America's Cup programmes have built the deepest foiling know-how on the planet, and in North America that know-how is leaving the race course. Leading US and Canadian builders are putting foils under working boats: electric commuters, water taxis, patrol and naval support craft. The panel explores what racing R&D is worth in a commercial business case, where the capital is flowing, including growing government and defense interest, and what it takes to industrialise a technology born to win regattas.

Ferdinand van West, Luca Rizzotti, Tyson Lamond

Racing DNA, working boats: How America's Cup technology is going commercial.

Naval architect specializing in high-performance sailing yachts, hydrofoils, and advanced marine vehicles, with experience spanning Olympic classes and the America's Cup. A two-time Formula 18 World Champion, I combine high-level competitive sailing with simulation-driven desig, integrating hydrodynamics, structures, and control systems to push the boundaries of efficiency and speed. My work spans the full development cycle, from concept and performance modeling through detailed engineering, manufacturing, and sailing-system development, with hands-on testing linking design directly to real-world performance. Over 12 years at Morrelli & Melvin Design & Engineering, I served as Lead Designer on projects including the Nacra range, SuperFoiler, TF10, the Rapido range, and the 72ft Persico catamaran Extreme H2O. I was also a Lead Foil Designer with American Magic challenger for the America's Cup, and earlier played a key role in developing the Olympic Nacra 17. I hold an MSc in Maritime Engineering from the University of Southampton. Through Van West Naval Architecture, I am currently involved in several design projects, such as the 38th America's Cup team and the Maris Vessels foiling ferry, providing consulting and design services for high-performance and next-generation marine vehicles.

Naval Architect

Ben and his wife Erika are the second-generation running Van Dam Custom Boats and Boyne Boat Yard.  Ben grew up working in the family business and after high school pursued a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the University of Michigan, where he also sailed competitively.  Upon completing his degree, Ben immediately returned home to continue pursuing his passion, building boats.  Ben has significant hands-on experience in wooden boat building, woodworking, metal work and welding, paint and varnish application, CNC machining, systems and electrical design and installation, and project management.  Along with his degree, Ben holds multiple additional certifications including the ABYC Master Technician Certification (Systems, Electrical, Diesel Engines, Corrosion) and has significant on-water experience both racing and cruising.  Ben and his wife and business partner live in Boyne City with their two children and enjoy all that Northern Michigan has to offer.

President

Jeff Ludwig has worked for the Coast Guard’s Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety since 2006. He has served as the Chief of the Recreational Boating Product Assurance Branch (CG-BSX-23) since 2018. In that role he is responsible for implementing the Recreational Boat Testing & Compliance Program (RBTCP), which ensures that recreational boat manufacturers comply with USCG safety standards. Prior to his current position, he was the Boating Safety Division’s Regulatory Development Manager, where he was responsible for the development of all boating safety-related regulations at Coast Guard headquarters. Before working for the Coast Guard, he was the Regulatory Affairs Manager for a major recreational boating trade association for five years and served eight years in the US Army at Ft. Myer, VA, Ft. Bragg, NC and Berlin, Germany.

Chief, Recreational Boating Product Assurance Branch, Boating Safety Division Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety

As co-founder of marketing communications agency, McKenna Townsend, Matt has generated sales, enhanced corporate reputations and driven brand awareness for global marine businesses through strategic, insight-led marketing and PR communications programs. McKenna Townsend is a multi-award winning, integrated global communications agency with a strong reputation for working with many of the world’s leading marine and superyacht companies. 
He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (the world's only Royal Chartered body for public relations professionals) with over 30 years of marcomms expertise, working with some of the world’s leading brands, their boards and CEOs to deliver strategic communications programs – helping them to grow and prosper. With in-depth expertise in ESG – and as a co-founder of The Marine Social Responsibility Consultancy (part of the McKenna Townsend group), he is proud that the agency’s strategic work positively impacts the health of our oceans and seas with global purpose-led, marketing communications programs that deliver tangible benefits for our Planet.

Co-Founder

Ernesto La Colla is a young visionary and passionate maritime engineer on energy transition. He contributes to keep Feadship at the maritime innovation forefront, identifying strategic partners, science and technologies. He grew up in a southern Italian village, where conversations with local pharmers highlighted the growing effects of climate change on remote communities and ignited his desire to support decarbonization. He started studying nuclear energy already in 2020 and introduced nuclear power to Feadship in 2022, publishing a research in 2024 and a regulatory assessment in 2026.  He also conducted tests and published paper on methanol and HVO for yachting. He currently serves as Feadship nuclear ambassador at NEMO and NuclearDrive, and methanol representative at Green Maritime Methanol.

Specialist Engineering Mechanical (Multifuel)

Twan Jonkman is the Lead Application Engineer Maritime, at CEAD (BSc in Aeronautical Engineering from Inholland University of Applied Sciences). Over the past five years, he has helped companies adopt CEAD’s Large Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM) technology in their production halls, focusing on design for LFAM, material selection and development, printing strategies, and business case development.
He has specialized in maritime applications, driving application-focused developments and support/accelerate the adoption of LFAM technology in the marine industry.

Lead Application Engineer Maritime

Marie-France MacKinnon is the Executive Director of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Canada, the voice of Canada's recreational boating industry. She leads the association's strategic direction, public affairs, and government relations, with a focus on market access, industry competitiveness, and regulatory modernization.
With over 25 years of experience in public affairs, communications, and advocacy, Marie-France has held senior leadership roles across the public and private sectors. Prior to joining NMMA in 2023, she served as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications at the Canadian Meat Council, where she secured landmark federal policy wins reshaping agri-food workforce and immigration strategies.
Since joining NMMA, she has become one of its most effective federal advocates. Her signature achievement is leading the campaign that resulted in the repeal of the federal luxury tax on boats in Budget 2025. Central to that win was her ability to unite the industry behind a single, coordinated voice, building the cross-industry coalition that gave the campaign its credibility and its reach.
Fluent in both official languages and based in Ottawa, Marie-France is recognized for her coalition-building approach and track record of delivering concrete policy results on behalf of Canada's business and trade sectors.

Executive Director

Senior Maritime Researcher

Simon's began his career as a marine cadet qualifying as both a Deck Officer and Marine Engineering Officer before attaining his Master Mariner certification and serving at sea as a Captain.  Transitioning into maritime education, he joined South Shields Marine School where he progressed through a series of senior leadership positions to become Principal. Simon has also contributed to the wider maritime sector through his role on the Board of the Merchant Navy Training Board, helping to influence and develop the future of maritime training in the UK. As CEO of IAMI, he now champions excellence in maritime education worldwide.

Managing Director

Mentoring Lead

Editorial Director

Caitlin leads Sustainability and External Affairs for Safe Harbor. She brings the marina owner and operator perspective on pollution control challenges and opportunities, exploring how MARPOL and other compliance regimes can be integrated into corporate environmental controls and management systems through slip-holder agreements, contractor requirements, wash-down policies, and education, applying the same operational discipline already used for fuelling, waste and wastewater.

SVP Sustainability & External Affairs

Derek Munro is the Director of NOXFREE LTD and Divergent Yachting Ltd.
Starting out as a Captain and Engineer, Derek has been fortunate to have sailed and commanded sailing and motor vessels from 28m to 65m in length throughout the Mediterranean, Atlantic, Caribbean, Red Sea, Pacific and Asia.
Since late 2004 Derek has worked as the Owners Representative on new build projects in European shipyards (in Italy, The Netherlands and Germany) up to 107m in length.
Derek was the Owners Representative for the 105m Oceanco built Sailing Yacht Black Pearl delivered in 2018 and is currently the Yacht Manager for SY Black Pearl.
In 2017 Divergent Yachting Ltd was formed to Manage and Support the Crew on the yachts we now Manage for our Clients.
Currently we are involved in the design for zero fossil fuel projects both sail and motor with a focus on 1Mw nuclear MMRs and also Graphene Supercapacitor batteries.
Under the name of NOxFree.World ( <a href="http://www.noxfree.world" target="_blank">www.noxfree.world</a> ) Derek and his collaborators have been researching and helping develop small Maritime nuclear units since 2021. We are the maritime agents representing Deployable Energy based in Texas and their 1Mw unit designed to fit into and operate vessels from approximately 40m upwards. The Unity Modules are currently being tested at the Idaho National Lab and predicted to be available to market late 2028.
Graphene Supercapacitor batteries are available now, whilst it is planned that we will be placing the 1Mw DE built nuclear Unity Modules onto yachts of 40m and above from 2030.
In 2018 Derek was awarded the ISS Business Person of the year Award for his work setting up and Chairing Superyacht Charities (<a href="http://www.superyachtcharities.com" target="_blank">www.superyachtcharities.com</a>) which has successfully grown year on year. This is a voluntary position which runs alongside all other work.

Director

<div>Wim Verhoeff is part of Oceanco, which has specialised in building large custom yachts up to 140 metres in length for more than 30 years. By combining innovative design and technology with a highly personalised approach, Oceanco creates one-of-a-kind yachts that reflect the vision of both the owner and the designer. Wim’s passion lies in connecting different elements, areas of expertise and stakeholders to create something unique together.</div>

Sales Director

Cherise Reedman is a former chief stewardess and founder of Yacht Pearls of Wisdom, a community dedicated to supporting women in yachting. Following the murder of stewardess Paige Bell in 2025, she launched an industry-wide safety survey - developed with ISWAN and CHIRP Maritime - to collect data on harassment, assault and safeguarding across the superyacht sector, turning lived experience into industry-wide change.

Founder

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Patricia Becker is Exhibition Manager of Metstrade, the world's largest B2B trade show for the leisure marine industry, organised by RAI Amsterdam. She leads the development of the show, including its content programme, with a focus on creating meaningful connections and knowledge that help the global marine industry move forward.
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Exhibition Manager Metstrade

Rory Marshall is the Founder and Senior Coatings Consultant at Newmar Overseas Consulting Ltd, providing independent paint and coatings quality assurance for superyacht construction, refit and warranty projects. A Fellow of the Institute of International Marine Surveying (FIIMS), he is also RMCI 0016 and a Senior Instructor with the Marine Surveying Academy/IIMS. Rory works with owners, shipyards, project teams and coating manufacturers to define acceptance criteria, monitor surface preparation and application, and assess finish quality using established inspection methods and specialist measurement technology. His work focuses on clear technical reporting, practical resolution of coating issues and protecting the quality and long-term performance of yacht finishes.

Independent yacht surveyor

Hilmar Backer is Managing Director of Dutch Boat Factory, which he joined in July 2026. He brings over 25 years of international experience in the specialty chemicals and petrochemicals industry, built at global players including SABIC and GE Plastics, where he worked across marketing, business development, key account management and executive roles for specialty compounds and thermoplastics. At Dutch Boat Factory, he applies that materials expertise to the production of boat hulls from thermoplastic compounds, bringing a chemical-industry perspective to the emerging field of large-scale 3D-printed boats. Hilmar holds an MSc in Industrial Design Engineering from Delft University of Technology and is a Dutch national.

Sam Temple is a 3rd generation boatbuilder and started working at Rockport Marine at age 11. After attending Bates College, he spent some of his 20’s at Brooklin Boatyard in the shadow of his late grandfather, Joel White. He also built some boats in an active sheep barn during a stint as a farm caretaker.
Sam returned to Rockport Marine in 2007 because he was impressed with the capabilities of the crew and style of leadership at the yard. After leading restorations and new construction projects Sam became co-owner of the yard in 2014. Today he runs the business and has a hand in many projects.
Sam is married to Meggan Dwyer, who works in aquaculture research, and the two have a daughter. Outside of work Sam has built a couple barns, some small boats and enjoys family time on and around Penobscot Bay.

Frank Hugelmeyer is president and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the leading trade group for recreational boating and the largest producer of boat shows in North America. He’s the board chair and a founding member of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, the Washington D.C.-based coalition of America’s leading outdoor recreation trade organizations, and vice-chair of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations.
Frank has more than 35 years of senior executive experience in the global sporting goods, outdoor recreation, and association management sectors. He’s worked as the chief executive at three of America’s most influential outdoor trade groups and as an executive for leading manufacturers and NYC’s oldest sporting goods retailer.
Prior to joining NMMA in 2019, Frank was president at RV Industry Association and Go RVing. Before that, he was the longtime CEO of Outdoor Industry Association where he led the renowned campaign that defined the economic importance of the $1 trillion outdoor recreation industry for the first time in our nation’s history. He’s also known for joining forces with Utah Governor, Gary Herbert, to establish the country’s first state office of outdoor recreation.
His unique career journey has enabled him to collaborate with the world’s leading outdoor public companies, consumer brands and retailers, a list that includes Nike, VF, Patagonia, Bass Pro, REI, Thor Industries and Winnebago, along with pinnacle marine brands like Brunswick, Yamaha, Polaris among many others.

President and CEO

Maciej Rynkiewicz has been a Standards Developer for ABYC since 2019. An integral member of the ABYC Standards and Compliance Department, Maciej works directly with the Project Technical Committees (PTCs) responsible for creating and updating the ABYC standards. Maciej is also a member of ISO/TC 188 where he is working on ISO electrical standards. He also manages hands-on testing to see what can go right, and wrong, with boat electrical systems. A long-time boater, Maciej is a Certified Marine Technician with credentials from ABYC, NMEA, and Abaris as well as a skipper and certified sailing instructor.

Standards Developer

Marja van Bijsterveldt is a former Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science (2010-2012) and former Mayor of Delft (2016-2025). Since 2023 she has served as government envoy for the maritime manufacturing industry, developing the sector agenda 'No guts, no Hollands glorie' in close collaboration with industry and government. At Metstrade, she speaks during the KNVTS session - co-orginized together with KIVI and Maritime & Offshore NL- on nuclear propulsion in the superyacht industry, exploring lessons from nuclear developments elsewhere in the maritime world.

Envoy for the Maritime Manufacturing Industry

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Gabbi Richardson founded Yachting Ventures in 2020 to give leisure marine startups the access they were missing. Raised around yachting in Mallorca, she's worked as crew, charter broker and maritime solicitor, and helped founders raise funding at SeedLegals. Today she connects startups with the investors, mentors and partners they need.
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Founder & CEO

HAS consultant for Recreational Craft

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Maryam is a PhD researcher at TU Delft, working towards zero-emission and resilient inland shipping. Combining optimization, data science, machine learning and simulation, she studies how to make bunkering infrastructure for inland vessels more sustainable and reliable. Her work turns real-world data, from vessel tracking to river conditions, into tools that help decision-makers plan the energy transition.
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PhD Researcher

Ollie Taylor is founder of Marine Futures, helping boatbuilders and suppliers apply Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to cut environmental impact. He leads the MarineShift360 Impact Accelerator and previously spearheaded the MarineShift360 LCA tool at Anthesis Group. Taylor works with builders and bodies like World Sailing to bring standardised environmental data into marine and superyacht production.

Founder | Director

Idan Cohen founded Pick A Pier to create a digital infrastructure that helps marinas optimize resources, boost profitability, and enhance sustainability. As Chairman of IMIA, he leads marine innovation initiatives. Pick A Pier now partners with marinas in over 10 countries, driving efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Andrea Tagliaferro is founder of Yacht Femme, a global platform elevating women in yachting, and host of the Yacht Femme Podcast. Her career spans crew operations, yacht design and digital marketing. Formerly a yacht designer, she now leads brand and marketing strategy at The Twenty Five, drawing on her multidisciplinary industry experience.

VP of Marketing

Initiator and vice-president

Vice President

Jason brings the manufacturer's technical perspective from AkzoNobel Yacht Coatings: system design, compatibility, testing and long-term performance, and the view from a supplier working across the full range of vessel sizes and markets.

Senior Technical Service - Yacht / Superyacht Europe

Aaron Porter is editor of Professional BoatBuilder, the IBEX technical journal. He worked as a professional sailor, rigger, and newspaper journalist before joining the ProBoat editorial team in 2005. He has served on the ABYC board and advisory committees for boatbuilding industry training and education programs and is a regular host and moderator for educational seminars at IBEX and Metstrade.

Editor

Robert Newsome is the Chief Growth Officer and Senior Vice President for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), responsible for overall organizational growth & expansion, mergers & acquisitions,  membership, member engagement, business intelligence, sponsorship, industry relations, partners & coalitions, workforce development, boating safety, the Marine Industry Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) program, and product certification (NMMA Certified) programs for boats, yachts, PWC, marine oils and boat trailers.  Robert also serves as President of the NMMA Foundation for Recreational Boating Safety and Education. His work with the organization also includes extensive experience with oversight of human resources, technology, business operations and governance.
Robert is the past Chairperson of the National Safe Boating Council and serves on the Board of Directors of the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) and the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA).  Robert is also the past Chairperson of the Marine Industry Retirement Plan Committee and served on the National Safe Boating Advisory Committee (NBSAC) by appointment of the Secretary of Homeland Security.  He has deep experience in representing the marine industry in standards development and safety issues through numerous committees of ABYC, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Robert is a leading author and presenter on numerous industry, economic, boating experience and safety topics prevalent to today’s recreational marine industry, and serves as a spokesperson for the Discover Boating program.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Bradley University, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame.  He continues his education on operational and technology strategic excellence at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Robert is an avid power boater, fisherman and a life-long sailor on Lake Michigan and the lakes of the Midwest.

Senior Vice President, Chief Growth Officer

Harilaos Petrakakos
Harilaos Petrakakos is a veteran Marine Consultant active since 1977. He holds dual M.Sc. degrees from MIT in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering and Shipping & Shipbuilding Management.
An authority in shipbuilding quality, contracts, ISM, and PMS documentation, he expertly advises owners, banks, equity funds, and insurers globally. His extensive experience encompasses Marine Warrantee Surveying, energy efficiency strategies, external auditing, vessel inspections, and handling major claims for hull, machinery, cargo, and collisions.
A dedicated industry leader and presenter, he holds prominent positions at SNAME, including Chairman of the T&R Nuclear Power in Commercial Maritime alongside other professional memberships in maritime sector

Director / Chairman T&R Maritime Nuclear Power

With over 35 years in the superyacht industry, Joey Meen is one of its most influential voices in education and training. She founded the GUEST Programme in 2013 - now the leading internationally recognised qualification body for non-mandatory superyacht training, with over 36 accredited providers worldwide. Previously Training Director at the PYA, she has shaped industry standards across deck, interior and engineering.

Marinda Hall

Mike leads Pantaenius Insurance's UK operations and is responsible for their superyacht underwriting, He has worked within the yacht insurance industry, both as a broker and an underwriter, and brings an insurance and risk perspective to non-compliance with MARPOL and other anti-pollution legislation. He will explore the important distinction between an insurable accidental pollution event and pollution resulting from operational practices that fall short of applicable legislation, for both boat owners and marina operators.

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Engel de Boer is Global Yacht Segment Manager at Lloyd's Register, where he leads the global yacht strategy. With over thirty years in classification, technical assurance and business development, he is a recognised industry voice on future technologies, alternative fuels, nuclear propulsion, digitalisation and safety culture across the superyacht sector.
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Global Yacht Segment Director

Editor in Chief

<div>Patrick Hemp is the Technical Director for the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA). He graduated as a yacht designer after spending many years as professional crew upon privately owned classic sailing yachts. After working as the design coordinator for the Gunboat multihull company in South Africa he started Hemp Marine which specialises in the design, project management and yacht management of recreational sailing craft.</div>

Technical Director

Simon Grainge leads ISWAN as CEO, overseeing YachtCrewHelp - the free, confidential 24/7 helpline for crew of all nationalities. Together they bring data-driven insights and practical resources to the conversation on crew mental health and wellbeing.

Chief Executive

Marketing Manager

Alberto Perrone Da Zara is Sales Director for Yacht Refit at Lürssen, responsible for the sale of extensive refit projects at the three Lürssen shipyards in Bremen and Hamburg. A naval architecture graduate, he was previously Sales Director Megayachts at Benetti and worked with Ferretti Group, Vicem and Magnum Marine. In 30 years in yachting, he has gained experience across engineering, design, construction, sales and marketing.

Director Sales Yacht Refit

Scott Berry is the Vice President of Engineering Standards for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) with more than 25 years of experience in the recreational marine industry. With the association since 2018, Scott manages the NMMA certification programs, domestic and international standards development, risk management publications and technical support. He currently serves on the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Tech Board, numerous project technical committees, and as Chair of the Thermal Appliance PTC, in addition to serving on various International Organization for Standardization (ISO) working groups and the Board of Directors of the International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI).

Vice President, Engineering Standards

Paulee was named the President and Chief Executive Officer of West Marine, Inc. in November 2025.  Paulee joined West Marine in 2022 as Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer, was promoted to Chief Administrative Officer in January 2024, and named Chief Operating Officer in February 2025.
Paulee describes herself as a collaborative business leader who delivers financial and operational results through cross-functional execution. She has been in the marine industry for over 20 years, having spent 15 years at MarineMax. She has been recognized as a “Woman Making Waves” by Boating Industry Magazine and honored twice as the Top Corporate Counsel by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. Paulee serves on the Florida Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Board of Directors.
Paulee is a magna cum laude graduate of Vanderbilt University where she attained her BA and MBA and was appointed to Phi Beta Kappa and Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Societies. She is a magna cum laude graduate of Indiana University where she attained her Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) degree. She is a member of the Florida Bar.
Paulee has a lifelong love of boating and enjoys working with the passionate and knowledgeable West Marine crew members to achieve the Company’s mission of helping customers spend more time on the water.

Tyson Lamond serves as Chief Operating Officer of American Magic and Chief Executive Officer of American Magic Services, where he leads a world-class high-performance organization at the forefront of elite sport and advanced innovation and technology.
His mandate is clear: build, manage, and continuously evolve a team capable of competing — and winning — at the highest levels, while translating that performance culture into sustainable commercial growth. Tyson drives operational excellence, strategic clarity, and disciplined execution, ensuring the organization not only performs today but is positioned to outperform tomorrow.
Equally important to him is legacy. Tyson is deeply committed to developing the next generation of American leaders, engineers, composite manufacturers, and innovators. He believes that true leadership is measured not only by results, but by the strength, character, and capability of the people you build around you.
Through resilience, accountability, and relentless forward momentum, Tyson continues to push his organization — and the people within it — to set a higher standard every day.

Chief Executive Officer

Dr Puente Espel is the Maritime Nuclear Strategy Leader at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore:
<ul>
<li>With more than 20 years of experience in the nuclear sector (public, private and international organizations). His experience is mostly related to advanced nuclear reactors and advanced nuclear fuel cycles, with specific focus on SMRs and nuclear-maritime applications.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>He has practical, in-depth knowledge and experience in nuclear in the maritime, nuclear-powered vessels and FNPPs with different innovative and evolutionary technologies. In particular, he is experienced in sustainable deployment models, infrastructure considerations, maritime and nuclear legal & regulatory frameworks.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Dr Puente Espel has supported an important number of relevant IAEA, NEA and EC activities in the past as an international expert. He has worked in 7 countries and projects worldwide.</li>
</ul>

Maritime Nuclear Strategy Leader

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Victoria leads The Magenta Project, an international organisation that breaks down barriers for women in professional sailing and the wider marine industry. She brings 30 years of marine sector experience and work in diversity, inclusion and leadership development. It has supported over 300 women, with 100 more taking part, and Victoria led the 2x25 Review, surveying 2,500 people across 68 countries on gender equity in sailing and marine.
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Niels Klarenbeek has managed the METSTRADE team since early 2020, overseeing the strategy and growth of the world’s leading B2B event for the recreational marine industry.
He also serves as President of the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO), where he promotes an agenda focused on making boat shows more inclusive, sustainable and engaging.

Director RAI Marine Technology Events

Bruno Giuntoli is the founder of the SuMoth Challenge, an international student engineering competition run by SuMA+, the SuMoth Association, now preparing its 9th edition in 2027. University teams design, build and race foiling Moth-class boats under hard sustainability constraints, in a setting where they can fail fast before the stakes become professional. After each edition, the teams' advancements are released as open-source research, so every new generation builds on the latest findings instead of reinventing them. Trained as an aerospace engineer, Bruno holds an MSc in Composite and Smart Materials and is an experienced researcher specialising in lightweight, structural and bio-based composites. Through SuMoth, Bruno brings together students, industry leaders and researchers to develop the next generation of sustainable marine technologies, creating a unique platform where engineering excellence meets environmental responsibility.

R&D Application Engineer

Ryan Neiheiser is an architect and co-founder and director of NEIHEISER ARGYROS, an architecture studio based in London and Athens. Working across a wide range of scales and typologies, the practice specializes in waterfront design, public spaces, hospitality, and marinas. Notable projects include the completed Astir Marina in Athens and Marina Ermioni in the Peloponnese, currently under construction. The studio approaches architecture as a catalyst for collective life, creating spaces that bring people together and generate effects beyond their boundaries. Its work is driven by intellectual curiosity, artistic rigor, and a commitment to cultural resonance.

Luca Rizzotti is founder and president of The Foiling Organization and of Foiling Week, advancing innovation and sustainability in foiling and maritime activities. He founded the World Foiling Congress, bringing together professionals worldwide to shape insurance, certification, regulation and safety standards for the foiling industry. He also serves as AC40 Class Manager and Vice-President of the International Moth Class Association.

Founder, President

David directs BLA Distribution in Australia and will address the role of distributors and retailers in enabling informed consumer decisions. He will explore the principle of "Know the Product": the importance of understanding the environmental and regulatory suitability of products supplied or recommended, and ensuring that information reaches the end user.

Bobby Gallagher Co-Founder, CEO & CTO, Deployable Energy
Bobby Gallagher is Co-Founder, CEO, and CTO of Deployable Energy, a company making nuclear energy a mass-manufactured product rather than a project. He leads development of the Unity™ Nuclear Battery, a containerized 1 MWe microreactor using standard LEU fuel, built for industrial and maritime deployment. An exited deep-tech entrepreneur and military officer, Bobby previously co-founded and led Kinetic Pressure Control, a venture-backed oilfield safety technology company with operations on five continents. He holds a mechanical engineering degree, is a Chartered Professional Engineer, and is a named inventor on more than twenty U.S. patents.

CEO, CTO and Co-Founder

Vice President Environmental Compliance and Marine Technology

After 12 years working at sea, Emma came ashore to develop and deliver training and degree-level programmes for superyacht deck, interior, chef and engineering crew. As Chair of the IAMI GUEST Programme, she focuses on crew retention and the role of personal and professional development in building a sustainable industry. At the heart of her work is the belief in lifelong learning and maintaining supportive professional relationships with crew throughout their careers.

Consultant & Programme Manager

Ken Hickling has spent 30+ years in the yachting industry. He runs his own business advisory practice, has held managing director roles at marine consulting and survey businesses, and holds a non-executive directorship at Viking Maritime Group. Ken is a past President of the International Superyacht Society, sits on the Superyacht UK executive committee, an ISO working group on quality standards, and is an honorary Fellow of the IIMS.

Non-Exec Director

Emil Johansson is the Chief Innovation Officer at ADAXIS. With over 12 years of experience in automation and process engineering, he leads the company’s innovation strategy, driving research and development initiatives, exploring emerging technologies, and overseeing proof-of-concept projects that shape future product directions.

Chief Innovation Officer

Tom Degrémont is a partner and naval architect at Langan Design Partners, a Newport, Rhode Island-based firm specializing in custom sail and motor yacht design. Tom's fascination with naval architecture took root sailing and diving along the coast of Brittany, France, and led him to a Master of Engineering degree in Ship Science. He joined Langan Design in 2004, where he has served as lead designer on projects ranging from the 100' steel schooner Argo to the modern 83' sailing sloop Angel, and has led major refit and styling work on motor yachts up to 240'. Most recently, Tom led the design and naval architecture on Ouzel, a 95' modern classic pilothouse sloop built by Rockport Marine using a wood-composite approach that blends cold-molded wood with high-performance composites — a three-year, blank-sheet collaboration between naval architect, interior designer, builder, and owner that launched in November 2025. Tom brings that concept-to-launch perspective to the conversation around custom wood composite construction.

Partner and Naval Architect

A recreational craft professional for over 40 years, Craig has proven hands on knowledge of global standards, the engineering, manufacturing, and compliance requirements.
Skilled in leadership and collaboration in both domestic and international committees, Craig demonstrates a thorough understanding of how the standards and certification processes work and have evolved over time.
For over three decades, Craig has served the marine industry in multiple roles, including VP, Senior Director, Chairperson, Convener, Expert and Member of executive committees, technical committees and boards.
Craig holds a Master’s Compliance Specialist Certification from Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology and is an ABYC Master Technician.
He is the current Chairperson of ISO TC 188 standards for small craft and is the Senior Director of International Compliance for the ABYC.

Senior Director - International Compliance

Laurie Louvier is Vice President of Marketing for Dometic Marine, a global leader in OEM and aftermarket marine solutions. With 28 years of experience in the marine industry, Laurie leads the strategic direction and marketing vision for the Dometic Marine and Sierra brands across global markets.
In her role, Laurie is responsible for global brand and marketing strategy, product marketing and launches, digital marketing, communications, customer and channel engagement, and go-to-market initiatives across OEM and aftermarket markets. She works closely with commercial, product and regional teams to translate market and customer insights into strategies that strengthen the brands, support growth and connect with boat builders, dealers, distributors and consumers.
Throughout her career, Laurie has helped guide the Dometic Marine and Sierra brands through significant changes in the marine industry, from shifts in customer behavior and distribution to the growing role of digital technology in how marine products are researched, marketed and sold. Her experience spans both long-established marine brands and the introduction of new products and technologies to the market.
Laurie is also an active leader within the recreational marine industry. She serves on the Board of Directors of the National Marine Dealers Association (NMDA) and as Chairperson of the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) Planning Committee. She previously served on the Grow Boating Board of Directors, contributing to industry-wide initiatives focused on growing participation in boating.
Laurie holds an MBA from McKendree University. When she’s not working, she can often be found cycling, paddleboarding, playing pickleball, cooking something new in the kitchen or enjoying live music.

Vice President of Marketing

Kevin M. Williams is a dynamic leader in the recreational boating industry, driving innovative B2B and B2C marketing strategies as the Vice President of North American Marketing for the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the Discover Boating consumer brand across the U.S. and Canada. He leads the development of cutting-edge, data-driven campaigns that meet the evolving needs of both consumers and businesses. Kevin plays a pivotal role in expanding the boating sector by empowering association members and forging deeper emotional connections with traditional, next-generation, and diverse consumer segments, all while promoting the vibrant boating lifestyle.
A passionate advocate for inclusivity, Kevin also serves as a board member for Together Outdoors, where he champions efforts to make recreational activities more welcoming to all communities.
Before joining NMMA, Kevin was the Head of Multicultural Marketing and Diversity & Inclusion for BMW of North America, LLC., where he spearheaded campaigns for BMW, MINI Cooper, and BMW Motorrad, while leading diversity initiatives that advanced the company’s supplier diversity and HR strategies. His earlier experience as Executive Vice President at Matlock Advertising & PR saw him elevate BMW’s multicultural marketing efforts and play a key role in securing and managing the MINI USA account.
Kevin's expertise in cultural marketing also includes his tenure at GlobalHue, the largest multicultural agency in the U.S. at the time, where he crafted impactful strategies for clients like Bermuda Tourism and secured a $30 million investment from Verizon Wireless to launch the “How Sweet the Sound” gospel music tour.
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Rooted in a lifelong fascination with brand strategy, Kevin’s career began after earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Illinois, Champaign. His early roles at Eastern Airlines and Coca-Cola, where he helped brand Olympic Games properties, laid the foundation for his future marketing leadership.
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Vice President, North American Marketing

Lotte Monhemius is Innovation Project Manager at Maritime & Offshore NL. She is project member of the Nuclear Drive project.

Project Manager

I’m a global HR leader with over 20 years of experience working across different countries, cultures and industries. Currently as the Vice President of Human Resources at Navico Group, I’ve always enjoyed connecting people with business strategy, ideas and insights from different parts of a business, finding opportunities to share knowledge and bring different perspectives together.
I’m particularly interested in how the world of work is evolving and what that means for the next generation of talent. As technology and new ways of working continue to shape our future, I believe people remain at the heart of it all. For me, it’s about staying curious, learning from one another and creating an environment where people can grow, contribute and thrive.

VP of Global Human Resources, Navico Group

Board President

Head of Partnerships

Born in Oslo, Espen Øino studied Naval Architecture at the University of Strathclyde before starting his career with Martin Francis on the iconic Eco (now Zeus). In 1994 he founded his own studio, which has since designed nearly seventy significant yachts, including Octopus, Dilbar, Kismet and Luminance, as well as the fuel-efficient Silver series. Based in Monaco, Espen Øino International is one of the world’s leading studios for bespoke yacht and marine design.

Peter Wallbank is Group Technical Director at August Race Group, with more than 25 years’ experience in the chemical industry, including over a decade specialising in the marine sector. His work brings together product development, environmental responsibility and practical compliance support for the leisure and commercial marine industries.
Peter has helped lead the development of Oceans Assured™, a range of professional marine cleaning and maintenance products developed with particular emphasis on environmental performance and MARPOL compliance. Alongside the products, he has supported the development of the Oceans Assured™ Compliance Platform, which has been nominated for a DAME Design Award at METSTRADE 2026. The platform brings product data, supporting documentation and practical compliance tools together to help vessel operators make informed decisions and maintain clear records.
He has recently expanded his industry activities with the launch of Global MARPOL Compliance, a specialist consultancy supporting marinas, boatyards, yacht clubs and leisure marine vessel operating businesses. The service helps organisations understand and manage their ongoing environmental obligations, work towards their sustainability goals and put practical measures in place to prevent pollution.
The consultancy focuses on translating environmental requirements into workable day-to-day procedures, including the selection and use of maintenance chemicals, wash-water management, staff awareness and compliance documentation. Its aim is to help businesses identify gaps, strengthen their operational practices and reduce the potential for pollution incidents, liability and associated insurance exposure.
Peter’s approach is grounded in the realities of marine operations: helping businesses connect their environmental commitments with the products, procedures and evidence needed to support them.
Peter is a Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and co-founder of the Global Leisure Marine Stakeholder Forum. He has also contributed to ICOMIA’s technical and sustainability work.

Co Founder and Group Technical Director

Regional Director Americas, Yacht Codes Specialist

Technical Manager - F.I.N. (french MIA)

As the Executive Director of the Superyacht Life Foundation, I lead global marketing and communication initiatives that shape the perception of the superyacht industry, fostering awareness, growth, and positive recognition worldwide. With an MSc in Marketing & Communications and over ten years of experience across the luxury, hospitality, and technology sectors, I design and execute strategies that unite creativity with purpose — translating complex industry narratives into impactful campaigns. My background in brand positioning, strategic communication, and stakeholder engagement enables me to connect diverse audiences, align global partners, and amplify a shared vision. Having lived in four countries and six cities, I bring a global mindset and cultural fluency essential for driving marketing efforts that resonate across borders and industries.

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<div>Raymond Dijkstra is a Structural Engineer at Van Oossanen Naval Architects. He began designing ships during a period when time was the one thing he had in abundance. The result was the Super Skou, a training vessel for skûtsje crews, developed with the support of Van Oossanen Naval Architects and TU Delft. Raymond proves that determination can change the course.</div>
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Structural Engineer

James Anderson works as the Chief Engineer for Strategic Projects and Innovation at UMaine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center.  He led the 3Dirigo project to create the world’s largest 3D printed boat in 2019, earning 3 Guinness World Records for UMaine.  He supports many of the ASCC’s projects to innovate and commercialize technologies for 3D printing and composites manufacturing.  James has 25 years of experience in the design, analysis and optimization of fiber-reinforced composites for motorsports, aerospace and marine applications including vessels and composite tooling.

Chief Engineer for Strategic Projects and Innovation

Eric Blake is a Project Manager at Brooklin Boat Yard, where he has led construction on notable projects including Sonny III, Rascal, Foggy, Marjorie, Syntax, and Tink over his 20+ years with the yard. He began building wooden boats as a teenager in Vermont and trained across Maine, the UK, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Northwest before joining Brooklin Boat Yard. He is also a founder of Off Center Harbor, with over a decade of experience documenting and filming wooden boatbuilding worldwide. Eric lives in Brooklin, Maine.

A lifelong boater with a broadcast journalist background, David Gee brings a rare, multi-media resume to the role of editor in chief at the Soundings Trade Only Group. 
He spent the first half of his career as a television news anchor, interviewing five U.S. presidents and reporting live from events across the country including the Academy Awards. From there, he led public relations for Terry Bradshaw’s NASCAR team, edited an award-winning business magazine, and built a nationwide keynote platform on attention and storytelling. 
A job selling MasterCraft and Supra boats led him to Boating Industry magazine as content director and editor-in-chief, followed by five years producing videos, events, and the Boating Industry Insider podcast.  David joined the Soundings Trade Only Group in September, 2026.

Michele J. Goldsmith is Vice President and General Manager of the Soundings Trade Only Group, a leading B2B media brand serving the marine industry. With more than 30 years of experience spanning manufacturing, marketing and sales management in both OEM and aftermarket markets, Michele brings deep expertise and insight to many facets of the industry.
Her influence extends well beyond her role in media. Michele has served on several key industry boards, including the NMMA, Grow Boating, PAC, and ABYC’s technical board of directors.
A champion of innovation and inclusion, she is the founder of the Women in the Industry series of programs and events, which provides education, mentorship, and community for women and their allies working in the marine industry. 
She has also spearheaded initiatives such as “Pitch the Pros,” “Women in the Industry,” and the “1+1 Mentoring Program.” She has been recognized and honored with the 2023 Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award and the 2024 Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award for her impact and leadership.
 A lifelong creative and former professional athlete, Michele brings energy, artistry, and a global perspective to everything she does—on land or water.

Vice President and General Manager

Andrew Boswell is the CEO of BlueGrid, a software and data company accelerating marine electrification. Based in Nova Scotia, Canada, and active across North America and Europe, BlueGrid delivers AI-enabled intelligence for vessel, port and electric grid operators to optimize the financial and environmental benefits of going electric. This starts with the data to inform transition decisions and then unlocks the operational value of vessel-to-grid. He brings an entrepreneurial mindset and global experience shaped by senior leadership roles in international firms, startups, and a range of volunteer roles.

Master of Ceremonies

Norbert Leifeld is the CEO of BAVARIA YACHTS and President de la Société of Nautitech Catamarans. With more than 15 years of experience in product strategy, product development, and manufacturing within the international yachting industry, he has built a strong reputation for driving innovation and operational excellence. Since becoming CEO in 2025, he has been leading BAVARIA YACHTS' continued focus on product innovation, sustainable technologies, and future-ready solutions for the marine sector.

Head of Market Adaptation & Growth NURA Global Innovation Lab

Pascale is the co-founder of Reymond Langton Design, which she established alongside Andrew Langton in 2001 following more than a decade of experience in the superyacht industry. Originally from Saint-Malo, France, she gained degrees in Art History and Archaeology at the University of Haute Bretagne, Rennes, before gaining a master’s degree in art history from La Sorbonne, Paris, and moving to London to study Interior Design. Pascale's background in art history continues to inform her approach to design, combining creativity and a strong appreciation of craftsmanship with functionality. Pascale is passionate about creating beautiful, highly individual spaces that respond to each client, while ensuring every project is delivered to the highest standards.

Owner & CEO

Programme Director

Meri Kajaia is Marketing Programme Manager for World Boating Day, coordinated by The Superyacht Life Foundation. She is the main point of contact for companies and organisations looking to register and host events, helping unite shipyards, marinas and destinations worldwide in the annual celebration of life on the water.

Community Manager

Head of NEO

After 17 years in the Merchant Navy - serving as officer on tankers and as Chief Officer and Master on Ro-Pax Ferries - Ajit joined the MCA in 2013, where he worked as a Surveyor before becoming Chief Examiner in 2018. He holds a Master's in International Commercial Law and is an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute. He is now leading the MCA's yacht certification modernisation programme.

Deputy Director and Chief Examiner - Maritime & Coastguard Agency

Strategic Advisor

President IEMA

Awwal Idris is Environmental Expert at Water Revolution Foundation. With a Master's in Forest & Nature Conservation, he links the foundation with research institutes conducting Life Cycle Assessments and drives innovation for the yachting industry. He writes regularly on EU sustainability regulation, alternative fuels and environmental transparency in yachting.

Environmental Expert

Arjen Jansen is associate professor at the dept of Sustainable Design Engineering, school of Industrial Design Engineering at TUDelft. He's an enthusiast sailor and sailing instructor and loves to involve industry while training BSc and MSc students to find innovative sports solutions, especially when it comes to sailing.

Associate professor in Sustainable Design Engineering

Founder, Offshore Sailor, Coach

Captain AJ Anderson has 40 years’ experience as a Merchant Marine Officer and serves as Chief Executive Officer of Wright Maritime Group (WMG). In earlier years, AJ participated in the MCA’s Large Yacht Code Construction and Equipment Working Group during the LY2 re-write and later consulted on Parts A and B of the UK’s REG-YC. 
As WMG’s representative, captain AJ serves on the Cayman Islands Ship Owner’s Advisory Council (CISAC-Y). AJ also serves on Lloyds Technical Advisory Committee (YTAC), the Lloyds North America Advisory Committee and serves as Task Force Leader of FNPP with the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO) whose focus is on the application of floating nuclear energy to support remote and disaster recovery for shore-based requirements and nuclear-powered ships and yachts.
WMG is currently developing two nuclear yacht service ships of approximately 120 and 130 meter, 8600GT and 10500GT with target delivery in 2036 and 2038.

Captain / CEO

Creative Director

Josie de Vries spent 12 years as a chief stewardess before becoming a nutritional therapist and crew wellbeing specialist, collaborating with ISWAN on their Welfare of Yacht Crew project.

Marina Jarniat grew up near the French shipyards, where her passion for boating first took root. She dedicated her studies, and then her career, to the sea. After several years in yachting marketing, she founded Crusoe, a brokerage and marketing agency serving owners and professionals of superyachts, yachts and collection runabouts. Crusoe is above all a matter of values: a commitment to responsible yachting, and a discreet passion shared with fellow enthusiasts, far from fleeting trends. As World Boating Day Ambassador for France, she cares deeply about passing on maritime heritage to the next generations.

Deputy General Manager of Nautipaints Group and third generation of the family business, based in Palma. Nautipaints delivers professional coatings work on yachts and superyachts internationally, including the refit of Avalon. Joan speaks for the applicator: preparation regimes, working conditions, sequencing and the discipline behind a finish that lasts.

General Manager

Bruno Thivoyon joined Valeo in 1998, after graduating in industrial systems engineering and from IAE management school. Over 22 years, he held various finance positions across headquarters and business units. From 2012, he served as VP Finance for the Visibility business group, and from 2018 as VP International Development and Strategic Partnerships. He led three acquisitions in Europe, North America and Japan, and served as director of Ichikoh, listed in Japan.

Tenair

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