Andrew Grant Super

Berkeley Rand

MD of BWA Yachting’s UHNWI experiential travel design house creating “Billionaire dream activations” alongside yacht adventures; Managing partner of Seerscapes, a secretive boutique AI data-engineering house driving strategic enterprise performance for Yachting’s finest companies; Advisor to the likes of RCA (Royal college of Art) innovation incubator for Design & engineering start-ups including the next gen of yacht designers.  

Sidney Bitter-Larkin

PR & Content Marketing Lead, IYC

Sebastien Large-Casanova

Co-Founder, Water & Sky

After more than 10 years in Project Management in offshore industry and then in Yachting as Project Manager on Superyachts 40m to 130m+, We decided with my partner in life and in business to open our own yacht brokerage company in 2023. Based on extensive discussions with Captains & Owners, we saw an opportunity to develop our own vision of the brokerage with a different approach based on technical knowledge and guidance to owners and future owners, especially on shipyard periods which turns to be one on the main expense item when it comes to ownership. Of course, technical knowledge is not everything and our client’s care & satisfaction is central priority for us by building a trusty and transparent relation that key of success.

 Our ethos : “We treat our clients the way we would like to be treated.”

Marcus Munt

International Accounts Director, Boats Group

Marcus Munt, International Accounts Director at Boats Group – the largest network of boating
and yachting marketplaces – brings extensive experience in the marine industry, having
collaborated with various major and niche boat brands during his 20 plus year career.

Marcus joined Boats Group in 2023, following previous leadership roles at a variety of luxury
brands such as Arksen and the private island resort of Tresco Island. Notably, Marcus also co-
founded Waterside brokerage, specialising in the sale of motorboats and yachts ranging from 20
to 100 feet, where he served as a senior broker. Marcus also sat on the Association of Brokers
and Yacht Agents' (ABYA) committee for a number of years and latterly was its chairman.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Marcus has a passion for travel, particularly
towards Africa, but has also sailed as far as Russia and explored the glaciers of New Zealand.

Beyond maritime pursuits, Marcus enjoys engaging in skiing, rugby, motorsport, and
participating in car rallies across Europe and North Africa.

Titta Uoti-Väisänen, Founder

Founder, TUVYC Ltd.

Maria Alekseenko Magan

Founder, Experiential Yachting

Maria Alekseenko Magan is a Monaco-based entrepreneur and the founder of Experiential Yachting, an innovative venture that redefines the conventional use of yachts. With over 13 years of experience in retail yacht charters and business development, Maria brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the yachting industry.

Maria’s unique perspective comes from her extensive professional background, as well as personal experiences as a charterer and former yacht owner’s family member. She was among the pioneers in organizing unique yacht charters across diverse destinations such as Northern Norway, Iceland, Madeira, Alaska, Antarctica, and Tanzania.

Beyond traditional yachting, Maria is dedicated to promoting longevity and advanced well-being at sea through various experiments, projects, and protocols. Her mission continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the yachting world, inspiring a new era of multifunctional and experiential yachting.

Artur Poloczanski

PR Director, Sunreef

Artur holds a pivotal role in shaping the Sunreef Yachts brand image and reputation. On board with the company for over ten years, he has honed his skills in handling press relations, crafting communication strategies, and ensuring a cohesive brand message.

His expertise extends beyond traditional PR responsibilities. He actively engages in the creative process, lending his insight and vision to the development of the company’s marketing content. 

Throughout his tenure at Sunreef Yachts, Artur has navigated various challenges, solidifying the company’s position as a leader in the domain of responsible yachting. He has a deep understanding of the brand’s values and has been instrumental in integrating sustainability into the company’s core ethos. Passionate about delivering impactful messages, Artur’s current focus revolves around promoting the Sunreef Yachts Eco line of sustainable catamarans. 

By highlighting the company’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and working with brand ambassadors including superstar athlete Rafael Nadal, Formula 1 champions Nico Rosberg and Fernando Alonso or professional explorer Mike Horn, he aims to create a compelling narrative that resonates with customers, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to a greener future.

Patrick Coote

Northrop & Johnson

Francesca Conn

Barrister, 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.

Jelena Vezia, Yacht Broker, Ocean Independence

Yacht Broker, Ocean Independence

Ingrid Gantard

Business Development Manager, Swiss Ocean Yacht Management

Ingrid brings two decades of expertise in the maritime sector, specializing in sales, client relations, marketing, and business development, with a primary focus on asset management encompassing ships, cruise vessels, and yachts. With a career spanning New York, London, and Monaco, she has spearheaded high-level projects, demonstrating an exceptional knack for understanding and addressing client needs, thus significantly expanding the customer base of the companies she’s collaborated with.

In her recent tenure with an international yacht management firm, Ingrid successfully implemented a comprehensive CRM system, earning client trust and delivering invaluable marketing insights. Her proficiency in sales and business development within maritime, luxury leisure, and yachting domains, coupled with her communication skills, positions her as a significant asset to the Swiss Ocean Yacht Management team, where she’s currently leading the company’s expansion efforts in Monaco.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Ingrid passionately advocates for women’s participation in the maritime industry. Having founded WISTA Monaco (Women’s International Shipping Trade Association) and served as its president, she now holds a prominent position on the board while also chairing the newly established Yachting Committee within WISTA International. Under the sponsorship of Wista International, she recently launched a ground-breaking magazine “Best of Women in Yachting” in collaboration with Best of Yachting.

Liam Dobbin

Managing Director, Wilson Halligan

Steve Bailet

Marketing Director, IYC.COM

Neil Chapman

Boatshed Yacht Brokerage Group

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, is an IYAC (International Yacht Arbitration Council) Arbitrator, Member / ex Board Member of IYBA, ECPY and Monaco Cluster Yachting Associations and Ambassador of Monaco Capital of
Advanced Yachting.

Since 2001 Janet has gained significant working experience in the yachting sector in Europe and 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 yachting and aviation sector ensuring the delivery of a dedicated range of services to the most exacting standards.

As Director & Head of the Yachting and Aviation Department, Janet leads a team of professional and highly experienced people who can assist UHNWI 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.

Aside from her ownership, registration and administration missions, Janet has been instrumental in the implementation of the YET program and assisted Marshall Islands, Cayman Islands and Bermuda Shipping Registries to set up their own YET
regulations.

Being considered as a reference in the world of yachting, Janet regularly speaks at Yacht conferences. She also wrote the VAT and Tax Chapter of the Super Yacht Industry Book and attends major International Yachting and Aviation events.

Marlon Michelo

AI Automation Strategist, Silver Sky AI Solutions

Marlon Michelo is a visionary AI Automation Strategist and the founder of Silver Sky AI Solutions, a consultancy dedicated to empowering small businesses through the strategic implementation of AI to enhance efficiency and scalability. With a profound educational background in Computer Science, Marlon has cultivated a deep understanding of the transformative potential of AI across various sectors.

Marlon’s commitment to education spans over a decade, during which he has served as an educator in both private and public institutions in London. His teaching has focused on equipping students with critical, forward-thinking skills in technology and AI applications, directly contributing to the next generation of innovators.

His professional journey is distinguished by a commitment to exploring how artificial intelligence can redefine industry standards and operational efficiencies. Marlon’s insights into AI applications are rooted in a comprehensive approach that blends technical prowess with strategic business acumen, making him a sought-after consultant.

At Silver Sky AI Solutions, Marlon develops bespoke AI solutions that not only streamline operations but also foster sustainable growth and scalability. He is known for his ability to demystify complex technological concepts, making them accessible and engaging to diverse audiences. His contributions to discussions on AI’s role in reshaping industries are not only informative but also inspiring, prompting stakeholders to envision and strive for a more efficient and technologically integrated future.

Marcela de Kern Royer

Principal, Onboard Monaco

Monaco-resident Marcela de Kern Royer combines a passion for yachting with a strong international academic background, with past experience in asset management including superyachts, she has gained excellent exposure to all facets of the industry, starting as a supplier and having experience in new build, refit, brokerage, and yacht management. Author of the first superyacht industry book, founder and first president of YPY Association, and program director of the Yachting Masterclass at the Yacht Club de Monaco. 

Fabrizio Ottoni Limena

CEO, YachtMind.ai

With a tenure at IBM developing advanced business intelligence systems for telecoms and banks, Fabrizio took a sabbatical year to sail around the world, which evolved into a full-time yachting career.

He served as crew and captain for years, including sailing expeditions to the Antarctic, Pacific, Amazon, and Middle East, sailed on the superyacht and classic regatta circuits, from Monaco to Saint Barth’s, and held roles ashore such as Dockmaster at Antigua Yacht Club Marina and Managing Director of a provisioning company in France.

As founder and former managing director of Brazil Yacht Services and former president of the Brazilian Superyacht Association, he welcomed some the world’s largest and most prestigious motor and sailing superyachts to Brazil.

He also wide experience in management consulting, financial planning, strategic advisory, and system development experience for the hospitality and Luxury Real Estate industry in Spain.

Fabrizio’s unique blend of technological expertise and extensive yachting experience uniquely positions him to effectively bridge the gap between rapidly advancing AI technologies and the superyacht related activities.

He is currently the CEO of YachtMind.ai, a company that develops crew augmentation AI powered assistants, and provides strategic AI adoption advisory, training, and custom development solutions for companies in the yachting industry.

Victor Zabrockis

Managing Director, NLab™ - part of Navozyme

With over two decades of experience in digital innovation, Victor Zabrockis has left an indelible mark in the technology sector. As the Managing Director of the NLab Think Tank of Innovation and Decarbonisation for the Superyacht industry, he spearheads pioneering initiatives.

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.

Vincent Huens de Brouwer

Managing Partner – Yacht Insurance Broker, Covership Monaco Yacht Insurance

Claire Ferandier Sicard

CEO & Founder, ETYC

Claire Ferandier Sicard is a professional with a degree in psychology and over 8 years’ experience as Chief Stewardess on luxury yachts. Her background includes training in the implementation of ISO 14001, demonstrating her commitment to sustainability. In June 2022, Claire also gained the University of Cambridge’s Business Sustainability Management Certificate for Sustainability Leadership, further enhancing her skills in sustainable business management.

Jana Thomas

Business Development, Divergent Yachting

With a Master’s degree in intercultural communications and diplomacy, along with a fervent passion for globetrotting and photography, she embarked on a less-traveled path that led her to the yachting industry. Acquiring hands-on experience on various sailing and motor yachts worldwide has only deepened her admiration for the sea. 

She has contributed to owner’s representative teams on new build vessels in both the US and Germany.

In addition to her current role as the Business development manager at Divergent Yachting, she is also the founder of Positive Waves — a visionary project dedicated to exploring the positive impact of the yachting industry. With a steadfast focus on innovation, sustainability, conservation, research, education, and philanthropy, Positive Waves charts a course toward a brighter future for the sector.

Cally Cooper

Performance & Well-being Coach, WellCrew

Major Andrew Crockett

Major Andrew Crockett MBBS BSc(Hons) MSc ENT MRCGP MRCS DOHNS RAMC (Rtd.) graduated in both Medicine and Physiology from Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’s medical school with a special interest in altitude medicine and extreme environmental effects on the human body. 

He attained Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons and a Master’s from University College London. He specialised in ENT and in diagnostic and interventional radiology prior to training as a GP. 

He has also served as a doctor and paratrooper in the British Army. He has represented Great Britain in Alpine Skiing and Rowing and the British Armed forces in Ski-Mountaineering and has held national titles in Kung Fu. 

His life has been shaped by personal tragedy following the death of his younger brother to cancer, which allowed him to experience disease from a patient’s point of view and reconsider the supportive measures patients may require through both acute and chronic disease. The loss of one so young to cancer which sparked Andrew’s interest in performance and longevity.

Dr Ranulf Crooke

Dr Ranulf Crooke MBBS BSc(Hons) MRCGP DFSRH MSc SEM is a physician specialising in the human performance, physiology and sports and exercise medicine. He attained both his physiology and medical degrees from Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ Medical School in London, gaining a distinction in Clinical Sciences. 

After becoming a Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners, Dr. Crooke pursued a Master’s in Sports and Exercise Medicine from the University of Bath, graduating with merit. His research initially focused on high-intensity interval training’s effects on prostate cancer patients, later exploring physical activity’s impact on cognitive function.

Dr. Crooke ran a primary care practice in the Cotswolds for a decade, concurrently working in sports medicine with professional and international level athletes, and NHS musculoskeletal clinics. His clinical interests in applied physiology and longevity is complemented by his previous experience as an international rower himself.

Dr. Crooke is a Co-Founder of WellFounded Health where he applies his expertise to optimise the health and well-being of high performance teams, such as startup founders and their companies, through tailored interventions in movement, sleep, stress, nutrition, environment, and lifestyle modification. He also serves as an Honorary Research Fellow at University College London and undertakes freelance work as a GP in the NHS.

Sophianna Bergonzi

Yachtllywood Media

Sophianna Bergonzi is the founder of Yachtllywood Media, a dynamic hub dedicated to showcasing the professionals in the yachting industry and their remarkable work.  With a background in cinematography and communications, Sophianna leverages her expertise to highlight the stories and achievements of yachting professionals worldwide.  Based in Monaco she is committed to bringing the vibrant world of yachting to the forefront through engaging and creative content.

As a yachting brand strategist consultant, Sophianna and her team craft compelling narratives that elevate brands and resonate with global audiences.

Dasha Moranova

Founder & Creative Director, Dasha Moranova Designs

Dasha Moranova is the Creative director and Founder of DMD/ Dasha Moranova Designs. An award-winning Interior and Exterior design firm located in Amsterdam.

Dasha’s international portfolio spans over 16 years business period working all around the globe on some of the world’s most prestigious Superyachts projects. Interior Manager on behalf of Owners team for the project’s M/Y Eclipse and M/Y Luna. Senior Yacht interior designer for projects M/Y Kibo, M/Y Romea, M/Y Dilbar, Alice) as well as many high-end residential and hospitality projects including 6-star hotel in Doha, Qatar.

In 2021 Lurssen shipyard invited Dasha to design a sustainable innovative interior concept for the project Alice (98m) presented at the Monaco Yacht Show 2021. DMD studio has worked very closely with the Lurssen team and also created an animation movie to present the project to the large audience.

Dasha is saying:” Creating environmentally friendly designs where our clients can relax and find their own tranquility is what we care about the most. Wellbeing is the key word of DMD designs. We believe in innovative solutions and smart technologies being a beneficial part of our healthy lifestyle.

Iliyana Popova

Superyacht Interior Consultant, ILIOS Decor

With 15 years professional experience in the luxury industry and managing highly confidential projects in yachting, private aviation and real estate, Iliyana has the expertise to assist clients with their interior decoration and styling needs and offer personalised solutions. 

Having had the privilege to be part of the Owners Team and manage the interior of two truly outstanding super-yachts SYA and MYA, has given Iliyana the opportunity to be closely involved with the Owners and the various interior aspects of managing and maintaining highly complex luxury vessels. 

Based in between Monaco and Dubai, she has a strong focus on service excellence, creating aesthetically pleasing and functional environments onboard various yachts. 

Philipp Leube

Naval Architect & Engineer, Leube & RO Monaco Yacht

Stefano Vafiadis

Yacht Designer, Studio Vafiadis

Michelle Van der Merwe

Pantaenius Monaco

Claire Hagen

Matteo Testa

Founder, H20MARITIME / ACTIVEXPLORER

Roxane Ducruet

Managing Director, Superyacht Tenders & Toys

Roxane Ducruet, Managing Director of the Monaco division of UK-based company, Superyacht Tenders & Toys (SYTT), has truly carved out an exciting career in the superyacht industry. Born in Monaco, Roxane was naturally drawn to the water, spending her childhood and teenage years on dayboats owned by family friends and indulging in various water sports. Her passion for the marine world led her to work in the industry, initially selling tenders and water toys for another company.

In 2018, Roxane made a bold career move by resigning from her job and presenting a business plan to Josh Richardson, co-founder and CEO of SYTT. Despite not knowing Josh or his partner Claire Richardson, her proposal to establish an office in the South of France caught their attention. After a meeting with Josh and Mark Peak, head of operations at SYTT, Roxane began her journey with the company as a salesperson in Monaco. Her dedication and hard work paid off, and she eventually became the managing director of the Monaco division of SYTT.

In her role, Roxane engages with captains, crews, shipyards, owner representatives, superyacht owners, yacht managers and brokers, discussing the fun and exciting aspects of the industry. Her position not only allows her to meet a wide range of interesting people but also to be part of the exceptional and dynamic world of superyachts.