Tureddi Yacht explains its decision to focus on pleasure boats dedicated to charter.

Suvereto (Livorno) – The conference organized by Tureddi Yacht—held in the spectacular architectural masterpiece and winery, 'Petra Winery', in Suvereto—part of its Tuscan event, which engaged around a hundred guests over three days, included a wide-ranging discussion of charters, a sector of yachting that is experiencing significant growth.

The theme was inspired by the Tuscan shipyard's recent decision to invest in designing yachts aimed at this specific market. These yachts stand out for their distinctive design, as explained in detail by Tureddi Yacht's creative director, Leonardo Cecchi, as the result of a project that seeks to encompass a blend of features typical of the explorer-expedition and pleasure categories. They appeal to an increasingly younger clientele with diverse needs, who no longer seek just luxury and privacy, but also want to participate in the voyage while being able to fully observe the surrounding environment.

The conference covered all the trends in the charter industry, presented by internationally renowned brokers (Nataliya Verpeka of Verpeka Dolling and Eric Althaus of Althaus Yacht), strategic asset consultants (Paolo Bianchi of White Milestone), legal experts (Simone Centola of Legal Strategies Ltd and Andrea Paulgross of Paulgross & Partner), technical experts (Valerio Ruggero of Naval Architect and Mechanical Engineer), and certification and regulation experts (Giorgio Gallo of Rina). The introduction was given by Pietro Angelini, general manager of Navigo.

On the sidelines of the conference, SUPER YACHT 24 discussed the shipyard's initiatives with President Alessandro Tureddi.

The reports from the experts who spoke at your conference on the charter confirm the validity of your latest initiative. 

The conference effectively confirmed what was, to some extent, our choice: to design a line dedicated to charter. Clients are interested in charters, and brokers are pushing for them. The conference revealed that it's a constantly growing market, attracting an ever-increasing clientele, and therefore a space where shipyards can also invest to generate revenue. This is because the increased demand for charters clashes with a shortage of vessels suitable for this market. Boats are typically built for private clients and then used for charter. Instead, we designed the boat, already a charter vessel, specifically commissioned by a client. From there, the idea of ​​creating a line of 60-, 80-, and 120-foot vessels dedicated entirely to this market was born.

The two projects from the line you showed today are explorer yachts. Why did you choose this type for charter?

The charter market has always had a dedicated segment for the explorer segment, although classic boats have always been the most sought-after, as traditional shuttles or second-hand yachts were typically used for this activity. Today, with the development of the explorer segment driven by the growing preference for this type of vacation, demand for charters has also increased from clients who love exploring, sailing to the North Pole, ocean crossings, and other long-distance voyages, but who perhaps can't afford a 65-meter vessel of their own.

Are crews in the explorer charter sector trained to make these long voyages truly safe for clients and consequently also for yachting companies?

 "Currently, there are specialized and well-trained crews in explorer charters, regulations are however increasing safety levels and consequently the associations are also doing a great job to ensure that there is an upgrade in the training of the entire crew to provide safety to the charter owner who undertakes this type of holiday/adventure.”

What characteristics do the two Tureddi explorer projects have?

The first, already commissioned by a company, is a 60-footer, scheduled for delivery in 2025. We estimate the keel will be laid by September, and the yacht will begin construction by the end of 2024. The keel will then be laid on the 65-meter model by December 2024. Our entire explorer range is designed to express the concept of "flow." On the 65-meter model, in particular, all the decks flow seamlessly. The line includes the option of a dedicated owner's deck because, while designed for charter, it also offers the owner the freedom to reserve an area for themselves and use whenever they wish. Naturally, the owner will be able to customize the yacht to their liking, which is currently inspired by the idea of ​​well-being and relaxation, including a sort of Zen garden aft.

Two years ago, you began a new journey to build yachts under your own brand. How is it going, and what stage are you at?

We've expanded our offerings over time and are starting to see the first results. Our program was designed as a journey, and we're seeing progress in every area of ​​our initiatives. At the upcoming Cannes and Monaco boat shows, we'll be promoting the projects in our portfolio. We're expanding our internal sales department, and at the same time, we have central agencies and dealerships that are undoubtedly already bearing fruit. We're also continuing to open our luxury cocktail bar-lounges, where our clients can meet, even privately, with our personal brokers or crew, in key yachting areas: we're opening in London, and then moving on to Dubai and Monaco.

Do you think the new Tureddi yacht building business could in any way annoy your long-standing, large clients, for whom you have been building yachts in your shipyards for over four decades?

No, because they're two different things. I believe it's important to work with everyone according to the same high-quality principle, because ultimately the client, whether a shipowner or a shipyard, simply wants their product to be made as it should be. Regarding the potential risk of competition: I rule it out because we're talking about two completely different market segments. It's unthinkable that our market could be the same as one of our large clients because, first and foremost, we respect our clients, and furthermore, our concept is closely tied to working with a small number of artisanal, customizable boats.

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