Looking to the future of yachting, YATCO interviews several fresh faces in the industry to discover how they got their start, their career highlights so far, and what they predict for the future of the yacht market.
This month, we are speaking with Alastair Callender of Moravia Yachting.
Alastair Callender is a Charter and Sales Broker for Moravia Yachting. Awarded for Excellence in Innovation by the International Superyacht Society in 2010, Alastair offers a unique perspective and expertise on the global superyacht fleet. As an IYBA and MYBA member, he provides the very highest level of service to his clients. Having been directly involved in the Sale, Charter, Marketing or Design of countless yachts, he is able to harness a unique understanding of the market.
Alastair launched the Americas region for Moravia Yachting: a historic yacht brokerage firm located in Monaco since 1962. As an experienced Yacht Charter & Sales Broker he oversees new business development while building client relationships across the region. Previously, he worked at one of the largest brokerage houses, as the Creative & Marketing Director of Sanlorenzo Yachts in the Americas region, and as a founder of superyacht consultancy business Callender Designs.
Featuring Alastair Callender, Charter and Sales Broker of Moravia Yachting
How did you start yachting?
For as long as I can remember I’ve had a passion for all things nautical – I have sailed in boats from the age of three. When I was 15 years old, I had the good fortune to attend a careers talk presented by one of the leading superyacht designers: Andrew Winch from Winch Design in London. Andrew fueled my passion for yacht design and the wider superyacht industry – and he has been a mentor ever since. Following work experience at the Winch Design studio in London, I started my four-year degree in Boat Design at Coventry University, in England. During the third year of my degree, I won a placement to work as a designer at Princess Yachts and at Northshore Yachts. I graduated with a First-Class Honors Bachelor of Arts Degree in Boat Design with Professional Enhancement.
When I was 15 years old, I had the good fortune to attend a careers talk presented by one of the leading superyacht designers: Andrew Winch from Winch Design in London. Andrew fueled my passion for yacht design and the wider superyacht industry – and he has been a mentor ever since.
In 2008, I launched my first business: the superyacht design consultancy Callender Designs where I designed a 58m (190ft) superyacht concept called Soliloquy – The Super-Green Superyacht. I was invited to present my work at the 4th annual Future of Superyachts Conference in Palma in 2009. It was from this Conference Speech that I was invited by Lürssen to display my work with them at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2009. In 2010, my design was a finalist in the World Superyacht Awards, in the Young Designer of the Year category. This was my first foray into the world of the superyacht industry.
As a younger professional in the industry, what trends have you seen and what do you predict for the coming years?
I have seen increased client interest in sustainability. Many have asked what they can do to minimize any detrimental environmental impact during the time on board yacht during a charter vacation or throughout their yacht ownership – I predict that this will become increasingly common place in the future. I have always enjoyed advising clients about this most important topic. We are all stakeholders and we all need to do our part to protect the world’s oceans. Without beautiful oceans there would not be a yachting industry. My passions of sustainability, ocean conservation and yachting directly correlate to each other.
I have seen increased client interest in sustainability. Many have asked what they can do to minimize any detrimental environmental impact during the time on board yacht during a charter vacation or throughout their yacht ownership.
What kinds of challenges have you faced in yachting, and how have you overcome them?
A large part of bringing new clients into the yacht industry is through education and awareness. One of the larger challenges is explaining that yachting is far more attainable than some people realize. Many first-time charter clients did not initially realize that it is comparable to the cost of a ski trip or safari. Not all yachts are two or four million dollars a week. However, I have access to all yachts available on the global charter market so I can find a yacht that suits the exact requirements of each client – including the largest superyachts on the planet that are available for charter.
What are some of your most memorable and successful moments?
When I worked at Princess Yachts it was incredibly rewarding to see my design work come to life and go into manufacture.
I am the only Yacht Charter Vacations and Sales Broker that has won international awards in Sustainability (from the Condé Nast traveler International Design Awards), and Excellence in Innovation (from the International Superyacht Society). I was honored to receive these awards for my design work of Soliloquy – The Super-Green Superyacht.
As the Sanlorenzo Yachts Creative Director of the Americas region, it was rewarding to put this iconic brand “on the map” in the region and see the shipyard go from strength to strength.
I have enjoyed curating tailor-made charter vacations all over the world for my clients that include an 86m (282ft) superyacht, as well as being directly involved in numerous superyacht sales.
In 2020 I launched the Americas region for Moravia Yachting, which has had headquarters in Monaco since 1962. This has been a rewarding and exciting opportunity for me. It has been great to build this yacht charter vacations and sales brokerage company in the USA.
It is hard to pinpoint “one moment”, but being the recipient of the Excellence in Innovation award, which is voted for by the International Superyacht Society itself, has been one of the most important for my career. To be recognized by leaders from within the superyacht industry goes down as one of the most humbling moments.
What advice would you give to someone looking to join the yacht world?
In 2012 I was asked to be on the Board of Directors for Young Professionals in Yachting (YPY) for a couple of years in Fort Lauderdale. It was during these early conversations that as a Board we talked about growing YPY into various chapters around the world. The project was led by the mentorship of various previous Presidents of YPY, which has been an enormous success. I would recommend that those looking for a career on the shore-based side of yachting should join this organization. It is an excellent way to meet and network with other professionals and learn directly from various guest speakers and leaders of our industry.
I would recommend that those looking for a career on the shore-based side of yachting should join Young Professionals in Yachting (YPY).
What do you aspire to for the future?
To continue to combine my passions for the world of yachting, with the world of innovation and sustainability. I believe eco-luxury need no longer be viewed as an oxymoron and I imagine that this topic will continue to be at the forefront of my career.
Connect with Alastair on LinkedIn and follow him on Instagram.
