Founded by Nick Gelevert, Boatsters Black brings together Dutch maritime pragmatism and an international outlook, combining technical depth with a refined understanding of the modern luxury client. From brokerage and new-build advisory to charter and yacht management, the company operates as a multi-service partner, supporting owners and buyers well beyond the point of sale.
Central to this approach is a strong belief in transparency and innovation. Through proprietary digital platforms designed to streamline communication, analysis and reporting, Boatsters Black has developed what it describes as one of the most digitalised ownership models in yachting—an ecosystem intended to simplify complex decisions while strengthening long-term client relationships.
In this interview, Gelevert discusses the philosophy behind the brand, the realities of modern yacht sales, and why structure, discretion and long-term thinking are becoming essential in today’s evolving luxury yacht market.
Boatsters Black Luxury Yachts occupies a distinctive position in the yachting world. How would you describe the philosophy behind the brand, and what originally motivated you to create it?
Boatsters Black was founded with a clear vision of how yacht brokerage and advisory services should be delivered. Our philosophy is built around structured and smooth processes, long-term partnerships, and consistency at every stage of the yachting journey. We combine Dutch maritime pragmatism with a refined international outlook, allowing us to operate with precision, discretion, and clarity.
Innovation has always been central to that vision. We have developed what we believe is one of the most digitalised ownership models in yachting, using proprietary technology to enhance transparency, communication, and decision-making for owners, buyers, and charter clients. The motivation behind Boatsters was to create a company that delivers lasting value through intelligent guidance, efficient execution, and forward-thinking solutions, supporting clients well beyond a single transaction.
Your background and personal journey are closely tied to the company’s identity. How have your own experiences shaped the way Boatsters approaches yacht sales and client relationships?
Coming from a family with a strong maritime and nautical tradition, my early exposure to the industry provided a clear understanding of the realities surrounding yacht ownership beyond the transaction itself. Working closely with owners and industry professionals over the years has shaped a perspective rooted in preparation, transparency, and long-term vision.
That background directly influences how Boatsters approaches yacht sales and client relationships today. We focus on asking the right questions from the outset, setting realistic expectations, and guiding clients through complex decisions with clarity and structure. By combining informed insight with disciplined processes, we build relationships based on trust and considered advice rather than short-term outcomes.
Sales sit at the heart of your offering. Can you walk us through how Boatsters manages a yacht sale from first conversation to final handover, and where you feel your team adds the most value?
Our value lies in end-to-end orchestration. Every sale begins with a clear understanding of the client’s objectives, followed by the alignment of market insight, technical evaluation, and strategic advice. We manage the process from initial discussions and due diligence through to negotiation and final handover, ensuring continuity and clarity at every stage.
A recent example is the sale of the first Nuvolari Lenard NL 52 Plus, for which Boatsters Black acted as sales broker. David Ramljak and I represented the owner and the owner’s build team. We guided the client through the acquisition process and coordinated closely with both the design studio and the shipyard to ensure the project vision was translated accurately into built reality. This project reflects our growing involvement in new build transactions, particularly those driven by high-level design studios and bespoke owner requirements, where structure, trust, and long-term thinking are essential.
Many clients come to Boatsters looking not just for a yacht, but for guidance and discretion. How important is trust in your sales process, and how do you cultivate it?
Trust is fundamental. Yacht sales involve both financial and emotional commitment, and clients must feel protected. We build trust through consistency, discretion, and honesty. This approach has naturally led to long-term relationships and repeat clients.
Boatsters is known for its curated portfolio of yachts. What are some of the must-haves when it comes to the team representing a yacht?
Proper representation requires technical depth, realistic pricing, and a clear commercial strategy agreed with the owner. We also focus on the yacht’s story and how it fits current market demand. Representation must be active, not passive, with continuous feedback and coordination.
A strong example is IRYNA, a 49.9 m Benetti B.Now 50M, marketed with a clear strategy focused on her strengths and target buyer segments. Beyond detailed technical preparation, we developed bespoke presentation materials and targeted outreach to ensure that IRYNA’s story, capabilities, and positioning were communicated precisely to qualified prospects. That level of focus and active market engagement is essential to successful representation in today’s environment.
On the seller side, what is your approach to positioning a yacht correctly in today’s market, and how do you ensure it reaches the right audience?
Positioning starts with data. We analyse comparable sales, competition, and buyer behaviour to build a realistic strategy. From there, we implement targeted marketing supported by strong broker relationships and proprietary tools. Pricing, presentation, and timing must align for a successful outcome.
The luxury yacht market has evolved significantly in recent years. What shifts are you currently seeing in buyer behaviour, and how has Boatsters adapted its sales strategy in response?
Buyers today are highly informed and expect speed, accuracy, and professionalism at every stage of the process. There is a clear shift toward quality, transparency, and long-term ownership thinking. In response, we have strengthened our advisory role and invested in technology that supports clearer and more efficient decision-making.
A key development has been the use of our own proprietary software, Yacht Album. This platform allows us to curate yacht selections with greater precision and streamline communication between the buyer and our team. By centralising information and comparisons in one environment, Yacht Album helps clients move through the selection process with clarity and confidence, which has become essential in today’s market.
When advising a buyer, how do you balance emotional desire with practical considerations such as investment value, resale potential, and long-term ownership?
Buying a yacht needs to be supported by clear and realistic guidance. Our role is to respect a client’s vision while grounding it in sound technical, financial, and operational considerations. We focus on build quality, lifecycle costs, and long-term ownership implications to ensure informed decision making.
In projects such as the Baglietto DOM 115 new build, aligning ambition with proven engineering and future value was essential. By structuring decisions early and addressing key factors upfront, we help clients move forward with confidence, knowing their choice balances personal expectations with long-term value.
Many clients value a seamless, almost concierge-level experience. How does Boatsters extend its service beyond the transaction itself?
For us, the relationship does not end at sale. We offer a full ecosystem, including yacht management, charter management, new build project management, and operational consultancy. Through structured reporting and long-term support, we remain a trusted partner throughout ownership.
As founder and CEO, how involved are you personally in the sales process, and why is that hands-on leadership important to you?
I remain closely involved at key moments in major transactions. This ensures consistency in values and execution and reassures clients that their project has direct leadership attention. Particularly on more complex sales, including projects such as a 57-metre steel yacht of 1,050 GT currently under our guidance, that involvement allows decisions to be made efficiently and with a clear understanding of both the commercial and operational implications. Maintaining this level of oversight is essential to how Boatsters operates.
Looking ahead, how do you see Boatsters Black Luxury Yachts evolving both in terms of services and its position within the global luxury yachting landscape?
We will continue to grow as a multi-service yachting partner, with structure, innovation, and long-term thinking at the core. Alongside sales and charter, a key focus is the continued development of our own digital infrastructure, designed to support owners, buyers, and charter clients with greater transparency and efficiency.
For owners within our Central Agency fleet on charter, we have developed the Yacht Owner Portal, which allows them to monitor the performance of their yachts, access reporting, and remain closely connected to their asset. For charterers, our Charter Portal enables the entire pre-charter process to be handled online, from preferences and documentation to itinerary details, while providing full visibility ahead of their charter.
On the sales side, we use Yacht Album, our proprietary platform that allows us to curate and present yacht selections clearly, centralise information, and streamline communication with buyers. Together, these tools reflect our belief that technology should simplify complex decisions and strengthen trust throughout the entire yachting journey.
Finally, if a prospective client were discovering Boatsters for the first time, what would you want them to understand about the way you approach yacht sales and client partnerships?
I would want them to understand that Boatsters Black approaches yacht sales and client partnerships with structure, clarity, and long-term commitment. We work closely with owners and buyers on complex projects, supported by strong relationships with leading shipyards and a carefully managed fleet.
Our approach combines operational expertise with innovation. Through a highly digitalised model, we provide clients with transparency, informed guidance, and consistent support beyond the transaction itself. For clients, it means choosing a partner focused on trust, preparation, and long-term value.
To find out more about Boatsters Black, visit the links below…
Boatsters Black
Web: boatstersblack.com
Tel: +34 871 180 020
Email: info@boatsters.com
Instagram: @boatstersblack
Facebook: @boatstersblack
YouTube: @BoatstersOfficial