Mark Paterson

My Story

My path into yachting wasn't obvious: five-star hospitality, banking client support, cruise ships as a sommelier, then commercial shipping, before I found yacht management. The common thread has always been people – understanding what they need and working out the best way to help.

I enjoy sitting down with an owner, listening properly and understanding what matters to them. Every client has different priorities and a different idea of what yacht ownership should look like.

I’ve worked across fleet operations, compliance, refits, new builds and client management, including a 44-metre custom yacht from concept to delivery. I joined Y.CO to oversee the fleet of a Middle Eastern royal family, before becoming Director of Yacht Management and later Head of Client Services.

Today, my role is about bringing the right people together, keeping communication clear and making sure ownership feels as straightforward and enjoyable as possible.

Beyond Yachting

Growing up in Zimbabwe gave me a real love of open space and adventure. I come from a family of pilots, so some of my best childhood memories are of heading off in a small plane, landing somewhere remote and setting up camp in the bush. That feeling of being properly away from everything has never really left me.

I also love adrenaline – aerobatics, bungee jumping, rollercoasters, skiing, anything with a bit of speed or unpredictability. I’m happiest when there’s some kind of adventure involved, whether that’s a big trip, a physical challenge or just getting out somewhere wild.

Sport has always been a big part of my life too. Cricket was my first passion growing up in Zimbabwe, and these days I play sport regularly – tennis, padel, squash, swimming, golf, skiing or running. I’ve completed three marathons and I’m usually looking for the next challenge.

If I wasn't working in yachting, what would I be doing?

Something involving hospitality, travel and adventure in Africa. I’d love to be part of something that takes people somewhere genuinely special – remote places, wildlife, conservation and experiences they probably wouldn’t find by themselves.

What's one thing still on my bucket list?

Driving from Monaco to Zimbabwe with my best friend. Europe, the Middle East, then down through Africa. It would take months, involve a fair amount of improvisation and almost certainly not go entirely to plan - which admittedly, is part of the appeal!

What's been my most valuable lesson from working in yachting?

Expect the unexpected. Yachts involve people, weather, logistics, technical issues and changing plans, often all at once. Processes matter, but so do adaptability, judgement and staying calm when the original plan no longer works.