Build a Yacht

Expert Support from Concept to Delivery. This is Build and Refit by Y.CO.

Vision Meets Innovation

Y.CO visited world-leading shipyards in Northern Europe and Italy to learn more about groundbreaking new build projects. Working side-by-side. Sharing ideas. Strengthening relationships.

By Your Side from Concept to Delivery

Commissioning a bespoke superyacht is an exhilarating yet complex journey. With decades of experience delivering some of the most impressive new-build projects to date, we breathe life into your vision. Translate your ideas into tangible project objectives. And stay firmly by your side from initial sketch to maiden voyage and beyond.

A Team You Can Trust

We have an in-house team comprising of accountants, naval architects, engineers and maritime insurance specialists, and hold unique relationships with every major shipyard and designer globally. And we’ve helped bring to life some of modern history’s most remarkable superyachts.

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Relax on the luxurious deck of the Pink Shadow yacht, complete with sun loungers, a daybed, and refreshing drinks.

Risk-Free Decision Making

We manage over 100 large yacht operations and our team has delivered some of the most impressive new-build projects to date. We use our unparalleled commercial know-how to benchmark, control, advise and customize, bringing to the client’s wildest dream a deep industry understanding of what sensational looks like.

Independent, Impartial Support

To us, a sincere relationship is more important than a submitted invoice. That’s why each decision is made with complete transparency, with impartial, informed advice that draws on our unique relationships with shipyards and suppliers - but remains independent.

A luxurious white yacht glides through the calm, deep blue ocean under a clear sky.

Seeing the Big Picture

What’s the yacht’s charter potential? What’s its re-sale value? The possibilities of its life tomorrow? We bring to an image of perfection that crucial dose of realness, ensuring every yacht is built as astutely as it is beautifully.

A luxurious yacht glides through the deep blue sea, its deck featuring a stunning swimming pool and ample space for sunbathing.

Build & Refit

Meet the Team

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Our Build & Refit Team

Charlie Birkett

Our Co-Founder and CEO Charlie takes an active role in all our client relationships. An expert negotiator, he’s purchased, sold and managed some of the largest, most complex yacht operations in the world.

Meet Charlie
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Our Build & Refit Team

Donna Green

Donna began her yachting career as crew, gaining invaluable insights into the on-board requirements. With 13 years of experience managing new construction projects at Y.CO, she now leads the New Build department, dedicated to expanding the fleet with new superyachts.

Meet Donna
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Our Build & Refit Team

Eve Grisdale

Eve was previously a Purser on board and part of the build crew for three renowned vessels measuring over 90 metres, gaining hands-on experience and a deep understanding of vessel operations from the ground up.

Meet Eve
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Our Build & Refit Team

Gary Wright

Co-Founder and Chairman Gary's expertise, gained from a long career on board and at the helm of Y.CO, makes him an invaluable and formidable ally for any client entering into a yacht purchase.

Meet Gary
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Our Build & Refit Team

Liezl Mason

Having grown up exploring the wild coasts of South Africa and spending nine years cruising the world's oceans as a Chief Stewardess, Liezl Mason now brings her deep maritime experience to the Build & Refit team, delivering exceptional service from her home base in Devon.

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Our Build & Refit Team

Luke Nash

Luke has a background in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, with experience in yacht management and the merchant shipping industry. Since 2021, he's been with Y.CO, enjoying an active lifestyle in the south of France.

Meet Luke
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Our Build & Refit Team

Michelle Detraz

Michelle, originally from Singapore, started her career in banking and corporate insurance before relocating to the French Riviera. As Head of Yacht Insurance, she now oversees all insurance-related matters.

Meet Michelle
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Our Build & Refit Team

Umberto De Vido

Umberto is an experienced project coordinator who has worked on new build and large refit projects across renowned shipyards. His can-do attitude enables to meet Clients’ expectations and helps Clients build their dream yacht.

Meet Umberto
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Our Build & Refit Team

Valentina Nacinovich

Valentina’s knowledge of the yachting industry is unparalleled, having worked for iconic yacht builders over the years. She is committed to innovation and pioneers this throughout every new build that she oversees.

Meet Valentina
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Our Build & Refit Team

Yoann Petit

Yoann began his career maintaining French Navy frigates before transitioning to the superyacht industry in 2015. Now a Fleet Technical Superintendent in Monaco, he manages the technical operations of 16 vessels.

Meet Yoann

Explore Further

Superyacht Builders

A sleek white yacht with a distinctive oval window cuts a modern silhouette against a clear blue sky.

Superyacht Builder

Abeking & Rasmussen

Abeking & Rasmussen are a world-leading, family-owned superyacht builder, based in Lewwerder, near Bremen in Germany, with a reputation for pioneering new technologies.

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Superyacht Builder

Amels

Amels is the superyacht division of the family-owned and well-respected Damen Shipyards Group and one of the largest luxury yacht builders in Holland.

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A massive white yacht rests on dry dock under a clear blue sky, awaiting its next voyage.

Superyacht Builder

Benetti

One of the oldest and most well-known yacht builders in the world, Italian yard Benetti produces both fully custom and semi-custom superyachts from 30m to over 100m in length.

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A Feadship yacht glides through calm waters at sunset, reflecting the warm hues of the sky and distant mountains.

Superyacht Builder

Feadship

Royal Dutch Shipyards. Feadship is one of the world's most well-known shipyards, with an outstanding reputation for producing quality custom yachts.

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Superyacht Builder

Heesen

Based in Oss, The Netherlands, Heesen Yachts is a luxury yacht builder of custom and semi-custom superyachts from 30m - 70m.

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A colossal superyacht gleams in the warm glow of a dry dock at sunset.

Superyacht Builder

Lürssen

Family run German shipyard Lürssen has remained privately owned for over four generations.

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A luxurious yacht cuts through the blue ocean, its deck adorned with lounge chairs and a inviting hot tub.

Superyacht Builder

Oceanco

Based in Alblasserdam in the Netherlands, Oceanco builds large luxury yachts from 80 - 140m in steel and aluminium

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Superyacht Builder

Perini Navi

Innovative, inspirational, and enterprising. Perini Navi is an Italian builder of luxury cruising and performance sailing yachts from 40m – 88m in length based in Viareggio, Italy.

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Superyacht Builder

Turquoise

Full Custom Dreams

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Superyacht Designers

A sleek white yacht cuts through the deep blue ocean, creating a dramatic spray of white water.

Superyacht Designer

Francis Design

A versatile multi-disciplinary designer, Martin Francis has worked on a variety of different projects, from architectural projects to stage design.

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A sleek black yacht glides across calm blue waters, its reflection shimmering beneath a clear sky.

Superyacht Designer

Dubois Yachts

Dubois Yachts was founded in 1977 by the late Ed Dubois, a passionate competitive sailor. initially designing successful grand prix racing yachts.

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A colossal white yacht glides through choppy, dark blue waters under a dramatic, cloudy sky.

Superyacht Designer

Nauta Yachts Design

Nauta Yachts was founded in 1985 by superyacht designers Mario Pedol and Massimo Gino, having already set up a shipyard to build their own designs.

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A sleek, modern yacht with an open aft deck and a water-level garage is docked in a calm, blue sea.

Superyacht Designer

Nuvolari Lenard Design

Inseparable, the naval engineer and architect Carlo Nuvolari and designer Dan Lenard founded their small creation studio near Venice, in 1990.

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The sleek Silver Fast yacht glides through calm waters under a bright, sunlit sky.

Superyacht Designer

Espen Øino

Based in Monaco, Norwegian designer Espen Øino has been designing yachts since 1986 when he was hired by designer Martin Francis to work on the design of Eco.

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A majestic sailboat glides across the sparkling blue sea under a clear sky, its sails billowing majestically.

Superyacht Designer

German Frers

Founded in 1925, German Frers started gaining fame during forays to Europe and North America, winning prizes in the RORC races in Europe and the Bermuda Race in the USA.

Founded in 1925, German Frers started gaining fame during forays to Europe and North America, winning prizes in the RORC races in Europe and the Bermuda Race in the USA.
A sleek yacht cuts through the dark, sparkling ocean waves, leaving a trail of white foam in its wake.

Pastrovich Design

A leader in the world of yachting

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The sleek lines of a modern yacht reflect the clear blue sky and calm sea as it glides through the water.

Superyacht Designer

H2 Yacht Design

Established in 1994, London studio H2 Yacht Design has brought forward numerous ground-breaking projects, from the sweeping lines of elegant superyachts to the largest explorers in the world.

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A modern yacht interior features a striking underwater mural and expansive windows overlooking the ocean.

Superyacht Designer

Harrison Eidsgaard

Founded in 2005, Harrison Eidsgaard is headed up by design directors Ben Harrison, Peder Eidsgaard, and Ewa Tasior Eidsgaard. The studio provides bespoke designs for yachts, aircraft and residences.

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