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Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, industry leaders discussed market trends and buyer behaviour at Marine Money’s Monaco forum.
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The Marine Money Monaco Superyacht Forum 2025 took place on 23 September at Le Meridien Beach Plaza, Monaco, ahead of this year’s Monaco Yacht Show. The event – now in its 18th year – brings together senior figures from across the superyacht sector to examine market conditions and trends in finance, shipbuilding, ownership and operations.
Under this year’s theme, “Steady Through the Storm”, the forum examined how the sector continues to show resilience despite global economic and political uncertainty.
The sale and purchase market remains active, order books at major shipyards are strong, and interest from new buyers is steady. Law firms and financiers also report high levels of activity, suggesting continued market confidence.
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Opening remarks were given by Mike McCleery of Marine Money and Bob Allen, founding partner at Robert Allen Law. Heather Parkman of Boat International presented a market update comparing historical and current data on order books, sales and global trends. Benjamin K.F. Wong of Invest Hong Kong discussed details of four new marina developments in Hong Kong, while Louis E. Sola, the former chairman of the United States Federal Maritime Commission, spoke about the impact of US trade policy on the superyacht market.
A Builders’ Panel featuring Barbara Amerio of Amer Yachts, Tim Kershaw of Dunya Yachts, Chris Blackwell of Echo Yachts and Erwin Bamps of Gulf Craft explored market agility, sustainability mandates and changing buyer expectations.
A separate session – called “Navigating HNWI Relationships in Yachting” – examined relationships with high-net-worth clients, with speakers from Pershing, Camper and Nicholsons, Döhle Yachts Monaco and others discussing acquisition strategies and brand communication.
The importance of professionalism and welfare among crew was addressed by Julian Smith of the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands, Laura Beard of ISWAN and Graeme Lord of Professional Yacht Crew Cayman.
Finance remained a key topic, with Toby Robilliard of Investec Bank, Steven Hawkins of JP Morgan Private Bank, Willem Steenkamer of St Julian’s Maritime Finance, Zack Hamric of Azul Marine Lending and Olivier Blanchet of BNP Paribas reviewing funding models and investor expectations in a session called Today’s Superyacht Finance Market. Bob Allen then hosted an in-conversation session with Marco Valle, CEO of Azimut-Benetti Group.
Afternoon discussions turned to communications, with influencers Alex Jimenez (TheYachtGuy), David Seal (Yachts For Sale) and Matthijs Rhee (MrSuperyachts) analysing the impact of social media on yacht sales.
Other sessions included an update from Bryce Wagner of Mercy Ships International and a panel with leading US shipbuilders discussing the raft of issues impacting the American market, including tariffs and post-Covid conditions.
Speakers included representatives from Sanlorenzo, Azimut-Benetti, Lürssen and Ferretti Group of America.
Legal and brokerage issues concluded the day, with Consuela Parvescu of MarineMax Superyachts, Georgia Agù of Azimut-Benetti Group and Linda Roxburgh of Stephenson Harwood examining commission disputes and regulation. G. Robert Toney of YachtAuctions.com discussed online yacht auctions, while the Brokers Summit looked at charter and sales activity across the sector. The event ended with closing remarks and a cocktail reception sponsored by The Marshall Islands Registry.
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