Less than a year after adding megayacht-management, crew-placement, and charter services, MarineMax is focusing further on big yachts. It now has a Superyachts Division, with Billy Smith (below), formerly of Trinity Yachts, as vice president.
The Superyachts Division will assist customers seeking new builds and brokerage buys alike. Furthermore, the above-mentioned management services will be at their disposal.
Smith brings extensive experience to the table. He was active in establishing Trinity Yachts in 1988. It was a division of Halter Marine, a commercial and military shipbuilder. Twelve years later, Smith and two partners bought Trinity from Halter (Friede Goldman Halter at the time). He served as vice president of sales and marketing through 2015. Smith became chief operating officer that summer. From 1988 to 2015, Trinity delivered more than 50 megayachts.
In addition, Smith has played active roles in several industry organizations. These include the U.S. Superyacht Association, where he’s a former board member and former vice chairman. He’s an original member of the International Superyacht Society. And, he’s a founding member and former board member for the Superyacht Builders Association.
On a personal front, Smith is an avid sailor and angler. In terms of sailing, he’s competed in both one-design regattas and ocean races. They include the Southern Ocean Racing Conference, better known as the SORC. The Newport to Bermuda Race is another. Smith also belongs to both the New York Yacht Club and the Pass Christian Yacht Club (in Mississippi). With fishing, deep-sea fishing is a passion.
“We are excited to bring aboard Billy as vice president of MarineMax Superyachts Division,” says Chuck Cashman, MarineMax’s chief revenue officer. “With his many years of experience in the industry, we look forward to this new expansion of MarineMax.” Smith adds, “Becoming vice president of MarineMax Superyachts Division is a thrilling continuation of my career. I look forward to bringing my vast experience to MarineMax and expanding their customer base.”
Smith will be at next week’s Yachts Miami Beach show, at the Ocean Alexander stand. (The Ocean Alexander 100 is pictured at top.) Ocean Alexander is among the new-build brands that MarineMax and the MarineMax Superyachts Division represents. Others include Benetti and Azimut.
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