Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Personal Information
References
Languages
Timeline
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Hugo Thomas

Hugo Thomas

Axminster,Devon

Summary

Motivated yachting professional from Oxford with 13 years aboard high-profile sailing and motor yachts, including global cruising, yacht shows, regattas, and shipyard refits. Trusted by UHNW owners and guests for safeguarding asset value and delivering seamless experiences. Now transitioning into yacht brokerage, combining operational expertise, client-facing sales success, and global market insight to deliver exceptional results for buyers, sellers, and industry stakeholders.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

First Mate

S/Y Antares - 40m Royal Huisman
12.2023 - 06.2025
  • Led a crew of six to enhance marketability of S/Y Antares, achieving industry recognition at two Palma Boat Shows.
  • Successfully managed 20-year Lloyd’s Special Survey, ensuring compliance with zero deficiencies.
  • Coordinated bespoke luxury experiences for UHNW owners and charter guests, enhancing client satisfaction.
  • Cultivated robust relationships with shipyards and yacht brokers, facilitating smoother negotiations and improved cost efficiencies.

Sales advisor

Jimmy Green Marine
Beer, Devon , U.K.
03.2023 - 11.2023
  • Advised yacht owners and captains on rigging, anchoring, and deck hardware, establishing trust in purchase decisions.
  • Secured highest-value sale at Southampton Boat Show through persuasive sales techniques and technical knowledge.
  • Developed strong repeat business by customising solutions to enhance client retention and revenue.
  • Strengthened brand visibility via client demonstrations and industry networking, cultivating long-term commercial relationships.

Fine Furniture Training / Making

Rowden Atelier / William Garvey Furniture Makers
Shebbear, Devon
06.2021 - 03.2023
  • Acquired expertise in luxury furniture craftsmanship and design, focusing on materials for superyacht interiors.
  • Evaluated aesthetic and functional fit, advising clients on refits and customisation options.
  • Collaborated with cabinet makers at William Garvey Ltd to create high-end interiors, enhancing credibility with stakeholders.

Deckhand to First Mate

Yachts from 30m-60m LOA
S/Y Antares / S/Y Rosehearty / M/Y My Space
01.2012 - 12.2020
  • Advanced from Deckhand to First Mate on 30m–60m superyachts, gaining extensive knowledge of vessel operations and expectations.
  • Demonstrated resilience and loyalty by serving three major yachts over 13 years, ensuring a deep understanding of yacht operations.
  • Planned and delivered intricate world cruising itineraries across multiple regions, enhancing advisory capabilities for brokerage clients.
  • Tailored onboard experiences for UHNW owners and guests, ensuring exceptional service aligned with luxury standards.
  • Negotiated refit and repair projects with international shipyards, improving cost management and strengthening professional relationships.

Education

Luxury Fine Furniture Maker & Design - Design & Craftsmanship

Rowden Atelier
04.2022

Yacht Master Offshore Power+ Sail C/E -

RYA/ MCA
04.2014

Prep & Secondary School - GCSE's

Cokethorpe School
06.2004

Skills

Brokerage & Client-Facing Skills

  • Client Relations & Trust Building
  • Sales Negotiation & Deal Support
  • Market Awareness & Asset Value Insight
  • Contract & Compliance Familiarity (MYBA, Class, Flag)
  • Itinerary & Lifestyle Planning for UHNW Clients
  • Industry Networking & Relationship Management
  • Communication Excellence & Stakeholder Liaison

Operational & Technical Expertise

  • Yacht Operations & Logistics Coordination
  • Vessel Maintenance Oversight & Survey Management (Lloyd’s / RINA / ABS)
  • Luxury Design & Refit Advisory (Interiors & Customisation)
  • Leadership & Crew Management
  • Marine Safety & Regulatory Awareness
  • Advanced Boat Handling Skills (Power & Sail)

Affiliations

  • Sailing regattas and global cruising
  • Yachting photography and videography
  • Luxury design and interiors
  • Endurance cycling, hiking, and fitness

Personal Information

References

Strong references available from yacht owners, captains, and senior industry professionals (brokers, shipyard managers) upon request.

Languages

English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
French
Advanced (C1)
Spanish
Elementary (A2)
Italian
Elementary (A2)

Timeline

First Mate

S/Y Antares - 40m Royal Huisman
12.2023 - 06.2025

Sales advisor

Jimmy Green Marine
03.2023 - 11.2023

Fine Furniture Training / Making

Rowden Atelier / William Garvey Furniture Makers
06.2021 - 03.2023

Deckhand to First Mate

Yachts from 30m-60m LOA
01.2012 - 12.2020

Luxury Fine Furniture Maker & Design - Design & Craftsmanship

Rowden Atelier

Yacht Master Offshore Power+ Sail C/E -

RYA/ MCA

Prep & Secondary School - GCSE's

Cokethorpe School
Hugo Thomas