Biography: Abi McGrath has worked in the superyacht sector for 20 years. Today she is CCO for YATCO. Prior to joining YATCO, Abi founded and grew the globally recognised superyacht networking and marketing hub ACREW. Founded in 2012, ACREW boasts a membership of over 15,000 superyacht captains and crew and is the organiser of the prestigious annual Crew Awards. Abi’s experience in the sector spans from marina brokerage, to consulting and marketing, crew events, marina design and construction, digital training and, more recently, superyacht refit and maintenance. She holds a 2:1 honours degree from Edinburgh University and an MBA from Barcelona Business School.

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.

Biography: Ali's journey in the yachting industry began in Istanbul, where his childhood connection to the sea ignited a lifelong passion. Following his university education, Ali embarked on a dynamic career path that encompassed various roles within the global yachting industry. He initially began in brand and marketing at Vicem Yachts, where he played a role in elevating the company's profile on the international stage. Ali founded Mare Amante and served as a Strategic Marketing Consultant for leading Turkish yards, including Numarine, Tansu Yachts, RMK, and Northstar RIBS. With nearly two decades of experience in the yachting industry, Ali now acts as a Yacht Broker & New Construction Specialist at Northrop & Johnson.

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.

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.

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.

Biography: Bas Swanink, currently serving as the Sales Director at Oceanco, embarked on his journey in the superyacht industry by studying naval architecture, graduating in 1997. This academic pursuit laid the groundwork for what would become a multifaceted and successful career. He started his professional life in 1998 at a respected Dutch shipyard, where he took on the various roles of after-sales, purchasing and project management. These early experiences were instrumental in shaping Bas' skill set and providing a solid foundation for his future endeavors. In 2007, Bas Swanink took on a new challenge by joining Oceanco as the Project Manager for M/Y Sunrays. His career trajectory continued upward as he managed the construction of M/Y Equanimity, the industry’s very first Passenger Yacht Code yacht (Reg B). His role in leading this project solidified his reputation within the industry. Transitioning to Oceanco's sales team in 2014 marked a significant shift for Bas and the sales team. This move allowed him to leverage his expertise gained from project management to actively contribute to shaping multiple projects and building contracts. This shift broadened his insights, enhancing Oceanco's capabilities in the sales domain. At the heart of Bas' current role lies a collaborative approach. Based in Alblasserdam, he works closely with the project development and innovation teams while regularly traveling to Monaco to collaborate with the design team and external industry relations, collectively influencing the future of Oceanco's next-generation yachts. In addition to these efforts, Bas Swanink plays a crucial role in facilitating communication throughout Oceanco, including the project, legal and finance teams. With a global perspective, Bas frequently travels to the US and Middle East, contributing to bolstering Oceanco's international presence. Beyond his responsibilities as Oceanco's Sales Director, Bas enjoys spending time with his wife, two children and their dog. Next to the fulfillment of his family and career, he enjoys culinary arts and has a strong passion for skiing. He spends as much time as possible during the ski season in Austria, on the slopes

Biography: Business Consultant with expertise in Yacht Management, Charter Brokers & Crew Placement

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.

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!

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.

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.

Biography: Since its humble beginnings in 1988 Dieter has been at the “helm” of The Viking Maritime Group (formerly Viking Recruitment) which consists of Viking Crew, Chiltern Maritime & the Maritime Skills Academy, steering the company from strength to strength, year on year.Having given the Maritime Industry over 50 years of service, joining as a Deck Apprentice in 1967, sailing as Chief Officer in 1975, coming ashore in 1976 and then having worked in Marine Recruitment, Human Resources and Training ever since. With the head office in Dover, along with the MSA safety & simulator training centres in Dover and Portsmouth as well as offices in Guernsey, Fort Lauderdale, Auckland and Manila; He is ultimately responsible for the overall Group – as they say ‘the buck stops with him’. In addition, Dieter provides a valuable contribution to the industry itself, with his involvement in many initiatives to improve maritime awareness in careers, training & welfare. He is ideally placed in this, sitting as he does, on various committees and steering groups such as the UK Chamber of Shipping, Merchant Navy Training Board, Trustee of Britannia Maritime Aid, past Chair of the Standing Joint Policy Committee of the Dreadnought Medical Service, and past President of the International Superyacht Society. In recognition for his services, Dieter was awarded the UK Merchant Navy Medal in 2010 for services to Merchant Shipping, especially in the expansion of British officer cadet opportunities. He became a Younger Brother of Trinity House in 2018 and in 2023 became a Freeman of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners. He oversees a global team of dedicated professionals who operate a group of businesses, which may not be the largest, but is most probably the best positioned in today’s Cruise and Superyacht industry.

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.

Biography: Westrec Marinas is one of the largest national marina operators in the United States, and currently operates a portfolio of over 25 marina facilities. Comprising some 15,000 wet and dry storage spaces, westrec accommodates vessels ranging in size from personal watercraft to megayachts, served by over 500 employees. Westrec's consulting experience ranges over one hundred different marina properties and their operational skills are widely recognized. Since 1987 Westrec has constructed, renovated and redesigned over $300 million in marina projects. Westrec Southern Regional Office administrators the company's interests throughout the state of Florida, the Caribbean, South and Central America.

Biography: Derecktor Ft. Peirce International sales Former Fleet Captain for Fleet Miami, Glen managed nine yachts. He has been a professional captain for over 28 years, for both Sailing and Motor Yachts. Glen joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1978, and was assigned to search & rescue patrols in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on an 82’ patrol boat operating between the U.S.V.I. and the Dominican Republic. In 1980, he was transferred to Houston, Texas, as a vessel traffic operator for the Houston and Galveston ship channels, a challenging and educational position. After an honorable discharge, he remained in Houston selling folding trimarans and teaching sailing until he moved back to Mississippi where he obtained an advanced captain’s license. Answering a Sail magazine advertisement for a captain’s position, he met the boss in Miami, Florida, accepted the job and took on his first command as captain, fell in love, married his boss and entered the world of professional yachting on a 65’ motorsailer. Glen has extensive experience in the charter yacht industry, first in the Florida Keys, then in the Virgin Islands. From charter yachts to private sailboats and on to private motor yachts, he has cruised the Caribbean, U.S. Northeast, Alaska, Mexico, Panama Canal, the Mediterranean as well as other countries. He was also a build captain for a Sparkman & Stephens 96’ sailboat built in the U.S., a 220’ Lürssen yacht built in Germany and a 147’ Feadship yacht built in Holland. Glen has overseen numerous yacht refits and improvement projects. And, after all of this, he finds the most satisfaction in his life’s career is now being able to mentor new and upcoming young people interested in yachting careers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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  

Biography: Maggie joined the International Superyacht Society in 2018, bringing a wealth of experience from the yachting industry. She started her career in the charter marketing division at Camper & Nicholsons International and later served as Marketing Director for 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.

Biography:

Mark is a founding member and past president of the International Superyacht Society and has served as a director or advisor to a number of commercial and not-for-profit organizations. He is a certified member of the Miami Maritime Arbitration Council and has served as an arbitrator on disputes regarding commercial and recreational vessels. Past memberships include the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers and the American Boat and Yacht Council. Mark was a founding member and president of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, served two terms as president of the Marine Industries Association of Florida, two terms on the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Florida Coastal Management Program and two terms on the Florida Boating Advisory Council.

For more than a decade Mark was the president of DIANA Yacht Design (N.A.), Inc., the U.S. office of one of the industry's most respected naval architectural firms, based in The Netherlands. During his tenure, he organized the DSG Associates division, and, subsequently, managed all of its projects. His professional experience also includes the management of a large composite yachtbuilding yard in the United States, the professional operation of a variety of vessels, and the management of small commercial ships in the coastwise trade. Through his company, Aeromarine Consulting, he is regularly called on by builders and yachtsmen to provide expertise on various yachtbuilding and commercial projects.

An experienced general aviation pilot and an active boater and angler, Mark continues to be an occasional contributor to several aviation and marine publications. Throughout his career, he has been a featured speaker and moderator at a number of symposia around the world.

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.

Biography: Melissa Hansley 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Biography: Rick Thomas brings a versatile and flexible skill set, based on many-decades long experience, that works to develop solutions, guidance, and sound advice not available by other consulting firms. My vast experience in luxury yacht and mega-yacht building, development and refit provides you complete peace of mind when partnering with my business. We are trusted by many of the world’s luxury yacht builders and owners, and we are fully committed to providing the most transparent consulting and management services with the highest possible level of professionalism, ethics and expertise.

Biography: Ron Cleveringa is a Senior Vice President at Burger Boat Company, a premier custom yacht builder located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. With a robust background in the marine industry, Ron brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening Burger Boat Company's market presence and reputation for excellence. Joining Burger Boat Company in 2000, Ron has a deep-seated passion for boating and a strong track record of success within the yachting sector. His strategic vision and innovative approach have played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s customer base and enhancing its brand recognition globally.  With a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, he continues to help drive the company's success and growth. His ability to forge strong relationships with clients and industry partners has further cemented Burger Boat Company’s position as a leader in the custom yacht building industry.

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

Biography: Starting as a professional sport fishing first-mate, Steve worked his way through Penn State University earning a degree in marketing with special emphasis on international business by studying abroad at the University of Nice, France. Upon graduating, Steve moved to Europe working for Viking Yacht Company where he navigated the Mediterranean and successfully sold Viking’s entire inventory of yachts during the US luxury tax recession. He was soon promoted to International Sales Manager and established a global dealer network and a presence for Viking Yachts in more than 30 international markets. During this period, Steve also attended graduate school at the Wharton School of Business and served on a regional board of Habitat for Humanity while managing the West Philadelphia Improvement Corp. In 1997, Steve moved to Palm Beach, Florida and became a licensed Florida Yacht Broker; founded Emarine International with offices in Ft Lauderdale, Spain and Malaysia; brokered vessels in 20 additional countries; and achieved after personal sales of over $100 million worth of boats by the age of 30. He later earned the status of the #1 dealer worldwide for the Ferretti Group’s Pershing and Riva yacht brands and was granted dealership rights to all brands of the Ferretti Group after achieving 100% growth three years in a row; then sold to MarineMax (NYSE: HZO) in 2003. In 2005, Steve became a Founding Director of the First Bank of the Palm Beaches, a FDIC insured Florida community bank. He has also been an active supporter of the Boys & Girls Club, served the USAID in Kyrgyzstan, and was the founder of the PSU Education Abroad Alumni Group with the goal to promote education abroad to all college students. In March 2018, Steve became an Alum of the Harvard Business School after graduating from their prestigious three-year Owners Presidents Management program. As the founder and CEO of YATCO, he has dedicated his career to elevating the worldwide yachting industry with cutting-edge technology, integrity, accuracy, and a commitment to eco-friendly solutions. Over the past 20 years, YATCO has become the Trusted Global Marketplace of Yachting and is the world’s leading online service dedicated exclusively to central listings by qualified professionals only and supports more than 3,000 yachting professionals, 1,000 websites and facilitates over $7.5 billion a year in sold vessel transactions through its innovative YATCO BOSS A.I., the leading SAAS platform of yachting online. Steve has traveled to over 100 countries, attended every major boat show throughout the world, attended many professional associations board meetings and delivered boats in essentially every major market of the world. Using this wealth of experience and relationships with industry leaders throughout the world, Mr. Myers works daily to promote the best interests of yachting and to advance the industry through technology.

Biography:

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.

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.