Following a period in which it faced financial challenges, including being in administration, Silent-Yachts has new ownership. It additionally has new management. Both assert the electric-catamaran builder is on stronger footing for the next several years.
The founders of Silent-Yachts, Michael and Heike Köhler, confirmed earlier this year that the shipyard was struggling. They indicated that a subcontractor had gone out of business, which in turn impacted production, since it produced significant inventory. The Köhlers added that they were handing managerial duties to the COO, Fabrizio Iaerra (below). Iaerra has more than 20 years’ experience in yachting, including with Azimut-Benetti. Under him, the company restructured with “investors and supportive customers,” the founders indicated.
Now, the Silent-Yachts shipyard in Fano, Italy, and the rest of the company’s assets belong to a new majority owner. Michael Said (below), an American-German investor, is further a customer, with a Silent 62 3-Deck under construction. Said took an ownership stake last year, in fact, when the company was facing insolvency. This permitted jobs preservation, and yacht construction to continue. According to Silent-Yachts, his majority stake will lead not only to eight Silent 62 launches this year, but also the launch of the first Silent 80 (24.5-meter) in 2025. A second 80 should splash before the end of next year, too.
Yet another change at the shipyard: Iarrera has become CEO. He’s confident the restructuring that took place under him has set the company on the right path. “There are costs associated with creating an entirely new market, and the original business fell prey to these, at a time when price inflation everywhere was spiraling out of control,” he notes.
Working alongside Iaerra is Steve Bell (below), vice chairman of the board of shareholders. Bell has a manufacturing background, plus is a qualified trainer for sailing yachts and motoryachts up to 78 feet (24 meters). Their focus is to ensure under-contract yachts and megayachts see delivery. Secondly, once the inventory clears, they intend to open more build slots for 2025 and 2026. Regardless, all Silent-Yachts customers will benefit from the same warranty and service as previously provided.
“We know we have a job to do to rebuild the brand’s reputation,” Said concludes. “But we’ve been thrilled by the positive reception we’ve had from those who have already put in orders.”
Silent-Yachts silent-yachts.com
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