With years of experience in the industry, Ocean Independence Senior Yacht Sales and Purchase Consultant, Tim Quinlan is something of an expert when it comes to luxury yachting.
With years of experience in the industry, Ocean Independence Senior Yacht Sales and Purchase Consultant, Tim Quinlan is something of an expert when it comes to luxury yachting.
As a standout character in the yachting industry, and long-standing member of the Ocean Independence family, Tim Quinlan knows a great deal about the world of sailing.
Regularly indulging his all-encompassing passion for the sea, Tim is an enthusiastic and capable yachtsman with a list of notable highlights under his belt. Since 1987, when his sailing prowess was put to task as a charter skipper cruising extensively across the East Mediterranean, Tim’s diverse nautical career has included more race weeks, refits, and yard visits than most people can claim in a lifetime.
As race crew in the Jubilee Regatta, La Nioulargue, Antigua Race Week, Cork Week, Cowes Week and an unfurling list of significant events, he has a wealth of hands-on experience and the in-depth knowledge that comes with it.
From a technical perspective, Tim has fully immersed himself in all aspects of yacht building, amassing an intricate understanding of the construction process and fostering ongoing relationships with shipyards worldwide. Today Tim is an authority in this arena, offering expert knowledge on all aspects of building, refitting and operating superyachts and is well-versed across a wide variety of topics including European VAT and import/export issues.
Pinpointing his expertise further, Tim has specialised in yachts from the well-known performance sailing shipyard, Nautor’s Swan. Successfully selling over 100 Swan yachts so far in his career, he is the go-to source for those looking to buy or sell within this range of luxury sailing yachts.
Started in 1967 by Pekka Koskenkylä, the Nautor’s Swan shipyard in Pietarsaari, Finland has been one of Tim’s regular haunts for many years, both with Clients and to manage new builds. Here he has met German Frers and his son Mani, who have both designed some of the most iconic Swans spanning three decades.
Indeed, over the years Swan have been associated with the world’s finest yacht designers, such as the legendary talent of Sparkman and Stephens who have been involved with offshore racing success, the Americas Cup and a huge number of cruising yachts. Appreciating the pleasure of owning two S&S designed yachts himself (one of which was a classic 1971 Swan 40), it is easy to understand the circumstances that underpin Tim’s love for the Finnish marque.
As a Club Swan member himself, all aspects of ownership are fully appreciated by Tim, and he reiterates that “buying a Swan is about more than just owning a yacht. Upon delivery, you are custodian of a beautiful piece of history to pass on to the next generation.” Superbly designed with unmatched build quality and sailing performance, the 50 years of Swan heritage continues to go from strength to strength.
Offering a wealth of dedicated knowledge and experience to those looking to join this exclusive club, Tim regularly represents Nautor’s Swan sailing yachts for sale.
Below are just two from an impressive roster of Swans Tim has sold.
A masterpiece of unpretentious luxury and a symbol of exceptionalism, DREAMCATCHER is no exception to Nautor’s Swan’s strong reputation for sailing performance and luxury. Equipped with a 119’ carbon mast, a carbon Park Avenue boom and a full set of North 3DL sails, DREAMCATCHER’s performance and speed are something to behold.
Recounting yet another Swan 82 he has worked with, Tim mentions, “a memorable visit to the yard was to launch the new build Swan 82 PTARMIGAN. The Owner was a previous Swan Owner (I had sold his Swan 77) and he and the family were incredibly proud of their new 82. She was also chartered, and after a very successful four years, I then sold her to an American Client who cruised her in the Mediterranean, across the Atlantic, and up the US eastern seaboard to his home port near New York.”
Sold as an Ocean Independence in-house deal, Tim clearly has an eye for quality. Boasting a timeless German Frers design, 1993 CAPERCAILLIE’s elegant shape, smooth surfaces and clean lines still look as good as ever.
With a proven track record of delivering the highest levels of service to his Clients, Tim is highly valued within the Ocean Independence Team, and the wider yachting community. Testament to this are a few standout yachts he has worked with and sold over the years. Showcasing his breadth of expertise across a range of both sailing and motor yacht marques, below we spotlight a collection of his most impressive achievements to date.
In a world seeking sustainable luxury, the Sunreef 43m Eco is a genuine gamechanger. Tim was not only responsible for the sale of Hull No.1 but is also deeply involved in the yacht’s construction.
Currently in build at Sunreef’s Gdansk shipyard, the 43m eco promises to redefine luxury yachting, embracing cutting-edge technology to herald an era of emission-free, autonomous cruising.
This achievement truly highlights Tim’s proficiency in cultivating enduring Client relationships, and his ability to provide meticulous oversight throughout the entire construction process of one of the most groundbreaking yachts to date.
Few vessels stand out for their exquisite design and performance quite like 39m TENAZ (formerly known as S/Y Mamamouchi). Expertly crafted by the acclaimed Pendennis and Dubois team in 1996, TENAZ was born with an ambition: to merge supreme seaworthiness, breathtaking speed under sail, and unparalleled elegance. Effortlessly combining modern design sensibilities with traditional yachting values. A glance at her sleek, minimalist profile confirms these objectives were more than achieved; they were surpassed.
Tim’s involvement with TENAZ isn’t just a one-off. He has had the distinct honour of finding a new Owner for this stunning yacht on two occasions, underlining his eye for quality and knack for presenting the finest yachts available both on and off the market.
Built to Lloyds class specifications, 33 metre SPADA was launched in 1998 by the renowned Dutch yard Hakvoort. A quintessential gentleman’s motor yacht with a graceful canoe stern design and an air of true class, she was acquired in 2021 through the adept brokerage of Tim and Ocean Independence Sales Director Toby Maclaurin.
A 29.41 metre superyacht crafted by Princess Yachts in 2009, MAESTRO OF GIBRALTAR is one of 13 in the Princess 95 series. She carries a uniquely dignified design, thanks to the expertise of renowned designer and naval architect Bernard Olesinski. With 272 yachts designed and the naval architecture of 240 yachts to his name, Olesinski’s mark of precision and attention to detail is a quality Tim greatly respects.
Continuing Tim’s theme of finding his Clients yachts that combine peak aesthetic design with an undeniable level of engineering distinction, QUANTUM boasts award-winning interior and exterior styling from Sarco Design. Whilst her 27 knot top speed, shallow draught, and Peri Yachts pedigree means she has a sporty turn of pace, and has garnered significant popularity in the Mediterranean yacht charter market.
In the substantial repertoire of listings Tim has managed, CONTESSINA undoubtedly stands out. Initially brought into the fold by Ocean Independence CEO Peter Hürzeler, she is the only Superba 86 model in existence.
Built in Italy by the Bugari shipyard and launched in 2004, the sale of 26 metre CONTESSINA is a tangible testament to Tim’s adaptable approach and deep-seated knowledge within the yacht brokerage sphere, showcasing his capability to professionally handle the unique challenges presented with the sale of a one-off vessel.
Tim once again proved his ability to match unique yachts with the perfect Owners, facilitating the sale of the 25-metre motor yacht OCI CIORNIE. Crafted by Palmer Johnson and designed by Don Shead in 1998, the yacht features a vintage aircraft-inspired interior, an aluminium hull, and a composite superstructure.
However, the yacht’s conversation piece is without question the Codag system, which combines two MTU diesel engines with a Lycoming gas turbine, pushing her to a top speed of 60 knots, and remaining one of the fastest luxury yachts on the water today.
Standing out for his professionalism and bringing decades experience and technical knowledge to the table, Tim’s portfolio spans a diverse array of vessels, highlighting his adaptability and depth of understanding in yacht sales, with particular expertise in the Nautor’s Swan range. With a reputation built on straightforward dealings, his extensive network and hands-on experience ensure Clients make informed and confident choices.
For clear, expert advice and efficient yacht brokerage services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Tim and the Ocean Independence Team below.
The yachting journey can be complex with many decisions to be made. Get in touch with Ocean Independence, and one of our specialist consultants will help you make the right choices.
As a truly global company with 14 offices worldwide, we’re available 24/7 to help with any enquiries.
