Turn right onto Ladebower Chaussee and arrive 3.7 kilometres later: Gregor Bredenbeck (55) is moving from Hanseyachts to the virtually neighbouring YYachts shipyard, following Hanse founder Michael Schmidt to his current shipyard, YYachts, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. Gregor Bredenbeck will strengthen the management team as sales director. He was previously a co-founder and head of production at Hanseyachts. The 55-year-old will be responsible for the shipyard’s global sales activities and is set to drive forward the brand’s internationalisation. In addition to leading sales, Bredenbeck will expand the company’s brokerage and charter operations, an area in which he has also worked during his career.
New sales team to mark our 10th anniversary
The expansion of the sales organisation coincides with the shipyard’s tenth anniversary. Bredenbeck brings with him decades of industry experience, which he has gained since 1990. His career began with the construction of racing yachts, before he moved into the sale of premium yachts. There, he worked for many years with discerning international clients. His career began in Wedel, where he took his first steps in yacht building. Following this initial phase, his path later led him to Hanse Yachts AG, where he gained extensive experience in the sales of production yachts.
Back to basics
“I felt it was time for a new challenge in my professional career, and I didn’t have to think twice when YYachts approached me,” explains Bredenbeck. He had already worked with several of his new colleagues in the past. Over the past few years, YYachts has built up an exceptional team. As a passionate sailor, Bredenbeck believes the yard is excellently positioned for the future. “The design, quality and, of course, the performance of these yachts are outstanding and virtually unrivalled worldwide,” he emphasises. They are confident that YYachts will inspire many new owners in the coming years. For Bredenbeck, the decision to join YYachts marks a return to his roots in regatta yacht building, where he developed his passion for high-quality sailing yachts.
Long-standing collaboration
Michael Schmidt, founder of YYachts, welcomes the new addition to the team. “Gregor and I have successfully completed numerous projects together over the years,” says Schmidt. He has always admired the professionalism that Bredenbeck has demonstrated in every role. With Bredenbeck on board, a new chapter in the development of global sales activities is beginning. The two men’s shared history goes back a long way and is based on mutual trust. Schmidt sees Bredenbeck’s appointment as a strategic move to strengthen the company’s international presence. The shipyard aims to further expand its position in the premium segment and tap into new markets. Bredenbeck’s network and experience in dealing with international clients are set to play a key role in this.
Strategic reorientation
The expansion of the sales organisation comes at a significant juncture for YYachts. According to the shipyard, its tenth anniversary marks a phase of consolidation and further growth. With Bredenbeck’s expertise in international yacht sales, the shipyard aims to systematically strengthen its market position. The focus is on tapping into new markets and strengthening existing customer relationships. Brokerage and charter activities are to be established as additional business areas. This diversification of sales channels is in line with the shipyard’s long-term strategy. Bredenbeck’s role will be to coordinate these various areas and develop them synergistically. His experience from various positions within the yachting industry makes him well-suited to this complex task.
What sets YYachts apart
YYachts, based in Greifswald, has established itself in just a few years as a major player in the market for large, lightweight luxury carbon-fibre sailing yachts. Founded by Michael Schmidt, the former owner of HanseYachts, the shipyard follows a clear philosophy: low weight, high quality, ease of operation and a distinctive look. At the same time, the yard focuses on a minimalist technical approach: robust, straightforward systems rather than maximum complexity. This simplifies handling and enables many yachts to be sailed by a small crew or even by the owner themselves. In collaboration with renowned design studios, bright, modern interiors with clean lines are created, which stand out clearly from classic, heavy fittings. The portfolio comprises sailing yachts ranging from around 60 to over 90 feet, including models such as the Y7, Y8 and Y9. Production is not carried out on a large scale, but rather as one-off builds and small series – typical of the exclusive premium segment. Only a few yachts are built each year, each one a highly bespoke project with a correspondingly high value per unit.
Manufactured in Germany
The shipyard in Greifswald has modern production halls designed to accommodate the simultaneous construction of several large yachts. Dedicated areas for lamination, interior fitting, painting and final assembly form the technological basis for the construction of lightweight carbon-fibre yachts. A core team of experienced boatbuilders, laminators, joiners, engineers and project managers is complemented by a network of specialist partners, for example in design, rigging or complex on-board technology. The majority of the value creation takes place in-house, enabling close control over quality and processes.
Within the industry, YYachts positions itself in the high-end performance cruiser segment, competing with international names such as Swan, CNB, Wally, Solaris and Grand Soleil. Unlike traditional mass-production shipyards, YYachts does not focus on high production volumes, but rather on brand image, individuality and innovation. Every yacht delivered serves as a floating showroom in international marinas and at regattas; the owners are often regarded as opinion leaders in the luxury and yachting sectors and thus contribute to brand perception.
Consistent use of lightweight construction
In terms of technology, YYachts is synonymous with consistent use of lightweight construction. Carbon fibre hulls and decks ensure low weight, excellent seaworthiness and good performance, as well as reduced energy consumption for the engines. In collaboration with renowned design studios, bright, modern interiors with clean lines are created, which stand out clearly from classic, heavy interiors. In doing so, YYachts not only sharpens its own profile but also strengthens the reputation of German yachtbuilding in the high-end luxury segment.
Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT
