For over three decades, The Superyacht Forum (TSF) has stood as a cornerstone of dialogue and innovation within the yachting industry.
This year, over 700 leaders and experts gathered at RAI Amsterdam, marking a significant evolution under its new management alongside METSTRADE. The 2024 edition maintained its reputation for fostering critical conversations and inspiring progress, with sustainability, technology, and generational shifts in ownership taking center stage.
The event’s opening panel featured industry titans Giovanna Vitelli (Azimut|Benetti) and Rose Damen (Damen Yachting), who underscored the necessity of a realistic and collaborative approach to sustainability. Workshops and networking moments echoed these sentiments, showcasing the industry’s collective resolve to push boundaries while navigating infrastructure, regulatory, and owner-driven constraints.
Efforts to attract and retain talent also took center stage, with initiatives like the “Raising the Bar” program and innovative tools such as VR training expanding the potential for nurturing future professionals. Discussions around mental health emphasized the industry’s growing commitment to welfare and inclusivity.
Another highlight was the introduction of new sustainability protocols, like the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI), further pushing measurable change within the sector. Leaders like Feadship’s Roderick de Vries and Winch Design’s Aino Grapin showcased advancements in materials and design processes that exemplify the sector’s dedication to a greener future.
The closing keynote by TrendWatching’s Henry Coutinho-Mason inspired attendees to focus on pragmatic strategies while embracing innovation. With themes of reputation management, sustainable practices, and generational change interwoven throughout, TSF 2023 reinforced the industry’s united ambition to evolve.
As the event concluded, METSTRADE’s Niels Klarenbeek promised an even more impactful TSF in 2024. The ideas and actions sparked this year signal a transformative moment for the superyacht sector, setting the stage for a more innovative, sustainable, and cohesive future.
Nautic Magazine looks forward to seeing these conversations translate into real-world progress and to attending next year’s forum to continue this vital dialogue.
