Interview by: Emma Harris
Publication: IYC – Horizons Magazine
IYC proudly represents the Dutch shipyard Moonen Yachts exclusively, on a global scale, realizing its vision for premium quality and future growth.
It truly is quality over quantity with the Dutch shipyard Moonen Yachts. Australian couple Matthew and Louise Baxter took over the boutique yard in August 2019, and since it has been going from strength to strength, reviving the brand, scaling up production, and utilizing a speculative model, resulting in shorter delivery times. Rather than churning out boat after boat, Moonen upholds its Dutch pedigree by delivering just two meticulously crafted yachts annually within the 111’ to 131’ (34-40m) segment. As the shipyard continues to develop and focuses on further broadening its market, it has strategically partnered with IYC to represent its brand exclusively on a global scale.
Shared Vision
Nicky van Zon, Technical Director at Moonen Yachts, explains the motivation resulting in the partnership: “We wanted to expand our global reach and showcase our yachts to a broader audience, but our sales and marketing capabilities were limited.” Enter IYC, with its expertise and expansive network of consultants and clients, an ally capable of matching Moonen’s excellence while providing comprehensive support services. The seed of the partnership was planted as the yard sought a central agency for the Moonen 110 Mustique in the American market.
Combined Expertise
One of the partnership’s core principles is aligning methodologies for top-tier client service. Matthew Stone, Managing Partner at IYC California, emphasizes IYC’s unique position: “Having a range of services under one roof creates accountability, and for Moonen, it means one point of contact rather than navigating a maze of different companies.”
This streamlined approach mirrors Moonen’s, whereby each owner becomes part of an exclusive ‘Moonen family,’ guided by a dedicated project manager who becomes a ‘one-stop shop’ for their needs, orchestrating the entire yacht production process.
The portfolio of services IYC offers enables the shipyard not to be “everything to everybody,” as Stone emphasizes the focus of such a niche market segment. With IYC’s help, Moonen now focuses on what it does best, which, as van Zon adds: “Our specialism is in building the best yachts in our market.”
Identifiable Yachts
When the Baxters took over the reins, they embraced a philosophy that has become the cornerstone of the shipyard’s progress: preserve the unmistakable Moonen DNA while pushing the boundaries of innovation. “Our signature DNA should flow through each yacht we build,” says Louise Baxter. “Our clients love the distinctive Dutch pedigree build and we have carefully crafted our vision to maintain this identity, paired with a commitment to quality that we won’t compromise in any way,” she adds.
This dedication to excellence manifests in every choice the yard makes, from its carefully curated roster of designers to the materials that stand the test of time. René van der Velden’s distinctive, elegant lines have become a symbol for Moonen. Meanwhile, the yard has forged partnerships with Vripack, Studio Indigo, and Hollander Yacht Design for the interior spaces, creating customizable designs to suit each owner.
Van Zon explains the meticulous level of detail that goes into the build process to ensure the most luxurious, comfortable, and quiet journey onboard: “Our obsession with details begins with the hull design and flows through every aspect of the build process. From the strategic installation of engine components to the precise routing of pipes and quality insulation used, we understand a yacht is essentially a floating box in motion. That’s why our interiors are engineered independently from the hull, eliminating any vibration. If we detect the slightest vibration during sea trials, we will dismantle it until it meets our high standards.”
Diana Yacht Design serves as the yard’s trusted Naval Architect partner for the technicalities. This collaboration ensures that a Moonen yacht’s aesthetic doesn’t just turn heads but delivers proven, reliable performance beneath the elegant exteriors. Meanwhile, Moonen’s in-house capabilities, from expert carpentry to comprehensive layout design, allow for a high level of customization, meaning owners can shape their yacht’s character throughout the build process, making each yacht unique while maintaining the standard. This element of flexibility is crucial, ensuring that the models are also easily convertible to charter, meeting certification requirements, enhancing resale value, and ensuring each owner can enjoy their yacht in the way that suits them.
A Moonen Client
The forged partnership with IYC has enhanced the buying experience for prospective and current Moonen owners. Richard Gray, Head of UK Sales for IYC, comments: “Our strong connections within the brokerage community allow us to cut through certain noise that perhaps a shipyard wouldn’t.” Gray explains that while direct clients are valuable, brokers are essential to sales, enhancing Moonen’s status.
With the yachting world evolving, trends pushing boundaries, and yachting experiences being redefined, both IYC and Moonen recognize clients’ changing needs and wants.
One of these changes is the desire to explore further. Moonen builds yachts with the size, range, and capability to simultaneously access marinas and cross oceans. Stone highlights this appeal of the unrestricted registry status: “They are true ocean-going yachts offering more than the typical Bahamas milk run. We are seeing yachts venture to destinations like Costa Rica and Mexico. Having a 37-meter yacht capable of such journeys is rare in this segment.”
Van Zon observes that historically, Moonen’s clients were successful business owners, often older and looking to enjoy yachting post-retirement. He says: “Today we see a younger demographic still in their productive career years who want a Moonen. They focus on areas like the swim platform and sundeck, reflecting active lifestyles.” This younger clientele is changing how yachts are used, opening up further opportunities for Moonen.
“A Moonen client understands the intrinsic value of heritage craftsmanship. It’s a pedigree brand that people aspire to buy,” observes Gray. The yard’s most powerful advocates echo this sentiment – the current owners who acclaim their Moonen as the finest yacht they’ve owned. For a prospective client, having the ability to step aboard a sister ship and hear firsthand from a Moonen owner is, according to van Zon, a “powerful aspect of our sales process are our loyal owners, which speaks volumes about what we deliver.”
One key benefit for prospective owners considering a Moonen yacht is the shipyard’s impressive availability compared to competitors at this level of quality. While many shipyards have extended build times, Moonen offers a more immediate solution for those eager to begin their Moonen journey.
The combination of Moonen’s world-class and efficient processes, streamlined production, and IYC’s ability to facilitate quick transactions means that clients can secure a Moonen yacht without the long waiting periods typically associated with other pedigree brands.
Global Reach
The partnership between Moonen Yachts and IYC has already begun to yield impressive results, particularly in strengthening the shipyard’s presence in key markets. IYC’s marketing efforts were significantly bolstered by activities during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) 2024, where notable media exposure for the 110′ model was gained, including exclusive tours with prestigious outlets such as Forbes, Robb Report, and Fox Sports. The 110’s nomination for ‘Best in Show’ at FLIBS further underscores its appeal, reinforcing the yard’s focus on expanding its footprint in the US market.
Louise explains: “We think broadly and globally, but at this particular time, the American market is stronger.” With the American market showing particular robustness, opportunities like the Moonen Martinique YN205, available for spring 2025 delivery, represent an exciting proposition for buyers seeking a pedigree yacht that still allows for a level of customization. “IYC is the standout firm to represent Moonen,” comments Matthew Baxter. “Their global reach, coupled with the quality of the people, ethics, and selling approach, aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering beautiful boats to clients,” he concludes. The future is promising for Moonen with IYC by its side as the shipyard develops newer, and larger models with impressive availability. With IYC’s global expertise and Moonen’s commitment to craftsmanship, exciting things lie ahead.
The Moonen 122 Martinique YN205 is set for delivery in Spring 2025. For sales enquiries, please contact our Global Sales Representatives: Matthew Stone & Richard Gray.
Matthew Stone (US)
Email [email protected]
Mobile +1 954 854 6153
Richard Gray (UK)
Email [email protected]
Mobile +44 771 709 8415
