If you drive along Ladebower Chaussee and turn off after just under four kilometres, you find yourself in a world that seems completely out of place in Vorpommern. Behind a grey factory façade on the edge of the Greifswald Bodden, sailing yachts are being built that will later be moored in the harbours of Monaco, Saint-Tropez or Palma de Mallorca. Boats up to 30 metres in length, constructed from high-quality carbon fibre, tailor-made for keen sailors. Welcome to YYachts.
The man behind the carbon-fibre superyachts
The history of YYachts is inextricably linked to one name: Michael Schmidt. As co-founder of HanseYachts, he once shaped German mass-market boat production. Hanse boats from Greifswald became affordable sailing boats for the general public, delighting thousands of owners worldwide. But Schmidt wanted more – or rather, something different. By founding YYachts exactly ten years ago, he made a radical U-turn: away from mass production and into the premium segment.
The concept was clear: low weight, top quality, ease of use, a distinctive look. Instead of steel or GRP, it uses YYachts is firmly committed to carbon fibre. Hulls and decks made from this carbon laminate are not only extremely light, but also rigid, durable and seaworthy. The result is yachts that, despite their imposing size, can be sailed by a small crew – or even by the owner alone. At the same time, the shipyard focuses on streamlined technology: robust, straightforward systems rather than maximum complexity. No unnecessary digital bells and whistles, no technical maze below deck.
A look behind the scenes: the NDR documentary
It becomes clear that YYachts is no ordinary shipyard as soon as you walk through the production halls in Ladebow – a glimpse that the NDR camera team recently captured on film. The report follows the construction process of a the new Y7 From the raw form to completion:
From the first shots of the finished deck, through the precise transport of the carbon components, to the final assembly – the moment when the deck and hull are joined – the film documents the precision craftsmanship that goes into every single vessel. Particularly impressive is the tour of a completed yacht, which shows just how far the light, airy interiors have come from classic wooden panelling. World-renowned design and architecture studios work alongside the shipyard to develop interiors with modern lines – airy, minimalist and elegant.
Ultimately, every yacht is a unique, one-off vessel that comes at a price: several million euros per unit, spread across just a few projects each year. The portfolio comprises sailing yachts ranging from 60 to over 90 feet – including the Y6, Y7, Y8 and Y9 models. Production is not carried out on a large-scale basis, but rather as one-off builds and small batches. Every yacht delivered serves as a floating showroom on the world’s oceans and in the most exclusive marinas. The shipyard celebrated its tenth anniversary by hosting its own YYachts Cup as part of the Superyacht Cup Palma regatta.
Who buys a yacht costing millions?
The clients have deliberately chosen to remain anonymous. They value the combination of German engineering expertise, technical perfection and discreet production – far removed from glamorous locations and media attention. Vorpommern offers precisely that: tranquillity, professional expertise and a long-established shipbuilding tradition.
On an international scale, YYachts is positioned in the high-end performance cruiser segment and competes with brands such as Nautor Swan, Wally, CNB, Solaris, Grand Soleil and Southern Wind. Unlike traditional mass-production shipyards, however, the Greifswald shipyard does not focus on production volumes, but rather on brand image, individuality and innovative strength.
Ten years of YYachts: A new chapter with Gregor Bredenbeck
To mark its tenth anniversary, YYachts is turning a new page – and has brought in a man from the immediate neighbourhood to help: Gregor Bredenbeck has moved from HanseYachts to YYachts. Anyone familiar with Ladebower Chaussee will know that the two shipyards are only a few kilometres apart. For Bredenbeck, however, it is more than just a short move – it is a return to his roots.
His career began in 1990 in racing yacht construction in Wedel, where he took his first steps in high-performance boatbuilding. He later moved to Hanse Yachts AG, where he initially played a key role as co-founder and head of production and, over the years, gained extensive experience in the international sales of production yachts. He is now taking on the role of Head of Sales at YYachts with global responsibility – a move he didn’t have to think twice about.
“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,” says Bredenbeck. He had already worked with several of his new colleagues in the past. For this keen sailor, the decision to join YYachts also marks a return to his roots in regatta yacht building – the place where his passion for high-quality sailing yachts was first kindled.
“The design, quality and, of course, the performance of these yachts are outstanding and virtually unrivalled anywhere in the world,” he emphasises. The company is confident that it will be able to attract many new owners to the brand in the coming years.
Founder Michael Schmidt also welcomes the new addition to the team: “Gregor and I have successfully completed numerous projects together over the years. I have always admired the professionalism he has demonstrated in every role. With Gregor on board, a new chapter is beginning in the development of our global sales activities.”
Strategic expansion: More than just sales
Bredenbeck’s remit at YYachts extends beyond traditional yacht sales. He is tasked not only with tapping into international markets and strengthening existing customer relationships, but also with expanding the shipyard’s brokerage and charter activities – an area in which he also brings relevant experience. In doing so, YYachts is diversifying its sales channels and establishing a broader long-term presence in the premium segment.
The expansion of the sales organisation to mark the company’s anniversary year is no coincidence: YYachts is currently in a phase of consolidation and further growth. Bredenbeck’s network and decades of industry experience are set to play a key role in this – both in developing new markets and in maintaining the exclusive customer base.
Conclusion: Luxury with substance
YYachts is more than just a yacht manufacturer for millionaires. It is a model of how a region with a clear unique selling point, bold entrepreneurs and genuine craftsmanship can develop international competitiveness – even when the economic climate does not appear to be in its favour.
Michael Schmidt proved this when he founded HanseYachts. With YYachts, he is proving it once again – this time in the premium segment.
Martin Hager
Editor in Chief YACHT