BGYB's 30 Year Anniversary

Humble Beginnings

The origins of BGYB trace back to the 1992/93 Vendée Globe when Bernard met the renowned sailor and businessman, Nigel Burgess, the founder of Burgess Yachts. Little did he know at the time that this chance encounter would become a defining moment in his career. During the race, the organisers requested Bernard to divert course and assist in a rescue mission for Burgess, who was lost at sea. Burgess, however, was later found deceased in the water, despite wearing his survival suit. Drawing on the conversations he had with Burgess, his tragic passing inspired Bernard to continue racing and pursue entrepreneurship.

In 1994, with just a €1,500 loan from his wife, Bernard sought advice from Daniel Ponchau, the associate partner of the late Nigel Burgess. Ponchau guided Bernard through the intricacies of the brokerage sector, enabling Bernard to close his first sale using a classified ad in a magazine. Yet the path was far from smooth. In 1995, facing no sales, Bernard almost abandoned his business venture. However, the company saw a turnaround the following year, leading to its gradual development with the assistance of Bruno Duret who has been acting as our graphic designer since the beginning until now. Bernard also had help from an employee and an intern until his participation in the 2000/2001 Vendée Globe.

Rapid Expansion & Growth

Later, BGYB went on to achieve several milestones that have defined its growth and success. In 2000, Bruno Gallien became the 1st broker to join the company.

In 2005, Bernard participated in the Transat 6.50, where he met fellow competitor Nicolas Marchand, who afterwards joined BGYB as an associate partner. The following year, BGYB made its first appearance at the Cannes Yachting Festival, initially with a stand but no yacht on display. By 2007, BGYB had entered the large yacht market with the sale of the 53m ketch DRUMBEAT, designed by Ed Dubois, and further solidified its presence at Cannes by exhibiting and selling the 45m motor yacht NO LO SE. This achievement prompted Bernard to retire from racing and focus on developing the company.

In 2008, BGYB expanded its services with the launch of its charter department under Lisa Spiller. The recruitment of François Boucher as Broker & Project Manager further strengthened the team, thanks to his extensive knowledge in sales and yacht construction projects. Youri Loof joined the team in 2014 as Sales and Charter Broker to further develop the Sales and Charter department and became Partner in 2022. His wide-ranging experience as a captain aboard different sail cruisers across the globe further brought expertise in promoting charter and racing charters, such as the Maxi World Cup and the Voiles de St Tropez and St Barth. 

In 2018, Audrey Lucas joined BGYB, bringing a strong marketing acumen to the team. Her first major success was spearheading the launch of our new website in 2020 and developing our 360° marketing with a keen focus on digitalization. After assuming leadership of the charter department in 2021, she drove its growth, doubling the division's revenue between then and 2023. 

Laurent Pagès joined the BGYB team in 2020 as a Broker and Project Manager. With more than 25 years of racing on international regatta and offshore circuits, he’s a well-seasoned sailor who specialises in high-performance yachts and racers-cruisers. Based between Nouméa in New Caledonia and the Isle of Ré in France, his flexible schedule and enthusiasm enable him to represent BGYB across both hemispheres.

In 2021, Oscar Relier joined BGYB as Private Banks & Family Offices Manager.

In 2023, BGYB expanded into the Mediterranean with the opening of a new office in Palma de Mallorca runt by Youri Loof & Tatiana Fliegner. Indeed, the Balearic Islands have become an essential hub for large boats. With numerous boats of our Sales & Charter fleets based in the area, it was a natural decision to open an office there, ensuring we remain close to our clients and crew.

Looking to the Future

BGYB’s 30th anniversary offers not only a moment to celebrate the firm’s remarkable milestones but also to highlight our current achievements and ambitious future projects. Today, BGYB averages 25 yacht sales per year and manages over 150 charter contracts annually. Additionally, we oversee a portfolio of more than 100 yachts for sale, with 70% under exclusive representation, and market 27 yachts for charter under exclusive representation.

Our dedicated team of 22 employees across the globe—many of whom have been with us for several years—continues to drive BGYB’s growth. Over the past four years, we’ve welcomed 6 new members, further strengthening a team where each person plays a vital role in our development. This strong sense of teamwork is an invaluable asset, offering assurance for the future and immense satisfaction in our daily work.

Looking ahead, we plan to make additional hires to support the expansion of our Montpelliers and Palma offices, and to relocate to larger headquarters in Montpellier.

Watch our video shot on the occasion of our 30th anniversary, celebrated at a cocktail party in St Tropez during Les Voiles de Saint Tropez: