In Mind Your Business, we speak with business leaders and thinkers who inspire their respective companies and industries. Here, we feature Bill Barry-Cotter, founder and owner of Maritimo
Succeed once, bravo. Succeed twice? Thrice? Well, now we’re in entirely different territory. Just ask Bill Barry‑Cotter, the founder of Maritimo, one of Australia’s most respected luxury yacht builders. Over the past six decades, the accomplished octogenarian has founded and built three renowned boat-building ventures, including Mariner Cruisers, Riviera, and now Maritimo.
It’s a feat that becomes more impressive when you understand the level of resilience, drive, and boat-building bravura required to capture (and retain) the attention of discerning yachtsmen.
This expertise, forged through decades of hard work and hands-on experience, is reflected in the brand’s latest vessel, the Maritimo M50 Flybridge. Designed for maximum comfort during extended trips, the M50 offers serious bluewater range, thanks to its 3,700-litre fuel and twin Volvo Penta D13-800 engines. More than that, its hull, shaped by decades of offshore racing knowledge, delivers stability and lift in open water, while the enclosed flybridge—another hallmark of Barry-Cotter’s design philosophy—creates a secure, climate-controlled command centre with stunning panoramic views.
And with the brand now looking to further establish its presence in Southeast Asia’s growing yachting landscape, well, you wouldn’t bet against Bill Barry-Cotter.
You’ve built three of Australia’s most iconic boat brands. How has your vision evolved with each?
Each brand was a stepping stone. Mariner was focused on building reliable, accessible and quality cruisers for Australians. Riviera was about scale and style, bringing luxury and sophistication into the equation. Maritimo is the culmination of what I’ve learned over 60 years.
What is it about this business that keeps driving you?
I love the challenge. Every new model is a chance to solve a new puzzle, to innovate and improve. But what truly drives me is seeing our owners take the helm, head out on adventures and come back smiling. That never gets old.
How has building boats for decades shaped the kind of person you are today?
It’s taught me patience, resilience and a deep respect for hard work. Boatbuilding is unforgiving. You can’t cut corners or pretend to know more than you do. You learn to be meticulous, to listen carefully and to constantly push for improvement.
When you look at how boatbuilding has changed—from timber hulls to CAD and composites—how does that evolution make you feel as a hands-on craftsman at heart?
It’s remarkable. I started with chisels and timber, learning through an apprenticeship and hands-on experience.The industry has shifted towards modern fiberglass and advanced composites, and though we’re using 3D modeling and molded composites, the heart of it hasn’t changed. Good design, balance and seaworthiness still matter.
Maritimo’s vertically integrated production is a prized asset in this business. What does this enable you to do?
It gives us complete control over quality, timelines and innovation. This vertical integration allows us to prototype quickly, maintain exacting standards across every build and adapt to customer feedback with agility. We’re not reliant on third-party suppliers or contractors, which gives us a major advantage in consistency, craftsmanship and speed to market.
Southeast Asia is becoming a major yachting region. What are you most excited about as Maritimo grows its presence there?
Southeast Asia has long had the natural beauty and cultural richness to be a world-class cruising destination, and now, the yachting culture is really flourishing. We’re seeing a new wave of highly knowledgeable owners who know exactly what they want. As we grow our presence in the region, we look forward to building lasting relationships and supporting a community of owners who truly want to explore what their yachts are capable of.
What’s a non-negotiable for you?
Quality. From day one, I’ve believed that if something isn’t done right, it doesn’t leave the factory. We don’t take shortcuts, because that’s how standards slip.
