Offering a full service enables our clients to enjoy their yachting experience, Alfred Manduca, managing director, Mediterranean Yacht Sales Limited, explains.

Alfred Manduca, managing director, Mediterranean Yacht Sales Limited, has always had a passion for sailing. He sailed competitively for many years and raced the Rolex Middle Sea Race – which he considers to be one of the top five offshore races in the world – an impressive 16 times.

It is Manduca’s passion that has fuelled the growth of Mediterranean Yacht Sales, which is nowadays a leader in the yachting industry both in Malta and in the Mediterranean.

For the past 26 years, Mediterranean Yacht Sales has specialised in the marketing, sale and service of Beneteau sailing and motor yachts.

“It all started when I took delivery of a Beneteau in July 1989. Back then, Beneteau focused exclusively on sailing yachts. It is only in the past decade that Beneteau has also made a name for itself in the world of motor yachts,” Manduca says, further explaining that Beneteau builds five to 35-metre motor yachts.

Also, during the recent economic downturn, Beneteau invested in a new project: Monte Carlo Yachts. These luxury motor yachts are built in Italy using Italian designers and advanced technology. Monte Carlo Yachts has been achieving year on year growth and has won various prestigious awards for quality, design and performance.

“Beneteau has a very strong racing pedigree. Over time, however, Beneteau also started catering for the cruising sector by building fast cruising boats. This has made Beneteau models accessible to a wider market.”

Manduca says that since Mediterranean Yacht Sales started operating, the market has changed.

“Back then, a client would invest in a 35-foot yacht. Now, they choose to invest in a 45 to 50-footer. Clients’ expertise and expectations have grown and thus they look to purchase larger boats for added entertainment and enjoyment at sea.”

Sailing and motor yachts offer a distinct experience, and therefore attract different clients.

“Motor boats are preferred by people who enjoy power and speed and getting places fast. On the other hand, the objective of sailing is to get to your destination in comfort while enjoying the elements and nature. The slower motion on board allows you to relax, prepare a meal or make a cup of tea while sailing.

“There has been a trend where clients change from a motor to a sailing yacht but rarely would one go from a sailing to a motor yacht.”

Yacht ownership doesn’t end with the purchase of a yacht. Maintenance is a very important factor.

The running costs differ between a sailing yacht and a motor boat, in particular in the cost of fuel. The cost of maintenance also differs slightly.

You can increase sailing speed by investing in more performance sails, which do not allow stretch in the materials, and thus the sails retain their designed shape

Both Mediterranean Yacht Sales and Beneteau are extremely focused on premium after sales service.

“We take pride in the quality of our aftersales service,” Manduca says. “This is how we have built our reputation and business. We are recognised as a Beneteau aftersales centre. We have clients from all over the world using our services while spending a season or two in the Mediterranean.”

Mediterranean Yacht Sales also represents CNB and Lagoon Catamarans, another division within the Beneteau group, together with major companies like North Sails, B&G Marine Electronics, Nauteriors, Dixplay LED, Carboway, Facnor and T Top .

Beneteau showcased various new models at last month’s Cannes Yachting Festival, which is the leading boat show in the Mediterranean. Beneteau launched the Gran Turismo 40, Monte Carlo 6 and Flyer 8.8. All these models were very well received.

At the Valletta Boat Show, Mediterranean Yacht Sales will be showcasing the popular Oceanis 38.

“The Oceanis 38 offers a very interesting modular concept,” Manduca says. “It starts as a day cruiser and can be upgraded to a weekender and to an extensive cruiser. This means that you can start with a lower budget by purchasing a day sailor and, as you gain experience and improve your financial status, you can upgrade your boat by adding on the galley and other bulkhead separations so that you can spend weekends or longer periods in more comfort. It’s another example of how clients can grow with us.”

For more information, visit Mediterranean Yacht Sales Limited at Forth Mansions, Ta’ Xbiex Sea Front, Ta’ Xbiex or www.medyachtsales.com. Tel 2134 6461 , mobile 7949 2096