MRM: How did your journey with CDM begin? What first attracted you to this specific yacht builder? What aspects of the company's philosophy resonate most with you?

DG: : It all started early 2019 when I joined the team to help an experienced owner find his next yacht. We ended up discovering a really special off-market Darwin Class CdM yacht, formerly known as Stella di Mare. It really stood out—compact, designed for exploration, and built to perfection. Even though the shipyard wasn't directly involved in that transaction, the way Vasco and Ennio handled things left a lasting impression on me. Their dedication to the buyers and their personal approach went way beyond what I expected. It's that genuine care for the client and the commitment to excellence that really drew me to CdM and keeps me passionate about it.

MRM: What role have you played in CDM's growth and development over the years? Can you share some key milestones from your personal experience?

PM: When we first started, people here didn't really know what a custom-built explorer yacht was. But we could sense that there was growing interest, so we made it our mission to educate people about what CdM offered. One key moment was at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival, where we hosted local clients and captains aboard Mimi La Sardine. One of those clients, Marcus Blackmore, was so captivated by the yacht that now, five years later, they're building their own custom explorer yacht with CdM. The journey—from introducing CdM to the region to seeing that trust develop and come full circle—has been incredibly rewarding.

MRM: What makes the Australian market an important focus for CDM's growth?

PM: Despite having a smaller population, Australians are among the top owners of superyachts worldwide. The country's proximity to some of the most beautiful and remote cruising areas, including The Kimberly, Fiji, Cook Islands, Vanatu, or even Antarctica—makes Australia an ideal market for explorer yachts. With the growing demand for bespoke superyachts, Australia is definitely a key focus for CdM's expansion.

MRM: What opportunities do you see for CDM in Australia that you feel would make a real impact in the local market?

DG: There's a real opportunity here for CdM to make its mark in the yacht market. As we grow the fleet locally, with new and pre-owned vessels, we're starting to see more owners realize the value of these explorer yachts. Yachts that not only offer world-class craftsmanship but are also built for sustainable, long-range exploration. With a steady increase in the number of CdM yachts in Australian waters, it's clear that there's a growing demand for vessels that combine adventure, performance, and eco-consciousness. And that's exactly what CdM brings to the table.

MRM: Given CDM explorer yachts' characteristics, how do you plan to adapt the company's offerings to meet the unique demands of Australian clients?

PM: Australia and New Zealand have a very unique yacht culture, with owners using their vessels year-round—often with little or no crew. So, while most of our yachts tend to be on the larger side, we've been working on smaller projects that fit this cruising style. We've already had great success with projects like the RJ 102 and RAW. These are our entry-level offering for the region, designed to capture that signature CdM spirit, but in a more compact, practical format that's perfectly suited for Australian and New Zealand owners.

MRM: What do you see as the key differentiators that set CDM apart from other yacht builders?

DG: What truly sets CdM apart is the exceptional craftsmanship and engineering that define each yacht. The shipyard's background gives them a unique edge when it comes to reliability and performance. At the core is their engineering expertise, that ensures that every vessel is not only built with extraordinary attention to detail but also designed to stand the test of time, no matter the conditions. Unlike standard production yachts, every CdM yacht is known by its unique name rather than a model number, reflecting the individuality and artistry behind each creation. What also makes CdM special is the culture that permeates every aspect of their work—from the construction process to after-sales support. This deep commitment to quality and personal attention ensures that each yacht is not only a product of unparalleled craftsmanship but also backed by a team that genuinely cares about the owner's journey.

MRM: What challenges did you face in bringing CDM to Australia, and how did you overcome them?

PM: One of the biggest challenges was definitely the travel restrictions during COVID-19. Without being able to physically show the yachts, we had to rely heavily on virtual tools and detailed descriptions to get the message across. But even with that challenge, our belief in the brand and our dedication to connecting with clients remotely made a huge difference. We built trust and excitement for CdM even while being apart, and that gave us the momentum we needed to keep growing.

MRM: How important is sustainability in CDM's design and construction process, especially considering Australia's focus on eco-tourism and environmental conservation?

DG: Sustainability is at the heart of CdM's design and build philosophy. It aligns perfectly with Australia's growing focus on eco-tourism and environmental responsibility. We prioritize eco-friendly materials, and are exploring innovative solutions such as kites for auxiliary propulsion and biofuels. What's also unique is that even in their standard configurations, CdM yachts can earn the Green Star certification from RINA, which shows our commitment to environmentally responsible designs. And it doesn't stop with the yachts. The entire shipyard culture reflects an eco-conscious work ethic—everything behind the scenes is designed with sustainability in mind. That's a big part of what makes CdM different.

MRM: From a business perspective, how do you see CDM Australia contributing to the wider success of the CDM brand globally?

PM: CDM Australia plays a crucial role in expanding the brand's reach, especially in Australia and the broader Oceania region, where there's increasing interest in explorer yachts. By offering personalized service and a deep understanding of the local market, we're able to bridge the gap between the exceptional craftsmanship of CdM in Italy and the expectations of discerning Australian clients. Our local presence not only strengthens CdM's footprint here but also contributes to the global success of the brand by building trust and loyalty among clients in the Southern Hemisphere.

MRM: Looking ahead, where do you see CDM Australia in the next 5 years, and what steps are you taking to ensure its success?

DG: In five years, I see CDM Australia as the leading luxury yacht brand in the Southern Hemisphere. To make that happen, we're focusing on building strong relationships with clients, strengthening our presence through exclusive events and yacht showings, and developing strategic partnerships. We're also investing in staff training to ensure our team continues to provide world-class service and technical expertise. And of course, we're staying on top of market trends, especially in sustainability, so we can continue to offer innovative and eco-conscious designs. By focusing on these key areas, I'm confident that CDM Australia will play a central role in the brand's continued global success.

MRM: Why are CDM explorer yachts ideal for cruising the Australian coast?

PM: The Australian coastline is incredibly diverse, with everything from tropical reefs to rugged, remote shorelines, so you need a yacht that's built to handle all of that. CdM explorer yachts are designed for exactly these kinds of challenges. They come with strong, durable hulls and reliable systems that make them perfect for long-range cruising in tougher environments where many traditional yachts might struggle. Our Yachts will boast a minimum of 5500 Nautical mile range with many averaging well above that.
Australia's coast stretches over 25,000 kilometres, and much of it is remote with minimal marina infrastructure. That's where CdM's self-sufficient explorer yachts really shine—they're made for journeys without the need for constant resupply, allowing owners to explore places like the Kimberley region or Tasmania's secluded bays without any hassle.
What's also great about CdM yachts is their ability to access areas that larger yachts just can't. Some parts of the Australian coastline, like the Whitsundays, have shallow waters or narrow channels, but CdM yachts are designed with a shallower draft, meaning they can get to those hidden coves and pristine beaches that others can't reach.
And of course, Australia's outdoor lifestyle is a huge draw—whether it's diving, fishing, kayaking, or just enjoying nature. CdM yachts are built with plenty of space for tenders, diving gear, and all the equipment needed for these kinds of adventures. They're perfect for anyone looking to really immerse themselves in the incredible diversity of Australia's coast.
In short, CdM explorer yachts combine robust engineering, long-range cruising, luxury, and the flexibility to explore Australia's unique, often remote landscapes in style and comfort.