Tom Schröder, Owner of Maverick and majority shareholder of CdM reflects on the experience doing the honors of the house on board his yacht at the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Monaco Yacht Show.

When I first decided to showcase Maverick at both the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Monaco Yacht Show, I must admit specially my wife Jeannine had some concerns. She wondered whether all the meticulous work we had poured into preparing the yacht for these prestigious events would resonate with guests, potential buyers, and the industry's discerning eyes. But as I reflect on those days now, any initial doubts seem almost laughable given how incredibly successful the experience turned out to be.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that the level of professionalism and attention to detail from Cantiere delle Marche, my family and crew had paid off. We spent countless hours ensuring Maverick looked her absolute best. Every corner of the yacht was polished, every detail thoughtfully arranged, and every feature proudly displayed. Seeing her gleaming under the Mediterranean sun as visitors boarded felt like a true testament to our efforts. One of the most rewarding aspects was welcoming such a wide range of visitors - brokers, potential clients, journalists, and yacht enthusiasts - all of whom seemed genuinely impressed by what Maverick had to offer and interested in our experience on board for the entire Spring and Summer 2024 and mostly in our plans for the future that will see all our family members onboard Maverick for two years. (Our plans on board Maverick actually include a seven year journey around the world to visit the most remote areas of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.)

Each day was a whirl of activity: giving tours, explaining our vision behind the design, and sharing the unique elements that make Maverick truly special. It was gratifying to see people's reactions and to answer their questions, whether about the technical specs, our journey in the yacht's creation, or the experiences we've already shared as a family aboard her.

The media presence was also beyond what I had expected. I was invited to give numerous interviews, each one an opportunity to discuss not only Maverick but also my passion for yachting and the values behind this project. Sharing our story and discussing the innovations on Maverick felt especially meaningful, as it gave me a chance to connect with audiences who truly appreciate the art and adventure of yachting.

One aspect that added to the whole experience was having my family involved. They helped in greeting guests, making sure everyone felt welcome, and sharing their own stories of life on board. Their presence added a personal touch that, I think, resonated with our guests. Watching my family engage so naturally with people was a special highlight; it made the event not only a professional success but also a deeply personal and enjoyable experience for all of us.

As I look back on the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Monaco Yacht Show, I am left with a profound sense of satisfaction and pride. The shows exceeded my expectations in every way. From the outstanding organization to the positive feedback from guests, brokers, and journalists, these events reinforced that we had achieved something remarkable with Maverick. For my family and me, the experience was not only a validation of all the hard work we'd put into this project but also a truly memorable journey into the heart of the yachting world.