About Boatbookings Yacht Charter

 

Capucine de Vallée | CEO

Since 2012 as CEO, Capucine has overseen the company go from strength-to-strength and the global team expand. She came to Boatbookings with formidable experience in global business, having had a successful career in FTSE-100 Media companies, international banking roles and Director of The Climate Change Forum.

Born in NYC (USA), Capucine moved to London in her teens.  She has a BA Hons Business Degree from the prestigious European Business School. Capucine has lived throughout the world from Singapore to Spain, Brazil to Poland and travelled extensively. 

Capucine sits on the MYBA Membership Committee, the Worldwide Yacht Brokers Association.  She also sat on the Advisory Committee of the European Business School and is a Founder Member of the MBA Mentor Candidate Program, which she helped create in 2009.

More on Linked In.

Contact Capucine

Tom Virden  |  Founder

Tom is a seasoned executive in leisure, travel and technology business, and with a passion for yachting, he has sailed extensively in the BVI, Thailand, Turkey, and Mediterranean. As the original International Business Development Director at lastminute.com, he brings a wealth of knowledge of e-commerce best practices to Boatbookings. Having lived on the French Riviera for many years before returning to his home state of Colorado, he brings a love of world-travel to his business vision.

Tom formerly worked at Apple and Netscape which gave him an unparalleled understanding of how technology can be used to improve the customer experience and make chartering yachts accessible to all. Tom is a graduate of Stanford University and has written for the Harvard Business Review. He was previously a Director at FTSE 100 company Micro Focus but has now turned to invest in small companies focussing on climate change amongst other innovative ventures.

Contact Tom

Isabelle Walton Masters  |  Finance and Operations Manager

Isabelle brings a wealth of experience in luxury 5-star hotel management to the Boatbookings team. She honed her skills at prestigious hotel companies including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts and Relais Châteaux. Isabelle has travelled extensively across Europe whilst working for one of the leading hotel consultant companies in London specializing in financial feasibility studies for new hotel projects before joining us in 2013.

She brings the very best in customer service, as well as the financial know-how to smoothly fulfil her duties. Isabelle loves the French Riviera and visits her colleagues on the coast at every opportunity!

Contact Isabelle 

Lambros Tsolakis  |  Charter Broker Director

Having been in the yachting industry for over 10 years, Lambros brings a wealth of experience to the Boatbookings team. He has a real passion for sailing and has spent many a summer taking part in races around the Med and exploring his beloved Greek Isles – all aboard his favourite sailing yachts. Lambros can often be found aboard the sleekest catamaran in his home-port of Athens.

As a member of several prestigious yachting associations, and with his corporate experience in global business and international relations, he personifies the Boatbookings mould of a skilled professional with a passion for all things yachting.

Lambros completed the MYBA (The Worldwide Yachting Association) Superyacht Brokers' Course in February 2012.

Lambros has been a member of CYBA (Charter Yacht Brokers Association) since 2013. He is an active participant and since 2016 has sat on their Contracts Committee.

Lambros has also been a member of GYA (Greek Yachting Association) since 2014.

Contact Lambros See Lambros' favourite yachts

 

Ben Sutton  |  Charter Broker

Nicknamed the ‘Yacht Whisperer’ by his colleagues, Ben knows the best yachts with the most talented chefs in every charter destination. Ben has sailed all around the world and is able to provide unparalleled destination knowledge and first-hand advice to make your vacation unforgettable. He continues to be invited by Owners on the world's best charter yachts so that he can add a personal touch to your chosen luxury yacht charter itinerary.

Ben loves guiding you through the West Mediterranean, Croatia and Greece each summer, as well as North America & the Bahamas, the Caribbean and South Pacific in the winter season. Whether you're looking to charter for your annual vacation, celebrate a special anniversary or get together with your friends for iconic events like the Monaco Grand Prix, Ben looks forward to helping you create unforgettable memories.

Ben is one of the youngest Brokers to be granted MYBA (The Worldwide Yachting Association) membership. He is also a member of IYBA (International Yacht Brokers Association), an active member of CYBA (Charter Yacht Brokers Association) and YPY in London. Follow Ben's Blogroll for regular yachting updates to make your 2021 and 2022 charter extra special. 

Contact Ben See Ben's favourite yachts

 

Alice Newnham  |  Charter Broker

Alice has two loves in life, sailing and dance! She studied Ballet and Contemporary dance at the esteemed Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, London. She has been in the maritime industry since she was 10, and professionally for the past 4 years. She first started sailing off the South East Coast of England with her Dad on an old wooden yacht. After gaining her degree from Trinity Laban, she moved to France for a ski season, and then to Greece for a sailing season. In Greece, together with the help of the lead skipper, they looked after 12 sailing yachts taking guests all over the Ionian! Read her 7-day itinerary here! 

Alice obtained her Skipper qualifications on the South coast of England (Solent), along with a Power Boat Level 2 and VHF. After completion of her skipper qualifications, she joined Boatbookings! Alice loves sharing her passion for yachting with the saltiest of sea dogs, and especially first time charterers! Read her helpful blogs here!

Alice has recently attended Nice ECPY 2019, Cannes Yacht Show and ICE International Expo. 

Contact Alice See Alice's favourite yachts

 

Francesca Hampton  |  Charter Broker Assistant

  

Francesca's main passions in life are travel, food and art, and once you hear her background it is not surprising she caught the yachting bug!

Born in South Korea, Francesca then moved to the Philippines and Singapore with her family before making the big leap to the USA. Spending 12 years in New York, Francesca is definitely our New England expert. Although, she jumped ship to attend the University of St Andrews, in Scotland, obtaining a Joint Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Management. Francesca was first introduced to the yachting industry, while working for an established fine wine supplier to yachts on the French Riviera. Delivering wines to yachts across the South of France, Corsica, Italy, and Sardinia over three consecutive summers, Francesca was hooked.

Francesca’s attention to detail and organisational skills combined with her love of travel, food, and especially wine make her an integral part of the Boatbookings team. She is also always on hand to discuss and recommend wines for your crewed charter!

Francesca attended the Barcelona Yacht Show in 2018 and 2019.

Contact Francesca

 

 

Kate Thompson  |  Team Assistant

  

 Kate provides assistance to the team and all our charter clients.  She is based in the South of France and loves to get out on the water when she can - be it on a boat, catamaran, yacht or a paddle board!  Wherever she goes, Pebble goes!  So look out for that Cairn Terrier around Antibes! 

Contact Kate

 

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Boatbookings Yachting Industry Memberships

 

Boatbookings and our brokers are proud members of the key Yachting Associations and Charter Industry Groups. Boatbookings is also a Yachtfolio subscriber and respected user of the MYBA Charter Agreement (The Worldwide Yachting Association).

Through our memberships, we keep current with marine issues including regulations and safety, visit new yachts and meet the crew, learn about new and changing destinations, and follow market developments. Our associations allow us to be better brokers and advisors to our clients.

Learn more about our industry memberships, the protections they provide you, and their activities here.

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For more information about Boatbookings and the advantages of chartering through a broker, click here.