2020 saw many ups and downs for the yachting industry, with the uncertainty of superyacht events being one of the most noticeable. However, as a community it was encouraging to see that we found alternative ways to communicate with one another; adapting to the circumstances and utilising online technologies to further benefit the industry.
Despite immense efforts to retain normality over the past year, there is still nothing quite like attending the usual calendar of prestigious superyacht events in person.
Reminiscing on our past event attendance, we have rounded up 5 things which we miss most about superyacht events.
At Riela Yachts, we find superyacht technology to be one of the most interesting talking points of a yacht show. It not only enables us to move forward as an industry, but also gives us the opportunity to continuously improve our solutions to better suit the modern superyacht.
The virtual YARE 2020 event was a great platform to present the details of our latest developments and innovations. Although a great chance to connect, it unfortunately did not provide attendees the opportunity to engage with us or our products on a deeper level. This is an aspect of shows that we miss, and attendees miss out on as the specific detail and self-discovery that would flourish at an in-person event is lost.
Our colleagues at Riela Cyber also attended YARE 2020, If you missed their ‘passerelle pitch’ showing the simplicity and effectiveness of their remote cyber risk assessment presented by Matthew Roberts, you can watch it by clicking here or the image below.
Our offices are bursting with yacht enthusiasts, so the ability for us to travel to the marinas, shipyards and yachting hubs to meet with clients, peers, partners and friends is what we miss. Being surrounded by yacht enthusiasts in the office is one thing but the chance to be surrounded by the hillsides of Monaco or walking down ‘Quai des Milliardaires’ in Antibes is something we long for. Particularly, as the Isle of Man isn’t exactly known for its superyacht-worthy weather!
Above anything, superyacht events are a chance for Owners, Captains, Industry Professionals and Enthusiasts alike to catch-up with one another. We miss bumping into friendly faces where there is almost always an opportunity to catch up over a cold (or hot) beverage in warmer climes.
As well as friendly faces, superyacht events are a great way to get to know new people in the yachting industry. We are conscious that for many individuals at the start of their career, the opportunity to network with experts in all areas of the industry is invaluable. We hope all newcomers will be able to have an opportunity like this later in the year.
As soon as you take your first step off the plane, hot air hits you as if you are stepping into the sun. You have made it; good times are to follow. Remember the feeling?
We miss travelling to and from yachting events and the atmosphere which comes with it.
We are hopeful that some superyacht events will take place in 2021. However, it is understandable that due to varying restrictions, it will likely be a very different experience.
Whatever happens, we are taking matters into our own hands. We will be publishing new content throughout the year via our Superyacht Blog and social media channels to keep our community connected.
Plans are also underway for us to host virtual events in the future. Our aim is to differentiate the event from the endless webinars that were put on last year. We hope to channel the 5 Things We Miss About Superyacht Events into an event which provides all attendees an interactive and engaging experience.
Follow us on our LinkedIn and Facebook for further announcements about the event or sign up to our mailing list below.
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Alexandra Hernández is Riela Yachts’ Yacht Manager. As part of this, Alexandra is the initial point of contact for our vessels; working closely with our other specialists to provide support and service coordination. Alexandra supervises crew management and plays a heavy involvement in the development and maintenance of our award-winning electronic Safety Management System (eSMS).
Born and raised in Colombia, Alexandra completed her degree as a Lawyer, and she is on track to receive her diploma in Superyacht Management.
Alexandra’s legal background and experience within the Marine & Aviation industries cover a wide range of roles, helping to gain invaluable knowledge, develop communication skills and actively cultivate solid industry relationships to deliver the highest of standards in every project.
Jay Houghton is the Riela Group Finance Director. Jay is responsible for overseeing the Financial Strategy of the Group alongside the financial reporting and control structure of the Group and its companies.
As a qualified accountant with over 30-years in the financial and service industries, Jay has built a wealth of experience in business analysis, investment appraisal, financial control and reporting.
Cameron “Fin” Findlay became a part of the Riela Yachts team in late 2021, initially joining as a Trainee Yacht Safety & Compliance Assistant. Fin’s commitment and dedication have enabled him to understand the intricacies of the industry from the ground up, leading him to being promoted to Yacht Safety & Compliance Officer in 2023. Fin is now a qualified Company Security Officer (CSO), actively contributing to the implementation of Riela’s Safety Management System across our fleet, working closely alongside Clive Harrison and George Self.
Christian Crompton is the Riela Yachts’ Product and Development Lead responsible for translating the requirements and operations of the Safety and Compliance team and implementing this into the forefront of the electronic Safety Management System (eSMS).
Since graduating with a first-class honours degree in Computer and Information Security in 2018, Christian has worked on designing and developing superyacht solutions using Laserfiche in the Maritime Software Industry.
With Christian’s security background and software experience streamlining business processes, Christian applies his knowledge into the Riela Yachts strategy and innovates new systems for both Riela and their clients.
Tony Partridge is a Product and Development specialist at Riela Yachts where he will be working closely alongside Mark Bridson and Christian Crompton. Tony’s main focus is building an innovative client focused dashboard, whilst providing a new outlook and perspective to our current processes, policies and procedures.
Before joining Riela, Tony started his own web development business where he built applications and websites for a large group of different sectors, growing a strong and long-lasting clientele base. With over 10 years of experience, Tony brings a depth of knowledge and expertise to the Riela Yachts team which will be used to help progress the company’s development through the innovation and development of Riela Yachts solutions.
Rob Tobin is the Managing Director of the Riela Group of Companies and is responsible for overseeing our business operations, our people and driving excellence in all we do.
Robert brings over 25 years of successful leadership and entrepreneurial experience across a range of industries including Family Office, corporate services, construction engineering, Superyachts, cyber security and information technology development to our Group, and to our customers.
In the past 15 years Rob has gained a prominent reputation within the Superyacht industry for his passion, integrity, innovation and achievements to date.
“Being part of an awesome, capable and forward-thinking team that have a shared passion for Superyachts, people and the environment is the highlight of my career and puts a smile on my face and a spring in my step every day”.
Clive Harrison is a Director at Riela Yachts and leads the Operations Team.
After a 22 year service as a Deck Officer in the UK Royal Navy, Clive moved ashore and is enjoying a second career, spanning over a decade, in the yachting industry and relishing the challenges that this brings.
Clive brings a wealth of expertise and experience to our Company and has earned a reputation for providing a professional and pragmatic approach to the delivery of our services.
George Self is a Safety & Compliance Manager and responsible for the implementation and development of operational compliance for yachts at the company.
Accruing a 10-year service of sea time, beginning as a deckhand before respectfully concluding her career as a Chief Officer, George now contributes a wealth of first-hand practice and insight into the support she now provides to yachts daily. George also brings shore side experience from her time working at a number of established Ship Management firms on the Isle of Man.
Ken Hickling is a company Director at Riela Yachts (UK) Ltd.
Ken has spent over 30 years working in the Yachting industry at Boatyards and materials manufacturers, and more recently as a Specialist Business Advisor. During this time Ken has served as International Superyacht Society (ISS) President and is currently on the Superyacht UK Executive Committee. He also works as a project leader on the ISO work group focused on Superyacht Quality.
The experience that he brings to The Riela Group in optimising our internal business processes helps to ensure that the quality of service we provide to our clients is at the highest level.
Louise Gimson is a Director, Senior Administrator and in-house HR Manager and is responsible for the day to day running of the company and client accounts at the Riela Yachts.
With an extensive background in finance, Louise brings almost twenty years’ experience in accounts within the ship management industry to Riela Yachts, where she is dedicated to implementing dynamic solutions to benefit clients.
Louise has diversified her responsibilities by taking on data handling duties within the company and in 2016 began assisting the Operations Team with internal compliance procedures.
As the Head of Group Sales at the Riela family of companies, Matthew leads the company’s sales strategy, execution, and growth.
Matthew has a successful record building trusted client relationship and delivering upon set expectations. An accomplished sales leader, he delivers a sales process that provides clients with the information and support they need to make the right decisions for their organisations and their constituents.
Matthew has significant experience within the maritime industry having previously worked across various sectors including insurance, security, satellite communications and managed IT. Matthew’s most recent experience encompasses almost 5 years spent with the leading satellite communications and managed IT provider in the maritime industry, focusing on their superyacht clientele.
Mark Bridson is a Product and Development specialist and responsible for the integration of Laserfiche within the company and the developing of an electronic Safety Management System.
Marks career started in the Royal Air Force as a data analyst maintaining Aircraft engineering records and the provision of Aircraft statistics.
Returning to the Island Mark spent the next 25 years working in IT for an aircraft design company. In this role he provided Computer Aided Design and document management support for offices within the UK and Europe.
Moving from the Aircraft industry to Maritime, Mark has spent two years with a Yachting software solutions company using Laserfiche to design purchase ordering systems for Superyachts.
Tina Dahn is a Crew Officer and responsible for the administration of yacht crew contracts, monthly payroll and crew certification at Riela Yachts.
After a 12 year service in the Royal Navy undertaking various administration and PA roles, Tina began working for the NHS in 2001 and was responsible for duties including managing payroll, recruitment and HR administration.
Tina returned to the Isle of Man to undertake the role of Crewing Officer in the superyacht industry in 2011, where she oversaw a portfolio of clients whom she provided crew employment, administration and payroll services.
Christian is involved across the Riela family of companies with particular attention to the technology businesses, Cyber and Tech.
Christian gained a postgraduate Master in Finance degree at the University of Neuchatel, Switzerland and completed his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Before joining us, Christian worked for six years at Argosy Capital, an Isle of Man-based private equity and venture capital business focusing on early-stage growth businesses. At Argosy, he focused on managing investment companies, research and financial analysis and served as a director on several boards.
