On March 18, 2025, the U.S. Superyacht Association hosted the 10th edition of its Superyacht Summit at the West Palm Beach Marriott. This sold-out event brought together industry stakeholders from across the U.S. and around the world for an afternoon of panel discussions, networking, and insights focused on advocacy, ownership, and branding in the marine sector. The day concluded with a lively members-only cocktail party, giving them a chance to connect more with the speakers and relax after a packed agenda.
Big thanks to Lee Savage for capturing the event so seamlessly through his video production, and to Tom Serio for the incredible photography that brought the Summit to life.
Panel 1: Becoming a Brand – Make Your Company a Marketing Maverick
This high-impact session kicked off the day with a deep dive into building and maintaining brand identity in the luxury space. Moderator Diane M. Byrne of Megayacht News led a panel with Michael Schweiger (Casting Media Group), Patrick Knowles (Patrick Knowles Designs and The Quintessential Yachtsman), and Kelly Downey (Shamin Abas). The discussion focused on what it takes to establish credibility, visibility, and emotional resonance with UHNW clients.
Key Takeaways – Branding & Storytelling in the Superyacht Sector:
- Emotional connection is everything – A brand that resonates with owners and buyers must evoke aspiration, lifestyle, and personal identity, not just specs or features.
- Partnerships amplify your reach – Collaborating with complementary brands (fashion, aviation, etc.) helps tell a richer story and attract new audiences.
- Owners drive the brand – In today’s luxury market, the owner experience is the brand. How a yacht makes someone feel becomes the most powerful marketing tool.
- Authenticity over polish – While high production value is important, messaging that’s too corporate or generic can lose impact. Speak with clarity and heart.
Panel 2: The Legislative Landscape – Lobbyists Lend Insight Into Business Unusual
Moderated by Julie Berry, this panel offered a clear-eyed look at how legislative trends could reshape the superyacht industry. Experts Gene Moran (Capitol Integration), Matt Sacco (Rubin, Turnbull & Associates), and Duncan Smith (Smith Advocacy Group) covered current political shifts, foreign flagging issues, and how to protect the American marine economy.
Key Takeaways:
- 2025 brings real regulatory risk – Maritime-specific tax changes, visa challenges, and homeland security restrictions are in play.
- U.S.-flagged vessels need champions – Without consistent industry input, we risk being left out of the conversation entirely.
- Get involved now – Advocacy efforts only work when owners and companies support them with time and attention.
- Layoffs create uncertainty – Budget cuts and federal workforce reductions could delay permits, visas, and regulatory support.
- Unified messaging matters – When the industry speaks with one voice, it can influence policy at the highest levels.
Panel 3: Superyacht Owners Speak Up – How We Can Enhance Their Experience
Graeme Lord of Professional Yacht Crew Cayman moderated an honest, humorous, and highly insightful conversation with yacht owners Craig Jackson (Barrett-Jackson) and Chris Stacey (music executive and founder of Tortuga Music Festival). This panel offered rare owner-side perspective on buying, operating, and upgrading yachts—and what the industry can do better.
Key Takeaways:
- Experience over everything – Owners want reliability, seamless support, and trustworthy advisors—not sales pressure.
- Crew makes or breaks the journey – Both owners shared challenges finding quality crew and emphasized the need for better vetting.
- Transparency is lacking – Unlike in private aviation, no central database exists for researching surveys and vessel histories, and brokers don’t always communicate properly. Both situations often leave too many questions unanswered.
- Ownership is personal – Both Jackson and Stacey described their yachts as private sanctuaries, not status symbols.
- They’re in it for the long haul – Both are planning global cruising voyages and are seeking expedition-style vessels with long range and reliability.
Superyacht Summit Sponsor Appreciation
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible sponsors who made the 2025 Superyacht Summit possible. We are especially grateful to Burger Boat Company, Total Marine Solutions, CBRE Marina Group, United Island & Yacht, Marine Group Boat Works, Steelpointe Boat Shows, Datum RMS, Conidia Bioscience, and Megayacht News. Your continued support strengthens our industry and helps us bring together leaders, innovators, and owners for meaningful conversations and progress.
The Superyacht Summit continues to evolve, just like the industry it supports. We can’t wait to see where it goes next!