Buzz abounds about the new company with the little yellow cube.
From its Livestrong-like bracelets worn by some very important people in and
around the industry to its floating saffron hallmarks adorning marinas,
wheelhouses and dashboards from Saint-Tropez to 17th Street, people are
asking, "What is YCO?"
 A recent visit to the company’s Monte-Carlo offices was
arranged to ask the same question. Upon arrival at the penthouse suite of
offices atop a building on the north side of Monaco’s harbor, one has the
distinct feeling of entering a modeling agency or interior design firm by
accident, but is quickly reassured by the reception desk. As some society matron
once said, "Your home is your calling card." YCO has certainly taken this to
heart, offering its clients and guests a stylish setting in which to relax,
complete with a sprawling terrace that would make any city dweller jealous once
he calculated the square footage. (Click image to enlarge)
Started two years ago by yachting-industry veterans Gary
Wright, John Clark and Charlie Birkett, YCO has grown to almost 20 employees.
What sets this company apart is that virtually every one of these people comes
from an experienced yachting (read: crew) background. A former captain with 25
years under his belt, Wright worked on such notable yachts as Confidante,
Calixe and Tatoosh before beginning his latest endeavor,
YCO. Joining him, with comparable experience and tenure in several prominent
positions, are Clark and Birkett. Clark served as captain on Eco, Rio Rita and
Talitha G and was the build captain for Athena—a job he
pursued simultaneously while opening YCO. Birkett held the positions of captain
aboard a Swan sailing yacht and officer on Borkumriff III,
Calixe and Tatoosh.
 In YCO’s Monte-Carlo office. (Click image to enlarge)
After the autonomy of running their own vessels, it was
difficult for the partners to consider following someone else’s lead when
transitioning careers. So they decided to start from scratch and build a firm
where they would do things their way. Having dealt with numerous brokers,
client representatives and yacht managers in their former occupations,
the three partners had a few ideas of how to do things differently.
Deemed the creative force behind YCO, Birkett is responsible
forgenerating the quality image that reflects the quality of service the firm
provides. Former captains Wright and Clark have more input with client and
captain relations, using their own experiences as guideposts.
 "Our management approach is geared toward giving the captain more free rein,
making sure he has the opportunity to run the yacht his own way. There is no
dictatorship or YCO way of doing things. Where we came from, we felt some
management companies could be heavy-handed and controlling in their
approaches. In truth, a great relationship is symbiotic—a happy captain with
supportive management, and an owner who is getting great service from those two entities," says Wright. He adds: "We try
to position ourselves a little to the side and see how things go on their own.
It makes it much easier if there is a captain and owner who communicate
regularly." (Click image to enlarge) YCO offers a full range of management services in technical,
safety, financial, operational and crew areas, as well as new-build project
management. It helps that all three partners and Director of Charter Marketing
Robert Shepherd were involved with substantial new-build projects prior to
joining the company.
Top photo: Partners John Clark, Gary Wright and Charlie
Birkett. Photograph by Bruce Thomas. Bottom photo:
Employees of the charistmatic company. (Click images to enlarge)
In addition, YCO offers a service-intensive concierge staff to
do everything from booking dinner to booking private jets. Recent requests
include securing last-minute, front-row concert tickets and a personal meeting
with a Formula One racecar driver during the Grand Prix—both were successfully
accomplished. Because the company deals with high-profile clientele, the
details of YCO’s yachts and new-construction projects are kept under wraps.
However, Birkett did let on that "we have some very exciting projects under
way…very exciting."
YCO
377 93 50 12 12
www.ycoyacht.com
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