Henry Smith, a founding Partner of Cecil Wright & Partners, is a prominent figure in the boutique superyacht brokerage business. His company specializes in high-end yachts, particularly focusing on Northern European yachts over 60 meters, with close ties to prestigious shipyards like Feadship, Royal Huisman, and Lürssen.
In an interview with SuperYacht Times, Henry shares his journey into the yachting industry, which began with a love for sailing. He initially pursued a military career but later transitioned into yachting due to his passion. Henry reflects on how his background in banking and finance brought a fresh perspective to an industry that often relies on traditional practices.
Cecil Wright & Partners has set itself apart by emphasising quality over quantity, adopting a "fewer clients serviced better" approach. The company values long-term client relationships and collaboration within its team.
The company's focus on Northern European pedigree yachts is driven by their consistent quality, better value retention, and minimal need for warranty work. This focus has led to quick yacht sales in their portfolio, with Feadships often selling within just three months.
Henry observes a rising trend in explorer yachts and discusses how regulatory factors and environmental concerns are influencing yacht ownership and chartering choices. While sailing yachts are often seen as more environmentally friendly when underway, their overall environmental impact, including construction, is not significantly different from motor yachts.
Henry expresses support for carbon offsetting and believes it should become a standard practice in the industry, especially for charters.
When asked about his personal yacht choice, Henry's heart lies with sailing yachts, and he highlights the 57.50-meter Royal Huisman Twizzle as an ideal option due to its timeless design and exceptional performance.
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