Cluster Yachting Monaco: Winter Pop-Up 2025

The Cluster Yachting Monaco hosted its annual Winter Pop-Up on 9 October 2025 at the Yacht Club de Monaco, gathering leading figures from across the superyacht sector for a day of insights and forward-thinking discussion.

The event featured two thematic panels and a keynote address by Lexden Luxe, which offered a deep dive into the evolving landscape of yacht ownership and client experience.

Meeting owner expectations

The morning began with the first session, “Meeting Owner Expectations,” moderated by Katia Damborsky, superyacht journalist and content creator. The panel brought together Christopher Durham, former Captain of M/Y Savannah; Sam Thompson, Commercial Director at JMS Yachting; and James Brooke, Chief Instructor at La Belle Classe Academy (RYA).

The discussion centred on the shifting expectations of today’s yacht owners. A key theme that emerged was the vital role of crew cohesion and health in delivering the best possible owner experience. Transparency and trust must come with well-being and operational harmony onboard. Panellists agreed that a yacht’s atmosphere and service quality depend heavily on the crew’s physical and mental state. Ensuring regular training, rest periods, and support systems was identified as essential for safety and for maintaining the high standards owners expect.

Equally, the conversation highlighted the need to educate owners about their own influence on the crew’s well-being. Understanding the demands of yachting life and fostering a culture of respect and communication between owner and crew were seen as fundamental to creating a sustainable and positive environment at sea.

Navigating the trillion-dollar shift

Between the two panels, attendees were treated to an engaging keynote presentation by Prof. Dr. Phil Klaus from Lexden Luxe, titled “Navigating the trillion-dollar shift: redefining yacht charter and UHNWI experiences.”

Drawing from proprietary research involving more than 400 UHNWI touchpoints, Prof. Klaus presented three key forces shaping the industry’s future:

●      The rise of new gatekeepers: Family offices and advisors now play a pivotal role in influencing ownership and charter decisions.

●      Wake Up to AI: By 2030, 70% of UHNW charter bookings will involve AI-powered touchpoints, enabling effortless and hyper-personalised journeys.

●      Asia is coming: With the Asia-Pacific yacht market set to double by 2033, and Korea emerging as a key driver of experiential luxury, the region’s growth presents a transformative opportunity.

The speech emphasised how data-driven insights can help companies turn trends into actionable strategies, with “invisible concierge” service connecting luxury ecosystems of yachts, jets, and private residences.

Client experience: design, technology & charter

The second session, moderated by Andrea Dini, Managing Director of Investor Media Monaco, explored how innovation and aesthetics continue to redefine luxury on the water.

Speakers included Enrico Chiaussa, Chief Commercial Director at Azimut Yachts; Sofia Penvern, Sales & Charter Consultant at IYC; and Boris de Bel, Co-founder & CEO of Charter Itinerary. Together, they examined how the evolution of yacht design and technology has transformed the owner and guest experience.

Over the years, the very structure and layout of yachts have changed, reflecting a deeper understanding of how UHNWIs use their vessels, with more open living spaces, increased privacy, and wellness-focused areas such as gyms and beach clubs. These design shifts respond to a growing desire for a sense of freedom and home-like comfort at sea.

In parallel, charter itineraries have become more experiential, moving beyond traditional Mediterranean or Caribbean routes to include remote, adventure-led destinations and culturally rich journeys. This evolution underscores how chartering is now linked to the lifestyle and discovery it enables.

Technology continues to play a pivotal role in this transformation, setting new standards of efficiency and personalisation. For instance, smart integration connects yachts to guests’ digital ecosystems and AI enhances itinerary planning and seamless onboard connectivity.

As the event concluded, Cluster Yachting Monaco reaffirmed its commitment to connecting stakeholders across the ecosystem.

The 2025 Winter Pop-Up stood as a testament to the Cluster’s commitment to driving the industry’s next chapter.

Rebecca Gabbi

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