A distinguished man in a navy suit stands before a wall lined with bottles of champagne.

Mark Paterson

Head of Client Services | Monaco

“The best solutions usually start with a conversation.”

– Mark Paterson, Head of Client Services

A sommelier carefully decants a rich red wine into a crystal glass in a dimly lit cellar.

My Story

A yacht should add to your life, not become another thing you have to manage.

I started my career in five-star hotels and restaurants before going to sea as a sommelier. That taught me a lot about service – noticing what people need, understanding what matters to them and making things happen quietly in the background. I later studied Yacht Surveying, which gave me a completely different view of yachts and how they operate.

That mix has stayed with me throughout my career. I understand that a yacht is both something highly technical and something very personal. Owners want to know that it’s being looked after properly, but they also want to step on board and simply enjoy it.

My role is to help make that possible. I work closely with owners, captains and the wider team to keep everything moving in the right direction, deal with issues before they become problems and make sure the way a yacht is run reflects what the owner actually wants from it.

For me, good yacht management is when the owner feels informed and in control, without having to be involved in every detail.

Experience

Nearly 20 years in yachting and maritime industries

Joined Y.CO in 2017 and Head of Client Services at Y.CO since 2023

Managed technical, operational and compliance matters for large yacht portfolios

Led and supported refit, new build and yacht delivery projects

Oversaw a 44m custom yacht build from concept through delivery

Background in yacht surveying, compliance, ISM, audits, inspections and fleet management

Beyond Yachting

Zimbabwe still feels like home. When I'm not working with owners and captains, you'll usually find me with my family, outdoors, planning the next adventure or taking on a sporting challenge, from golf and skiing to marathon running and racquet sports.

A man in a suit stands before a wall of champagne bottles, illuminated by soft, horizontal lights.

A man in a suit examines a bottle of wine in the foreground, with shelves full of wine bottles lining the background.

What do I enjoy most about my role?

Working with people and helping owners navigate the complexities of yacht ownership.

What has experience taught me to spot early?

Breakdowns in communication. Small issues rarely stay small when people stop talking.

What's one place I'd return to tomorrow?

Zimbabwe, for its people, landscapes and strong sense of community.

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

Hospitality, tourism or experiential travel in Africa, ideally combining exceptional guest experiences with conservation and meaningful travel.

What's one thing still on my bucket list?

An overland road trip from Monaco to Zimbabwe with my best friend, taking in different cultures and landscapes along the way.

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

Expect the unexpected. Technical expertise matters, but adaptability, resilience and creative thinking are often what turn challenges into successful outcomes.

A man in a light blue shirt leans on a railing in the foreground, with a large gray yacht in the background.

Beneath the Surface

Beneath the Surface with Mark

A large white yacht with a Greek flag flying proudly on its stern, set against a clear blue sky.

Beneath the surface

How to Choose Your Flag State

Choosing a flag state shapes every aspect of yacht ownership, from compliance to crew. Here’s how to navigate the decision with clarity and confidence.

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