Superyacht Summit Türkiye 2025: a growing ecosystem for an increasingly global yachting industry
The third edition of the Superyacht Summit Türkiye, held on November 11–12 at Tersane Istanbul and 2Plan Terminal, confirmed Turkey’s growing role as an international platform for the high-end yachting industry. With over 250 participants and 31 speakers from around the world, the event brought together brokers, designers, owners, shipyards and investors in a program rich in insights, visions and strategic discussions.
A growing summit in a growing country
The Superyacht Summit Türkiye is no longer just a regional appointment: it has become a benchmark for those looking to Turkey as the world’s second-largest superyacht builder and an emerging hub for refit, design and services. The 2025 edition featured key figures such as Martin Redmayne (The Superyacht Group), Dickie Bannenberg (Bannenberg & Rowell Design), Alex G. Clarke (Denison Yachting), Lisa Verbit (Bank of America) and numerous representatives from shipyards such as Mengi Yay, Dunya Yachts, Aegean Yacht and Aganlar Shipyard.
Among the most appreciated experiences, GX Superyacht opened the doors of its 42-meter aluminum hybrid yacht under construction at Ses Yachts, allowing participants a preview visit.
Institutional opening and strategic vision
The summit opened with a tribute to Halit Yukay, a key figure in Turkish yachting who tragically passed away this summer, followed by a presentation from Invest in Türkiye. Ali Kamil Özmen, PPP Manager at the Ministry of Economy, outlined the main development strategies: attracting foreign investment, strengthening local expertise and integrating with global supply chains. Turkey aims at an export-oriented industrial model, supported by modern infrastructure and a young, expanding workforce.
Panels and content: refit, design and new markets
The opening panel — “Türkiye 2025: Challenges & Opportunities for the World’s #2 Builder” — featured Alex G. Clarke (Denison Yachting), Martin Redmayne (The Superyacht Group), Ramazan Mengi (Mengi Yay Yachts), Sinan Özer (Aegean Yacht) and Tim Kershaw (Dunya Yachts). The discussion highlighted Turkey’s shift from a regional hub to a strategic center for refit and custom construction, with increasing focus on perceived quality and international compliance.
Dickie Bannenberg offered an exclusive look into the creative process behind his studio’s iconic projects.
Yachting and lifestyle: charter, marketing and new ownership profiles
The panel “Charter as Lifestyle” showcased the role of Turkish destinations in experiential yacht sales, while “Inside the American Buyer’s Mind” analyzed buying trends in the U.S., including financing models, tariffs and new expectations. Particularly noteworthy were contributions by AI expert Claire Hagen (This is Odyssey) and by Altrata, outlining the wealth profiles of new yacht owners — younger and increasingly oriented toward flexible solutions.
Among the new features, Alex Jimenez (The Yacht Guy) discussed the growing role of social media in enhancing superyacht visibility and desirability.
Refit and compliance: Turkey as a makeover capital
The panel “Refit Without Regret” showcased Turkish excellence in refitting, with contributions from Aganlar Shipyard, KRM Refit & Rebuild and Hill Robinson. Following that, “Legal and Administrative Excellence” examined contractual and insurance best practices, with inputs from Xone Superyacht, Ülken Law and Lockton Omni.
Cristina Bernardini
The picture emerging from the summit is not just that of a growing industry but the starting point for a broader reflection on Turkey’s role in global yacht building. Tomorrow, on PressMare, a comparative analysis by Cristina Bernardini will explore the industrial models of Turkey and Italy — currently ranked first and second worldwide in superyacht construction — highlighting structural differences, convergences and future perspectives.
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