Jean-Philippe Maslin

Associe / Partner, Richemont Delviso

Eduard Henny

Surveyor of Ships, Cayman Registry

Luca Hütter

Psychologist B.Sc, MHSS

Luca Hütter is a psychologist (B.Sc.) from Hamburg, Germany. Currently pursuing her
Master's in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at the Medical School Berlin, she is
dedicated to applying psychological insights to real-world challenges, particularly in
high-stress environments such as the maritime industry. Luca’s work focuses on stress
management, fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, and holistic
approaches to mental well-being, integrating personalized strategies that draw on
compassion, acceptance, and mindfulness. As part of MHSS, she supports seafarers by
addressing the unique psychological demands of life at sea, including stress, resilience,
and mental health challenges.

Mayte Bruguera

Interior training Director & HR development, International Luxury Training Yachts

Mayte Bruguera: Human Resources & Leadership Expert in the Superyacht Industry

With over 15 years in the luxury yachting industry, Mayte Bruguera specializes in organizational culture, training & leadership development, and internal communication.

As the founder of International Luxury Training, she has shaped industry standards by delivering tailored training programs and executive coaching for Chief Stewardesses and Heads of Departments across the superyacht sector.

Her academic foundation includes a Bachelor’s in Psychology – Human Resources and Organizational Development, along with a postgraduate degree in Internal Communication and Training Needs Analysis.

This expertise allows her to coach executives and managers, helping them enhance communication, team leadership, and organizational effectiveness.

Mayte has designed and implemented bespoke training programs for some of the world’s most prestigious yachts, ensuring top-tier service delivery for UHNWI clients.

Alicia Jordan

Sea Service, PYA

Veronika Cernakova

Founder and CEO, MVision

Francesca Conn

Head of Superyacht Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Hill Dickinson

Francesca is an English barrister who has been working for Hill Dickinson’s superyacht team in its Monaco office since 2017.  Francesca provides commercial and cost-effective advice when disputes arise in relation to any aspect of superyacht ownership or charter. Francesca was featured in the 2024 edition of Best of Women In Yachting.

Emma Kate Ross

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

Angela Wallace

Purser Trainer

Angie Wallace changed career tactics later in life and found herself sailing across the Pacific. Subsequently, she had her second career at sea within the Superyacht industry, culminating as a Purser on an 85-meter yacht. Becoming land-based, she launched Purser Trainer in 2018, which at that time was the first online purser training program dedicated to those who want to advance their careers in the superyacht crew industry.

The online Purser Course has gone from strength to strength and is fully accredited by IAMI & GUEST.
Sitting on many ‘think-tank’ groups, including Raising the Bar and GUEST Sub Groups, to discuss and launch new courses in keeping with the changes to the industry, Angie now offers the IAMI GUEST Yacht Mental Wellbeing Course.

In addition, she is the PYA Director of Interior Training and heads the Welfare Group, where she has hosted many webinars with Flag State Representatives and industry experts.

Tracey Santrian

BZ Maritime Leadership

Tracey has extensive expertise and experience in the development of maritime leadership and human capability. Working extensively with people and organisations in the in the superyacht industry, her skills are also utilised across the wider maritime sector including the military, cruise and merchant shipping industries.

With an extensive career as a commissioned officer in the British Royal Navy, Tracey brings a wealth of operational and training experience, including with women in maritime. She holds a degree in Leadership & Management, is a Registered Psychometric Practitioner, and is an experienced coach and qualified Social Worker. Her unparalleled expertise in crew welfare and well-being stems from years of managing Seafarers’ Welfare Support Teams, leading the Navy’s Casualty Response Team during high-profile critical incidents, and directing a Specialist Welfare Training School.

As a qualified Adult Education Teacher and Training Designer, Tracey adopts a holistic approach, enabling her to deliver exceptional professional leadership development and Human Capability support tailored to her clients’ needs and requirements.

Laura Beard

Welfare of Yacht Crew Project Manager International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN)

Michelle Van der Merwe

Pantaenius

Michelle Van der Merwe has worked in insurance for over 25 years, starting her career in corporate private medical insurance in London before moving into Superyacht insurance with Pantaenius Monaco in 2007.  

 She is responsible for managing the Superyacht team in Monaco, including the sales, underwriting and policy administration. The Monaco office is the 2^nd biggest office in the Pantaenius group and one of the leading providers of yacht insurance in Europe.

 Michelle has extensive experience in the delivery of customer and claims services, underwriting and product development and the management of client relationships.

Graeme Riddle

Captain M/Y Sea Huntress

Chris Frisby

Director of Training and Operations, UKSA

Christophe Ceard

Managing Director, BSM Yachting

Christophe Ceard is a seasoned professional in the marine industry, with 25 years of
experience in the field, spanning fast ferry operations and, since 2007, the superyacht sector and family office management.

Born in France, he earned a degree in International Business Administration in Paris.
Throughout his career, Christophe has managed operations across various regions,
including Spain, Asia, the Caribbean, the French Riviera, and Germany.

Since 2023, Christophe has been leading BSM Yachting, the yacht-specialized division for yacht and crew management within the Schulte Group, a world-leading global maritime company based in Hamburg, with a rich maritime heritage dating back to 1883.

Beyond his corporate roles, Christophe is a founding member and the current Vice Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA), established in 2011 to connect and promote the yachting industry in the Asia-Pacific region.

Karl Santrian

BZ Maritime Leadership

Karl is a leading expert in enhancing maritime leadership and crew professional development. With a passion for engaging with others, he has extensive experience in elevating the capabilities and performance of superyacht captains, heads of departments, crew members, and shoreside professionals. He also works across other areas of the maritime sector including the cruise industry, shipping companies, and military navies.

A former senior officer in the British Royal Navy, Karl successfully led large teams at sea and onshore, navigating various leadership challenges, including serious emergencies. He served as a Senior Instructor in multiple maritime leadership training organisations and later founded and headed the Royal Naval Leadership Academy.

He has experience of conducting leadership research, delivering leadership programmes for leaders at senior (Executive) level, and has led organisations delivering Mental Fitness & Resilience and Diversity & Inclusion training.

Karl holds a Master’s Degree in Leadership and is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Additionally, he is a qualified Adult Education Teacher, Coach, and Registered Psychometric Practitioner.

Glen Taylor

Director, Superyacht Fitness

Marianne Danissen

Group Head of Yacht Management, Camper & Nicholsons S.A.M.

Vincent HUENS DE BROUWER

Covership

Vincent began his career in shipping law and gained valuable experience in the P&I industry before transitioning to the superyacht sector as an insurance broker 15 years ago. He has held top management roles with major companies and went on to found COVERSHIP, a superyacht insurance agency with offices in France, Monaco, and Palm Beach.

Recently, Vincent co-founded YACHT STANDARDS in Switzerland to improve yacht safety and reliability. Fortunate to work in such a dynamic field, Vincent focuses on risk management and aims to contribute to a safer yachting industry. Additionally, he supports professional and environmental associations and innovative startups, hoping to help the superyacht industry protect marine ecosystems and integrate seamlessly into coastal economies.

Mathieu Henry

WYCC

Michelle Detraz

Head of Yacht Insurance, Y.CO

Michelle is Head of Yacht Insurance at Y.CO, where she has been helping clients navigate the complexities of superyacht insurance for over seven years.    

With extensive expertise in insurance, she provides superyacht owners with clear, strategic guidance in structuring insurance programs for both vessels and crew.

Beyond Y.CO, Michelle is an active contributor to the superyacht industry, serving on the MYBA Yacht Management working group.

John Wyborn

Bluewater

Joanna Drysdale

MHG Insurance

Joanna serves as the Director of Underwriting Services at MHG Insurance in the Isle of Man, where she has specialised in Yacht Crew Health insurance for over 12 years.

 A passionate advocate for crew mental health and wellbeing, Joanna volunteers on the steering committee for Yacht Crew Help, a vital resource supporting yacht crew in distress, managed by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN).

Marianne Richards

Business Development Manager, Hill Robinson

Marianne has been with Hill Robinson for over 20 years having joined as a yacht manager when the company was just 1 year old! Since then she’s worked as Business Development Manager and Operations Manager before moving into her current role at the beginning of 2024. Working closely with captains and crew on the operational side, Marianne had ideas to develop the services and support offered to all the crew employed across the Hill Robinson Fleet. A new position was created and now, with input from owners, captains and crew, one of the aims is to provide better employment packages covering all aspect of the job – the money, the work/life balance, career planning & training, general wellbeing and better health insurance etc. All the basic MLC employment rights are already covered plus Hill Robinson is now implementing full Human Resources support for all its crew. An exclusive 24/7, totally confidential, helpline (through ISWAN) was provided from May. This helpline is available to all their employed crew and their families. Marianne is part of the Raising the Bar initiative and is determined to make sure the bar is raised for all Hill Robinson employed crew.

Karley Smith

Managing Master Mariner, Brookes Bell

Rachel Bradley

MedAire

Kim Fry

Head of Safeguarding and Welfare, UKSA

Kim is an experienced social work professional and a dedicated advocate for mental health and welfare, particularly within the maritime sector. She holds a First-Class Honours degree in Social Work, completed in 2013, and has since accumulated extensive experience working with young people, adults, and families facing complex challenges, including substance misuse and mental health issues. Throughout her career, Kim has contributed to a range of settings, including hospitals, hospices, young offenders’ units, and community-based environments.

In 2019, Kim transitioned from frontline social work to a leadership role at UKSA, where she has focused on advancing welfare and mental health initiatives for seafarers. She has been instrumental in implementing and fostering a welfare-driven culture within the organisation, advocating for the inclusion of mental health training as a core element of seafarers’ overall wellbeing. As a qualified Mental Health First Aid England Instructor, Kim delivers a variety of programs, including the 2-Day Mental Health First Aid Training, Mental Health Refresher courses, and Mental Health for Managers workshops.
Kim has also developed UKSA’s Mental Health Awareness and Wellbeing Training, specifically tailored for seafarers, addressing their unique mental health challenges found in this demanding industry. Kim serves as the Superyacht Cadetship Welfare Mentor, offering valuable guidance and support to those entering the superyacht industry.
Her advocacy efforts include close collaboration with organisations such as ISWANN, Sail line, and Safer Waves, all of which are dedicated to improving mental health support within the maritime industry. With her passion for improving the mental health landscape for seafarers, Kim continues to play a pivotal role in driving change and supporting the mental and emotional wellbeing of individuals for all in the maritime sector.