The Journey
A staged path, taken at your pace.
Ten phases carry a purchase from the first private conversation to a crewed, berthed and maintained vessel. You may pause at any point, and you never speak to more than one person.
Phase 01
Discovery
An initial conversation — by secure video or in person, wherever suits you — to understand your intent, your timeline, and the life you intend to live aboard. We agree the scope of the search and the boundaries of your discretion before anything else begins.
- Secure virtual session or a private meeting in Monaco, Singapore or New York
- Confidentiality agreed in writing before a single vessel is named
- A single director assigned to you for the whole engagement
Phase 02
Specification & Personal Preference
We translate how you intend to use the yacht into a working specification: length and volume, range and sea-keeping, guest and crew cabins, tender and toy stowage, helicopter capability, shallow-draft cruising grounds, quiet-at-anchor requirements.
- Naval architecture brief written against your cruising plan
- Guest layout, accessibility and entertaining preferences captured in detail
- Flag, class and compliance decided early to avoid later constraint
Phase 03
Sourcing
We begin with discreet off-market approaches to owners, captains and yards, then consider new-build slots and discreetly marketed vessels where they fit your brief. The shortlist is considered, never a catalogue.
- Off-market approaches made without naming you
- New-build slots and pre-owned vessels considered side by side
- A considered shortlist, not a catalogue
Phase 04
Due Diligence
Full technical, structural and provenance review. Every survey, engine hour, refit record and ownership chain is verified before you are asked to commit to anything.
- Independent hull, machinery and systems survey
- Title, VAT, flag history and encumbrance checks
- Warranty, yard-support and known-defect review
Phase 05
Sea Trials & Inspection
Sea trials and onboard inspection conducted with you, at a time and place of your choosing. We measure what matters to you — speed and range against the book, noise and vibration at anchor and underway, comfort in a real sea state.
- Measured speed, consumption and range trials
- Noise, vibration and stabiliser performance recorded
- A walk-through with your captain and surveyor present
Phase 06
Customisation & Refurbishment
Bespoke interior work, refit and personalisation coordinated through trusted shipyards and design studios, managed to a single schedule and a single budget with one point of accountability.
- Interior design, joinery and art curation
- Refit, repaint and technical upgrades scheduled around your season
- Yard selection, contract and progress supervision on your behalf
Phase 07
Staffing
Vetting, contracting and onboarding of your crew, from master to galley, drawn from a confidential pool of referenced professionals who understand a private household at sea.
- Captain appointed first, then the crew built around them
- Background checks, certification and reference verification
- Employment contracts, payroll, rotation and confidentiality terms
Phase 08
Mooring & Maintenance Planning
Berth negotiation in the ports you actually use, winter layup, and a forward maintenance and survey calendar so the vessel is ready the moment you are.
- Home berth and seasonal mooring secured in advance
- Preventive maintenance, class survey and warranty calendar
- Shoreside management, insurance and compliance oversight
Phase 09
Budgeting
A clear view of the whole cost of ownership before you commit — purchase, refit, crew, fuel, berthing, insurance and depreciation — modelled against the way you intend to use the yacht.
- Annual running-cost model, typically 8–12% of purchase value
- Refit and reserve provisioning planned across five years
- Ownership structure and financing considered with your advisers
Phase 10
Handover
Keys, documentation and crew in place. The dossier is closed, sealed and filed. The yacht is yours — and it has always been only yours.
- Delivery, registration and insurance completed
- Crew aboard and the first season planned
- Continuing stewardship for as long as you wish it
Questions
Before we begin
How are you paid?
Fees are agreed with you at the outset; we are retained by the buyer and take no commission from sellers, brokers or yards.
Will you sign an NDA?
Yes, before a single vessel is discussed.
How long does a purchase usually take?
Typically three to nine months for a pre-owned vessel, depending on survey, refit and flag; new-build is measured in years.
Do you only work on off-market vessels?
We start off-market, and also consider new-build slots and discreetly marketed vessels where they fit the brief.
Can you help with ownership structures, VAT and flag?
We coordinate with your lawyers, tax advisers and flag specialists; we do not give legal or tax advice ourselves.
Do you help after the purchase?
Yes: crew, mooring, maintenance planning and continuing stewardship for as long as you wish.
Most engagements begin with a single conversation and no obligation whatsoever.