Expertly Navigating Yacht Management
They say nothing is straightforward at sea, which is why yacht ownership is all about good management and a DNA of maritime excellence
As any seasoned yacht owner will tell you, behind the joy, glamour and prestige of owning a luxury vessel lies a complicated business. A world of compliance, maintenance, and technical details, as well as crew and financial administration. In fact, without successfully navigating the choppy waters of yacht management, what should be an incredible investment can become a voyage into the doldrums. Which is why a premium partner for your yacht management services is worth its weight in gold, Yet, finding the right team can be challenging, as every boat is different; whether it’s the size, how and where it will be sailed, or where it will be docked when not in use. The variables are endless, which is why the knowledge and experience of your yacht management company is all important.
Maritime expertise is something Director of Southern Right Yachting Stuart Ribton has an absolute ocean of. With over 30 years of experience at sea as a Chief Engineer, Ribton has worked for captains running the drydocking, supervising maintenance periods, and carrying out surveys and compliance on the vessels. Furthermore, Ribton took on the role of technical superintendent in a team for a new-build project, before setting up Southern Right Yachting as a bespoke yacht management company. Southern Right Yachting also manage design and build projects, but more of that to come.
All about the details
When you’re out on the water, you need the confidence of knowing that the technical details are all in hand, allowing you the freedom to enjoy your yacht. Southern Right Yachting excel in logistics, route planning, port coordination and customs clearance, among other aspects. The team can also procure and transport spare parts, and ensure maintenance services are provided, saving you time and money in shipping costs. All of this becomes priceless to you as the owner, as these are the nuts and bolts of your adventure, and with everything in place, you can head out with the wind in your sails.
Bringing the team together
Nothing will define your enjoyment at sea more than the quality of your crew. And, having worked at sea for many years, Ribton knows the importance of a creating a positive onboard environment. Harmony is key, ensuring a seamless operation that encompasses the navigation of the vessel, maintenance, the provision of catering services, engineering, and much more besides. catering services, engineering, and much more besides. Indeed, the satisfaction and comfort of the guests is dependent on the crew. The crew need to understand the different roles and responsibilities, which means the yacht manager sourcing them must know this also, which is where Ribton’s extensive experience comes in.
And the trust goes both ways. The best tend to work with the best, and Ribton’s stellar reputation in the industry means he’s got the cream of the crewing industry – captains, chief engineers, and top chefs – all on speed-dial. And it’s not just on board that Southern Right Yachting takes care of things. Their services extend to payroll management, compliance with maritime regulations, and support for training programmes, ensuring your crew remain at the forefront of industry standards.
Exceeding expectations
If you’re planning to build your dream yacht from scratch, then Southern Right Yachting also provides expert representation for new build yacht projects. Acting as the owner’s representative, they ensure that the build process aligns with the owner’s vision, budget, and quality expectations. This includes liaising with shipyards, designers, and classification societies, monitoring construction progress, and conducting rigorous quality control checks. By managing timelines, financial oversight, and technical specifications, Southern Right Yachting safeguards the owner’s interests and ensures a seamless yacht delivery process.
Their expertise provides owners with peace of mind, knowing their investment is being professionally managed from concept to completion. The team will ensure adherence to specifications and compliance, offering a meticulous oversight to not only ensure that your yacht meets expectations, but exceeds them.
Welcome on board
Headquartered in Amsterdam, with easy access to Schiphol Airport, Southern Right Yachting have all the contacts and experience to ensure a smooth voyage into the world of yacht ownership. They understand that every client is unique, that every vessel is different, and that when it comes to life at sea, one size never fits all.
Maritime excellence is in the team’s DNA, and Director Stuart Ribton is prepared for every eventuality. From new- build supervision, to compliance, technical services, plus crew recruitment and care, Southern Right Yachting have it covered.
Above all, they love yachts and they love sailing, it’s a passion they want to share. So, whether you’re already a yacht owner and looking for more guidance, or just starting out on a voyage of ownership and chartering, Southern Right Yachting already have an eye on the horizon, and are ready to navigate your safe passage.
One of the most demanding aspects of yacht management is drydocking – an area where Southern Right Yachting’s expertise comes into its own – find out more below:
Maximising drydocking
Drydocking in a shipyard is a critical phase in a ship’s lifecycle, providing an opportunity for maintenance, repairs, and regulatory inspections. Southern Right Yachting are experts in effective management of this process, ensuring minimal downtime and maximising operational efficiency.
Successful drydocking begins with meticulous planning. A detailed work scope should be developed well in advance, incorporating regulatory requirements, maintenance schedules, and potential upgrades. Coordination with shipyard personnel, contractors, and suppliers is essential to ensure the availability of necessary materials and skilled labour. Southern Right Yachting can assist in this phase by liaising with all stakeholders, ensuring seamless coordination and procurement of necessary resources.
Budgeting is another crucial element. Cost estimates must include drydock fees, labour, materials, and contingencies for unforeseen issues. An optimised schedule that balances efficiency with quality control should be established, minimising delays and ensuring timely re-commissioning. Southern Right Yachting offers financial planning support, helping clients structure their budgets effectively and prevent cost overruns.
Execution and oversight
Once in drydock, strict adherence to the work plan is necessary. Effective communication between the ship’s management team and shipyard supervisors ensures that progress remains on schedule. Daily meetings to review completed tasks, address emerging challenges, and adjust plans accordingly are essential for maintaining momentum. Southern Right Yachting provides on-site project management, facilitating communication between the client, captain, and crew to keep the project on track.
Quality control must be prioritised. Regular inspections by classification societies and internal quality assurance teams help detect and rectify deficiencies early. Safety is another major consideration, requiring adherence to strict protocols, including confined space entry, hot work procedures, and environmental compliance measures. Southern Right Yachting assists with compliance management, ensuring that all regulatory and safety requirements are met efficiently.
Post-drydocking assessment
As drydocking concludes, comprehensive testing and inspections must be conducted before refloating the vessel. Trials should verify the performance of key systems, ensuring seaworthiness and compliance with industry standards. Southern Right Yachting coordinates these final assessments, ensuring smooth execution and prompt resolution of any outstanding issues.
A final report detailing completed work, challenges encountered, and lessons learned is valuable for future drydocking cycles. Continuous improvement based on these insights enhances efficiency and cost-effectiveness for subsequent maintenance periods. Southern Right Yachting compiles and delivers comprehensive documentation, ensuring transparency and preparedness for future drydocking periods.
By implementing strategic planning, effective execution, and thorough post-drydocking assessments, shipowners can optimise drydocking periods, ensuring vessels remain in peak operational condition with minimal disruptions. Southern Right Yachting stands as a trusted partner in this process, offering expertise and support to clients, captains, and crews throughout every stage of drydocking.
Further information – southernrightyachting.com
About Stuart Ribton
Stuart Ribton is the director of Southern Right Yachting