As the Mediterranean yachting season draws to a close, the French Riviera prepares to welcome marine enthusiasts from around the globe to the iconic Cannes Yachting Festival. Celebrated as one of the leading in-water yacht shows in Europe, the event is renowned for unveiling the world's premier superyachts – typically in the 30- to 50-metre semi-production range – and showcasing the latest trends in yacht design.
Among the towering masts and gleaming hulls, one name stands out as a beacon of excellence in the world of superyacht brokerage: Burgess. With a legacy spanning decades, Burgess has consistently earned its reputation as a vanguard of luxury yachting. At the heart of the action, Burgess brings its top-quality services to buyers and owners at the show in both the superyacht area in Vieux Port and the sailing and brokerage yachts area in Port Canto.
BOAT International spoke to Eleonora Pitasso, shipyard relationship coordinator and sales broker at Burgess, about what attendees can expect from the firm during the event.
A full-service agency that goes the extra mile
Serving as a go-to firm for all brokerage needs, Burgess ensures that both buyers and owners are expertly guided through the intricate journey of yacht sales, charter and management. At Cannes, Burgess is prepared to cater to a diverse array of clients, from those seeking to purchase a pre-owned gem to others yearning to explore the possibilities of a new build.
In an industry where every detail matters, the role of a seasoned broker cannot be underestimated. While purchasing or chartering a yacht may seem simple, there are often surprises and nuances along the way. Burgess' team of experienced brokers navigate these intricacies with finesse, ensuring that clients receive a comprehensive understanding of their investment.
“Having an experienced broker support you during your purchase makes a huge difference,” explains Pitasso. “For example, a shipyard could say that a boat is sold with Wi-Fi, but later down the line the owner could discover that the Wi-Fi is not available in certain corridors and exterior areas of the yacht. This is an example of where a broker can support the buyer – by asking the builder things that the client won’t necessarily think of.”
At the heart of Burgess' success lies its collaborative ethos. The brokerage's dedicated team engages in interdepartmental cooperation to craft bespoke solutions for each client. Whether the client is based across the ocean or around the corner, Burgess seamlessly transitions them to the appropriate regional office, tailoring its services to accommodate various geographical and cultural preferences. “We can really satisfy every client’s request,” adds Pitasso. “It’s a five-continent service.”
A hand-picked selection of luxurious vessels
At the Cannes Yachting Festival, Burgess is well-equipped to support clients purchasing pre-owned and new-build yachts. This year, Burgess proudly showcases two hand-picked superyachts to inspire buyers on their purchasing journey.
First up is Norfolk Star, a classic sailing yacht measuring an impressive 37 metres. Crafted by Perini Navi in 1996 and meticulously refitted in 2020, this vessel offers a family-friendly layout featuring three cabins accommodating up to seven guests. From a master suite complete with a generous walk-in wardrobe to an array of water toys and a spacious swim platform, Norfolk Star has ample areas and activities to suit a range of personalities.
Norfolk Star is currently on the market with Burgess and asking €5,950,000. Alternatively, she is available to charter from €60,000 per week.
For the motor yacht market, Burgess presents Deep Blue III. Built in 2019 by Sanlorenzo, the 31-metre fuses cutting-edge engineering with innovative design. Capable of reaching a maximum speed of 28 knots, this superyacht delivers both exhilaration and comfort. Designed by Zuccon International Project, Deep Blue III features zero-speed stabilisers to elevate onboard comfort and relaxation. With space for 11 guests across five cabins, the vessel is both beautiful and functional.
Deep Blue III is currently up for sale with Burgess and is asking €9,500,000 with EU VAT paid.
“Aside from our pre-owned selection on show during the event, we’ll also be welcoming clients to look at new projects,” notes Pitasso. “The recent market trends suggest that there is an increasing appetite in semi-production builds and there are approximately 60 new builds that can be sold and delivered for 2024.”
In the know about industry market trends
In tune with the ever-evolving landscape of luxury yachting, Burgess remains at the forefront of market trends. Through strong relationships with builders, designers and industry professionals, the brokerage gains exclusive access to the latest insights and innovations.
“By having close relationships with builders, we have insight into what’s currently being built and what owners are currently looking for," says Pitasso. "We saw the evolution of the beach club many years ago as well as the rise of onboard sustainability and large volumes on smaller vessels in recent years, and it’s important that we are some of the first to know about these insights.”
The infusion of younger owners seeking curated experiences has led to an exciting shift in the market. Burgess, as a trailblazer in the industry, is uniquely equipped to address this evolving landscape, adeptly catering to the desires of a new generation of yacht owners.
“With the millennial generation emerging, there are great opportunities in the brokerage market,” explains Pitasso. “The millennial generation is the ‘yolo’ (you only live once) generation – it’s a generation that expects to have short delivery schedules, design, comfort and lifestyle, and these are requirements that you find at many of the shipyards exhibiting at Cannes.”
For first-time buyers navigating the labyrinth of superyacht ownership, Burgess recommends the buyer contacts them prior to the show so that brokers can curate a tailored selection of vessels to suit the client’s requirements. This advantage, coupled with the availability of semi-production boats at the Cannes Yachting Festival, affords clients the flexibility of short-term deliveries.
To book an appointment with Burgess at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2023, or to find out more about the firm’s full-service offering, contact the team today.
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