CONVERSATION by IYC

Epizode

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  THIS IS IT: When A Yacht Becomes A Brand 13.10.2026 16min

  143' (43.5m) THIS IS IT is more than a yacht. She’s a recognizable global identity. We sit down with Owner, Christiana Panagi and Owner's Representative, Karolos Konstantinidis to explore the storytelling, content, and experiences behind the yacht’s distinctive profile.Podcast hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin
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  What Makes a Yacht a Great Buy? Captain Nick Battaglia on KOJU 29.09.2026 19min

  After operating KOJU from the very beginning, Captain Nick Battaglia knows the 121’ (37m) Benetti in a way few people do. With the yacht now on the market, Nick takes us beyond the specifications to discuss what he has learned from running her, why her charter program has been so successful, and what prospective owners should look for when choosing a yacht.Podcast Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin
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  How Trust Builds Charter Success: The ELENI 60m Case Study 15.09.2026 13min

  ELENI 60m entered the charter market with almost no traditional marketing material, and still secured over six weeks of bookings, with more than 15 weeks of offers on the table.IYC Charter Manager Monisha Benzy-Issac joins us to unpack how trust, relationships and reputation can sometimes sell a yacht before the marketing does.Podcast Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin
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  Your Yacht Has a Story. Are You Telling It? 01.09.2026 20min

  Specifications can sell a yacht on paper, but they rarely make someone fall in love with it. Jared Watney, Founder of Ocean Air Media, joins IYC to explore what makes a yacht story compelling, how to build a distinctive identity in an increasingly crowded market, and why the right imagery can turn a yacht from another listing into one people remember.Podcast Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin
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  Family, Yachting & The Next Generation Of Owners 25.08.2026 7min

  What does it mean to grow up with yachting as part of your family story? In this episode, Aimilia Kakkou, daughter of the owners of 126' (39m) Sanlorenzo NAIA, reflects on family, life on the water, and the journey behind the yacht’s remarkable transformation. From childhood charter holidays to watching her parents create a yacht designed around hospitality, she shares a personal perspective on what it means to inherit a passion for yachting, and the values, responsibilities, and traditions that come with it.Podcast Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin
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  What Makes a Great Charter Yacht? 11.08.2026 10min

  A beautiful yacht is only the beginning. The world's best charter experiences are shaped by far more than design or amenities—they're defined by exceptional crews, thoughtful layouts, personalized service, and the countless details guests remember long after they've returned home.In this episode, IYC Charter Consultant Alice Newnham shares what separates a good charter yacht from a truly outstanding one. From the importance of crew chemistry and yacht design to changing client expectations and the features that consistently impress, we explore what makes certain yachts become the most sought-after in the fleet.Podcast Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin
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  Discovering the Caribbean Aboard LA LA LAND 04.08.2026 11min

  The Caribbean is one of the world's most sought-after charter destinations, but its true beauty lies beyond the well-known islands and bustling ports.In this episode, we step aboard LA LA LAND with Captain Leo Lemešić to uncover the hidden anchorages, unforgettable experiences and local insights that make exploring the region by yacht unlike any other. From secluded beaches and world-class diving to the philosophy behind creating exceptional charters, discover why LA LA LAND is the perfect platform for an unforgettable Caribbean adventure.Podcast Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin
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  Why Buyers Are Going Bigger, Younger & Faster 21.07.2026 10min

  The profile of the yacht owner is changing. Today's buyers are entering the market younger, purchasing larger yachts earlier, and approaching ownership with entirely different expectations than previous generations.In this episode, IYC Sales Consultant Leo Jordil explores how modern wealth is reshaping the brokerage market, from the rise of tech entrepreneurs and global buyers to the growing demand for experience-led ownership. We discuss why many owners are skipping the traditional "working your way up" approach, what drives the decision to move into a larger yacht, and why the relationship with a trusted broker becomes even more valuable over time.Podcast Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin
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  Why Boat Shows Sell Yachts: The Hidden Advantage Every Owner Should Know 07.07.2026 7min

  Showcasing your yacht at a boat show is about much more than visibility; it's about creating the right environment to sell.In this episode, together with IYC Sales Consultant Josh Marshall, we explore why boat shows remain one of the most powerful sales platforms in yachting. We discuss how stepping on board influences buyers, why face-to-face interactions matter, what owners often underestimate about exhibiting, and how the right presentation can turn interest into a sale.Podcast Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin
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  The Charter Market: What's Really Happening in 2026? 30.06.2026 5min

  The yacht charter market has changed dramatically over the last few years, but is the boom really over, or is it simply evolving? In this episode, IYC Charter Consultant Pantelis Stathis joins us to unpack what's happening behind the headlines, from changing client expectations and booking trends to emerging destinations, market challenges, and where the real opportunities lie.Podcast Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin
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  Inside High-Level Yacht Management 23.06.2026 7min

  From regulations and technical maintenance to budgeting, compliance, and crew coordination, a perfectly running yacht depends on mastering countless details behind the scenes—most of which owners never see, but always benefit from.In this episode, we are joined by Cassandra Bruno, IYC Global Director of Yacht Management, to explore what it truly takes to keep a yacht operating at the highest level. Together, we look beyond the surface of ownership to understand how expert management transforms complexity into calm, ensuring a seamless, stress-free experience for yacht owners around the world.Podcast Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin
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  Why Buying A Charter-Proven Yacht Is A Smart Investment 16.06.2026 12min

  What can a yacht's charter history reveal about its potential as an ownership opportunity? In this episode, we explore why yachts with an established charter track record are increasingly attracting savvy buyers.Joining us is Matthew Stone, Managing Partner, California at IYC, who shares his unique perspective, leaning on the acclaimed charter yacht KOJU as an example. Together, we unpack what consistent charter demand says about a yacht's design, operation, crew, and long-term appeal, and why inheriting a successful charter platform can offer significant advantages for first-time and seasoned owners alike.Podcast Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin
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  Feadship: More Than A Build, With Farouk Nefzi 09.06.2026 11min

  Building a custom superyacht is often seen as the ultimate luxury project. But beyond the design, engineering, and craftsmanship lies a deeply personal and emotional journey.In this episode, we are joined by Farouk Nefzi, Head of Marketing & Brand Experience at Feadship, to explore what owners experience from the moment they begin imagining their dream yacht to the day they step on board for the first time. We discuss the excitement of turning ideas into reality, the challenges of balancing ambition with practicality, and the key moments that shape the ownership experience along the way.Podcast Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin
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  Scaling Greece: Infrastructure, Yachts & Growth 26.05.2026 12min

  Greece is no longer just a seasonal yachting destination—it’s becoming a year-round hub. Bigger yachts, longer stays, and rapidly evolving infrastructure are reshaping the market at speed.In this episode, we speak with Senior Yacht Manager Betty Gkika about what’s driving this transformation, from shipyard upgrades to winter operations and rising berthing pressure.We explore whether infrastructure can keep up, how management practices are changing, and what Greece needs to do to become a leading global yachting destination.Podcast hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin
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  Proven Platform: Inside the Production Yacht Market 19.05.2026 7min

  Production yachts are no longer the “entry point” to yachting. They’ve become one of the industry’s smartest and most compelling choices. With shorter build times, advanced engineering, elevated design, and stronger resale confidence, today’s production models are challenging long-held assumptions about what defines true luxury at sea.In this episode, IYC Sales Consultant William Burns joins us to unpack the evolution of the production yacht market and why more owners and charter clients are embracing proven platforms over fully bespoke builds. From investment value and charter potential to design innovation and changing buyer psychology, we explore how production yachts are reshaping modern yacht ownership.Podcast hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin
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  Multi-Million Dollar Refit: HOLDIN’ MY OWN | Part 1 12.05.2026 9min

  Following a multi-million dollar transformation, 182' (55m) HOLDIN’ MY OWN was reimagined as a true charter platform.Captain Dave Smith and IYC’s Marie Molls break down the strategy behind the rebuild, from technical upgrades to guest-focused design choices that redefine life on board. From layout changes to charter positioning, this is a look at what it really takes to build a standout yacht in today’s market.Podcast hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin
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  The Digital Shift: Data, Speed, and the Reinvention of Client Experience 06.05.2026 12min

  Yachting has always been built on relationships, intuition, and exclusivity—but a quiet transformation is underway. In this episode, IYC Chairman Stefanos Makrymichalos joins us to explore how data, digital platforms, and evolving client expectations are reshaping the industry from the inside out.We look beyond tools and technology to ask a deeper question: what does it really mean to become a digital-first yachting business? From broker-client relationships powered by platforms like MyIYC, to operational efficiency through BLUE, and a more transparent charter journey with RESERVE, we unpack how technology is redefining service, trust, and decision-making.The conversation also challenges the industry’s resistance to change, the growing importance of speed and adaptability as competitive advantages, and whether a new generation of clients will fundamentally shift how yachting is experienced and delivered.Podcast Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin
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  The Art of Repeat Bookings: Inside ELENI 50M’s Charter Success 28.04.2026 13min

  What makes a yacht truly unforgettable—and what keeps guests coming back year after year?In this episode, we sit down with Captain Nicholas Smith of CBI Navi-built 50m ELENI, one of the most successful charter yachts operating in the West Mediterranean. With her summer season nearly fully booked and reservations already extending into 2027, ELENI is a standout example of what long-term charter success really looks like.Podcast hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin
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  Designing Emotion at Sea with Marnix Hoekstra 21.04.2026 12min

  In this episode, we chat with Marnix Hoekstra of Vripack to explore what truly lies behind the creation of a custom yacht; not just as an object, but as a deeply personal expression of vision, lifestyle, and emotion.From the first spark of inspiration to the moment a yacht touches the water, we discuss how ideas are transformed into technically complex, emotionally driven yacht designs. We explore the balance between creativity and engineering, the human side of the build process, and what it truly takes to turn a vision into a vessel.Podcast Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin
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  The Code of the Yacht: How to Be the Perfect Guest 14.04.2026 8min

  Chartering a yacht is the pinnacle of luxury travel, but behind the effortless experience lies a world of unspoken rules.In this episode, we sit down with IYC Charter Consultant Abigail Davies to explore the etiquette that defines a truly seamless journey at sea. From navigating the balance between privacy and crew dynamics to mastering requests, hosting, tipping, and family travel onboard, we uncover what separates exceptional guests from those who unintentionally disrupt the rhythm of life onboard.Hosted by Sidney Bitter-Larkin