Your owner's representative,
every step of the way
Independent owner's representation and build management for sailing and motor yacht new builds from 24 to 60 metres. Our consultancy bench draws on unlimited Chief Engineers, Master Mariner captains, naval architects, surveyors, members from commercial shipping, and America's Cup and SailGP sailors, with particular depth in performance sailing yachts and carbon composite construction.
Independent representation at every stage
A new build is one of the most significant undertakings in yacht ownership, and shipyards naturally operate in their own commercial interest. We provide continuous, independent oversight throughout the build, ensuring the owner's requirements are upheld from contract through to sea trials and delivery.
We count Captains, unlimited Chief Engineers, Surveyors and Naval Architects amongst our ranks, each with extensive build management experience across leading European and global shipyards. Their judgement is grounded in hands-on project delivery, not theory.
Foreland is entirely independent. We hold no yard affiliations, receive no commissions from shipyards or suppliers, and accept no referral fees. Every recommendation we make serves one interest alone: the owner.
Depth of experience across every discipline
Foreland's consultancy team is drawn from the most senior practitioners in the industry. Chief Engineers hold unlimited tickets, the highest engineering qualification at sea. Captains operate to Master Mariner level, having commanded yachts and commercial vessels in every ocean.
The technical bench is built around naval architects, surveyors, and coatings specialists with decades of yard-side experience. Colleagues from commercial shipping bring the contractual rigour and schedule discipline of regulated tonnage, and our sailing strength includes America's Cup and SailGP campaigners with first-hand knowledge of rig design, sail plans, and on-water performance.
This breadth means every project is covered by people who have done the work themselves. When a question arises on the yard floor, on a sea trial, or during a contractual review, the answer comes from someone who has seen the issue before.
The team is SYBAss accredited and registered on the Yacht Owner's Representative Register, with membership of British Marine and Superyacht UK.
Disciplines on the consultancy bench
Engineering
Unlimited Chief Engineers with hands-on experience of new build, conversion, and refit projects across yachts and commercial tonnage.
Command
Senior Captains to Master Mariner level, bringing operational understanding of the vessels we are helping owners build.
Naval Architecture & Survey
Independent inspection of structure, systems and outfitting, supported by chartered surveyors, naval architects and coatings specialists.
Commercial Shipping
Members from commercial backgrounds applying the contractual discipline and schedule rigour of regulated shipping to private projects.
Performance Sailing
America's Cup and SailGP sailors contributing to rig specification, sail plan review, and on-water performance evaluation.
Yard Operations
Project managers with delivery experience across leading European and global shipyards, including J Class and carbon composite programmes.
The stages of a new build
Each project follows its own course, but the underlying framework remains consistent. We apply structured oversight at every phase, allowing the owner to focus on the decisions that shape the vessel.
Concept & Specification
3 to 12 months
Collaborative development of the project brief with the owner and design team. Reviewing initial concepts, establishing technical parameters, and defining the scope that will govern the entire build.
Yard Selection & Contract
1 to 3 months
Systematic evaluation of shipyards against capability, track record, capacity, and commercial terms. Supporting contract negotiation to ensure the owner's position is properly protected.
Build Oversight
12 to 48 months
Continuous on-site presence throughout the construction period. Attendance at production meetings, milestone inspections, financial tracking, and structured reporting to the owner.
Sea Trials & Delivery
1 to 3 months
Coordination of sea trials, commissioning of all onboard systems, management of handover documentation, and formal acceptance on behalf of the owner.
Warranty Period
12 to 24 months
Continued involvement post-delivery to monitor defect rectification, manage claims against the shipyard, and ensure all contractual obligations are fulfilled.
Scope of our involvement
On-Site Representation
Daily presence at the shipyard throughout the build period, attending production meetings, conducting inspections, and providing structured progress reports.
Budget & Cost Control
Monitoring expenditure against budget, verifying milestone payment claims, reviewing change orders, and identifying cost risks at the earliest opportunity.
Project Coordination
Managing communication between the owner, shipyard, design offices, subcontractors, and classification society to maintain alignment on scope, schedule, and quality.
Technical Review
Independent inspection of hull construction, structural work, systems installation, and outfitting quality, supported by our naval architects, engineers, and coatings specialists. For sailing yachts, this extends to rig specification, sail plan review, and deck hardware selection.
Crew & Commissioning
Crew recruitment and employment administration during the build phase, followed by coordination of sea trials, systems commissioning, and formal handover.
Warranty Management
Post-delivery oversight including defect tracking, claims management, and continued liaison with the shipyard throughout the warranty period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an Owner's Representative do during a new build?+
When should I appoint an Owner's Representative?+
What qualifications should an Owner's Representative have?+
How long does a typical new build project take?+
Accredited and on the public register
Foreland Marine is accredited by the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) and listed on the Yacht Owner's Representative Register, maintained by the Superyacht Alliance. Owners are welcome to verify our standing directly.
Visit the Yacht Owner's Representative RegisterFurther Reading
Engage at any stage
Whether the project is at concept stage or construction is already underway, our team can integrate at any point and contribute from the outset.