Ben Taylor Podcast

Brought to you by Superyacht Services Guide, this episode of the Ben Taylor Podcast features Marcel Herrera of Coast Insurance, recorded on board MY SHEERGOLD at the Palma International Boat Show. Marcel explains how yacht insurance is moving beyond static policies and manual underwriting toward smarter, data-led risk management. The conversation covers Coast Insurance, CompareYachtInsurance.com, dynamic underwriting, smart vessel monitoring, broker relationships, owner experience, and the future of usage-based marine insurance. For yacht owners, brokers, underwriters, and marine professionals, it is a practical look at how technology can reduce claims, improve transparency, and create a stronger partnership between insurers and clients.

Key Points:

•  Smart monitoring is reshaping yacht insurance. 
•  Usage data could redefine future premiums. 
•  Brokers remain critical for complex marine risk.

Filmed at the Palma International Boat Show, this episode of the Ben Taylor Podcast, brought to you by Superyacht Services Guide, features Peter Bresnan of OneSails Palma. Peter explains how the loft supports yachts from Optimists to 60-metre superyachts with sailmaking, rigging, composites, design, engineering, and urgent repair work. The conversation explores superyacht sail servicing, rapid-response repairs, and the development of the IFS Multi Tradewind Sail, a DAME-recognised innovation designed to simplify downwind sailing. For captains, owners, yards, and marine businesses, it highlights how specialist expertise, sustainability, and customer-led innovation can reshape performance cruising and superyacht operations.

Key Points:

•  OneSails Palma supports yachts from dinghies to superyachts. 
•  The IFS Multi Tradewind Sail.
•  Independent sailmakers compete through speed, service, and innovation.

In this episode, Wade Pearce breaks down the true dynamics of the Southeast Asia yachting market, drawing on a decade of experience building boat shows and industry networks. The conversation explores fragmented regulation, emerging marina and shipyard infrastructure, and the rise of local ownership across Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore. For marine and superyacht professionals, this episode highlights the strategic importance of long-term market entry, dealer network alignment, and regional partnerships. It also examines how the Southeast Asia Yachting Conference is driving industry collaboration, regulatory progress, and investment visibility in one of the world’s most discussed - yet misunderstood - growth markets. 

Key Points:

• Southeast Asia growth exists but requires long-term commitment 
• Local ownership rising, shifting demand dynamics 
• Fragmented regulation slows scalability and investment confidence

In this episode, Ben Taylor speaks with Emma Deal of MedAire at the Superyacht Technology Show, exploring how proactive medical planning underpins safe and seamless yacht operations. From global risk management and emergency response to real-time vital signs monitoring, the discussion highlights how data, preparation, and clear owner expectations shape outcomes onboard. The conversation also addresses crew welfare, mental health support, and the operational impact of medical incidents. For superyacht professionals, this episode provides a strategic look at mitigating risk, improving decision-making, and aligning medical capability with guest expectations in remote and high-risk cruising environments.

Key Points:

• Proactive planning defines effective onboard medical risk management 
• Real-time health data improves emergency decision-making 
• Mental health directly impacts crew retention and operations

In this episode, Ben Taylor speaks with Erna Rusi, CEO of Saxdor Yachts, on scaling a disruptive boatbuilding brand from startup to 700 boats annually in six years. With a background in telecom, Rusi shares how structured leadership, decisive portfolio management, and disciplined manufacturing strategy have driven Saxdor’s global growth. She explains the brand’s design-led positioning, focus on serial production, and commitment to long-term supplier partnerships. Recorded shortly before Saxdor’s acquisition by Malibu Boats, this conversation offers valuable insight into growth strategy, product segmentation, risk management, and the future of performance day boats and adventure yachts.

Key Points:
- Structured leadership accelerates marine manufacturing scale.
- Kill underperforming models early to protect growth.
- Design, performance, pricing define Saxdor’s positioning.

In this episode of the Ben Taylor Podcast, Lou Clark of Centtrip explains how fintech is transforming financial management across the superyacht industry. From escrow payments and charter accounting to expense management and crew payroll, Centtrip streamlines complex global payment workflows for captains, senior crew, and charter managers. With operations spanning Amsterdam, London, and Fort Lauderdale, the platform delivers compliant, multi-jurisdictional financial solutions tailored to yacht operations. Lou’s 15-year yachting background brings operational credibility to fintech innovation, bridging ship and shore. For superyacht professionals managing high-value, multi-currency transactions across the Mediterranean and Caribbean, this episode explores how technology reduces risk, improves transparency, and enhances operational efficiency.

Key Points:

• Fintech reduces operational strain for captains and crew.
• Global compliance aligned across US and Europe.
• Multi-card expense control simplifies charter accounting.

In this episode of the Ben Taylor Podcast, Mark Perry, Director of Yachting at Centtrip, explains how fintech is transforming superyacht financial management. With over 2,300 vessels onboarded globally, Centtrip delivers multi-currency spend management, virtual crew cards, APA account structuring, and seamless API integration with yacht accountancy software.

The discussion explores charter season cash flow pressures, complex ownership structures, KYC compliance, and why traditional banks often struggle with yacht operations. Mark outlines how real-time reporting, digital receipts, and global card issuance reduce administrative burden for captains and crew - while improving transparency for management firms, central agents, and family offices.

For marine professionals, this is a strategic look at financial technology driving operational efficiency across the superyacht sector.

Key Points:

• Fintech replaces cash-heavy onboard financial systems.
• Multi-currency cards streamline global yacht operations.
• KYC expertise reduces compliance friction for owners.

In this episode of the Ben Taylor Podcast, Maurice Belgrave of Maurice Underwater Services (Antigua) explains the behind-the-scenes work that keeps superyachts moving - from untangling anchors in crowded harbours to hull scrubs, propeller changes, zinc anode replacement, and emergency salvage response. Maurice breaks down the real risk below the waterline, including lift-bag anchor breakouts, night operations, and why commercial diving is a career built on discipline, not shortcuts. You will also hear how a simple act of help connected Maurice with Super Yacht Publications and the Superyacht Service Guide. Essential listening for captains, engineers, and fleet managers operating in the Caribbean.

Key Points:

• Anchor untangling is logistics, physics, and risk management.
• Eco-driven antifouling changes increase cleaning frequency and complexity.
• Rapid-response salvage capability protects schedules, safety, and assets.

In this episode of the Ben Taylor Podcast, brought to you by Superyacht Services Guide, Ben Taylor speaks with Francois Vandame of Cadogan Tate about the specialist world of fine art and high-value logistics for superyachts. From newbuild coordination to moving vessels with tight port windows, Francois explains why art, furniture, and collectible logistics demand precision planning, contingency thinking, and global in-house control. The discussion explores risk mitigation, customs strategy, and why treating logistics partners as an extension of the yacht team is critical for protecting owner assets and onboard experience. Essential listening for captains, yacht managers, designers, and shipyards navigating complex, high-value deliveries. 

Key Points

• Fine art logistics demand zero-failure execution at sea
• Time, planning, and contingencies protect owner value
• Precision transport reduces risk, stress, and cost

In this episode of the Ben Taylor Podcast, Ben sits down with Lumitec to explore how advanced marine lighting has evolved from a commodity into a strategic system. The discussion covers smart LED lighting, digital lighting control, and why system-level thinking now matters for boatbuilders, OEMs, and superyacht professionals. From harsh-environment testing and IP-rated durability to POCO4 digital control and next-generation underwater lighting, this conversation highlights how lighting impacts efficiency, safety, build quality, and owner experience. A practical insight-led episode for marine leaders focused on innovation, reliability, and long-term value.

Key Points

• Marine lighting is now system-driven, not product-led
• Digital control reduces complexity, weight, and wiring
• Durability testing defines long-term OEM value