The superyacht industry has entered a new era of visibility, scrutiny, and political relevance — and there is no returning to the past.

In this episode of Yachting USA, host Rick Thomas speaks with Christophe Bourillon, Chief Executive Officer of the Professional Yachting Association (PYA), for a direct, experience-driven discussion on where yachting now stands — and what must change to protect its future.

Recorded during METSTRADE and the Superyacht Forum in Amsterdam, this conversation examines how superyachts moved from a discreet luxury sector into mainstream political, environmental, and economic debate, and why perception now directly influences regulation, policy, and public tolerance.

Topics discussed include crew welfare and mental health, leadership pressure at captain level, training gaps, minimum standards versus operational reality, and why the industry’s lack of consolidated data leaves it exposed when dealing with regulators and policymakers.

Bourillon draws on his background in international lobbying and high-scrutiny industries to explain why yachting must evolve culturally as well as operationally — and what lessons it can realistically take from aviation, crisis management, and mature safety-critical sectors.

This is not a promotional conversation.
It is a factual assessment of where the superyacht industry sits today.

✈️ Episode Sponsor: ATPI Travel
ATPI Travel supports professionals working in complex, high-risk environments worldwide, including maritime and yachting. Their specialist travel solutions prioritise duty of care, crew welfare, and operational continuity across global operations.

🎧 Prefer audio? You’re already in the right place.
📺 Prefer video? Watch the full interview on Yachting International Radio’s YouTube channel.

This episode is essential listening for crew, captains, yacht managers, owners, shipyards, suppliers, and anyone whose business depends on the long-term sustainability of the superyacht sector.