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Our Founder: A Journey Fueled by Passion and Excellence
Chang You Boat Co. was founded by Mr. Michael Cusumano, a retired US Marine with an unshakable love for boats and the sea. His journey into the world of yachting began when he considered upgrading his 45-foot trawler to a more modern vessel. However, unwilling to make a purchase without being fully informed, Michael launched Cusumano Maritime Captain Services, LLC (CMCS) in 2011 as part of his due diligence process.
CMCS was born out of Michael’s desire to gain deeper insights into yachts and equipment. He offered services as a delivery captain, private yacht captain, salvage diver (to study equipment failures), and refit consultant (to identify design flaws). This hands-on approach earned him a reputation for knowledge, dependability, and expertise among his growing customer base.
His dedication caught the attention of a former US State Governor, who hired Michael to oversee the production of his yacht in China, which had been facing significant delays. With Michael’s intervention, the project was back on track in just three months, earning him the respect of both the shipyard and the client. The shipyard was so impressed that they contracted Michael to assist with the completion of their final four orders before relocating to Croatia.
Expanding Horizons: A Shift to Quality Control and Production Leadership
As Michael’s reputation grew, so did the demand for his services. This led to him completing 19 yachts, including the impressive M/Y King Baby, and supporting brands like Clipper Motor Yachts of Australia during COVID-19. Their referral was a turning point, as Clipper Motor Yachts sought to expand their production from just two boats per year to up to 10 boats annually. They needed someone to take charge of production, quality control, and engineering, and Michael was the perfect fit.
A Strategic Move to China: Expanding to Meet Demand
In pursuit of greater opportunities, Michael made a bold decision to relocate his company from the US to China. This move not only expanded his talent pool but also reduced travel demands. To ensure success, he enlisted the help of his wife and business partner, Jing Gao, whose deep understanding of local regulations, language, and market connections were invaluable. Together, they established Guangzhou Chang You Yacht Co., LTD.
Within just two months, the company’s orders surged from 2 boats to 14 boats in production. By the end of the first year, five boats had been delivered, with a consistent minimum of 10 yachts under production at any given time.
As the demand for their services continued to grow, the company relocated to Zhuhai to offer even more personalized support. This move led to the rebranding of the company to Zhuhai Chang You Boat Co., LTD to comply with local naming regulations, and further cemented their reputation in the industry.
A New Era: Leading the Charge in Yacht Design and Manufacturing
Over the past decade, Chang You Boat Co. has been at the forefront of quality assurance, engineering, and design for multiple yacht factories. But as customer demands evolved, we saw a clear opportunity: to not just support others’ builds, but to lead the creation of the boats customers truly want.
And so, we did.
Chang You Boat Co. has teamed up with OEM suppliers, factories, and engineers to design, engineer, and manufacture the highly anticipated Chang You Fast Displacement Line. This new line has been crafted to meet every performance, luxury, and sustainability requirement our customers desire. After countless hours of meticulous design, engineering, and simulation, we are thrilled to unveil this groundbreaking product at the Shanghai International Yacht Show in March 2024.
Our mission is simple: to put the needs and dreams of our clients at the heart of every build. This is just the beginning of a new chapter, and we are ready to redefine the world of luxury yachts.
