‘We are much more than a broker, we offer yacht lovers a total experience’
After ending up in the real estate business, former yachtsman Manu Deceuninck founded ‘Yacht Consult’ in 2009. What started with the sale of smaller and second-hand boats grew into an exclusive offering of Italian luxury yachts. Sixteen years later, the company is the undisputed number one in high-end yacht sales in the Benelux. ‘And to say it all started with the sale of surfboards.’
Manu Deceuninck has always been an avid sailor. Until the age of 17, he regularly participated in foreign competitions, including seven world championships. After his secondary studies, he then went to work in real estate. The Oostenden native turned out to be a born salesman, but soon realised that nothing beats boat and water. ‘At some point I started selling surfing equipment: clothing, surfboards, that kind of thing,’ he says. ‘After a while, those became second-hand sailboats. At twenty-four, I completed a deal on a larger luxury yacht for the first time. From then on, I knew: this is what I want to keep doing.’
Italian luxury yachts
Meanwhile, Manu Deceuninck has been in the business for more than sixteen years. In that time, he has built ‘Yacht Consult’ into an absolute reference in the world of high-end luxury yachts. The Ostend-based company is the exclusive Benelux distributor of the Italian Ferretti Group, with prestigious brands such as Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Itama and Pershing. In addition, Yacht Consult also distributes Greek Technohull, known for its high-performance rigid inflatable boats (RIBs). ‘We are very selective and only enter into partnerships with brands we really believe in,’ says Deceuninck, ’Our strength lies in boats from EUR 1 million to a maximum of EUR 30 million. In that price category, Ferretti Group is the top of the top. The fact that we are the only ones in Benelux allowed to distribute their products makes me genuinely proud. More than 80% goes through the semi-custom principle: like cars, customers can largely personalise their boat using various customisation options.’
Total solution
Yacht Consult not only offers intensive support during the boat purchase process.It also offers a sophisticated consultancy service and helps arrange all additional formalities, from registration, financing and insurance to mooring and crew members.‘It doesn't stop at the sale for us,’ Deceuninck stresses.
‘When I started the company, I wanted to be more than a boat broker.My ambition was to let people enjoy a unique cruising experience, without the additional hassle.Our mission therefore goes far beyond just the transaction.We provide transport and a berth, for example, or arrange maintenance and staff if clients require it.Over time, we have built up a global network, enabling us to completely unburden customers with a total solution.’
Expansion into the Netherlands
Yacht Consult was already active in Belgium and Luxembourg.
Last year, it also set foot in the Netherlands for the first time.There, it opened a third branch in Aalsmeer and an additional service point in Sint Annaland.An important strategic move.‘The expansion into the Netherlands is a logical evolution in our growth,’ explains Deceuninck.‘It is a bigger market than the Belgian one, but you also have to have a physical presence there to reach people.Customers still prefer to buy from someone local who speaks their own language.The fact that our top Italian brands are now also available in the Netherlands is an important response to the growing demand for high-end yachts in the region. And of course this is done with the same dedication and service as in Belgium and Luxembourg.’
