We have been covering the luxury lifestyle event called the SINGAPORE RENDEZVOUS that will be happening this week in a big way. To keep the excitement going, we bring you another insight into what is in store with an interview with Mark Woodmansey, Chief Representative of Greater China and Yacht Broker at Burgess Yachts.
What are the main areas of excellence of Burgess? Tell us more about the background of the company?
Over the past 40 years, Burgess has built its reputation in the Large Yacht Market on unrivalled professionalism, passion and knowledge. We are proud of have earned the Number One position in the Superyacht industry. Our client focused approach along with an eye for detail that is second to none, are the reasons that we have attained this accolade. Our specialist areas of expertise are in the purchase, sale, building, charter and management of yachts over 30 meters.
Burgess was built on a love of yachting. Founded in London 1975 by Nigel Burgess, a renowned sailor and worldwide single-handed ocean racer, we now have offices on truly a global scale including Hong Kong and Singapore. Chief Executive Jonathan Beckett has led Burgess to become the world’s number one superyacht brokerage house. In 2001, we became the first yacht brokerage firm ever to receive the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise. We continue to lead from the forefront in every facet of our operation.
Where are you based in Asia? How do you cater to an Asian market? What unique services do you provide?
Our team offers the three main pillars of the business: sales, charter and operation management out of our two hubs in Hong Kong and Singapore. We are building up a clear picture of the type of yachts Asian clients prefer to own, their choices for charter yachts and destinations and have a tailored operational management package for the local market that takes into account the way many yachts are actually used in the region.
As they are typically buyers in the market we tap into our “°Glocal” team (Global and Local) to access insights into the market place, which is still predominantly located in the South of France and South Florida. We are unique in our teamwork approach, so you work with the whole company to buy or sell your yacht, operate your yacht privately, for charter or find the yachting adventure holiday of your dreams!
Chartering a yacht or looking at buying one, how do you tackle these sensitive questions?
It’s the first question we ask!
Being able to offer the full range of services results in us striving to meet the clients’ unique requirements, whatever that may be. Our clients are generally well informed existing yacht owners and happy to share their thoughts and idea. There are some people entering the yachting world at over 30m LOA however they still come with a good understanding of the market. Our job is to guide them with our insight and judgement built up over the past 40 years.
How do you ensure an Asian buyer is in good hand when looking at buying a semi or fully customized yacht?
The core strength of Burgess is our “°Glocal” Team, we combine key team players from the new operation in Asia with strategically placed individuals inside the core offices in Monaco and London. In this way we can ensure that the best knowledge and technical expertise is combined with on the ground understanding of our clients’ need in Asia. Our goal is to ensure that the Asian clients experience the benefits of working for the Global Number 1 in Superyachts and the inside track to quality information and insight that we can offer. We have long and deep relationships with the industry including brokers, shipyard, refit yards and all other stakeholders.
You are showcasing BLISS at the SINGAPORE RENDEZVOUS, tell us more about this stunning yacht?
Launched in 2010 by Yachting Developments, New Zealand and hailing from the design boards of Dubois Naval Architects, the award-winning 36.8m (120ft) BLISS has outstanding sailing performance.
With sleek exterior styling and an incredibly strong yet weight-saving construction providing speed, increased stability and improved power to weight ratio, BLISS is an ideal Bucket racer or performance world cruiser and one of the few sporty composite sailing yachts on the market today. She also is the only performance charter yacht permanently based in Asia and will be in Thailand this coming season.
BLISS has accommodation for up to eight guests in three cabins with a flexible layout and an interior decor by Design Unlimited that is contemporary, striking and luxurious.
What is the asking price for BLISS?
BLISS can be chartered for USD89,000 to USD95,000 per week and will be sold for EUR 11,900,000. 
How do you see BURGESS in 10 years, what will have evolved in the yachting field?
The Asian market is developing slowing and I expect in 10 years we will be here plugging away and building up the knowledge and understanding of the potential of yachting in the region. Our hope is that the regulatory environment is improved in 10 years so that there is greater clarity and opportunity for access to water and for commercial operation by foreign flagged yachts. Then of course there is the matter of physical infrastructure, that is a pressing challenge. Build it in the right location and in the correct format and the yachts will come.
Your best experience as a yachtsman and yacht broker, in Asia?
The early days selling yachts in China were very exciting; brand new market, great sense of opportunity and the opportunity to sell and physically deliver yachts to real pioneers and entrepreneurs from the country. As a yachtsman, the blue water classics of Hong Kong to the Philippines and Vietnam/Sanya are still my favourite, when I can manage the time. The sailing is downwind and the weather gets warmer everyday. What more to like than that, except to arrive on a foreign shore.
Grab you tickets for the highly anticipated luxury lifestyle event at SINGAPORE RENDEZVOUS.
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