[Wed.] Palm Beach Int’l Boat Show 2026 by Triton News Network

Masters of Class: Standards Matter

By Jim Bronstien

The 2026 Palm Beach International Boat Show kicked off its series of seminars with the United States Superyacht Association (USSA) presenting Masters of Class: Captains & Class. This interactive program gave attendees an exceptional opportunity to directly engage with senior representatives from leading Classification societies, offering a platform for valuable discussion and insight.

The panel featured prominent voices from Lloyd’s Register, RINA, and Bureau Veritas. Together, they explored the challenges and issues influencing superyacht Classification requirements and standards. For those in command roles and in charge of onboard operations, this conversation brought clarity on compliance, safety, and the practical aspects of adhering to Class standards.

Moderated by Jason Dunbar of Vessel Value Survey, with additional insights from Michael Reardon of Reardon Yacht Consulting, the session addressed significant issues affecting yacht crew. Topics included the impacts of yachts being in Class, risks associated with falling out of Class, and the complexities of maintaining Class

status. The discussion highlighted the expectation that the Classification organizations be notified in advance to approve and adjust for any planned updates to a yacht, from interior changes to mechanical modifications.

Capt. Liam Devlin of M/Y Unbridled contributed real-world perspectives, illustrating how regulatory frameworks influence daily decisions on board. He also sparked a thoughtful conversation on the role of AI in assisting crew with Class organization, emphasizing the importance of crew awareness and teamwork in maintaining Class status.

Panelists discussed new challenges, including remote surveys, crew compliance activities, and training programs offered by Class Societies for captains and crew. They highlighted that insurance requirements, charter yacht operations, and yacht valuations are fundamental aspects of all Classification programs.

The Masters of Class discussion jumpstarted the Palm Beach boat show with a meaningful exchange, reinforcing the significance of Classification standards as a fundamental baseline for safety, compliance, and operational excellence across the fleet of yachts over 40 meters.

Celebrate excellence in the superyacht industry by nominating outstanding captains and crew across 14 award categories for the 2026 ACREW Crew Awards. Scan here to submit your nomination

B In which decade did the Palm Beach International Boat Show first open?

C What is a “lazy line” used for?

D Which Olympic Games first included yacht racing?

E According to the MCA Large Yacht Code, what is the maximum number of passengers a yacht under 500 GT can carry without additional certification?

CREW SCENE ON THE DOCKS • SET UP DAY

Photos by Kevin Maher and Flavia Patino-Paul

Experience the YATCO Flagship Lounge at The Ben Hotel’s Hotel Park at Banyan Square — an exclusive hub for networking, industry insights, and premium hospitality. Featuring destination forums, economic seminars, charter talks, sailing celebrations, and vibrant evening events, it’s designed for captains, crew, and yachting professionals to connect, collaborate, and elevate business.