Berthon International

Leaving home waters behind for ocean passages, Caribbean anchorages and the unexpected.
What happens when years of sailing the Solent turn into something much bigger?
In this episode, Alan McIlroy sits down aboard ARKYLA with her owner, James Kenning, to look back at the adventures, challenges and thousands of miles that have taken this Swedish-built Regina 43 from familiar UK waters to the Mediterranean, across the Atlantic and into the Caribbean.
James bought ARKYLA through Berthon in 2018. After a season sailing locally and preparing both yacht and skipper for longer passages, the plan began to grow. What followed was several years of cruising, refits, upgrades and offshore sailing that would take ARKYLA across Biscay, down the Iberian coast, into the Mediterranean and Balearics, through the waters now infamous for orca interactions, and eventually across the Atlantic with the 2024 ARC+ from the Canaries to Grenada via Cape Verde.  
The Atlantic crossing would prove considerably more eventful than expected.
Despite meticulous preparation, ARKYLA suffered a succession of problems at sea. A nearly new hydrogenerator failed, her Parasailor was destroyed, sargassum caused further difficulties and, most seriously, a suspected whale impact resulted in damage to the rudder and hull. James discusses managing those problems offshore and the importance of preparation, practical engineering knowledge and understanding the systems aboard your own yacht. 
As James puts it, “Mid-Atlantic is no place to be unprepared.” 
After arriving in Grenada, the problems weren't quite over. ARKYLA required two emergency haul-outs in December 2024 before undergoing significant hull repairs in early 2025. Yet the setbacks didn't end the adventure, and James was still able to explore the Windward Islands, including Grenada, Carriacou, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia and Martinique. 
But this isn't simply a story about things going wrong at sea.
James and Alan also discuss why the Regina 43 has worked so well as a bluewater cruising yacht, the modifications made during James's ownership, sailing as a couple, choosing and preparing a yacht for serious offshore cruising, and some of the lessons accumulated along the way.
Photography has also become an important part of James's life aboard ARKYLA. His sailing photography and writing have received numerous awards, including Cruising Association Photo of the Year and Hanson Trophy honours, World Cruising Club ARC+ Best Photo Blog awards, and recognition from the International Cruisers Awards. ARKYLA herself even appeared on the cover of the 2025 Cruising Association Handbook. 
From quiet anchorages and spectacular ocean skies to equipment failures, orca encounters, emergency repairs and the reality of crossing an ocean in your own yacht, this is an honest conversation about taking sailing beyond home waters.
And, with ARKYLA now back with Berthon and offered for sale, it's also the closing chapter of one adventure, and perhaps the beginning of another.

What do the latest UK yacht registration changes mean for EU yacht owners? Can you still fly the British Red Ensign, and what are your options if you are no longer eligible for UK Part 1 Registration?
In this episode of the Berthon Podcast, Ben Cooper sits down with Duncan Swanson, Co-founder of Oceanskies, and Tom Ruff, Yacht Registration Manager and Head of Port Agency, to explain the recent changes to the UK Ship Register and why they matter to yacht owners around the world.
Following changes to UK legislation after Brexit, many European Union citizens who live outside the United Kingdom are no longer eligible to apply for or renew UK Part 1 Registration in their own name. The announcement has generated uncertainty across the international yachting community, with many owners questioning whether they can continue to fly the British Red Ensign, whether they need to change flag, and what practical steps they should take next.
This episode cuts through the confusion by explaining exactly what has changed, who is affected, and why there is no need to panic. Duncan and Tom discuss the legislation behind the changes, how the rules are being applied in practice, and the alternative registration options that remain available through other members of the British Red Ensign Group.
The conversation also serves as a complete introduction to yacht registration itself. While many owners are familiar with the registration process, few understand exactly why it exists or how important it becomes once a yacht leaves domestic waters. The team explains how a yacht's registration acts as its legal identity, often described as the vessel's passport, establishing nationality, ownership and the flag state under which the yacht operates.
They explore the differences between UK Part 1 Registration and the Small Ships Register (SSR), explaining the advantages and limitations of each. Topics include proof of ownership, title history, mortgages, financing, insurance requirements, international cruising, customs procedures and why many buyers, lenders and brokers place significant value on a properly registered yacht.
Ben, Duncan and Tom also discuss some of the most common misconceptions surrounding yacht registration. They explain why a yacht's flag is not simply about national pride, how ownership structures can affect eligibility, and why selecting the right registry depends on far more than where the owner lives. The discussion highlights the practical considerations involved in choosing a flag state, including taxation, financing, intended cruising grounds and future resale value.
Drawing on years of experience advising yacht owners, brokers, lawyers, management companies and marine professionals, the Oceanskies team shares real-world examples of the challenges owners face when navigating international registration requirements. They explain how early planning can prevent unnecessary costs and delays, particularly when buying or selling a yacht across international borders.
The episode also looks at the wider British Red Ensign Group and explains why these registries continue to be among the most respected yacht registries in the world. Duncan and Tom discuss the alternatives available to owners who may no longer qualify for the UK register, demonstrating that there are still well-established and highly regarded options available that allow owners to continue operating under the Red Ensign.
Whether you already own a yacht, are purchasing your first vessel, are planning extended cruising overseas, or simply want to understand how yacht registration works after Brexit, this conversation provides practical advice and expert insight from two of the industry's leading specialists.
In this episode
 What yacht registration actually is and why it matters 
 Understanding flag states and the British Red Ensign 
 The difference between UK Part 1 Registration and the Small Ships Register (SSR) 
 Why UK yacht registration rules have changed following Brexit 
 Which EU yacht owners are affected by the new legislation 
 Alternative registration options through the British Red Ensign Group 
 How yacht registration affects ownership, finance, insurance and VAT 
 Common mistakes owners make when registering a yacht 
 Practical advice for buyers, brokers and existing yacht owners 
 Why planning ahead can make the registration process significantly easier 
If you are researching UK yacht registration, Part 1 Registration, British Red Ensign registration, flag states, Brexit yacht registration changes, or EU yacht owner eligibility, this episode offers a clear and practical guide from the experts at Oceanskies, helping you understand your options and make informed decisions with confidence.

The Story Behind America's Muffler Men with Steve Dashew
Long before Steve Dashew became known for designing some of the world's most capable offshore cruising yachts, he accidentally helped create one of America's most recognisable pieces of roadside culture.

In this chapter of the Dashew Talking Books, host Sue Grant steps away from boats to uncover the remarkable story behind the towering fiberglass figures that became known as the Muffler Men, along with the famous Uniroyal Gals, giant dinosaurs, cowboys and Paul Bunyan statues that once stood outside service stations, restaurants and businesses across North America. 

Steve explains how what began as a struggling winter sideline for a small boatbuilding business quickly became something far bigger. As he says, "this started like most things we've been involved with... we never intended it to be in the display business."

The story begins with a tiny classified advert in the Los Angeles Times, a handful of fiberglass moulds, and an opportunity that few people would have recognised. Within a few years, Steve found himself pitching directly to the senior marketing executives of some of America's largest corporations, despite being just twenty-one years old. Looking back, he admits, "I had no fear. I didn't know what you couldn't do."

The episode explores how one Paul Bunyan statue installed outside a Las Vegas service station reportedly doubled fuel sales almost overnight, leading to national publicity and eventually orders from major brands including Texaco, Phillips 66, Sinclair and Uniroyal. Steve recalls the moment Texaco placed an order for hundreds of figures, transforming what had started as a small seasonal business into a nationwide manufacturing operation. 

Along the way, Steve recalls designing giant cowboys, dinosaurs, pirates, restaurant mascots and the famous Uniroyal Gal, while solving the surprisingly complex challenges of transporting, erecting and marketing these enormous fibreglass figures across the United States. Looking back, he describes the business simply as "great fun" before reflecting, "I had no idea what a wonderful business we had."

The conversation also follows the rise and eventual decline of the fiberglass giant industry, explaining why the business changed direction and how Steve ultimately left it behind before embarking on the next chapter of his career. Ironically, decades later, the very figures once dismissed as roadside advertising have become sought-after pieces of Americana, celebrated in museums, books and newspaper features across the United States. 

Whether you've spotted one standing proudly beside an old highway, photographed one on Route 66, or have never heard of a Muffler Man before, this episode reveals one of the most surprising chapters in Steve Dashew's extraordinary career. It's a story of entrepreneurship, ingenuity and accidental success that began with a small boatyard, detoured through giant fibreglass roadside icons, and became an unlikely part of American cultural history.
Host: Sue Grant
Guest: Steve Dashew
About This Series
The Dashew Talking Books is a special podcast series exploring the life, experiences and ideas of Steve Dashew. Across these conversations, Steve reflects on decades of innovation, offshore cruising, yacht design, business, adventure and the many unexpected stories that shaped his remarkable career.
To explore more of Steve and Linda Dashew's work, visit SetSail for articles, owner stories and technical resources.
You can also watch more conversations and videos on the Dashew Offshore YouTube channel, and explore FPB Motor Yachts at Berthon International to learn more about the cruising yachts that grew from Steve's pioneering design philosophy.
To explore more of Steve's writing, technical articles and cruising knowledge, visit:
SetSail:
SetSail.com
Dashew Offshore YouTube Channel:
YouTube
To learn more about FPB Motor Yachts:
Berthon FPB Motor Yachts:
FPB Motor Yachts
Steve Dashew - Dashew Offshore
Iconic yacht designer and one of the true legends of modern ocean cruising.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

How is the yacht brokerage market performing halfway through the 2026 season? Are buyers still active? Which yachts are attracting the most interest? And what does it take to achieve a successful sale in today's market?
In this latest edition of Inside the Market, Berthon International Managing Director Tim Carbury is joined by Rob Steadman, Head of Large Motor Yacht Sales and New Yacht Sales Manager for Solaris Power, to discuss the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping yacht brokerage through June and July.
Despite wider economic uncertainty, the market has continued to show encouraging resilience. Tim explains that Berthon has seen "a really marked increase in activity across the brokerage market in all our Berthon offices," with the business performing strongly across Europe, Scandinavia, Spain and North America.
The discussion explores why serious buyers are still making confident purchasing decisions, even though the market remains firmly in buyers' favour. Rob explains that today's purchasers are more discerning than ever, noting that "buyers are  expecting brokerage boats to fly through survey."
Tim and Rob examine why well-maintained, realistically priced yachts continue to outperform the rest of the market, and why professional presentation, regular upgrades and accurate pricing remain the key ingredients behind successful sales. They also discuss how rising new-build prices are increasing the appeal of quality brokerage yachts, with many owners choosing to invest in refits that deliver outstanding value compared with buying new.
The episode also goes behind the scenes of bringing a yacht to market. From photography, videography and walkthrough films to detailed specifications, brochures and international marketing, Tim explains why every new listing represents a significant investment of time and expertise before it is ever presented to prospective buyers.
One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation is the importance of long-term relationships. Repeat clients account for a significant proportion of Berthon's listings and sales, something both Tim and Rob see as one of the company's greatest strengths. As Tim says, "It is a relationship business," with trust, face-to-face meetings and honest advice often proving just as important as the yachts themselves.
The pair also discuss the realities of brokerage, including survey negotiations, pricing expectations and why completed sales remain the clearest measure of market confidence. While surveys do not always go according to plan, both agree that navigating these challenges is simply part of the profession.
Looking further afield, the conversation highlights the increasingly international nature of today's brokerage market. Alongside continued activity across Europe and North America, Berthon is seeing enquiries from much further afield, with clients travelling from places including Mauritius and Tunisia to view yachts. These global enquiries reflect the growing reach of the brokerage market and the confidence buyers continue to place in experienced international brokers.
Whether you're considering selling your yacht, searching for your next purchase or simply interested in how the market is evolving, this episode provides an honest snapshot of where yacht brokerage stands as the 2026 season moves into its second half.
Join Tim and Rob as they share the latest market insights, discuss the trends they're seeing firsthand and explain why quality, preparation and trusted relationships continue to drive successful yacht sales.

The Search For Heavy Weather: How WIND HORSE Changed Offshore Powerboat Design, with Steve Dashew
In this episode, Sue Grant is joined by renowned yacht designer, sailor, author and offshore passagemaker Steve Dashew to discuss FPB 83 WIND HORSE, the yacht that became the genesis of the FPB fleet and fundamentally changed the way he thought about offshore powerboats.
Sue and Steve discuss:
 The origins of FPB 83 WIND HORSE 
 The transition from sailing yachts to offshore powerboats 
 Designing for heavy weather 
 Stability, safety and offshore survivability 
 Fuel efficiency and long-range cruising 
 The evolution of the FPB fleet 
 Testing boats in real-world conditions 
 Challenging conventional thinking in yacht design 
 Lessons learned from decades of passagemaking
The conversation begins with a simple question: why go looking for heavy weather? For Steve, the answer was straightforward. When designing WIND HORSE, "the bottom line was how comfortable they would be at sea and how they'd handle heavy weather." After decades spent designing and sailing some of the world's most capable offshore sailing yachts, he had never encountered a powerboat that inspired confidence in difficult conditions.
Steve explains how the journey towards WIND HORSE began aboard his final sailing yacht, BEOWULF, a 78-foot water-ballasted ketch capable of remarkable passage times. Yet an unexpected boom failure during a passage from Panama ultimately forced a rethink. Faced with the prospect of spending another three or four years designing and building a new sailing yacht, Steve and Linda began exploring an idea they had previously dismissed: a serious offshore powerboat.
What followed was a design process that challenged almost every accepted convention. Naval architects questioned the concept. Experienced boat owners doubted it would work. As Steve recalls, "everybody said we were nuts."
The result was WIND HORSE, a yacht designed around efficiency, comfort and offshore capability rather than traditional powerboat thinking. Yet even after years of design work, there was only one way to know if the concept really worked. Steve admits that they "wouldn't know the answer" until they had been offshore in genuine heavy weather.
The episode explores the early sea trials in New Zealand and the growing realisation that the boat was attracting attention from experienced commercial operators. Ferry captains and fishermen began taking notice. According to Steve, "when you start attracting the attention of the professionals in a country like New Zealand, you know you're onto something."
One of the most fascinating parts of the discussion centres around a passage from the Bay of Islands, where WIND HORSE encountered a confused sea state made up of multiple crossing wave systems. Steve explains that "the seas from one direction aren't what get you in trouble or make you uncomfortable. It's when you get a crossing sea state, or sometimes two or three seas crossing."
It was during this voyage that the FPB concept truly proved itself. Passing through squalls and breaking seas, Steve experienced something entirely new. After decades of offshore sailing, he suddenly realised that there was "nothing to do." The absence of sail handling, reefing decisions and constant weather management created a very different offshore experience.
Reflecting on those early passages, Steve admits that he "had never realised up to that point how stressful it was" sailing BEOWULF. WIND HORSE offered something different: the ability to maintain passage speeds while dramatically reducing the physical and mental workload associated with long-distance cruising.
Sue and Steve also discuss the realities of yacht design, the limitations of modelling and CFD analysis, and why real-world experience remains irreplaceable. As Steve puts it, "you really don't know until you get the boat in the water in a confused sea state." Despite decades of technical development, many of his final design decisions are still guided by instinct, explaining that "the final decisions are always made by feel."
The conversation goes beyond heavy weather and into the philosophy behind the FPB range. Steve discusses reliability, simplicity, maintenance and why accessible systems matter offshore. In his view, if "you have good access, then you can check things," preventing small problems from becoming large ones.
The episode concludes with the story of how WIND HORSE evolved from a personal project into the foundation of an entirely new fleet. Steve never intended to return to boatbuilding and recalls that "when we built WIND HORSE, we thought that was the last boat." Yet demand quickly emerged, and before long the FPB 64 was on the drawing board.
For anyone interested in offshore passagemaking, yacht design, heavy weather seamanship or the origins of the FPB fleet, this is a fascinating insight into one of the most influential cruising concepts of the modern era.
Host: Sue Grant
Guest: Steve Dashew

About This Series
The Dashew Talking Books is a special podcast series exploring the life, experiences and ideas of Steve Dashew. Across these conversations, Steve reflects on decades of innovation, offshore cruising, yacht design, business, adventure and the many unexpected stories that shaped his remarkable career.
To explore more of Steve and Linda Dashew's work, visit SetSail for articles, owner stories and technical resources.
You can also watch more conversations and videos on the Dashew Offshore YouTube channel, and explore FPB Motor Yachts at Berthon International to learn more about the cruising yachts that grew from Steve's pioneering design philosophy.
To explore more of Steve's writing, technical articles and cruising knowledge, visit:
SetSail:
SetSail.com
Dashew Offshore YouTube Channel:
YouTube
To learn more about FPB Motor Yachts:
Berthon FPB Motor Yachts:
FPB Motor Yachts
Steve Dashew - Dashew Offshore
Iconic yacht designer and one of the true legends of modern ocean cruising.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.