William (Billy) S. Smith III, one of the most recognizable leaders in the superyacht industry, has a long and remarkable career in yachting with a marine business curriculum vitae dating to 1976 and is a featured speaker at many of the most notable annual and critical superyachting symposia tackling ownership, management and regulatory issues.

Like many accomplished industry veterans, Billy also has deep roots in recreational boating, sailboat racing and deep sea fishing, allowing him to thoroughly understand customer needs and desires and to appreciate the exacting nature of conceiving, building, managing and owning superyachts.

A shareholder and Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Trinity Yachts, LLC, Billy has held the position since the founding of Trinity Yachts in 1988 (and when the company was a division of renowned Halter Marine, Inc.). Trinity Yachts, LLC was formed in April 2000.

By implementing fundamental marketing disciplines of research, analysis and development to create company-wide initiatives of innovation, diversification and blessed with a keen eye for detail, Billy’s impact has been one of exceptional growth and profitability for Trinity.

Trinity Yachts is the largest custom yacht builder in the United States. In June 2011, Trinity reports having sold 57 yachts with a total value exceeding $1 billon and representing more than 25% of all yachts built in America. The yard is currently building seven yachts with an average length of 177’ (54m).

Billy Smith is as dedicated to his industry as he is to any one yacht under construction and underway: he is a Founding member and current Board member of the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss); he is a Founding member and former Vice Chairman, United States Superyacht Association (USSA); he is a member of the New York Yacht Club and the Pass Christian Yacht Club; and, he is a founding Board Member of the Gulf Coast Conservation Association of Louisiana. Billy’s speaking engagements include the Global Superyacht Forum (GSF), the American Superyacht Forum (ASF), addressing the Young Professionals of Yachting and The Future of Superyachts. He is oft-quoted in major business media.

Given their life-long friendship, beginning with sailing competitions at the age of 11 and later as business colleagues, an uncanny synergy has developed over the many years of collaboration between Billy Smith and Trinity Yachts President, John Dane. Their teamwork, dedication and leadership have resulted in firmly positioning Trinity—which is centrally located on the Gulf Coast of the United States—as one of the world’s elite builders of custom superyachts while they remain committed to promoting the great American boatbuilding tradition.

Billy Smith graduated from Springhill College in 1975 and undertook graduate studies at Tulane University and Loyola University. His extensive sailing experience in both one-design and ocean racing include competing successfully in notable events such as SORC, Newport-Bermuda, Miami-Montego Bay, Sardinia Cup, and the St. Petersburg-Isla Mujeres races. He still races and fishes whenever possible.

Billy is married with three children.