We’re working on a superyacht that has three separate gyms – one each for the owner, the guests and the crew

Tell us about the new business
Superyacht Fitness has been established to deliver innovative solutions that will maximise both physical and mental wellbeing on board, for owners, guests and crew alike.

Using our experience and knowledge we assess, tailor and deliver strategic on-board gym equipment packages, based on superyacht insight. The aim is always to skillfully utilise whatever ratio of ‘size:space:use’ exists for those on board, providing customisation – from initial concept to design, implementation and ongoing solutions.

Whether the development is aimed at charter guests, owners or crew members, the team evaluates the needs of the vessel in order to cultivate a dynamic environment in which people can achieve personal goals.

Who’s on the team?
Glen Taylor and I are co-founders. Glen has 16 years experience in the yachting industry, and having founded the Maritime Division of RDT Ltd in 2006, he established that business as a leader in the superyacht world.

I’ve been in the fitness industry for 35 years – as MD of Keiser UK for 15 years, before setting up Tenth Avenue Leisure, providing a discreet, bespoke service to high net worth families and elite sports personalities.

How did the idea come about?
I was in a meeting with the personal assistant of a high net worth family to discuss their new home gym and in conversation the client talked of life on-board their 80m Superyacht. Up to that point I hadn’t considered there being a business opportunity in that sector.

Within a month of this meeting the stars aligned and I was introduced to Glen by a mutual friend. He told me at length about the sector and particularly the mental health problems often experienced by members of boat crews.

Glen was passionate about making a difference and it was clear that between us we had the experience and drive to do something, so 18 months later we shook hands and started the Superyacht Fitness business.

We decided not to rush into the business and travelled extensively to yacht shows talking to industry leaders, crew, owners and suppliers to understand the issues and opportunities. Through Glen’s network it was tempting to jump in at the deep end, but we decided to take the time and build a business model that would stand the test of time.

Who owns the business?
Glen and I are founders and co-owners.

Who will you be working with in terms of partnerships?
Part of the 18-month lead up to launch has been focused on finding the right partners for each area of our business and we regard this as an ongoing process.

We’ve established strong relationships with key equipment suppliers, elite personal trainers, physiotherapists, psychologists, mental health specialists, wellness experts and nutritionists and have also partnered with existing superyacht businesses who have similar philosophies to ours.

What demand are you expecting?
There’s a real issue with crew welfare and a desire within the industry to do something about this, so demand is high for a company that’s looking beyond the supply of a beautiful gym.

New superyachts can take 3-5 years to go from the drawing board to being launched, so this is a business that will take time to establish itself, however, there are always existing vessels being refitted and we’re working with these as well.

Can you describe some of your installations?
Each is very different due to their size and the owner’s preferences – in fact, no one installation is the same.

We’re working on a superyacht that has three separate gyms – one each for the owner, the guests and the crew. We’re also in talks with a smaller superyacht that has no gym facility, but a desire to provide mind and body support.

What are the differences between a boat-board gym and one on dry land?
The first consideration is the actual physical weight of the gym equipment and the space that’s available, as yacht designers are often keen to keep the overall weight down from a technical point of view. Considerations such as being able to secure the equipment down in high seas is also vital. Furthermore, the owner of a superyacht wants to have state-of-the-art equipment that not only looks amazing, but also does the job properly.

We also have to take into account having partners that can support us and the vessel if something goes wrong with a machine. Can they respond to a problem when the gym is in the middle of the Mediterranean or in the Caribbean? We offer a global service and maintenance agreement to give peace of mind to the superyacht but that means having the right people around us.

From my background working with sports scientists and athletes, we are at the cutting edge of innovation and we like to bring this into the superyacht environment.

In what ways are you marketing the new company?
In the first instance we have called upon Glen’s extensive network. He’s a very well respected member of the community and it’s a very small industry, so it doesn’t take long for word to spread.

We’ve also enlisted the help of a specialist maritime marketing agency which has worked with us to launch our brand. They’ve been incredible and have seen our vision and desire to make a difference.

Are you connecting the new business with the health and fitness industry?
Absolutely. For example Myzone is a central part of our offering. We see it as the glue when it comes to creating a superyacht community for crew.

I’ve previously worked with founder Dave Wright and an exclusive arrangement was agreed with him very early on. Myzone a key driver of our business model.

Crew can use Myzone on shore or at sea. We can create friendly challenges among individual yacht crews, yacht versus yacht, country versus country and so on. So long as we encourage fun, community and a sense of belonging and spread the positive word of exercise and wellbeing.

What’s the current price range for an on-board gym?
It’s impossible to estimate a price due to how personalised it is and the number of gyms that each yacht may have. What I’ve enjoyed doing is surprising people when it comes to how little it can cost to exercise.

Crew can work-out in the engine room or in the tender garage using accessories that cost very little. On the flip side, an owner’s gym can be the height of luxury and be very expensive. We take every gym and every person and create the best possible space for their individual needs.

Where does the fit-out take place? Do you have a specialist shipyard?
There are a number of specialist shipyards around the world and we’re able to work with them all.

New-builds and vessels that are being refitted all have their own potential issues and as with any project, the earlier you can be involved the better. The planning has to be done in much more detail when you’re working on superyachts, due to the limited space and their unique nature.

What kind of areas are being repurposed when it’s a retrofit?
In the main, retrofitting is usually about taking out an old gym and updating it with new.

There are also fads that come and go and create opportunities – for example, cinema rooms are sometimes taken out to make way for a gym or perhaps a gym combined with a golf simulator. Making use of all spaces is always considered.

Do you also supply spa and wellness facilities?
Spa and wellness is also very important in the life of a superyacht and we’ll soon be making an announcement in this regard.