INTERNATIONAL SUPERYACHT SOCIETY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Abi McGrath began working in the superyacht sector in 2003 thanks to her appointment as Business Development Manager with Bellingham Marine. During her 7 years with Bellingham Marine Abi had the opportunity to engage with the yachting world at international events and won noteworthy marina development projects including the construction of the Valencia Yacht Base for the 2007 Americas Cup. In 2012 she founded ACREW with the objective to build a professional membership of superaycht captains and crew that would facilitate knowledge exchange and professional development. Now in 2018 ACREW has over 12,500 crew members and runs events throughout the Mediteranean and Caribbean. A personal ambition for Abi was to create an Awards programme for captains and crew; something that ACREW successfully achieved in October 2018. Abi is a strong advocate for equality in yachting and during the 2018 Monaco Yacht Show she held a seminar for Women in Leadership attended by close to 100 prominent women in field. Abi is proud to be a working mother with an (almost) 4 year old girl Beya and a baby boy Dillon.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Emeritus
- Emeritus / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Captain AJ Anderson has 40 years' experience as a Merchant Marine Officer. AJ holds the post of Chief Executive Officer of Wright Maritime Group (WMG). Having participated in the MCA's Large Yacht Code Working Group during the LY2 re-write, AJ continues to serve on the Cayman Islands Ship Owner's Advisory Council. AJ has been an ISS Board Member since 2003 and serves as the ISS Technical Committee Chairman. AJ has been a member in the ISS Ethics Initiative and continues to work in the development of best business practice guidelines for the industry. WMG is a large yacht operations and management company with yachts up to 138 meters (450ft), operating globally. With over 2.5bn in the fleet portfolio and over 3bn delivered in construction, WMG is considered the leader in large yacht development, operations and management.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Born in Istanbul in 1976 and graduated from Yeditepe University, Department of Foreign Trade and Business Administration. As a Vicem Yachts Brand and Marketing Officer in 2007, he made a professional transition to the world of boating. He was appointed to oversee the World Offshore Championship Marketing Operations in Italy between 2008-2010. He then returned to Vicem Yachts as Marketing Director between 2010-2012, Ali founded his own company "Mare Amante" in 2012 and provided Strategic Marketing and Marketing communication consultancy (which included Numarine). In early 2017 he joined Numarine as Brand Manager as a result of these consultancy studies. He is still running the "Sales & Marketing Manager" role in Numarine Performance Motoryachts and also giving consultancy to other industry leaders in yachting.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Emeritus
- Emeritus / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Originally from southeast England, Doole grew up in Leigh-On-Sea where he enjoyed small-craft sailing and later worked in Merchant Banks. Doole moved to Florida in 1981, and one year later, he joined Show Management, the company that formerly managed the Florida-based boat shows. During his 37-year tenure with Show Management, he rose through the ranks, becoming vice president of sales and eventually chief operating officer. In 2017, Informa purchased Show Management and named Doole vice president and general manager of its U.S. Boat Shows division. As president, Doole leads the daily operations and oversees the production, government relations, partnerships, sales, and overall strategic direction of all five of the Informa Markets' Florida-based boat and yacht shows, including the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) -- the largest in-water boat show in the world; the Palm Beach International Boat Show -- one of the top five boat shows in the country; the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show -- the largest boat show on the Gulf Coast; the Miami Yacht Show; and the Suncoast Boat Show in Sarasota. With nearly 40 years of experience in boat show productions, Doole is widely recognized throughout the marine industry for his expertise and extensive industry relationships.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director / MEMBER BIO
Biography: André Jonker is a well-known face within the small yachting industry family. Born in the Netherlands, he has been living in close vicinity to Abeking & Rasmussen for decades and knows the industry like the back of one´s hand. André started his career back in 1988 with the company ALJO in Northern Germany working in the Design Department for superyacht equipment. Pretty soon he stepped into Sales and was also in charge for Project Management. Over that time he got in contact with Designers, Owners Reps, Captains and of course other important people from the industry. In 2002, Abeking & Rasmussen employed him as a Project Manager for Super Yacht new builds. Since then, he delivered 10 Motor Yachts and number 11 is currently in build. He is working with all well-known designers as well as with all relevant Owner´s Management Teams. Next to the role as project manager he also supports the A&R Sales Department for all the important boat shows. Building Superyachts is not only a job, it is passion.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Antonio Caviglia joined the Oceanco Sales Team ten months ago as Sales Director based in the Monaco office. Antonio studied, lived and worked in the US for 15 years. Along with a mechanical and aerospace engineering degree and MBA from Cornell University, Antonio brings to the team 13 years of corporate experience in the automotive and manufacturing industries, and 15 years of experience in the yachting industry, working with respected brands covering a wide spectrum of yacht types and markets.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Emeritus
- Emeritus / MEMBER BIO
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Brendan has served on the ISS Board since February 2018. Captain O'Shannassy is a career Mariner. He began is seafaring at 17 with an undergraduate degree and maritime cadetship under scholarship with the Royal Australian Navy. He then served at sea in Australian Naval ships before entering the commercial sector working in harbor tug and barge and offshore support. In 2001 he began in yachting and 16 years later he has worked with some of the yachting industry's largest and most highly reputable yachts. His experience includes Captaincy of PRINCESS MARIANA, OCTOPUS, MY VAVAII and AMADEA. Having already developed a sound knowledge of seamanship and leadership as a commissioned naval officer and a commercial master, Brendan made the transition to yachting as a deckhand before working his way up to Captain. He views this as a unique perspective for a Master unlimited. He understands his crew, their concerns and their roles as he has walked in their shoes. There is an extended history of industry contribution through many published articles and presentations within forums such as GSF and ASMEX. Brendan's strongest passion in yachting is to represent crew and the need for seafarers to be extended a duty of care within the industry. This is balanced by a belief that due to the increased size and complexity of modern yachts crew need to ‘step up' and be worthy of their roles. Parallel to maritime commitments Brendan has also an established history in Social Engagement. Brendan has contributed to the goals of Blue Marine Foundation and also the Brain Tumour Charity through active fundraising. As a working Captain at sea as Captain on +100m Passenger Yacht, Brendan provides the ISS board with a direct link to the perspective of operational crew.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Christelle Holler was born in France and grew up in Lyon. She moved to Tahiti 20 years ago. Tahiti Private Expeditions, she has brought her focus on the company's marketing and strategic developments and PR for the past 11 years. After graduating from business school, Christelle joined the pharmaceutical industry in the USA and Europe as Operational Manager, also in charge of European public relations and events before discovering the high-end hospitality industry working for the Aman group. Her background naturally led her to join the yachting industry a few years after her move to Tahiti. She started as a stewardess aboard a couple of luxury charter yachts travelling to the various islands of French Polynesia. She and her husband founded Tahiti Private Expeditions 12 years ago to meet a growing demand for excellence in diving and local knowledge onboard superyachts. She acts as Managing Director focusing on marketing / communication and strategic development. Additionally, Christelle consulted for 8 years with the local board of tourism. She initiated the first steps of promoting the destination to the industry worldwide - through events overseas, seminars, familiarization trips, working with the press while raising local authorities' awareness of the superyacht development potential in the South Pacific. Within this frame, she managed to bring Tahiti as the Gala Destination Sponsor in 2014. She is also a member of the Marketing and Educational Committees. Of course, she is also an experienced keen diver!
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Being the Chief Executive Designer of Oversee Yachts LLC. allows me to pursue my passion for yachting and fulfill client's dreams. My innovative designs, ambition, global experiences and sense of duty make me qualified to promote and expand the mission of ISS. Staring in 1990, I have worked in many aspects of yacht design, specializing in full project management and interior design architecture. My yachts have been recognized for their unique harmony of beauty and scientific design. The 100' M/Y Red Pearl, a finalist for the 2011 Show Boats Design Awards; S/Y 100' Pangiea after ten years, is still breaking records in Mike Horn's expeditions; the140' M/Y Raffaella II, the largest yacht built in Brazil. More recently, Oversee Yachts was tasked to refit the Newcastle 129' M/Y Safira. As the industry continues to change, it is important to preserve and revolutionize the values and interest of yachting. Striving to give back to the yachting community I served as a board member of the US Superyacht Association from 2014 to 2015, where I focused the association's mission statement and I continue to advocate for the industry. The ideals of family yachting translated into my roll on the board of the Macatawa Bay Junior Sailing Association. As an outlet to share my vision, I have had the honor of speaking at key superyacht events such as, the Superyacht Design Week, Superyacht Design Symposium, Superyacht Global Forum, The New World of Luxury and hosted the Yachting 2012 Dutch Economic Mission to Brazil. Receiving my bachelor's degree in Architecture and Urbanism in Brazil, working at Feadship and being fluent in five languages gives me a multi-dimensional international background.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Chief Executive Officer of the Australian International Marine Export Group
- Director / MEMBER BIO
Biography: David is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX), Superyacht Australia (SYA) and Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG). David is a graduate of the Royal Military College, Duntroon and served as an Infantry Officer on active service including deployments with the United Nations and working in multinational command headquarters. David was previously the Manager Operations for the Far North Queensland Ports Corporation. Included in the ports David was responsible for was the port of Cairns containing three shipyards, HMAS Cairns and Australia's largest superyacht marina, Marlin Marina. During this time David was the Deputy Chair of Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef and a member of the SYA Working Groups for charter legislation and Great Barrier Reef superyacht anchorages. Since joining AIMEX in July 2018, he has successfully negotiated the Special Recreational Vessel Act 2019 (Charter Laws for Foreign Superyachts) and strengthened regional cooperation with Indonesia, Thailand and the South Pacific superyacht collaboration with NZ, Fiji, Tahiti, Cook Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and PNG.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Ed has spent the past 25 years developing business in the luxury yachting market. Ed currently represents Grand Banks and a few superyacht clients. He recently represented the Dutch Superyacht builder Oceanco in the North American market. In past years Ed led the development of high end superyacht tenders, state of the art advanced composite superyacht builds and the promotion of superyacht interiors for a legacy US based shipyard. He served as Vice-President of Sales, Marketing and Product development for two other leading luxury yacht builders over a 20-year period. Ed's extensive experience includes a high degree of success in direct sales, sales management, branding, marketing and new business development. Ed has considerable experience working directly with clients as well as industry professionals and is particularly adept at facilitating the communication and interface between the owner's team, project managers, designers, engineers and the shop floor. Ed is an avid sailor, downhill skier, and cyclist who enjoys cooking and fine wine at his home in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.
Biography: Erin Ackor is a Partner at the maritime and aviation law firm Moore & Co, P.A., located in Miami, Florida, where she has been serving clients for more than 19 years since Moore & Co. opened its doors in 2004. Erin is the current President of the ISS and has been a Board Member since 2014. Erin also serves on the Admiralty Law Committee of the Florida Bar, as well as being a member of the Maritime Law Association, the Propeller Club and the International Yacht Brokers Association. Erin spent several years as a professional crew member on board several different sailing yachts, transiting both the Panama and Suez Canals and sailing to numerous international destinations, before deciding to attend Maine Maritime Academy. Following her graduation from Maine Maritime Academy, Erin worked for both bulk and container cargo services, including Lykes Lines Limited headquartered in Tampa, Florida, before going to law school and joining Moore & Co. Since joining Moore & Co., Erin has represented clients in both transactional and litigation matters, primarily devoting her practice to advising clients in connection with vessel acquisition and sales, new construction, regulatory compliance, vessel finance, refurbishment and repair, chartering, registration and corporate structuring, crew employment issues and local customs and sales/use tax issues.
Job Titles:
- Emeritus
- Emeritus / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Jim Gilbert is an industry veteran with a wide array of experience within the global large yacht market. His major contribution to the industry came as founding editor in chief and later president and owner of ShowBoats International, which he and his partners sold to the Robb Report in 2005. He is also a co-founder of the International SeaKeepers Society and played an active role in the earliest days of the International Superyacht Society in 1989. He is the recipient of the 2005 ISS Leadership Award. After the sale of ShowBoats, Jim founded ViewPoint Consulting, where he worked for a series of clients developing strategic business plans. In January of 2016 Jim came out of semi-retirement to take over as president of Christensen Shipyards, where he now manages 120 boatbuilders producing 40-50M yachts. During the period of his semi-retirement Jim returned to his writing roots, authoring and publishing The Admiral (Christopher Matthews Press) a near-future, swashbuckling novel that combines his passion for boats with his deep concern about the co-threats from climate change and sea level rise. Jim splits his time between visits to the Christensen Shipyard in Vancouver, Washington, from his homes in Miami Beach, Florida, and Wellfleet, Massachusetts. Besides his love of yachts and the ocean, Jim is an avid flyfisherman, surfer, and doting grandfather.
Job Titles:
- Emeritus
- Emeritus / MEMBER BIO
Biography: ISS EMERITUS: Served on the ISS Board since 2011; Jill Bobrow has had a long career in yachting journalism, the marine industry, and publishing. She is Editor-At-Large at Yachts International magazine. Previously she was the Founding Editor of Boat International USA and Editor-in-Chief of ShowBoats International. She also is the Director of Jill Bobrow Associates LLC, an independent consulting company and President of Concepts Publishing Inc. She has authored or co-authored more than 20 books; her most recent books include Oceanco; S/Y Marie; The Bucket Book, 25 Years of Megayacht Racing; Classic Sailing Yachts, and Outrageous Yachts. In addition to the ISS Board of Directors, she has served on an Honorary Award Committee Board for International Seakeepers Society.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer
- Treasurer / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Served on the ISS Board since January 2008. John Venables has been devoted to the yacht industry for over 30 years, in both engineering and executive roles, and has been active in the International Superyacht Society from its beginning as a corporate, contributing or professional member of the Society. John is President & CEO of NAIAD MARITIME GROUP, INC, parent of the NAIAD DYNAMICS companies with operations in Connecticut, Maryland, Florida, Washington USA, Portsmouth UK and Maastricht Netherlands. ND specializes in marine engineering, and is a leader in Stabilization and Ship Motion Control for the luxury yacht, commercial and naval ship sectors. Related ND products include Bow Thrusters, Integrated Hydraulic Systems and Waterjets. In addition to the Naiad Marine Systems brand, recognized ND brands include Maritime Dynamics, the foremost innovator of Advanced Ride Control (Stabilization) systems for the commercial ferry and naval sectors, as well as Vosper brand stabilizers for military ships. A familiar presence in the luxury yacht industry, John and his team have supplied more stabilization systems than any other company worldwide. Throughout his career John has been actively engaged in marine & aerospace engineering and precision manufacturing. John has served as a Director on several corporate Boards, including VT US Inc, a corporation with annual sales in excess of $500 million. John holds three degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business Management, including a Master of Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. He is a member of various professional organizations such as the Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers (SNAME), American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) and the US Naval Institute. John continues to be a strong advocate for the yacht industry and consistent supporter of the International Superyacht Society.
Job Titles:
- Emeritus
- Emeritus / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Ken may be already known to you as past President, Vice President and Treasurer. He has been a Board member or on our Exec since 1998. He also serves on our Education and Technical Committees. Outside these roles Ken has been a long-time member since 1994 as part of International Paint/Interlux/Awlgrip and now as an individual. More recently Ken has been working as an independent consultant for several companies as well as playing an active role in the ISO committee responsible for Quality in relation to Large Yachts (TC8/SC12/WG5) and is also currently a member of the Superyacht UK Committee. "I believe passionately in the value that our industry associations bring and, if elected, I will continue to work with fellow board members to steer ISS Strategy and Initiatives for the benefit of all of us working in Superyachting."
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director / MEMBER BIO
Biography: During her last ISS term, Kristina has relocated back to her home country of Australia and continues her work in business relations and yacht management by engagement with Wright Maritime Group. As a qualified Australian lawyer with extensive superyacht industry and seafaring experience as a senior crew member, Kristina is also methodically building an Australian immigration advisory as a Registered Migration Agent, specialising in the superyacht sector.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Laura is a fifth generation Floridian and has been surrounded by both the yachting industry and marine insurance for her entire life. Her family founded and owned the Merrill-Stevens Shipyard, where she grew up in and around boats and boating. Her career in yacht insurance spans over 30 years. Laura has worked as a broker at Lloyd's, as an underwriter, and manager, developing insurance programs for some of the best yacht insurance specialty agencies in the United States. Her knowledge and experience in the yacht insurance industry makes her sought after as an expert witness as well as a speaker. Laura is the Director of Yacht Insurance for Newcoast, with offices in Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater, San Diego, and Antibes. Laura grew up on the water in Miami boating in Biscayne Bay. She enjoys sailing, boating, snorkeling, and all time spent on the water. She is also an avid golfer and all things outdoors. Laura's already been working with ISS as a member of the sponsorship committee and looks forward to working with the organization as a board member. Industry Accomplishments: Recipient of the Outstanding Mariner Award for Lifetime Service by the Fort Lauderdale Mariner's Club. Past Skipper of the Fort Lauderdale Mariner's Club Past Chairman of the Fort Lauderdale Mariner's Club Marine Seminar Past Member of the Orange Bowl Committee Past Chairman of the Orange Bowl Youth Sailing Regatta Past Member Board of Directors, Shake-A-Leg Miami Member of ISS, IYBA, USSA, and The Marine Council Member of the Seakeepers Women's Ocean Advocacy Council Speaker for the IYBA Yacht Sales and The Law Seminar (6 years) Speaker for the US Superyacht Association Summit (4 years) Speaker for the American Institute of Marine Underwriters seminar on Yacht Insurance Articles Published in DockWalk, Triton, World Superyacht Review, Rough Notes, and the Florida Association of Insurance Agents Annual Report
Job Titles:
- ISS Administrator / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Maggie brings a wealth of experience in the yachting industry to the International Superyacht Society. She began her career in the charter marketing division of Camper & Nicholsons International, before becoming the Marketing Director at Sanlorenzo Americas, a division of the Italian shipyard. Maggie also has a strong background in event planning, having spent five years managing events at the Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center. Additionally, she is actively involved in various professional and charitable organizations, including serving three years on the Board of Directors for Young Professionals in Yachting. Her diverse background and industry expertise make her a valuable addition to the International Superyacht Society's team, joining in 2018.
Job Titles:
- Secretary
- Secretary / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Matt has been with AkzoNobel Yacht for 20 years in commercial and marketing roles and is a passionate advocate for the yachting segment. He has lead successful new product introductions into the superyacht segment with products like Awlgrip HDT, a lower VOC high gloss topcoat, and Awlfair SF (Spray Filler), providing faster filler applications, along with launching the new AkzoNobel Yacht Coatings "That Feeling" brand campaign. Matt brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge about marketing, sales, regulations, trends, and other challenges affecting the marine industry. As the Global Segment Manager for AkzoNobel Yacht , he is responsible for the strategy development and implementation, brand engagement and messaging for Awlgrip, Interlux, International, and Sea Hawk. His passion and drive is to deliver innovative, practical and sustainable solutions for yacht owners, builders, and applicators through training, outreach, new product developments, and brand awareness that enhance the customer engagement multi-channel messaging, sponsorships, events and promotional opportunities.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Vice President / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Melissa Orlick is a native of the Midwest and grew up in Illinois. Melissa graduated from Loyola University (Chicago) with a BA in Communications. During her time at Loyola Melissa lived in Rome, Italy studying at Loyola's Rome Center, focusing on Art History. Melissa joined the CME Group in 2008 holding positions in Public Affairs and Television Broadcast Communications, where she produced and casted CME Group management and traders for national and international television broadcast segments. Melissa has been working in the superyacht sector since 2011 where she's had the opportunity to engage with the yachting community in business development, sales and brand awareness roles. Melissa attends relevant international maritime and satellite industry conferences and is a member of multiple superyacht associations and organizations, as well as a member of the Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale. Melissa resides in Fort Lauderdale and is active in the equestrian show jumping world.
Job Titles:
- Emeritus
- Emeritus / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Served on the ISS Board since 2006. Election and Law Committee. Michael Moore, before founding the law firm Moore and Company, was a partner with Holland and Knight and chaired that firm's Marine and Aviation practice. Mr. Moore has been frequently cited by the South Florida Business Journal as one of the 100 Most Influential South Floridians. Mr. Moore has been repeatedly selected by Florida Trend magazine as one of 800 lawyers identified in its so called Legal Elite category. Legal Guide magazine selected Mr. Moore for inclusion in its issue on Top Florida Lawyers and he is one of six maritime lawyers listed in Best Lawyers in America from the State of Florida. Mr. Moore is the founder and past Editor-in-Chief of the Southern District Digest. He is also past director of the Maritime Arbitration Board and current Director of the Maritime Arbitration Association, comprised of maritime lawyers and industry personnel. He is a past chairman of The Florida Bar Admiralty Law Committee, and is on the Board of Advisors of the Maritime Personal Injury Reporter. Mr. Moore is Chairman of the Board of the International SeaKeepers Society and General Counsel to the Florida Yacht Brokers Association and the International Yacht Council.
Job Titles:
- Director
- CEO of the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands
- Director / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Mr. Joel Walton has been the CEO of the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands, which has owned and operated the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry (also known as the Cayman Registry) since May 2004. Previously, Mr. Walton served in various posts within the Cayman Islands public sector, including as Deputy Financial Secretary of the Cayman Islands for 11 years. Mr. Walton has held appointments on a number of boards and committees in the Cayman public and private sectors. These include: Chairman of the Maritime Sector Consultative Committee; Deputy Chairman of the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority; Chairman of the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority; Chairman of the Company Sector Consultative Committee; Deputy Chairman of the Cayman Islands Public Service Pensions Board, and Deputy Chairman of the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange Authority. Mr. Walton has also held other board appointments, including, with the Caribbean Utilities Company Ltd., a TSE-listed company, and with the Caribbean Development Bank. In 1983, Mr. Walton obtained a Bachelor of Administration (Hons) degree with a specialisation in Finance and an MBA in 1988 with a concentration in Finance and Strategic Planning.
Job Titles:
- Emeritus
- Emeritus / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Norma Trease is a veteran of the large yacht industry with over 30 years of experience, beginning as yacht crew member, as an early pioneer in crew placement, and she is a well-known journalist in yacht and financial press. Over the past decade, she has worked as a business development and marketing specialist, helping numerous large international firms access and enhance their yacht portfolios. Her company Yacht Knowledge specializes in strategic planning, executive placement, marina and commercial development. One of the earliest members of the International Superyacht Society, she has served as a member of the Board of Directors, the Executive Board of Directors, as Treasurer and Vice-President. She lives in Fort Lauderdale, FL and Antibes, France.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Peter is a shipbuilder, naval architect and marine surveyor with experience spanning nearly 40 years in the maritime industry and is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects. He began his career at UK based shipbuilder Vosper Thornycroft as an apprentice shipwright/metalworker and later as a naval architect in the ship design department. After a period with Lloyd's Register specializing in yachts and passenger ships, Peter worked with the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency where he was involved in the implementation and expansion of the large yacht code and directly responsible for the development of LY2. He joined the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry as a marine surveyor where he was instrumental in developing the Register as the world leader in large yacht registration and more recently has played a lead role in the development of the Red Ensign Group Passenger Yacht Code, which was first published in November 2011. Peter has been a regular panelist at in numerous super yacht events and regularly contributes to articles on regulatory matters in industry publications. He is a well-respected authority on matters related to the construction and regulation of large yachts. Having obtained a Law Degree from the University of London in 2009, Peter has recently completed the Legal Practice Course with the University of Law in London and in addition to his regulatory responsibility, Peter has been involved in the development of legislation and providing advice on international maritime regulatory matters. After a period in yacht management, Peter is now the Managing Director at Southgate Maritime, a company specialising in providing regulatory services to the maritime industry. Peter is currently serving as Regional Director Americas/Yacht Codes Specialist to the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director / MEMBER BIO
Biography:
Rafael Cervantes Mataix has been running yachts professionally as captain for the last 21 years. He holds a master unlimited license. Rafael has successfully operated a number of yachts both power and sail. He has followed the construction of two yachts, Rafael has cruised extensively throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Pacific, Central America and the South Pacific
He has been the captain onboard the 72 m yacht Azteca for the last 5 years. He is a member of "The bridge committee" of the ISS
Being a professional mariner, he hopes to be able to collaborate with other professionals and bring to the table the perspective and experience of a master that deals with the daily challenges of running a luxury yacht, managing and training a large crew, effectively meeting owners expectations, managing large refits , etc. He would be delighted to have the opportunity to joining the board of directors of the ISS and continue to collaborate on the ongoing projects as well as starting new ones.
Job Titles:
- Board Representative / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Rebecca Cahilly Taranto began her career in the yachting industry in the early 2000s, working first as an editorial assistant for Jill Bobrow - the editor of Boat International USA Magazine - in a charming little office overlooking a covered bridge in Waitsfield, Vermont. But, as with any juicy "how'd you get into yachting" story, it was a winding path that led her to the world of big boats. After graduating from Virginia Tech in 1996 with a degree in International Business and French, Rebecca received a diploma in Human Rights Law from the International Institute of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France. Intent on making a difference in the world, she took an internship opportunity with a non-governmental advocacy organization at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland and moved from there to Washington, D.C. looking for work in Human Rights. It was a job in marketing that would pay the bills, so she took a role with a marketing agency focused on sports marketing and socially responsible campaigns. In 1998, an opportunity with Ben & Jerry's ice cream at the company headquarters in Burlington, Vermont took her to Vermont, and from there she decided to help her family launch and market a series of high-end educational board games. It was there that she was chatting with Jill, a longtime family friend, who mentioned she needed some general copyediting and office management help. Rebecca began working full time for Boat International in 2002. Three years later, Boat International came under new ownership, so Rebecca agreed to relocate to Fort Lauderdale and open a new office. She assumed the role of Editor of Boat International USA magazine in 2005. In 2009 the company acquired ShowBoats magazine and Rebecca assumed responsibilities for that title, during that time writing and editing the annual Megayachts hardcover books, CharterFleet and a variety of supplemental publications. The role afforded the opportunity to visit shipyards all over the world and yacht construction quickly became her area of focus. She stepped down from her editorial role after the birth of her 2nd child in 2011 and founded the boutique creative agency, Superyacht Creative with her husband, Boat International's former Art Director. Today she writes for a variety of luxury lifestyle magazines on topics from fine dining to yachts, the arts and fashion. She writes the in-house hotel magazines for Marriott Harbor Beach and Margaritaville and contributes regularly for Venice magazine. Her clients in the yachting industry range from the top builders and designers to yacht owners, brokerage houses and marine businesses around the world. Rebecca maintains relationships with yachting industry operators around the world and is inspired to work on causes that advance the industry as a whole. She lives in Fort Lauderdale (the longest she's ever lived anywhere) with her husband, Richard, their two children, two cats and one amazing dog. https://www.superyachtcreative.com
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director / MEMBER BIO
Biography: The founder of Nautical Structures Industries, which designs and manufactures high-end yacht equipment, specializing in hydraulic motion-and-control (tender-handling, watertight closures and boarding equipment). The nature of his business allows him to work directly with virtually all of the larger production and custom yacht builders around the world. His responsibilities allow him the opportunity to visit a large number of these shipyards every year. He works directly with the managing directors, project managers and engineering staff of these yards and in this process has developed a unique perspective of the industry's custom yacht building opportunities and challenges. Rick understands the symbiotic relationship that a quality equipment supplier must forge with the naval architect, yacht management company and the yacht builder to support the effort of building a custom yacht. He looks forward to an opportunity to give back to an industry that has provided him so much opportunity over the past thirty-plus years.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Silvia Nordio: Natural multicultural and multiethnic interpersonal relationship skills. Excellent communication and presentation skill, consistent work discipline and commitment, systematic and independent working procedure with considerable personal involvement, team player, good judgment, initiative, creativity and business-oriented mind. Deep understanding of the luxury global market. With her education including • EDUCATION BA in Sociology University of Urbino, Italy - 1996 • BA I.S.E.F. (Superior Institute of Physical Education) University of Urbino, Italy - 1988
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director / MEMBER BIO
Biography: As an avid sailor and while Competing in the Antigua Sailing Week, over 25 years ago, Steven secured a deckie role on a busy 42m charter sailing yacht while in Antigua. This was the start of his career in the super yacht industry, which compared to today, very little was known about the world of Super Yachts. Steven changed from Sailing Yachts to Motor yachts, when an opportunity arose for a position onboard the 59m, Motor Yacht October Rose as the Bosun/Diver Master, which he was successful in securing. He spent the next 8 years with this Owner and worked on the various yachts that he had. Competing his Master 3000GT licence in early 2000 and shortly afterwards, secured his first command as the delivery Captain, at that time, one of the largest and the most powerful motor yacht in the industry at 30 years old. In 2007, upon the arrival of his first born, Steven moved ashore with the family and successfully made the transition to shore side by working for a New Zealand shipbuilding company as their Sales and Marketing Manager. From there Steven moved into the CEO role of Yacht Lifeline, which was then acquired and integrated into Medaire in 2011. During this time in New Zealand, Steven also served as a Board Member for the New Zealand Marine Export Group. Steven is currently the Global General Manager for the Luxury Yacht market segment for the Aviation and Maritime business line, comprising of MedAire, Future Care and Medsea businesses at International SOS. He has worked with MedAire since 2011. Steven is very passionate about the yachting industry having been intimately involved with multiple aspects of it for over 25 years. He is keen to see it to continue to grow as it becomes a more established career path for new persons entering the industry and technology pushes the boundaries on design and innovations.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director / MEMBER BIO
Biography:
Tony grew up boating in coastal Tasmania, eventually teaching sail-training on a square-rigged sailing vessel during his spare time in his early 20's. He moved to a professional yachting career 1997 which led to 10 years' onboard experience in both private and charter - 5 as a Captain, two circumnavigations of the globe, and over 80,000 nautical miles. His final year ‘onboard' was spent in the yard as the build captain of a 40m sailing yacht. Drawing from his experience of the varying standards of worldwide marinas, over the last 14 years, Tony has managed the Porto Montenegro Marina vision and team from early design, construction, and financial development, through to all ongoing operational aspects of this multi-award winning, industry-leading Superyacht marina. He is also the current Chairman of the Board for the Global Marina Institute. This position affords him the opportunity to regularly meet and collaborate with senior marina professionals worldwide, and to provide input in to the consistency of marina training programs, operational best practice, regulatory compliance, and environmental sustainability standards. All of these experiences have required collaborative leadership excellence, input into existing and new government legislation, mentoring industry professionals progressing through their career pathways, and the promotion, development, and growth of our industry across multiple platforms, including regular presentation and speaking engagements. As a board member of the International Superyacht Society, Tony would use his extensive background and experience to assist this important industry society in maintaining its mission and vision. He also believes with his senior position in the Marina Industry, there is a great opportunity for enhanced collaboration and dialogue between the Superyacht and Marina sectors, with a particular focus on a sustainable future.
Job Titles:
- ISS Administrator / MEMBER BIO
Biography: ISS Administrator since 2000. Along with her administration duties she's also an independent trainer for Yacht Interior Crew, where her written manual cover all types of interior services. Prior to becoming land based, Vanessa worked on Superyachts as a chief stewardess where she completed 13 Atlantic crossings and several re-fits. Vanessa has a BA(Hons) in Fine Arts which has complemented her work with in the yachting industry, giving her the understanding and passion for the artistic sensibilities of design and space planning.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director / MEMBER BIO
Biography: Fang is the owner of Yachting Singapore, a yacht agency specialising in shore-support and project services for superyachts. In 1997, he set up his first company building RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) for the Navy and offshore clients. About 15 years back, it became commercially viable to enter the leisure boating market. He started off doing repair and maintenance work, as well as offering custom-built tenders and workboats to yacht clubs in Singapore. With a background in sea command; project management in the Navy; and experiences in running his own marine companies, Fang started the agency business when he saw a lack of quality shore support services in Singapore. He has been serving visiting superyachts for over 10 years. In 2016, Yachting Singapore applied and was accepted as a member of the Association of Yacht Support Service (AYSS). Fang has served as a council member of AYSS since 2019. Before setting up his own business, Fang served 15 years in the Singapore Navy. Fang is passionate about promoting Singapore as a support hub for visiting superyachts in the region. He is also actively involved in promoting awareness of the industry to young sailors in Singapore.