Lorna Titley

Director, Quaynote Communications

Andrew Grant Super

MD, Berkeley Rand

MD of Berkeley Rand, a Superyacht experiential travel expedition design & engineering house. Part of BWA Yachting.

Advisor to UHNWs and yacht owners on planning adventures for their guests and working closely and intimately with the owners and their representatives. Developed the first NFT Superyacht experiences. Expert in immersive technologies on board and for the experiences at sea in remote and local regions. 

Dasha Moranova

Founder and Director, Dasha Moranova Designs

Simon Turner

Sales Director, Sunreef

Simon has over 25 years’ experience in the yachting industry and is a passionate sailor and eco-yachting enthusiast.  He is responsible for the global business development of Sunreef Yachts and pushing the envelope of eco-yachting into every corner of the world.  Prior to joining Sunreef he was involved in the successful build and launch of a pure solar powered catamaran that circumnavigated the island of Bali (350+ nautical miles) none-stop and solely on energy from the sun with no use of fossil fuels.  

Prior to this he worked with some of the leading names in yachting including Camper & Nicholsons and Northrop & Johnson after being the General Manager of Aasia’s largest yacht dealership.  In 2010 he founded the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Conference of which he was Chairman for many years and additionally was a co-founder of the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association.

This all came after many years in the financial media industry where he was involved in capital raising for hedge funds.

When Simon is sailing off the south coasts of England and France he spends a lot of time watching motor yachts passing at high speeds, burning lots of fuel, which gives him endless enthusiasm to embrace new technologies with the goal of emissions-free yachting and yacht construction.

Jo Assael

Commercial Director, Döhle Yachts

Jo Assael started his career in the superyacht industry by studying as a naval architect 20 years ago. After working closely with Class and Flag on many large yacht projects, he moved to the UK’s MCA where he became a lead technical specialist representing the UK at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). With his experience in legislation development, Jo went on to join the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry (CISR) and as their ‘Yacht Code Specialist’, ultimately drafting the Red Ensign Group’s (REG) Yacht Code. Jo moved out of the regulatory sphere and into yacht management in 2018 joining Döhle Yachts as Technical Director before taking on his current role as Commercial Director.

Tom Mukamal

CEO, Island Global Yachting, IGY

As Chief Executive Officer of IGY Marinas, Tom Mukamal oversees all strategic initiatives and operations, placing a heavy focus on expanding the company’s global portfolio of owned and operated marinas, and developing key relationships and commercial partnerships.

Prior to joining IGY, Mukamal served as managing director of a real estate/hospitality company, where he structured and negotiated a variety of commercial real estate acquisitions and divestitures, as well as construction, mezzanine and equity financings. He began his career as a corporate attorney at Sullivan & Cromwell, LLP in New York, where he represented numerous Fortune 100 Companies, private investment funds and other strategic investors in mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures, as well as a variety of corporate finance activities.

Mukamal earned a Juris Doctor from Columbia University School of Law where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Virginia.

Chris Stokes

CEO & Founder, Project Yachting

Chris brings over 25 Years’ experience within the “Global Yacht Market”, having started his career in his early twenties as a very green crew member onboard a superyacht in Spain. Years later he then went on to being a very successful yacht broker in Australia and was voted “Best Yacht Broker” before then moving to the Middle East to run his own Multi Award Winning Boat Dealership for “Chris Craft Boats” for over 15 years.

In 2017 Chris started Project Yachting ( A Maritime Business Development Consultancy) based out of Miami & London which has successfully completed a wide range of assignments across a broad range of maritime sectors around the world, furthering enhancing his trusted reputation across the Maritime Industry.

Vincent Huens de Brouwer

Managing Partner, Yacht Insurance Broker, Covership

Having specialised in maritime law with a French and a UK master degree, Vincent began in 2000 as legal correspondent of the main P&I Clubs of the International Group.

In 2008, he embraced the career of superyacht insurance broker with leading Monaco-based insurance broker agencies, including top management position in Florida.

Vincent set up COVERSHIP, his own yacht insurance broker firm in 2018, that has now became a network of independent superyacht insurance agencies on both sides of the Atlantic.

He is also member of the European Development Committee of the International Yacht Broker Association and actively involved with The International Seakeepers Society in the South of France.

Happy husband and father, Vincent likes spending time cooking and golfing.

Aaron Jago

Associate Director, Marine & Aviation (Yachts), Tysers

Aaron began his Insurance career in 2008 at RFIB (Now Tysers) as a placing broker, focussing on yacht hull business. In 2014, Aaron established a Marine Superyacht practice for a small independent Lloyd’s broker before joining Miller Insurance Services LLP in 2017, where he led their Yacht team for negotiating and placing contracts on behalf of London and International markets. He has extensive experience handling yacht hull and machinery, professional crew and P&I risks, as well as new build superyacht construction. He has brought international business into London from locations across the USA and Europe, with a key focus on Florida and Monaco. Over the last 12 years, Aaron has arranged insurance products for many of the world’s largest superyachts.

Nicola Kingman

Syndicate Manager- Yachts, Yachtowners

Nicola is a Liability underwriter and manager of the yacht syndicate at the Shipowners’ P&I Club, where she has worked since 1999.  During her time at Shipowners’, Nicola has worked on a wide range of accounts in many different areas of the world, including, but not limited to, Canada, Europe, India, Middle East and the Baltics. 

 For a number of years Nicola was the underwriter for the East Coast Canadian business, handling a variety of commercial accounts in areas such as energy/offshore, passenger ferries, tourist excursion boats, tugs and barges and yachts.  In addition to the Canadian business, Nicola also handled a number of yacht accounts through various insurance brokers based throughout Europe.

 In 2014, the Shipowners’ P&I Club created a dedicated yacht team, with its own branding, under the name Yachtowners.  Nicola heads up this team of 8, providing cover to over 3,700 yachts worldwide.  The creation of the Yachtowners’ team was born out of the significant growth of this area of the business and the clear need to provide a high level of service and dedication to the yacht industry.

 Nicola has also been involved in creating a number of comprehensive liability-based products under the Yachtowners branding, including the Yacht Pre-Delivery Liability Policy, Yacht Legal Costs Cover Policy and Enhanced Crew Personal Accident Policy. 

 During her time at Shipowners’, Nicola has obtained a Diploma in Superyacht Operations, reinforcing her excellent understanding of day to day yacht operations.

Joanna Drysdale

Manager, Underwriting Services, MHG Insurance

Joanna is the manager of the Underwriting Services team at MHG Insurance in the Isle of Man where she has been specialising in yacht crew insurance for 12 years.

An advocate for crew mental health and wellbeing, Joanna volunteers with the steering committee for Yacht Crew Help, a resource for yacht crew in distress which is run by International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN).

Quentin Bargate

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Bargate Murray

Janet Xanthopoulos

Director, Head of Yacht and Jet Department, Rosemont International / Rosemont Yacht Services

Janet has an international background and graduated at University of Aix-Marseille III. She has Masters in International/European and Maritime Law.

Since 2001 Janet has gained significant working experience in the yachting sector in Europe and recently in Asia and headed up the yacht departments of two other Luxembourg and Monaco based companies.

Her extensive legal, fiscal and commercial experience is further strengthened with a practical background in the yacht sector ensuring the delivery of a dedicated range of services to the most exacting standards.

As head of the Marine & Aviation Division, Janet leads a team of professional and highly experienced people who can assist owners and brokers during all the ownership process starting from the purchase or construction up to the sale by considering also their structuring, legal, tax, financing, registration, insurance, crewing and day to day administration needs.

Alex Chumillas

Tax Marine & Aviation Spain SL

Alex advises both on tax and customs matters and on transactions and investments in Spain, yacht and aircraft purchases, tax audits, and as well on owning and operational structures. He has worked for top-tier foreign broker companies, yacht management and legal firms and foreign investors in Spanish marinas, most of which remain regular clients.

Degree in Economics, Master in International Trade, Master in Taxation, Post-degree in Yachting Business, Post-degree in the Insurance Industry, Post-degree in Customs Procedures and Licensed as Spanish Administrative Manager (2006).

He is a regular speaker at international conferences and workshops on tax matters concerning yachting. He has contributed to the specialist “Law of Yachts and Yachting” textbook published in 2012.

Founding member of the Barcelona Nautical Cluster, and member of EBAA and SPBAA.

Elisavet Kapasakali

SK Law

Carla Bellieni

Partner, Piana Illuzzi Queirolo Trabattoni

Carla Bellieni has been a certified public accountant based in Genoa since 1990.

In her career Carla has dealt with tax matters in the shipping and yachting area for worldwide clients.

Born in Genoa (Italy) Carla started working after her studies when she joined the tax firm where she became a partner in 1997.

Her professional activity with focus on the maritime area includes consultancy in fiscal, customs and corporate issues, relations with the tax and customs institutions, tax litigation.

Carla is a speaker on Blue Economy tax matters at some of the most important European specialized events; she is also lecturer in specialized teaching courses and author of several articles regarding tax matters in the shipping and yachting industry. She is Member of the MEULC (*), IYAC (**) Certified Arbitrator, Member of Committees and Lecturer for the Roll of Certified Public Accountants and Lecturer for the training of Directors and Managers for Trade Associations.

Jonathan Wood

Chief Commercial Officer, HAYVN

Paul Cook

COO, Hill Robinson

Paul Cook is a highly experienced, commercially and operationally focused senior executive with hands-on maritime experience. He joined Hill Robinson in 2021 as Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Paul is responsible for overseeing the company’s global operations, supporting clients in all aspects of superyacht ownership and charter.

Prior to joining Hill Robinson, Paul served for 25 years in the Royal Navy, rising to the rank of Commander. During his time in the Navy, he commanded three Royal Navy warships and gained extensive experience in leadership, operations, and management, as well as a deep understanding of the complexities of operating in challenging environments.

After leaving the Navy, Cook turned his hand to captaincy of superyachts before applying his impressive expertise to a number of senior executive roles in the private sector, managing superyacht marinas and working with a number of industry firms on their growth and strategy development.

In his spare time, Paul enjoys being out in the water, undertaking various water sports such as sailing, water skiing and diving. He also is an avid fan of classic cars and a keen supporter of Southampton Football Club.

Ed Ewer

CEO, Superyacht Recruiter

Tim Clarke

Quay Crew

From 2006 to 2007 Tim was lucky enough to spend two years as a deckhand on MY Sai Ram and MY Leander, two excellent charter yachts. After leaving yachting, Tim moved up to London for a career in recruitment. Tim worked predominantly in the Finance and Accounting sector supplying senior staff to a variety of clients including Barclays, HSBC, Goldman Sachs and Thomson Reuters.

Quay Crew was set up in 2013 to provide a different recruitment service to yachts. Tim looks after the Captain roles whilst managing the team which is now 8 strong. One of the things Tim loves about his role is offering career and mentoring advice to Captains and senior Deck Officers. He also enjoys writing yachting related blogs which attempt to educate and guide crew in their chosen career.

Dr Emma Gillett DC

CEO of Crew Solutions UK and Just Yachts Solutions

Emma spent thirty one years in a highly regulated medical profession before gaining her STCW and a Stewardess position in the same week at the age of fifty one years.

Drawing on her past experience, knowledge and three seasons at ‘the coal face’ with crew, she is now running two companies which systemically approach  the issues around crewing, education, professionalism, communication  and regulations, using a longer term, bottom up approach and promoting feedback culture.  Developing the softer skills in conjunction with the strength of character and ethics Yachts need.

Andrew Hair

Director, Azimuth Nautical Solutions

After enjoying 19 years at sea as a Navigation Officer on a variety of vessel types with the P&O Steam Navigation Company and P&O/Princess Cruises, Andrew moved ashore and spent four years as the company’s recruitment and training manager for Officer Cadets and technical officers.

Joining Warsash Maritime Academy after completion of his MBA in 2002, Andrew initially managed the professional education and training of Officer Cadets and certificated officers in the merchant navy and
commercial yacht sectors before taking responsibility in 2007 for the Academy’s business operations.

In 2011 Andrew became Director of Warsash Maritime Academy with overall responsibility for the Academy and its course operations, while also progressing the Warsash Superyacht Academy project from initial
concept stage to operational launch in 2012.

This was followed with a role as Director of ChartCo from 2016, having responsibility for the company’s Southampton-based office operations such as Regs4ships, Regs4yachts and maritime training and consultancy services.

With experienced marine colleagues, Andrew then established Azimuth Nautical Solutions Ltd. in 2017 to provide commercial clients with specialist management consultancy and training services, such as Maritime Lead Auditor courses, development of ISM Safety Management Systems and specific marine projects.

One major project entailed development and operationalisation of a new bridge and engineering maritime simulation centre in Portsmouth for the cruise, ferry and superyacht sectors, from initial concept, project
scoping and equipment specification through centre build and proof testing to formal launch and initial management of the centre for six months until it was fully operational.

In addition to usual service operations, Andrew has also been undertaking an integral and ongoing support role in the establishment and ongoing development of Just Be Maritime Ltd. This company provides an extensive range of Officer Cadet management services on behalf of clients operating across the maritime sectors, including cruise, container, ferry, superyacht and Trinity House’s Merchant Navy Scholarship Scheme.

Andrew is a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership & Management and has acted as a representative on a number of maritime industry and professional body committees, including as former Chair of the
International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI), the UK’s Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) and UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).

James Potipher

MCA & Cadetship Manager, UKSA

I began my career in the maritime industry as a Watersports Instructor, honing my skills and gradually ascending to the role of training individuals to become instructors themselves. After a six-year stint, I embarked on a new chapter in the superyacht industry, starting on a prestigious 100m+ superyacht. Through hard work and dedication, I earned my officers’ qualifications and became a first officer onboard. Seeking new horizons, I transitioned to a shore-based position where I now train and mentor future officers in the superyacht industry.

Claire Ferandier Sicard

Founder & CEO of ETYC

Stephen Hills

Commercial Director, Pendennis

A chartered Naval Architect and graduate from Southampton University Stephen’s career started in Project Management and progressed to leading and developing organisations principally in the Superyacht Sector. Projects have included the majority of UK new build and refitted superyachts projects over 70m as well as delivering numerous smaller International award-winning and technical breakthrough projects.

He is the current Superyacht UK Chairman and a former Chairman of the Southwest Branch of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.   In his current role at Pendennis he has three main foci, turning enquiries into projects, development of the Pendennis team while also delivering ESG transition and it is because he is committed to finding paths for the industry through the inevitable climate driven transition that he is delighted to lead this discussion panel.

James Roy

Managing Director, Lateral Naval Architects

From a very young age James decided that drawing boats was what he wanted to do for a living, so when he came across a leaflet advertising Yacht Design at Southampton Institute the stage was set and in 1996 he graduated with first class honours.

James believes that clarity of thought and focus are key ingredients for success and thrives in small teams working on creative and innovative projects that challenge accepted practices.

When not leading the company’s yacht work, James will most likely be found either sailing around the waters of the Solent or soaring above the Hampshire countryside in a hang glider.

Captain Malcom Jacotine

Three Sixty Marine

A Master Mariner with an engineering, computing and business background who has been involved in the superyacht industry since 1989.  Having hung up his binoculars he now runs Three Sixty Marine, an independent consultancy based in Monaco, established to help owners get the best from yachting. He is a leading advocate for a more sustainable industry, and created Superyacht2030.com to both challenge, and educate, the industry on environmental issues.  

Captain Nigel Marrison

Director, Blue ESG

As a superyacht captain with over 20 years’ experience, I have sailed extensively all around the world from the Caribbean to the Arctic, delivering the ultimate in luxury experiences for owners and guests.

I am an active supporter of the superyacht industry and regularly participate as a moderator, panelist, podcaster and speaker at industry events.

I am also passionate about people and the planet. I am committed to repairing, restoring and regenerating yachting social and environmental ecosystems.

Using my decades of experience, in 2021 I founded Blue ESG, a scientific, data-driven platform and consultancy driving decarbonisation and sustainable operations across the superyacht sector.

Txema Rubio

Commercial Director, MB92

Dominic Bulfin

Director, Bargate Murray

Dom is a Director in the Firm’s superyacht group based in London. Dom advises owners and their representatives on all aspects of superyacht ownership and management.

This includes the negotiation of new build and refit contracts, interior design contracts, contracts for the purchase of toys, tenders and lifeboats, sale and purchase agreements and sale and charter agency agreements, as well as matters relating to the employment of crew members and operational staff.

Dom also has significant experience in the negotiation of yacht finance agreements and re-financings, having started his career in the transportation finance group at Clyde & Co before moving to Bargate Murray in 2019.

Dom is often called upon to offer real-time support for Captains and yacht managers as matters requiring immediate attention arise onboard.

A life-long sailor himself, Dom has a practical understanding of the reality of life on the water and is able to apply his personal experience as both an owner and a charterer to offer clients practical, pragmatic, and realistic advice.

Dom has been involved in projects ranging from the design and construction of some of the largest new-builds in the superyacht fleet to the complex modification and repurposing of older vessels.

With an undergraduate degree in Conservation Biology and Ecology, Dom has a keen interest in the preservation of marine ecosystems and sustainable use of the World’s waters for recreational purposes. This passion also spills into day-to-day life at Bargate Murray where Dom has championed a number of “green” initiatives to help reduce the Firm’s impact on the environment.

When he is not in the office, Dom can often be found sailing on the south coast of England or enjoying the warmer climes of the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas.

Natalia Langsdale

Founder, Myth vs Reality Circle of Luxury Professionals

Merijn de Waard

Founder & Managing Director, Superyacht Times

Claire Hagen

Head of Social Media & Digital Communications, Fraser Yachts

Multi-award-winning social media expert Claire Hagen joined the Fraser Marketing Team in 2022.

Claire brings to Fraser a strong track record for delivering digital innovation and audience growth across yachting, hotels, book publishing, music and entertainment in international markets. Over 8 years of working in social media, she has launched over 30 successful brand accounts on Instagram and Facebook.

Prior to joining Fraser, Claire most recently worked for Boat International, where she achieved results including a 697% increase in social media engagement, and a growth in impressions of 589% on Facebook, 77% on Instagram, and 470% on LinkedIn. Her most popular video achieved 47 million views and achieved a company record-breaking 85 million impressions on Facebook alone that delivered the most traffic ever to the website. It remains today the most viewed yachting video of all time on Facebook. Claire also created a TikTok account and grew it organically from 0 – 52k followers including a video that attained 1.7 million hits.

Claire’s awards include Best Use of Social Media 2018 for a campaign for Park Plaza called ‘London Revealed’ and she was featured in the Evening Standard for her work on the opening of London’s Trafalgar Hotel.

An expert in Google analytics, keywords and all paid social AD platforms including Pinterest, TikTok and LinkedIn, Claire has also successfully utilised social media to market book tours and sell-out events for names including Tom Hanks and Richard Branson.

Christophe Bourillon

CEO, PYA

Prior to joining the PYA, Christophe was Executive Director of the World Federation of Science Journalists. He offers a 25-year experience in senior management, public affairs and communication at the national and international levels. He founded and led various industry associations, such as Wind Europe and drove other organizations through major transformations such as the World Nuclear Association, the European Biofuels association and the European robotics association. He held senior management positions in larger organisations, such as Pechiney/Alcan (now Constellium) and logen.

He has been active on the international policy-making scene and was an accredited expert to the United Nations. He participated in the negotiations of the UN Convention on climate change for more than fifteen years.

Jean-Philippe Maslin

Associé / Partner, Richemont Del Viso Avocats

Chloe Collet

Captain & Officer Recruitment Specialist

Having grown up in South Africa and completed her university studies in France, Chloe is fully bi-lingual and bi-cultural. She is an outgoing and optimistic person who strives to find the best in each candidate as well as developing opportunities to make the perfect onboard match. 

Chloe has been involved in human resources since 1995 and in yacht crew placement since 1998. Outside the office, she likes to escape to nearby Liguria, embrace the outdoors, sample good food and wine, and immerse herself in the arts.

Fiona Maureso

Senior Charter Broker

Graduating from the University of Bath with a degree in European Studies, Fiona left her native England to explore the world of yachting in the South of France. After a brief stint as a deckhand/stewardess on a 40m motor yacht, she realised life at sea was not for her and moved ashore to work for a yacht brokerage company in Antibes. Thus started a career as a charter broker that now spans over 30 years in four well-respected companies. In January 2013, Fiona joined Northrop & Johnson to help establish the brand’s presence in the South of France.  A long-standing and committed member of MYBA, the Worldwide Yachting Association, she served as President for four years and continues to mentor young brokers and support causes that champion professional excellence throughout the yachting industry.

Onno Ebbens

Managing Director, Acrew

Onno’s expertise lies in the arena of operational & financial excellence and engagement building for teams, markets and clients. After a short period on yachts in the late 1980’s Onno moved to Luxury Hospitality, Training and Consultancy. With this experience, he founded his marketing consultancy firm in 1998 which became a top 5 firm in the Netherlands with over 200 employees. In 2010 he returned to yachting and became a partner in ACREW soon after.  Speaking five languages and with a passion for knowledge sharing, Onno has added great value to ACREW and the superyacht industry over the past 10+ years.

Christophe Bourillon

CEO, Professional Yachting Association (PYA)

Prior to joining the PYA, Christophe was Executive Director of the World Federation of Science Journalists. He offers a 25-year experience in senior management, public affairs and communication at the national and international levels. He founded and led various industry associations, such as Wind Europe and drove other organizations through major transformations such as the World Nuclear Association, the European Biofuels association and the European robotics association. He held senior management positions in larger organisations, such as Pechiney/Alcan (now Constellium) and logen.

He has been active on the international policy-making scene and was an accredited expert to the United Nations. He participated in the negotiations of the UN Convention on climate change for more than fifteen years.

Georgia Allen

Projects and Relationships Manager, ISWAN

Georgia is Project Manager at the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN). She is responsible for the strategic delivery of ISWAN’s diverse range of projects related to seafarer mental and physical health and welfare; including their Yacht Crew Help platform, which provides 24/7 helpline support to superyacht crew in need. She works closely with the ISWAN international teams and a wide range of industry stakeholders, to ensure each project is informed by the latest research and findings.

Vincent McCartney

Client Services Director, IQ-EQ

Vincent heads IQ-EQ’s luxury assets division with a core focus on superyachts.

Having directed licenced corporate service providers in Switzerland, Malta and the Isle of Man, one of which comprised of 10 nationalities within a team of 17 and, after living in 7 countries to date, he has a firm understanding of the importance of cultural differences and diversity when bringing teams together and motivating them.

With over 2 decades of experience in providing services to UHNW individuals and families, Vincent has and continues to assist an array of clients including Monarchs, Celebrities, Stars and lessor known individuals with their structuring and compliance needs around the globe.

As a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, Vincent is involved in estate planning and asset protection concerning multiple asset classes and jurisdictions.

When home on the Côte d’Azur (and not visiting clients) Vincent enjoys being at sea with family and friends, on a modest sailing vessel and can often be found on the terraces scattering the French and Italian rivieras.

Christophe Ceard

Managing Director, Dean & Waters

Christophe has been in the marine industry for 23 years, originally in the fast ferry activity and subsequently in the superyacht industry.

Born in France and graduated with an International Business Administration Degree in Paris,

Christophe has been living and managing operations in Spain, Asia, Caribbean, Switzerland and French Riviera.

He has worked for 14 years for same Hong Kong UHNWI family office, managing superyachts, projects and hospitality activities until 2016.

Then was working for Ocean Independence in the management and services to clients.

From 2018 until end 2022, Christophe has headed up Swiss Ocean Yacht Management (the yachting arm of international shipping group Columbia Ship Management, one of the leading ship manager of the world), with offices and operations in Hamburg, Cyprus, Zurich and Singapore.

Christophe recently joined boutique firm Dean & Waters, still from Hamburg, and also lead crewing services firm Sirius Maritime.

Christophe has long experience with superyacht fleet management ranging from Superyachts to Gigayachts (30m to 140m), and refit and new build supervision, in Asia-Pacific and Europe.

Christophe is a founding member of the Asia Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA) and has been on the Committee since it was established in 2011, and is currently serving as the Vice Chairman. 

Matthew Jaenicke

Group Managing Director, Viking Maritime Group

As Group Managing Director, Matthew is responsible for overseeing all Offices, Associates and Departments globally within the Viking Maritime Group, including Viking Crew, Maritime Skills Academy & Chiltern Maritime and reports directly to the Chairman and the Board.

Matthew is instrumental in the advancement of the company in all sectors including business development, monitoring industry trends and maximising client growth; as well as ensuring current clients and candidates are receiving the bespoke and tailored services that Viking provides.

Matthew joined Viking in 2001, however prior to this has a seagoing career spanning 8 years working in the Hotel Department of Holland America Line and Windstar Cruises. His early career was spent in the Guest Services department, sailing out of Dover on cross Channel ferries.

Along with all the Directors and Management at Viking, Matthew is proactive in ensuring that administrative and technological standards are progressive and in line with International Maritime Law, global employment and payroll procedures and industry training standards. This together with our own in-house and Lloyds accredited Quality Assurance ensures we are constantly reviewing and improving our company and client policies and procedures, to provide best practice.

Mathieu Henry

Director, WYCC - Seafarer & Expatriate Benefits

Joanna Drysdale

Manager, Underwriting Services, MHG Insurance

Joanna is the manager of the Underwriting Services team at MHG Insurance in the Isle of Man where she has been specialising in yacht crew insurance for 12 years.

An advocate for crew mental health and wellbeing, Joanna volunteers with the steering committee for Yacht Crew Help, a resource for yacht crew in distress which is run by International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN).

Liz Baugh

Red Square Medical

My medical career began when I joined the Royal Navy in 1999 and trained to work as an independent medical practitioner on small warships and with frontline Royal Marines units. My shoreside roles involved managing the medical preparedness of task groups leaving for operational deployments as well as new build medical facility commissioning. 

Having made the move into the commercial shipping sector and STCW training space I soon started to miss working with and on the ships. Balancing the needs of the ship against the commercial commitments of a shipping company was of great interest to me as I had been on both sides of the fence and saw where the disconnects were and how the stresses that can build could be avoided.  With clear strategies for working across multiple vessels and shoreside sites and well established communications channels  that allow for collaboration and ultimately a unified goal for excellent standards in crew health and welfare I found a way to continue my passion for providing medical care at sea and thus Red Square Medical was started. Our team is small. Current clinicians from a range of specialities who have worked, or continue to work, onboard vessels of all types.

Tracey Santrian

BZ Maritime Leadership

Tracey is a highly experienced Executive Consultant and Trainer who specialises in Professional Human Skills (Leadership, Crew Welfare, Well-being, Mental Fitness and Resilience, Teambuilding etc) for people operating in the maritime domain. A Former Royal Navy Commissioned Officer, she continues to serve as a Reservist with the Commando Helicopter Force, where she is the lead for Mental Health and Diversity & Inclusion.  As a Registered Social Worker ,Tracey spent many years managing Seafarers Welfare Support Teams and was also the Royal Navy’s Casualty Officer during the height of operations in Afghanistan.  She is a qualified Teacher (Adult Education), and previously headed the Professional School for the training of Maritime and Defence Welfare staff.  She also led a team that delivered Personal and Professional Development training for Naval recruits and featured in the UK Channel 4 TV Series ‘Royal Navy School.’  Having co-established BZ Maritime Leadership, she has worked extensively with superyacht Captains, Officers, and Crew, to develop their Professional Human Skills, whilst also enhancing superyacht recruiting success rates with psychometric evaluation of candidates. 

Tracey is recognised by the professional British and European Psychological organisations, is a qualified Coach, and holds a Degree in Leadership and Management.

Captain Luca Triggiani

Italian Yacht Masters

John Cook

Lesia Group

John is the Managing Director of Lesia Employment Services ICC Limited, based in Guernsey, which started life in November 2010. Previously, in 2003, John formed the first company to offer employment services to the yacht industry. He has retained the knowledge he gained when working for HMRC, especially in the area of social security.

He was part of the MCA’s Large Yacht Sub-Group and instigated the PYA visit to the ILO offices in Geneva in February 2010 and worked with the Seafarers International Research Centre at Cardiff University in drafting the PYA qualitative survey for yacht crew.  He is an ILO certified trainer of MLC inspectors and regularly runs MLC training sessions on yachts and for yacht sector companies, and is a frequent speaker at yacht seminars and conferences.

From June 2022, John will be a Visiting Lecturer at the World Maritime University in Malmo, Sweden.

Jonathan Watson

Partner, MFB Solicitors

Jonathan is Head of Yachting at MFB Solicitors in London with particular expertise in high value, complex superyacht transactions. His deals have involved some of the largest yachts in the world. He advises on ownership structures, sale/purchase contracts, newbuild and refit projects, finance, VAT, flagging, insurance, chartering and management. His clients include wealthy individuals/family offices, banks, managers and institutional investors.

Jonathan is the legal columnist for Yacht Investor Business magazine and is a member of the Royal Thames Yacht Club.

Henning Schwarzkopf

Founder and Partner of Schwarzkopf Law

Founder & Principal of Schwarzkopf Law and licensed as a lawyer in Hamburg, Germany and Antibes, France with offices in both cities.

Educated as a maritime lawyer in Germany and in the United States (universities of Hamburg and Miami, Florida, graduating with a master´s degree in comparative law).

Having worked in Hamburg, San Francisco, Atlanta and Miami as well as Monaco, the focus turned to Shanghai and Hong Kong. As a “pioneer” of yachting in China an early member of APSA, the Asia Pacific Superyacht Association based in Hong Kong. Frequent exhibitor (as a lawyer) at Hainan Rendezvous and other yacht shows in China. Founder and principal of consulting companies in Hong Kong and Singapore assisting medium sized European companies.

From the office in Antibes advising clients on legal issues of yachting in the Mediterranean.

Frequent speaker at international conference. 

John Wyborn

Director, Bluewater

John Wyborn joined the Royal Navy as a seaman officer after university and served on various types of vessels including frigates, destroyers, and finally in command of HMS Mentor; a navigation and seamanship training vessel teaching RN trainees and foreign navies.  John and his fellow directors started Bluewater in 1991, a company specializing in yacht brokerage, charter, and management as well as crew recruitment and training.

He is President of MYBA (the worldwide yachting association), on the board of the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) and is a board member of the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI). He is Chairman of IAMI’s influential Small Ship subgroup. John also sits on the board of both the Merchant Navy Training Board and the Maritime Skills Alliance.

As Director of Training at Bluewater, John is heavily invested in the training of crew.

Steve Monk

Da Gama Maritime

Steve Monk has spent most of his life at sea on a range of vessels both sail and power driven. With more salt water than blood running through his veins, he remains passionate about the water and the encouragement of others to push themselves in the challenges thrown up by the sea. A 22 year career in the Royal Navy through 15 ships saw him rise from junior aircraft mechanic to Navigator of the Fleet Flag Ship and aircraft carrier, HMS ARK ROYAL.

Officially recognised and awarded for his professionalism and instructional skills, he completed a two year period developing and honing the skills of future Officers at the US Naval Academy, Annapolis. Ever dedicated to the development of navigational abilities, as a qualified Specialist Navigator he was the lead instructor for Flag Officer Sea Training where he led a team who pushed the boundaries and limits of every RN and many NATO ships bridge teams to expand their skills and capabilities.

Steve was also directly accountable to the Admiral for the underway assessment of all newly promoted sea-going Captains.

An early user of compliant ECDIS equipment he was involved in its development within the military for which an intense understanding of its use and capabilities were necessary. He was one of the few authorised within the Navy to certify ships to operate ‘paperless’ once they had completed an intense risk assessment and two day training package to demonstrate their use of the equipment.

Leaving the Royal Navy in 2009 he established Da Gama Maritime, a company providing navigation management and on board crew training to both Superyachts and Commercial ships. Expansion through reputation and professionalism alone has meant the company now employs a number of exmilitary subject matter experts to enhance safety at sea. An author of numerous safety related maritime articles he can regularly be found pushing Flag States to enhance policy and procedures.

Command qualified (Royal Navy CQ2) Steve is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation, an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute and has been awarded Chartered Master Mariner status.

Sitting on the ISS Education Committee as well as the Education and Training committee of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners and an active member of the International Hydrographic Office Crowd Source Bathymetry working group, he strives to enhance standards from both a crew and regulatory perspective. With many years of experience in driving ships of all sizes, he provides consultancy advice and instruction to Superyachts, Merchant ships and military forces around the
world, as well as the industry suppliers to assist mariners in maintaining safety at sea.

Emma Kate Ross

Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Co-Founder and Director, Seas the Mind

After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Emma pursued a 15-year career in super-yachting. Starting in 2005 on motor yachts and had also run sailing yachts.

Seeing and experiencing a vacuum in the industry around mental health awareness and unchallenged bullying and harassment, Emma sought to find an industry-accessible solution and resource. Having completed a two-day Mental Health First Aid course, Emma found what she believes to be the most progressive resource available for anyone in the maritime industry – the opportunity to educate and empower crew on personal and collective wellbeing. Upskilling during COVID-19 to become an MHFA Instructor and adapting the MHFAider® course for the yachting industry, she co-founded SEAS THE MIND, a global resource and training program for seafarers to tackle, recognise and fortify individuals to understand their own and others’ mental health onboard. 

For Emma yachting has been a wonderful career and opportunity, she also knows nothing is perfect and there is always room for improvement and wants to leave yachting even better for the next generation, and that’s what she believes we are doing with SEAS THE MIND.

Charles Watkins

Mental Health Support

Born in 1985 in Osnabrück, Germany

Having graduated with a master’s degree (with distinction) in clinical psychology and completing his clinical training at the world-renowned University Medical Center of Princeton, Charles continued to use his passion to inspire positive change and advance the field of psychology in areas new to the psychological approach. Working in his private practice has been complemented by lecturing on various topics around the world. His devotion towards identifying places of need for dealing with stress and depression has led him to the maritime industry. Through the team’s profound research in the maritime industry, Charles has been able to create training videos and safety plans for the crew and on-shore personnel.

Charles has been researching the area of maritime stresses and psychological illnesses to develop preventive measures for the maritime industry. Charles is continuing to find helpful psychological solutions for real life problems on ships and on shore.

Conrad Empson

Managing Director, CrewPass

Conrad Empson started a career in yachting many years ago, and since then has had a starring role on Below Deck and has now  launched his own business –  CrewPass, an innovative Superyacht crew management software. 

Amélie de Franssu

Amélie de Franssu, Senior Associate / Avocate au Barreau de Paris, Stream Advocats & Solicitors

Amélie has a particular expertise on all aspects of the yachting industry, especially regarding crewing (employment and social security) both in litigation and advisory, especially in international matters. She joined Stream (previously Ince & Co) in 2015.

 Amélie studied law in France, Germany and Canada.

Frédérique Heurtel

Partner & Head of Employment Law Department, Stream Advocats & Solicitors

Frédérique is specialised in employment law and advises clients of Stream law, mainly employers, on all their employment law issues. Competent in both national and European laws, her clients are both French and international companies. Frédérique developed an expertise in maritime employment law since she joined Stream in 2017, after advising several shipowners and crew managers on those matters.

Michelle Chance

Employment Partner and Head of London Employment Team, HFW

Michelle Chance is an employment partner and Head of the London Employment Practice. She has over 20 years’ experience advising on complex and sensitive employment matters, which often involve discrimination and where the stakes in terms of monetary value and reputational risk are high.

Michelle’s specific yacht experience includes advising on the impact of sanctions on potential employment claims of unionised crew members; drafting seafarers employment agreements and settlement agreements on the termination of employment of senior crew members; and advising on and updating employment policies and procedures for crew members in the light of an International Human Rights At Sea investigation into claims of bullying and harassment.