operational Support

With almost 40 years at sea and over 15 years in command of the most prestigious superyachts, Richard Bridge well understands both the needs of Yacht Owners and the challenges that Captains face and can provide valuable guidance and support in every situation.

As the newbuild Captain of both MY Octopus and Eclipse, both held the title of “largest yacht in the World” upon their deliveries in 2003 and 2010, respectively. Richard has also overseen extensive refits of MY Pelorus, Eclipse, VAVA II and Rising Sun.

Whilst yacht owners demand the very best, they also need value for money and complete financial transparency. We work closely with the Captain and Heads of Department to create annual budgets based on owners’ requirements and proposed itineraries to get an accurate picture. Financial reporting can be set up to mirror the owner’s other assets using similar software or using our systems which are set up to deliver a clear picture of the yacht’s costs and performance against budgets.

Bridge Yachting choose to work with Riela Yachts as ISM / ISPS managers. After experiencing various providers over the years, we have found them to be the most proactive and understanding

Allyson Donahue has nearly twenty years of experience aboard private and charter yachts, sailing as Chief Stewardess and Purser. She managed owner and guest relations, interior operations, accounting and administrative systems onboard. Additionally, Allyson managed human resources, recruitment, logistics, and all insurance claims.

As Managing Director, Allyson provides general support for clients and their crews. Further support is provided in itinerary development, concierge services, yacht charter and sales brokerage, accounting, inhouse recruitment, visas, travel and logistics support.

Allyson works closely with Richard, continuing a professional partnership that began in 2006 on MY Ecstasea and continued on Pelorus and Vava II. Together they ran many very successful trips for discerning owners and their guests, while operating to the highest operational and financial standards.

technical Support

As Technical Director Doug Black leads the engineering management of our clients’ projects, applying his knowledge and experience from inception to completion. With new build projects, Doug is involved at an early stage, liaising with the build yard to ensure that the client’s expectations are continuously met. Every new build is a bespoke project and as such we ensure the right team is assembled so that delivery is within budget and specification.

Refit projects make the most of Doug’s problem solving and leadership skills. He will have oversight of the teams involved, facilitating inspections and meetings and directing the progress of the project.

As well as direct oversight of the engineering management, Doug provides detailed reports in relation to milestones and deliverables, allowing the client to have regular and detailed updates on the progress of the project.

Using his wealth of experience, Doug anticipates when an intervention is required and can review and implement any changes while reducing the impact on the project goals.

Doug is keenly aware of the industry regulations and thus adheres at all times to the latest Class, Flag state and industry standards.

Yacht Management Support

Dan Armsden has extensive experience managing complex yacht owning structures.

Coming from a maritime background with time at sea, Dan joined a specialist yacht ownership company and quickly furthered his understanding of complex VAT structuring and yacht operational requirements. Progressing through the company, Dan was appointed director of the yacht management division and was responsible for ensuring the maritime compliance for over 300 vessels.

Now working as a Yacht Management Consultant, Dan offers Bridge Yachting clients an unbiased opinion with a wide-reaching understanding of all aspects that may affect a client’s decision or preference.

Clients and crew can liaise with Dan to gain valuable insight and ongoing oversight into the types of ownership structures and ongoing requirements*, flag selection and registration, yachts sales and purchases, crew management and dispute resolution, MLC support and auditing, VAT and fiscal management, plus any other area of yacht ownership and operation.

* Bridge Yachting is not licensed to provide company structuring or tax advice. Our experience managing yachts that operate within complex tax structures helps reduce clients’ ongoing risks.