Big Boat Brands | GLI Brings Baglietto Expertise to The Boat Works
Geoff Lovett International (GLI) is strengthening its position in Australia’s luxury yacht market from its headquarters at The Boat Works, combining international superyacht representation, premium brokerage and specialist marine brands with direct access to world-class refit, maintenance and service facilities.
The anticipated arrival of the 40-metre Baglietto DOM133 Danica in late 2027 will be a significant milestone for GLI and The Boat Works, an official Baglietto Service Centre. Sold to Australian owners through GLI, Danica highlights the growing appeal of larger, long-range luxury yachts and reinforces The Boat Works’ credentials as the premier destination for superyacht sales, service and support.
In 2024, GLI relocated from Marina Mirage to headquarters within The Wharf precinct at The Boat Works, positioning the business at the centre of Australia’s most comprehensive marine service hubs.
With more than 40 years of industry experience, GLI represents a select range of luxury brands, including Italian superyacht builder Baglietto and specialist jet tender manufacturer Castoldi.
Italian excellence meets Australian expertise
GLI has represented Baglietto in Australia and New Zealand since 2022, establishing a close relationship with the historic Italian shipyard, headquartered in La Spezia, which has more than 170 years of shipbuilding heritage.
A significant milestone came with the sale of the tenth Baglietto DOM133, Danica, to Australian owners, demonstrating the growing appetite for sophisticated, long-range superyachts in the region.
Combining contemporary Italian design, advanced engineering and exceptional craftsmanship, the DOM133 offers the volume, comfort and amenities associated with significantly larger yachts, while retaining the practicality and capability required for extended cruising.
Perry James, Managing Director of Geoff Lovett International, said the combination of Baglietto’s shipbuilding heritage and GLI’s experience provides Australian owners with confidence at every stage of the ownership experience.
“Baglietto is renowned for contemporary design, exceptional engineering and superior craftsmanship, and GLI has earned a reputation for our ethical and consistent customer service and support, which gives buyers considerable peace of mind,” he said.
For Australian owners looking to cruise extensively throughout Australia, the South Pacific and Asia, Baglietto’s appeal lies in its long-range capability, generous living spaces and the ability to customise a yacht around their individual cruising requirements.
“The DOM133 is a perfect example. It offers the volume and luxury expected of a much larger yacht, while remaining a practical and capable vessel for extended cruising.”
Upon completion, Danica is scheduled to spend approximately 12 months cruising throughout Asia before arriving in Australia towards the end of 2027.
The yacht is also scheduled to appear at the Singapore Yachting Festival in April 2027, represented by GLI and Baglietto.
Her anticipated arrival will mark another milestone for both GLI at The Boat Works, which is an official Baglietto Service Centre, providing an important regional service connection for the brand’s growing Australian presence.
The appointment reinforces The Boat Works’ credentials as a destination for major international yacht brands and their owners, with the facilities, marine trades and technical expertise to support these highly technical vessels.
Castoldi adds capability
GLI is also the official Australian and New Zealand dealer for Castoldi, the Italian manufacturer renowned for its high-performance luxury jet tenders and waterjet propulsion systems.
The relationship brings another specialist international marine brand into the GLI portfolio, providing owners with access to a range of performance tenders designed to meet the demands of modern superyacht operations.
Castoldi’s integrated approach to developing both its propulsion systems and tenders is a key point of difference, allowing hull design, performance and propulsion to be engineered as a complete package.
The range is characterised by manoeuvrability, shallow-water capability, passenger comfort and compact storage solutions. It uses a flush waterjet propulsion system instead of a traditional exposed propeller, eliminating under-keel protrusions.
This minimal draft allows Castoldi tenders access beaches, coral keys and secluded anchorages without damaging running gear.
Perry James commented, “Castoldi has built a strong reputation for producing high-performance jet tenders that combine Italian engineering, reliability and practicality.
“For superyacht owners, a tender is an essential part of the overall yachting experience. Castoldi offers excellent manoeuvrability, shallow-water capability and the safety advantages of waterjet propulsion, without exposed propellers.”
Reflecting the relationship between the two Italian brands, the Australian owners of Danica have selected a 17-foot Castoldi jet tender for their Baglietto DOM133.
A precinct built for bigger boats
For GLI, the advantages of operating from The Boat Works extend well beyond its premium waterfront location.
The entire precinct brings together an extensive network of specialist marine trades, contractors, refit services and marine businesses, supported by substantial investment in infrastructure and facilities.
This concentration of expertise provides a compelling proposition for owners of larger luxury yachts, who benefit from the coordinated maintenance, technical support, refit capabilities and specialist services.
Based at The Boat Works, GLI is able to leverage the logical connection between yacht sales and the practical requirements of long-term ownership.
For prospective buyers, vessels can be inspected and assessed with specialist marine services close at hand. For existing owners, the precinct provides convenient access to maintenance and upgrades, while sellers benefit from the ability to prepare, present and market their yachts from a recognised marine destination.
Perry James said the combination of facilities, professional services and the support of The Boat Works team had been instrumental in the success of GLI’s relocation.
“Having our head office and brokerage office within Australia’s leading marina and shipyard gives us direct access to an extraordinary network of marine trades, service providers and facilities, which is a huge advantage for both our brokers and our clients.
“The continued investment in the precinct, the quality of the facilities and the ability to have vessels presented, maintained and marketed in one location make it an ideal environment for our business.”
Perry James also acknowledged the hands-on support provided by The Boat Works’ management, administration and operational teams, describing the collaborative environment as a major advantage in GLI’s day-to-day operations.
“The support we receive from The Boat Works’ team is exceptional. From the office and the team on the ground through to management and the owners, there is a genuine willingness to help.
“That level of support makes an enormous difference to our day-to-day operations, and it’s something we genuinely appreciate.”
Personal service, international reach
GLI currently employs a team of seven across its offices and divisions, providing premium brokerage services throughout Australia, international shipyard representation and luxury yacht charter opportunities.
Alongside its Gold Coast headquarters, GLI operates Southern and North Queensland premium brokerage divisions, while GLI Luxury Charter connects clients with exclusive charter experiences in Australia and internationally.
Rather than pursuing a high volume of listings, GLI focuses on representing a select portfolio of quality vessels, supported by experienced brokers and personalised service.
This philosophy has helped establish long-term relationships with clients, many of whom have bought and sold multiple yachts through the business.
“Our clients value our experience, straightforward advice and personal approach,” Perry James said.
“Our philosophy has always been to represent a select number of quality vessels and give each one the attention it deserves. Trust is a huge part of this industry, particularly at the luxury end of the market, and we are very proud of the repeat business and referrals we receive.”
Positioned for growth
With increasing interest in larger, long-range cruising yachts and continued investment in The Boat Works, GLI sees significant opportunities for the Australian luxury yacht sector.
“Welcoming Danica to Australian waters will be a major highlight for GLI and an important milestone for Baglietto’s presence in this market,” he commented.
“With the continued development of The Boat Works and the growing interest in larger, long-range cruising yachts, we see some exciting opportunities ahead.”
For owners of substantial luxury yachts, the Gold Coast offers more than a place to berth. Through businesses such as GLI and the facilities of The Boat Works, it offers a connected marine destination for buying, selling, servicing and enjoying some of the world’s finest yachts.
