YATCO’s Broker of the Month series examines the influences and catalysts that brought these brokers into the wonderful world of yachting, who influenced them, and what they seek to change in the industry.
Carl Bonnevier the founder and CEO of EVA SUPERYACHTS, a yacht brokerage, management, and charter company.
Featuring Carl Bonnevier, founder and CEO of EVA SUPERYACHTS
How did you get your start in yachting?
I grew up in Marstrand, a small island on Sweden’s west coast, so I was accustomed to boats at an early age. I previously enjoyed a career working with high-net-worth clients in a variety of positions in the private wealth and investment management industry, but I decided to follow my heart and pursue a career in the yachting industry in 2013.
Initially, I was entrusted by yacht owners to captain their vessels and to freelance as a delivery captain in the Balearics and the South of France. In this way, I started in the yachting business at the most technical level and moved to working ashore when I joined a high-profile Greek superyacht company that focused on sales and purchase, charter and rebuilds. This experience led me to the forefront of the superyacht industry.
I started in the yachting business at the most technical level and moved to working ashore when I joined a high-profile Greek superyacht company that focused on sales and purchase, charter and rebuilds.
Is there anyone in particular who influences you – someone in the industry that you look up to, and why?
During my time in the industry, I have met many intriguing people. However, if I were to only mention one person it would be Jimmy Frangi of SSH Maritime. I was fortunate to be involved in several amazing projects together with Jimmy and was introduced to some very exciting individuals whilst working with him. His style is completely different to anyone I have ever worked with, and his positive high energy is very contagious. I learned a lot whilst working with Jimmy and had a lot of fun a long the way.
What do you enjoy most about the yachting industry – and what do you wish you could change?
For me the yachting industry is the most exciting industry that exists. What I enjoy most about the yachting world is the unpredictability you face daily and the opportunity to make people happy. People buy or charter a yacht because they want enjoyment in their life and as I love to serve people and to make people happy, there is no better industry for me to be in. The art of a deal is to make all parties involved happy and the adrenaline rush that I get when accomplishing this is very addictive.
The art of a deal is to make all parties involved happy and the adrenaline rush that I get when accomplishing this is very addictive.
What are some of the challenges you come across at work, and how do you approach them?
As any industry, evolution and change are constant and challenges arise daily. Nevertheless, I must say that I consider myself extremely fortunate in the sense that I do not see challenges as something to avoid but as inherent characteristics of the yachting field. This perspective allows me to oversee possible unexpected aspects that might come across any deal. It also must be said that from challenges, one’s skills work at the highest intensity, and I believe that if you embrace difficulties consciously and intentionally, with an attitude of energy and openness, strength and positive outcomes are assured.
Tell us about your greatest accomplishment.
My greatest accomplishment to date is to have founded EVA SUPERYACHTS. It was driven by the desire to make a difference in the yachting industry by having an uncompromising mission to ensure peoples’ satisfaction and create realities from all parties’ expectations.
