01/10/2026
Mark Averhoff appointed Director of Delphia
From 1 October, Mark Averhoff will take the lead at Delphia Yachts as Brand Director, succeeding Martin Schemkes.
To mark this transition, Mark Averhoff shares his vision for the brand, his ambitions for Delphia Yachts and the key priorities that will guide its development in the coming years.
Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your background and what led you to join Delphia as Brand Director ?
Previously working in the automotive industry, I joined the nautical sector at the Beneteau Group ten years ago.
Leisure boating has always attracted me, particularly because of what it represents: practical, comfortable boats designed to enjoy family time together. I have always been drawn to the world of travel and cruising, where the boat truly becomes a home away from home.
Therefore, joining Delphia and helping to develop the brand is a natural step in my career. I fully share his vision of comfortable and easy sailing, designed above all to fully enjoy life on the water.
You are taking over from Martin Schemkes as head of the brand. What aspects of his work do you want to see carried forward, and in what new directions do you want to take it ?
With all his experience and vision of boating, Martin Schemkes helped to shape the many elements that define the Delphia brand today. My aim is to continue building on this legacy while developing the brand and staying consistent with its identity: boats designed to fully enjoy life on the water by combining comfort, simplicity and freedom.
We would like to continue developing our range of sea and coastal cruises. The Delphia 11 and Delphia 12 illustrate this evolution perfectly. These are boats designed for cruising, for spending several days on board and making the most of every moment on the water. In addition, the versatility of our range allows for navigation both at sea and on inland waterways, which is a real advantage for our customers
Delphia is currently widening its horizons, particularly towards coastal navigation. How do you feel about this development, and what role do you have want Delphia to play in this new environment ?
Coastal navigation is a key market for our larger models, particularly the Delphia 11 and the Delphia 12. Delphia provides a particularly attractive option for those seeking a comfortable boat, suitable for all-year-round use and designed to cruise efficiently. We prioritise generous space, functionality and ease of use, with reliable and intuitive systems that greatly simplify life on board.
Combined with the Beneteau Group’s quality standards, this approach enables us to offer a particularly attractive alternative in the coastal cruising segment, combining comfort, functionality and controlled operating costs.
"Mindful Cruising" is at the heart of Delphia’s identity. How do you plan to implement this philosophy and develop it for our customers, beyond the product itself ?
Mindful Cruising refers to a philosophy of sailing and travel centred on slow travel and well-being.
Thus, for our customers, their boat becomes a place where they can reconnect with nature. It allows them to slow down and fully enjoy the water and the journey. That is why our focus is on comfort, simplicity and the quality of their experience on board. Every detail has been carefully considered to make life more enjoyable and peaceful.
This year at Cannes, Delphia was present with the new D11 Flylounge, powered by a 250 HP engine. Why showcase this boat with a new motor? How was it perceived by the public ?
Our Delphia 11 Flylounge is equipped with a 250 HP engine. This enables it have more power in order to navigate in challenging conditions (strong currents, swell ...). Combined with its displacement hull, it offers a very comfortable cruising experience while allowing the speed to be increased when necessary.
In addition, the Delphia 11 is particularly well adapted to the Mediterranean. It has 8 berths on board, a spacious flybridge, a large saloon and two shower rooms. By adding the 250 HP in-line engine, it offers the perfect balance between stability, comfort, power and efficiency.
The Delphia 11 Flylounge 250 HP was very positively received in Cannes. Sea trials gave customers the opportunity to experience the benefits of this new motorisation.
