONA FRANCISCA, the remarkable 52-metre sailing yacht she recently presented for Yachts For Sale Blog.

The trip certainly did not begin according to plan. Katia and Slava were travelling from Sardinia, after filming AMICA MEA, to Mallorca when a delayed flight meant they missed their connection. What followed was a long wait in Milan, another delayed flight, a very late hotel arrival and almost no sleep before filming began the following morning.

But DONA FRANCISCA turned out to be worth the journey.

Delivered in 2014, she was built in Uruguay by Astilleros Buquebus for an experienced Uruguayan owner who wanted a completely custom sailing yacht built around his own ideas. Her traditional schooner appearance hides some surprisingly advanced construction, with Katia explaining how the captain corrected information she had found online and told her that the yacht's hull and superstructure are carbon.

David and Katia also discuss why sailing yacht owners and buyers can be very different from the motor yacht market, why brokers working in this sector really need to understand the technical side of sailing, and what makes filming a sailing yacht such a different experience.

There is also the usual look behind the scenes of the Yachts For Sale team, from travel disasters and exhausted presenters to Slava apologising on Katia's behalf at the hotel reception, David admitting that while all of this was happening he was partying on another yacht, and the reality of finishing a full day of filming only to return to the hotel and record voiceovers.

And, somehow, they still came away with a walkthrough they were genuinely excited about.

Watch the full episode to hear what really happened behind the scenes of the DONA FRANCISCA shoot and why this unusual Uruguayan-built sailing yacht made such an impression on Katia.

Follow Katia Damborsky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theyachtwriter/

Follow Yachts For Sale Blog on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yachtsforsaleblog/

In this episode of The Yacht Podcast, David sits down with Captain Glenn Shephard aboard Glenn’s own sailing yacht, Avalon, to talk about the experiences that shaped his career, life as a superyacht captain, and what really happens behind the cameras on Below Deck Sailing Yacht.

Glenn grew up in Montreal and had no sailing background as a young person. His introduction to life at sea came while backpacking through Europe in the 1980s, when he spotted a notice in a Rome youth hostel looking for someone to help sail around the Aeolian Islands. What started as an unexpected opportunity eventually became the beginning of a completely different life.

His professional career later took him aboard yachts including Atmosphere and Mirabella V, starting as a deckhand and working his way through the ranks while gaining his qualifications. Glenn eventually moved into command and went on to spend many years aboard Parsifal III.

• How Glenn discovered sailing almost by accident • His unconventional route into professional yachting • Working his way from deckhand to captain • The captains who influenced him along the way • Life aboard Atmosphere, Mirabella V and Parsifal III • Managing a superyacht crew and learning leadership on the job • How Parsifal III became part of Below Deck Sailing Yacht • What filming the show is really like from the captain’s perspective • Why Glenn says the situations and drama aren't scripted • How Below Deck has opened up the traditionally private world of superyachting • The difference between life as a superyacht captain and sailing his own yacht, Avalon • Some of Glenn’s experiences and adventures at sea

Glenn also explains how Below Deck Sailing Yacht came about. Initially, his interest was simply in bringing charter business to the yacht. After the production team visited, met Glenn and members of the crew, and took the idea back to the network, the sailing franchise began to take shape. Glenn admits that television was never something he had aspired to do, but says the situations viewers see aboard are real rather than scenarios created for the cameras.

David and Glenn also discuss what the programme has done for the wider perception of yachting. The superyacht industry has traditionally placed enormous importance on privacy and discretion, while Below Deck has opened a window into that world for millions of viewers. Glenn points out that the programme should be taken with a grain of salt, but that it does portray some of what life in superyachting is about.

The episode also brings the conversation back to Keane Specialty Insurance, whose collaboration with both David and Glenn helped bring them together. As a yacht owner himself, Glenn discusses the importance of having a good working relationship with people you know and trust when it comes to insurance — and the value of being able to speak directly to someone who knows you and your boat when something happens.

From an unexpected introduction to sailing to decades working aboard yachts and an entirely unplanned television career, this is a fascinating conversation about Captain Glenn Shephard’s life on the water — both in front of the cameras and away from them.

AMICA MEA is the second Hakvoort they have filmed in a relatively short period, following Lady Maxine, and Katia explains why she feels the Dutch shipyard is having a particularly strong moment. With well-maintained Hakvoorts attracting attention and Just J’s, a 60-metre Hakvoort, recently sold, the conversation turns to what makes these Dutch-built yachts so distinctive.

For Katia, AMICA MEA was also a refreshing change from the modern Italian production yachts she often films. Despite being built in 2004 and operating as a popular charter yacht, she was particularly impressed by how well the yacht has been maintained — especially the condition of the woodwork — and by the volume offered by her approximately 500 GT.

But, as usual, there is much more to a yacht shoot than what eventually appears on screen.

Katia talks about arriving at the yacht early in the morning just after the crew had finished a charter, and how the captain and crew immediately did everything they could to help make the filming work. She also shares the less glamorous side of shooting in Sardinia: difficult transport, a €100 taxi journey of around 20 minutes, an unexpected change of location because of the wind, long filming days and the challenge of presenting when everyone is starting to feel tired.

And then there is Slava’s memorable feedback during filming: “You’re no one-take wonder like David.”

Despite the long days, Katia came away genuinely impressed by AMICA MEA and explains why filming a yacht you can imagine a buyer falling in love with makes writing the storyboard and presenting her considerably easier.

• Why Katia travelled to Sardinia to film AMICA MEA • Why Hakvoort seems to be having a moment • AMICA MEA, Lady Maxine and Just J’s • What makes an older Dutch-built yacht feel different • How AMICA MEA has been maintained despite her busy charter programme • Why a helpful captain and crew can transform a yacht shoot • The challenges — and expense — of getting around Sardinia • What happens when wind forces the yacht to change location • Writing and presenting a yacht you genuinely like • The reality of filming when everyone is tired after a long day • Slava’s verdict on Katia’s presenting skills • And why Katia somehow went to Sardinia without enjoying a single proper Sardinian dinner

Yacht Podcasts is where David and Katia discuss the stories behind the yachts, the shoots, the brokers, the owners, the shipyards and the experiences that don't always make it into the walkthrough videos.

The conversation explores the importance of pre-purchase surveys, how modern technology is transforming the survey process, why refits have become one of the fastest-growing sectors of the superyacht industry, and how WOSA is helping owners, captains, brokers and shipyards make better-informed technical decisions.

David and Stefano also discuss career development in yachting, entrepreneurship, the importance of curiosity, the realities of building a successful business, and why passion remains one of the defining characteristics of people who thrive in the yachting industry.

In this Episode:

• Stefano De Vivo's journey from engineering to the Ferretti Group's Chief Commercial Officer • Why he left one of the world's largest yacht builders to join WOSA • How yacht surveys can save owners thousands of euros • The growing importance of yacht refits in today's market • What happens during a pre-purchase survey • How WISER, WOSA's proprietary software, speeds up survey reports • Why refits and surveys naturally work together • The biggest challenges facing the refit industry today • Building a business focused on quality rather than quantity • Why curiosity is one of the most valuable qualities in the yachting industry • The importance of work ethic and career development for young professionals • Stefano's advice for anyone looking to build a successful career in yachting

Whether you're a yacht owner, broker, captain, shipyard professional or simply fascinated by how the industry works behind the scenes, this episode offers a unique insight from one of its most respected voices.

Follow Yachts For Sale Blog: https://www.instagram.com/yachtsforsaleblog/

The conversation begins with what made EMERALD such a fascinating yacht to film. From her distinctive Orion Green hull and its unexpected connection to the original Star Trek series to the extraordinary scale of the project, David explains why EMERALD should be described as a rebuild, not simply a refit. Comparing old photographs with the finished yacht reveals just how much work went into transforming her while preserving the elegance and pedigree of a classic Feadship.

The discussion then turns to what happened behind the camera. Filming EMERALD presented some unusual challenges, particularly when trying to satisfy the very different requirements of a brokerage walkthrough and a charter video at the same time. David and Katia discuss how changing schedules, delayed arrivals and the logistics of filming a yacht at anchor created a far more complicated production than expected.

They also reflect on the people who helped make the shoot a success, including Captain Mark, whose calm and professional approach ensured the day ran smoothly despite the unexpected challenges. The conversation highlights why a relaxed atmosphere on board often leads to a much stronger final production and why experienced captains can make such a difference during a filming day.

Finally, the episode explores the value of researching a yacht's history before presenting it, the difference between a refit and a rebuild, and why preserving the graceful lines of a classic Feadship while modernising almost everything else is such an impressive achievement. It's an honest look behind another Yachts For Sale Blog production and the many details viewers never get to see.

In this episode:

• Why EMERALD is much more than just another yacht walkthrough

• The story behind the yacht's distinctive Orion Green hull

• Why this project should be called a rebuild, not a refit

• The challenges of filming a yacht for both brokerage and charter

• How organisation can make or break a yacht shoot

• Why Captain Mark played such an important role on filming day

• Comparing EMERALD before and after her remarkable transformation

• What it takes to modernise a classic Feadship while preserving her character

• Why researching a yacht's history changes the way you present it

• Behind another Yachts For Sale Blog production

The Yacht Podcast is where David and Katia discuss the stories behind the yachts, the shoots, the brokers, the owners, the shipyards and the experiences that don't always make it into the walkthrough videos.

A few days ago, Katia travelled to Naples to film the beautiful Azimut 77S JR28, recently listed for sale with Northrop & Johnson. Like many new central agency listings, everything was moving quickly. The schedule was tight, the yacht had only just returned from Capri, and one important thing was still missing: the technical specifications.

For Katia, that is enough to make any filming day a little stressful.

This episode looks behind the scenes of what viewers never normally see. The early morning uncertainty, changing plans, writing scripts on the spot, relying on owners and crew for information, and the challenge of making sure every detail is accurate before it appears on camera.

David and Katia also discuss why filming newly listed yachts often happens before every document has been finalised, the importance of experienced crews, and how good brokers quietly solve problems before anyone watching ever realises there was one.

The conversation also takes a lighter turn, with stories from Naples, cycling along the seafront, getting caught in an unforgettable thunderstorm, and, naturally, searching for the perfect Neapolitan pizza.

In this episode:

• Why the JR28 shoot almost started badly • The pressure of filming without technical specifications • What happens behind the scenes on a new central agency listing • Why experienced yacht crews make all the difference • The role brokers play when plans suddenly change • Writing scripts while filming on board • Why accuracy matters more than speed • A day filming in Naples • Thunderstorms, pizza and everything in between • Behind another Yachts For Sale production

Yacht Podcasts is where David and Katia discuss the stories behind the yachts, the shoots, the brokers, the owners, the shipyards and the experiences that don't always make it into the walkthrough videos.

David shares why this yacht is so special to him, from spending a memorable weekend on board with the owner to discovering that she was originally launched as Magnifica, one of the first steel and aluminium superyachts delivered during his time at CRN.

The conversation explores why experiencing a yacht as a guest is completely different from visiting one for work, how thoughtful design can transform life on board, and why owners who continually invest in maintenance create yachts that stand apart.

In this episode:

• The story behind TITIAN PEARL • David's personal connection to the yacht • A weekend on board that changed his perspective • TITIAN PEARL's history as CRN's Magnifica • Why great yacht design is about more than appearance • The importance of owner care and maintenance

Yacht Podcasts is where David and Katia discuss the stories behind the yachts, the people, and the experiences that don't always make it into our videos.

This was a fascinating shoot, but not an easy one. The owner was on board, and on the very same day he was also taking delivery of his new yacht.

That meant the captain and crew were dealing with a video and photo shoot, the owner’s presence on board, calls coming in from the new yacht, and personal items being moved from LADY MAXINE to the owner’s next vessel.

Despite all of that, the crew remained calm, professional and incredibly helpful throughout the day. David and Katia discuss what made the shoot so challenging, why LADY MAXINE stands out as a sub-50 metre yacht with more than 700 gross tonnes of volume, and why the interior made such a strong impression as soon as the team stepped on board.

They also talk about Hakvoort as a shipyard, the way the brand tends to fly under the radar, and why many owners who understand the Dutch custom yacht market return to builders like Hakvoort again and again.

This episode also touches on the brokerage story behind LADY MAXINE, the role of Ed Dickinson in representing the yacht, and the unusual privilege of filming such a yacht at a key moment in the owner’s journey.

Yacht Podcasts is where we talk about the stories behind the yachts, the shoots, the brokers, the shipyards, the crew and the people who make the world of yacht brokerage so interesting.

The conversation explores what really goes into producing a yacht walkthrough, from early morning starts and international travel to working alongside an outstanding crew who helped make the shoot such a success. David also explains why TOP LEVEL stood out, not only because of her immaculate condition, but also because of her practical layout, generous crew accommodation and thoughtful design.

Along the way, David and Katia share stories from the trip, including filming in one of the Mediterranean's most spectacular cruising grounds, a memorable lunch on board, David's disappointing restaurant experience the night before the shoot, and the captain's dramatic swim to recover a runaway tender during filming.

• Filming TOP LEVEL in Croatia
• Behind the scenes of a Sunseeker 76 walkthrough
• Why Croatia is one of Europe's finest cruising destinations
• Early morning yacht filming
• Working with an exceptional crew
• The surprisingly spacious crew accommodation
• The runaway tender and the captain's rescue
• Life behind the camera on a yacht shoot
• David and Katia discuss the stories behind the walkthrough

Yacht Podcasts takes listeners behind the scenes of the world's most remarkable yachts, exploring the stories behind the yachts, the brokers, the crew and the people who make the superyacht industry so fascinating.

In this episode, I sit down with former superyacht captain and Puro Systems founder, Omri Farbstein, to talk about his journey from serving as a submarine officer in the Israeli Navy to running superyachts and eventually building one of the yachting industry's most innovative water purification systems.

We discuss how a simple onboard frustration, spending countless hours washing yachts and dealing with water spots, led to the creation of Puro Systems, and how Omri taught himself software, electronics and mechanical design to turn an idea into a successful business.

We also talk about:

• How his career started in the Israeli Navy and led to yachting
• The inspiration behind Puro Systems
• Why reverse osmosis can dramatically reduce yacht maintenance
• Building a business from scratch while working as a captain
• Supplying leading shipyards and superyachts around the world
• The role Puro Systems is playing in sustainable projects such as Project Zero

This is an inspiring conversation about innovation, entrepreneurship and how some of the best ideas in yachting come from solving real problems onboard.

To learn more about the Puro Systems use the link in the description.

Together, they discuss why the Grande 26M represents far more than a simple update of the previous model. From the move to Volvo Penta IPS pod propulsion and the wider hull to carbon fibre construction and Azimut's innovative Infinity Terrace, David explains why this yacht impressed him so much during filming.

Katia brings her own experience of the Grande range and the pair also discuss Achille Salvagni's interior design, clever engineering decisions, the outstanding Portuguese crew who prepared the yacht for filming, and why immaculate maintenance can completely change how a yacht presents on camera.

The conversation also wanders into some fascinating maritime history, including the origins of the term "master cabin," as well as the realities of yacht ownership, design evolution and what separates a genuine redesign from a simple model refresh.

If you've already watched the walkthrough of St Jude, this episode gives you the stories, observations and behind-the-scenes moments that never make it into the finished film.

In this episode, Katya and I discuss the yacht itself, the filming experience, and why this 24-metre Bering impressed us far more underway than alongside.

We talk about her remarkable volume, unusual crew-focused layout, owner-operation, explorer yacht design, and the practical thinking behind a yacht built for serious long-range cruising rather than marina life.

We also share a few behind-the-scenes stories from Croatia, including dinner with the captain, filming conditions, and why this trip brought back some personal memories from my early years in yacht brokerage.

If you enjoyed the BEYOND CAPRICORN walkthrough, or simply enjoy explorer yachts built with purpose, I think you'll enjoy this conversation.

Katia recently toured the yacht for the Yachts For Sale channel and explains why ABIE stood out from many other yachts she has filmed. From the extensive specification upgrades and carefully selected materials to the light-filled owner's suite and impressive overall finish, ABIE left a strong impression.

David and Katia also talk about what happened behind the scenes during the shoot, including the logistics of filming on the French Riviera, the advantages of having two videographers on board, and how the broker and crew helped make the day run exceptionally smoothly.

The conversation explores why some yachts simply present better than others, the value of a crew that actively uses and knows the yacht, and why owner-operated yachts often reveal details that make a walkthrough far more interesting.

They discuss what makes these yachts so distinctive, carbon fibre construction, extreme speed capability, and suspended interiors designed to reduce vibration at high speed. Built as much for performance as for innovation, they stand out even among modern yachts.

Alongside this, they also share some of the background to the project and what it was like working around changing plans and tight timing to bring the story together.

It’s an easy, insightful conversation about two remarkable yachts and why they continue to attract attention within the world of yachting.

Why do charter guests pay APA on top of the charter fee? Is tipping really 10 to 20 percent?

Who pays for fuel, food, berthing, relocation, and crew costs?

And if someone is already paying hundreds of thousands of euros for a week on board, what exactly is the charter fee actually for?

In this episode, David Seal speaks with Sasha Williams, Charter Marketing Director at Northrop & Johnson, at the Charter Show in San Remo. Sasha has almost 20 years of experience in yacht charter and oversees a fleet of around 80 yachts operating all over the world, from Alaska to Thailand.

She answers real viewer questions about yacht charter pricing, APA, tips, relocation fees, provisioning, VAT, crew expectations, and why some people choose to charter rather than buy. A useful, honest and very practical conversation for anyone who has ever wondered what really goes into the cost of a luxury yacht charter.

In this episode, I sit down with Toni Clarke, COO and Head of Underwriting at Keane Specialty Insurance, to talk about a subject that every yacht owner, future yacht owner, and long-distance cruiser should understand: yacht insurance.

We discuss how Toni got into the marine insurance world, why Keen Specialty focuses specifically on pleasure yacht insurance, and what actually happens if you have to make a claim after an accident in a marina. Toni also answers questions from viewers, including:

What cruising areas are covered by yacht insurance?

Can you extend your insurance if you decide to sail further afield?

Does crew experience affect the cost of insurance?

What should first-time global cruisers think about before setting off?

How far north can you sail before needing to change your coverage?

Can you get an indicative quote before you have even bought the yacht?

This is a useful conversation for anyone who owns a boat or yacht, but also for those who are still at the dreaming and planning stage. For more information about Keane Specialty Insurance, or to request a quote, please use the link in the description.

Using the example of a yacht with a headline charter rate of €750,000 per week, they talk through the additional costs that many people do not realise are part of the charter experience, including APA, fuel, food and drinks, VAT, berthing fees, and crew gratuity.

They also discuss the reaction to a recent Yachts For Sale video about charter costs, including the comments from viewers who were shocked by the idea of crew tips reaching 10 to 20 percent of the charter fee.

This is a relaxed and informative conversation about yacht charter pricing, why transparency matters, and why a good charter broker is essential if you want to understand exactly what you are paying for before you step on board.

SIMENA has already featured in a full documentary series on the Yachts For Sale channel, from construction at the shipyard to launch, sea trials, and finally the finished yacht walkthrough. But filming a large sailing yacht is never simple, especially when you are relying on the weather.

David and Katia talk about the challenges of filming SIMENA under sail, the strong winds, the drone footage, the role of the captain and crew, and why sailing yachts are so different to film compared with motor yachts. They also discuss the yacht itself, including her hybrid propulsion system, long range cruising capability, quiet operation under engine power, functional interior design, and some of the viewer comments and questions from the main walkthrough video.

If you enjoyed the SIMENA yacht tour on @Yachtsforsaleblog, this podcast gives you the extra stories, details, and behind-the-scenes insight that did not make it into the main video.

With her black hull, unusual profile, huge aft deck and penthouse-style interior, K+ is certainly not a yacht that blends into the background. Katia explains what it was like to film such a distinctive yacht, why the design begins to make much more sense once you spend time on board, and how features such as the aft deck galley create a very relaxed, waterside way of living.

David and Katia also talk about the challenges of filming a black yacht, the importance of having a knowledgeable broker on board, and what really happens behind the scenes when a presentation does not quite go to plan.

A fun, honest and informative look at one of the most unusual yachts recently featured on Yachts For Sale.

In this episode, Katia and I sit down to talk through the GENESIS shoot — how it came together, what was involved, and a few of the details you don’t always think about when watching the finished video. We also revisit the yacht itself, a 43m performance build that stood out for a number of reasons, and end up exploring a simple but interesting question: how far does 600 nautical miles from Monaco actually take you? A relaxed conversation around the shoot, the yacht, and the reality of putting these videos together.

Just after the Palm Beach Boat Show, there has been no shortage of talking points in the yachting world. In this vlog, Katia Damborsky and I sit down to discuss some of the biggest recent headlines, including the announcement of a new 82-metre Bilgin superyacht, reportedly commissioned by one of the most recognisable repeat yacht owners in the industry. We also look at what this project means for Bilgin as a shipyard, and why the relationship between owner and builder matters so much on a new build of this scale.

We also chat about:

• the new Abeking & Rasmussen concept with Reymond Langton

• Carlos Alcaraz buying a new Sunreef power catamaran

• the first look at the former Flying Fox after her quiet sale and repaint

• viewer questions about yacht charter tipping and why those figures are often misunderstood

• what we have coming up next on the channel, including new yacht tours and behind-the-scenes projects

As always, the aim is to go a little deeper than the headline and give some real industry perspective from people who work in this world every day. If you enjoy yacht news, superyacht insight, and conversations that go beyond the obvious, this one is for you. Please leave your thoughts in the comments, especially on yacht naming, charter etiquette, or which of these stories you found most interesting.

Follow us also on YouTube

@Yachtsforsaleblog

@YachtsforCharter

@yachtbuilders

And our partner's channel:

@MarineMaxOnline

If you are interested in becoming a yacht broker: www.yachtbrokermasterclass.com

And if you would like to keep updated on events at the Yachts For Sale YouTube team you can join the free INSIDE INFO newsletter at www.yachtsforsaleblog.com

We also dive into December’s big talking point: Lürssen’s new 117m “Boardwalk” and the mystery around her styling, plus the design that caught our eye this year — Feadship “Pi” and that transom staircase detail. In this video - Favourite video shoots of the year (including Azimut “H”) - Favourite yacht designs (Feadship “Pi”) - Yacht news: Lürssen 117m “Boardwalk” + “Boardwalk” name history - Viewer Q&A: how automated are sailing yachts in real life?

In this, our first episode, she also fielded a question from a viewer of the Yachts For Sale Youtube channel who asked the question "Why are Mangusta Yachts so EXPENSIVE?"

@yachtunbridled

To follow Captain Liam Devlin on Instagram:

@captliamunbridled

To find out more about the charter yacht "UNBRIDLED":

https://www.northropandjohnson.com/yachts-for-charter/unbridled-191-trinity-yachts

I sat down with Captain Liam Devlin of "UNBRIDLED" last year during the Antigua Charter Show and we had a fascinating discussion about his entry into the yacht Captain business and his views on how a successful charter yacht should be run. 

His approach to dealing with difficult charter guests and his attention to the mental health of his crew is truly inspiring. It's little wonder that "UNBRIDLED" has such a successful charter record!

If you wonder how she grew in her career, and if you have ever asked how the running costs of a yacht are calculated, then this is a podcast you just HAVE to listen to!

To find out more about Annie:

https://www.northropandjohnson.com/our-team/yacht-sales-brokers/ann-avery

To find out more about LA JOIE DE MER: https://www.northropandjohnson.com/yachts-for-sale/la-joie-de-mer-95-jongert

To see the video version of this podcast:

https://youtu.be/aQT7hli0grY

After meeting endless car dealers, property developers, and hedge fund managers...Jim is the first (and maybe only) yacht owner I have met who made his fortune from Dentistry.

His outlook on growing his company is inspirational, his brush with death terrifying, and his reason for NOT wearing a Rolex watch has made me question my life choices!

You can read Jim Glidewell's book "Constant Change" at your local Amazon site.