Yachtcast, with Estela Yachting in Palma de Mallorca

Yachts Behaving Badly: Navigating PR Disasters in the Superyacht Industry

In this captivating episode, we delve into the high-profile mishaps and media controversies that have rocked the superyacht industry recently. From the saga of Mr. Bezos' yacht, Koru, and a historic bridge in Rotterdam to David Geffen's social media blunder, we uncover the tales of self-inflicted PR disasters.Listen as industry experts and insiders share their insights and debate how yachting can navigate bad press and foster a more positive image. The discussion also highlights the growing role of social media, the importance of professional media training, and the need for authenticity and responsible storytelling in the industry.
Panellists:- Martin H. Redmayne, The Superyacht Group- Alex Siegars, ‘Yachties: Name, Shame and Fame’- Sara Intonti, Content Angels- Jana Thomas, Positive Waves Media
- Rhea Rouw, Yachting International RadioModerator: James van Bregt, ESTELA

Panel discussion: Yacht Exploration

This panel session covers all aspects of yacht exploration; the considerations around navigation, communication, planning and provisioning, insurance, medical support, and all issues pertaining to going far afield to remote places.
 
Panellists:- Capt Maiwenn Beadle
- Capt Andrea Mura- Richard Klabbers, DYT
- Michelle van der Merwe, Pantaenius
- Matt Zimmerman, Farsounder
- Dr Spike Briggs, MSOS
Moderator: Lucie Gardiner, Yachting International Radio

Panel discussion: Media and Social Media in Yachting

Panel discussion: Media and Social Media in YachtingExploring all aspects of media and social media in communications, marketing, and PR in an industry misunderstood or misrepresented by many.
Panellists:- Martin H. Redmayne, The Superyacht Group- Alex Siegars, ‘Yachties: Name, Shame and Fame’- Sara Intonti, Content Angels- Jana Thomas, Positive Waves MediaModerator: James van Bregt, ESTELA
 

ITALIAN YACHT MASTERS: Steering to Green

ITALIAN YACHT MASTERS: Steering to Green
Presenter & moderator: Capt. Pietro Borgo
 
Part One: #SteeringToGreenFeaturing members from the Italian Yacht Masters association, Captain Borgo leads a panel discussion with fellow superyacht captains about the "Steering to Green" initiative. The campaign promotes sustainability within the yachting industry, encouraging eco-friendly practices and innovative technological solutions and systems. Through this project, IYM aims to create a network of knowledge and best practices that can be adopted on a large scale, contributing to a more sustainable future for the nautical industry. 
 
The seminar explores the daily operational practices that can reduce a yacht’s environmental impact. From drinking water filtration systems that reduce the use of plastic water bottles to adopting environmentally-friendly products on board, the panel will discuss the smaller impacts captains and crew can make today.
 
 

Yacht Crew Recruitment Seminar, by ESTELA Superyacht Agency

Recording of panel discussion hosted by ESTELA Superyacht Agency at the Palma Boat Show in April, 2024.Guest moderated by Erica Lay, of El Crew Co in Mallorca, the panellists are:Captain Carsten FranikCaptain Will KayeChristophe Bourillion, The PYALaura Molineux, Nautilus InternationalKarine Pouwels, Fraser Yachts
 
The panel highlighted the industry's need to modernise its approach to crew management while maintaining high professional standards.
These were some of the key points from the discussion:
Crew Expectations & Industry Image- Industry struggles with perception vs reality gap- Social media/TV shows like Below Deck create unrealistic expectations- Need to accurately portray daily work requirements and challenges- Many new crew unprepared for intensive service work environment- Recruitment materials often showcase lifestyle over work aspects
Management & Leadership Development- Yacht captains face unique challenges as combined CEO/HR manager/counselor - Limited formal leadership training available compared to corporate roles- Growing need for soft skills training beyond technical certifications- Mental health awareness becoming crucial for crew management- Some vessels implementing mental health first aid training
Crew Retention Strategies- Internal promotion pathways within managed fleet- Cross-training opportunities between departments- Investment in additional qualifications beyond mandatory certificates- Challenge balancing training time with operational demands- Owner buy-in needed for training budgets and time allocation
Professional Support- PYA focusing on professional standards development- Nautilus seeing significant membership growth post-pandemic- Growing demand for legal/employment protection- Need for collective bargaining development- Industry maturing toward more structured employment framework
Recruitment & Background Checks- No standardized system for sharing negative references- MLC regulations limit formal blacklisting- Reliance on informal networks for background verification- Challenge balancing crew privacy with safety/security needs- Need for more rigorous verification standards
Industry Modernisation Needs- Better regulation of recruitment agencies- Standardized training requirements beyond basic STCW- Improved salary and benefits packages- Work-life balance considerations for new generation- Professional development pathways- Mental health and welfare support systems
The discussion highlighted an industry in transition, trying to maintain high standards while adapting to modern workforce expectations and needs.Should you have feedback or suggestions for future events, please contact James van Bregt at editor@estelayachting.com or WhatsApp +34 696 598403. If you are interested in participating in our next round of seminars, please get in touch.
For more information about ESTELA, our agency services, or our publications and events, visit https://linktr.ee/estela1850

Superyacht sustainability on board and in yards

On the sidelines of the Palma Superyacht Village 2024, ESTELA again hosted its three annual Breakfast Seminars. In these informal panel sessions, guest moderators lead free-flowing conversations with expert guests on each topic.
 
On Day One, Thursday 25th April, the topic was: ‘Sustainability on board and in yards’
 
 
Our guest moderator, who kindly jumped in at the last minute, due to illness, was Rebecca Whitlocke, founder and managing director of Antibes Yachting.
 
The panellists were:
 
Leah Tennant, founder of Washdown; a company offering eco-friendly cleaning products for yachts
Lucía Mingot, Director of Quality, Innovation and Sustainability at Astilleros de Mallorca
David Gates, Founder and MD of Superyacht Rubbish, specialising in waste reduction solutions
The Key Points and Insights discussed were:
 
Sustainability as a Necessity
Role of Education and Community
Challenges and Pain Points
Technological Innovations
Regulatory and Voluntary Measures
Practical Steps and Best Practices
Carbon Offsetting
Industry Initiatives
Personal and Corporate Responsibility
 
We hope you enjoy listening to this recording and should you have any comments or feedback, please send them to us at: editor@estelayachting.com

ESTELA interview on changes to seafarer passport stamping in Palma de Mallorca

Yacht agent Erin Bloom appeared on Radio One Mallorca to discuss important changes to passport stamping rules and Seaman's Discharge Books in the Balearics.

Superyachts and lithium-ion batteries on board

This Lithium-ion Battery Safety Seminar was held at the Palma Boat Show 2023.A panel and audience of 75 superyacht captains, crew, suppliers and industry colleagues discussed best practice in choosing and managing battery-powered toys and systems on board.Panellists: Prof Paul Christensen; Robert Smith, Shadowcat; Imme Schmidts, Pantaenius; Juan Roig, MCS;  Michal Sastinsky, BatteryCheck
Complete transcript: https://www.estelashipping.es/podcast-estela-lithium-ion-battery-safety-seminar-2023/