In 1898, when Captain Armstrong assumed command of the majestic three-masted cargo sailing ship, the Fairport, in Limerick, Ireland, he was unwittingly laying the cornerstone for a legacy that would transcend generations.
His great-grandson, Graeme Lord, inherited this profound connection to the sea, charting his own distinguished course in the maritime realm and eventually ascending to the role of chief engineer. Transitioning ashore, Graeme pioneered a new frontier at Fraser Yachts by establishing the first comprehensive crewing and compliance management division. In 2003, his visionary leadership transformed IYC from a local Florida entity into a formidable global presence.
In a bold move in 2011, Graeme embarked on a solo venture, founding Fairport in homage to his great-grandfather’s ship. Fairport emerged as a beacon of independence in the yacht support industry, cutting through the clutter of empty promises with its straightforward, thorough, and transparent approach. The brand’s commitment to integrity caught the eye of Island Global Yachting (IGY) Marinas, leading to its acquisition in October 2021.
Meanwhile, on a different continent, whilst working as the shipyard Captain at Sunseeker International, Ben Young MBE was charting a parallel course. Invited by the company’s founder, Robert Braithwaite, they envisioned the industry’s future growth, laying the groundwork for what would become Superyacht Management (SYM), an enterprise initially nestled within the Sunseeker family, officially established in March 2008.
Under Ben’s stewardship, SYM has become a holistic guardian of yacht ownership, managing maintenance, repairs, registration, financial affairs, operational support, and concierge services from its base in Golfe-Juan, France. With a skilled team, SYM extends its services across the Mediterranean, catering to yachts of every dimension.
In a landmark move in 2022, MarineMax embraced both SYM and Fairport. Uniting under the Fairport banner, alongside 44 premium marine brands, these entities are poised to forge a peerless global network, epitomized by shared standards of excellence, convenience, and bespoke service, heralding a new era in maritime luxury and support.
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