A Conversation with Marco-Udo Broich, Chair & CEO Aicon Group-Aicon Yachts

The Aicon Yachts brand was relaunched during covid and achieved remarkable success with its new Vivere line.?

The team at Wall Street Luxury recently spoke with Marco-Udo Broich, Chair & CEO at Aicon Group - Aicon Yachts about the rebirth of Aicon Yachts and the upcoming Palm Beach International Boat Show.

We are publishing part I of our interview this week and will share part II next week.?According to Boat International “Italy, to this day, remains the shipbuilding epicenter of the world and is home to some of the oldest and most esteemed shipyards.” ?Stay tuned, as the new generation of Aicon Yachts is sure to be at the top of this list as they continue to grow.

What drove the decision to design and present the VIVERE series and the rebirth of the AICON YACHTS brand?

As the previous President of AICON YACHTS AMERICAS I was being asked by current and previous owners if AICON would come back since, to many yachtsmen, it was the best running hull, sexy design and reliable.?

There was an apparent void in the market for true custom-built yachts in our space.?I approached my former customer and friend John Venners to join me to buy the brand and relaunch the new generation of AICONS.

VIVERE AICON represents our DNA to create bespoke custom yachts, a market segment missing in the 60-90 foot market, for yacht owners who want to live the oceans, explore and “live” with the freedom of nature.

In 2022 the new AICON 66 VIVERE, triumphed in the “BEST FUNCTIONALITY” category at the “WORLD YACHT TROPHIES” This quite an achievement for a shipyard that was relaunched during Covid. ?How ?did you manage to overcome the many challenges Covid presented?

Covid obviously presented many challenges.?First and foremost was the health and safety of our workers.?The uncertainties and disruptions in the world’s supply chain caused some delays and cost increases.?On the plus side we had the full support and blessings from the local government officials and Rome.?Incentives were put in place to help get the cherished AICON brand relaunched.?Providing needed employment and economic development in the region was a strong driver for all involved.

It has been said that the AICON YACHTS offer many of the design and comforts of a superyacht, can you please share a bit more about this???

World renowned naval architect and designer, Sergio Cutolo of HydroTech, is total hands on from initial conception to final product.??Sergio's main focus has been larger, mega award winning yachts. Recognizing the void in today’s market – 60’-90’ – that were customized, Sergio incorporated many of the features you’ll find in his larger yachts into the VIVERE line. This includes system redundancies, highest quality construction using state of the art accessories, carbon fiber, epoxy, etc. Nothing worse than being on a family vacation and have a pump go out without a backup!

What are you most proud of with the new AICON Brand?

What I am most proud of, is that AICON represents a true manufacturing reality, vertically integrated from beginning process of design and engineering, all the way throughout the manufacturing of the vessel.? Unlike most builders these days, AICON builds all in-house, not through third parties.?It starts from our AICON CENTRO STILE offices for the architecture and engineering; to AICON RESIN – for the keel laying and entire fiberglass/Carbon/Kevlar production; to AICON INTERIORS – our in-house interior manufacturing from the high skilled wood joinery, to leather, marble, décor manufacturing and installation; to AICON YACHTS – for the final assembly and all mechanical, hydraulic and painting.??We even build all our own Stainless steel in-house.??This is key for AICON’s DNA of customization to be economically price competitive while retaining the highest industry quality.???

How long does it take for delivery of the AICON once ordered?

It takes 10-12 months for delivery of a new build AICON.?We do currently have an new build ready for delivery next month and can share more details with you in Palm Beach.

What are plans for expansion??

We will continue to grow as the demand increases.?Again, our goal isn’t just volume – it’s being the best exclusive customized yacht offered in today’s market.??We currently have over 15,000 sq/ft of offices, and close to 250,000 sq/ft of production sites – with new areas coming on stream this year and 2024 for re-fitting and new production.?We are investing roughly 2 to 3 Million dollars of CapX each year for the next 4-5 years, with one to two new products coming every 12-18 months.?What I am most excited about, is that each of these products are customer requested.?We truly want to build a unique brand – run by our customers and Boutiques in direct conjunction with our in-house architects, engineers and production teams.?

Stay tuned next week for Part II where we discuss more about AICON VIVERE with Marco-Udo Broich, Chair & CEO at Aicon Group - Aicon Yachts

AICON YACHTS will be at the International Palm Beach Boat Show March 23-26, 2023, and ready to show you luxury life on the VIVERE series. Contact [email protected] to arrange a meeting. The team from AICON is looking forward to seeing you there!