Safe Harbor Marinas' acquisition of Monaco Marine has marked a defining step in the group's international expansion, positioning the US-based operator firmly within the Mediterranean – widely regarded as the epicentre of global yachting. Yet, as CEO Baxter Underwood makes clear, the transaction is less about geographic reach alone and more about aligning with the right people, culture and long-term philosophy. We sat down with Baxter and the team at Monaco Marine as they prepared to rebrand the Mediterranean eco-system under the Safe Harbor banner, to understand how this relationship has developed and to find out their plans for the future. A people-led approach to expansion Safe Harbor's entry into the Mediterranean was not a rapid decision. Over a five-year period, the group evaluated multiple opportunities across the region before completing the Monaco Marine acquisition in 2025. The process ultimately reinforced a core principle underpinning its growth strategy: successful expansion begins with people rather than infrastructure. “The
Francesca Webster is the Editor In Chief at SuperYacht Times. She specializes in areas such as architecture and planning, engineering, mechanical engineering, construction, and real estate, weaving together themes that highlight the intersection of design and functionality in the built environment. Francesca has been featured in SuperYacht Times and WorldTempus.



