Paul M. Madden — expedition yacht broker, founder & principal of Xplorer Yachts.

Career — representing the world’s premier shipyards

Paul has generated more than $200 million in first-year shipyard sales and overseen $500 million-plus in lifetime transactions, representing Blohm+Voss / ThyssenKrupp, CRN / Ferretti Group, and Camper & Nicholsons across the Americas.

Xplorer Yachts — Founder & Principal (2010 – present)

Advising a select group of UHNW principals in the acquisition, conversion, and design of commercial and government vessels into global expedition yachts — as well as full new-build projects. Active engagements currently underway in Turkey, Louisiana, and Argentina; leading the design phase of an innovative 106-metre wind/sail-assisted expedition yacht in France through the WindVoyage joint venture.

In 2017, obtained a US Treasury Department licence authorising logistical services for yachts visiting Cuba — one of three operators authorised at the time.

CRN / Ferretti Group — Americas Representative

Represented the CRN megayacht brand across North and South American markets, serving as the primary point of contact for UHNW buyers and brokers. Developed strategic marketing and business plans, implemented targeted advertising and direct marketing programmes, and built relationships with UHNW prospects across tech executives, family offices, and established yacht owners across the Americas.

Blohm+Voss / ThyssenKrupp — North American Representative

Engaged directly by the Board of Directors to relaunch the Blohm+Voss yacht brand after a 13-year hiatus from yacht building. In partnership with Bruce Wilmot (London), led all marketing, client development, and sales efforts across the Americas — generating over $950 million in new yacht sales in the first year of relaunch. Repositioned Blohm+Voss as a leading global superyacht builder and re-established its presence at the top of the North American market.

Camper & Nicholsons — Management Consultant; Broker & Regional Manager, Mexico

Originally retained as Management Consultant to the Board of Directors to develop the company’s North American Business Plan. Subsequently managed the Sunseeker dealership and full-service yacht brokerage operations in Mexico, building the territory from the ground up. Developed a significant client base from the West Coast technology sector and represented the brokerage at the Monaco Yacht Show, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach.

The Yacht Channel & WindVoyage

Paul produces The Yacht Channel — one of the most-followed independent maritime channels, with more than 4.5 million cumulative views and 19,000+ subscribers. He is Chief Executive of WindVoyage, the joint venture with VPLP Design and Norse Shipyard delivering 80- to 120-metre wind-powered expedition yachts.

Seamanship

A lifelong competitive sailor. Raced in the SORC, the Newport–Bermuda Race, and trans-Atlantic crossings. FAA Commercial- and Instrument-rated pilot.

Education

• MBA, with Honors — Boston University School of Management, Brussels Overseas Programme
• BA — University of Colorado, Boulder

Affiliations & credentials

• Former Vice President, International Superyacht Society (ISS)
• Member, Royal Thames Yacht Club, London
• Former Board Member, American Sail Training Association (Tall Ships America)
• Yacht donation facilitator, International SeaKeepers Society
• WGA-affiliated screenwriter and documentary filmmaker (IMDB: nm0534631)

Languages

English (native); Spanish (conversational).

Media commentary

Forbes, Yachting Magazine, Boat International, and the wider industry press. Available for panels, podcasts, and editorial commentary on expedition yachts, commercial-to-yacht conversion, wind-powered superyachts, and the SeaKeepers yacht donation pathway.