Megayacht News Radio: Joost Mertens, Vripack

04/08/20 • 29 min

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The thought of a design studio having a fleet manager might strike you as being a bit odd, since you may typically hear of someone having this role at a retail charter company, or a yacht management company. But, it’s not only quite normal for Vripack, it’s vital. As the fleet manager, Joost is in constant contact with not just captains, but also owners of yachts bearing the studio’s naval architecture and engineering expertise. This way, not only does he get first-hand feedback from them on how their yachts are performing, but also—as we discuss in this podcast—he can fill in the rest of the Vripack design team so that they can incorporate improvements into future designs wherever possible.Specifically, we cover: * how specifically he helps owners, their captains, and their crews as they pursue voyages, from advising them to answering questions even while they're in the midst of a journey* how Vripack clients cruise all over the world, in all sorts of conditions* how he monitors the usability of the Vripack fleet, which in turn influences future designs.

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Email us at [email protected].

Previous Episode

Megayacht News Radio: Ian Martin, Adirondack Guideboats

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Dating back to the mid-1800s, the original Adirondack guideboats were just what they sound like: rowboats that helped people in the waters of upstate New York hunt, fish, and explore. Entirely hand-crafted of wood, they were sturdy enough to row for days on end, yet light enough for even one person to carry for lengthy journeys. For decades, these boats dotted the waters of the Adirondack Mountains, fulfilling the need for transportation throughout the region. Once the automobile was invented, however, the guideboats were no longer needed... but remained wanted. In fact, they started taking on a new role, that of recreational cruising. Today, the Adirondack Guideboat company keeps hand-craftsmanship fully in focus for legions of loyal buyers as it builds many of its boats out of cedar, and still others out of more modern materials.In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, Ian shares with us:* what inspired him, along with his brother, to take over the company* how long on average it takes to make one of the guideboats* what brings him the most joy about what he does* and more.

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Megayacht News Radio: David Knowles, Artelier

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David Knowles and the Artelier staff provide art-consultancy services for owners of fine homes, yachts, and private jets. These services include curating special collections and finding and selecting the right artist to create something truly unique—and not just a sculpture in a foyer or a painting on a wall. In fact, Artelier is assisting owners and designers who are truly pushing the boundaries of art onboard. Simultaneously, David and his team know are mindful of the challenges that a moving object like a yacht in a humid environment pose, and guide clientele accordingly.In this episode of Megayacht News Radio, David shares with us:* how the company became involved with sourcing and securing artworks for superyachts* how the marine environment poses a special set of challenges, especially in terms of motion and salt air, some of which owners may not realize threaten their valuable pieces * how, despite residential design influencing yacht design, yacht buyers hold a key advantage over home buyers* and more.

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Email us at [email protected].