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Tamsin Priestley

Yacht Charter | London

“I grew up around boats, trained in food and wine, studied coastlines and weather, and happily found a career that lets me use all of it.”

– Tamsin Priestley, Yacht Charter

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My Story

I grew up in a seafaring family on the south coast of England, splitting my time between boats, boatyards and holidays spent exploring Europe under sail. Greece became a second home long before I worked in yachting, and the sea has shaped almost every chapter since. I studied Physical Geography at UCL, represented the university sailing team and spent summers working as a sailing instructor in the Mediterranean. Before that, I immersed myself in food at Leiths School of Food and Wine.

Joining the yachting industry brought those worlds together. Today, I work as both a Charter Manager and Charter Broker, helping owners maximise the success of their yachts while also matching clients with the right yacht, crew and cruising plans. Three decades on, I'm still happiest talking yachts, menus and destinations.

Experience

At Y.CO since 2010 in charter brokerage and management

Over 30 years experience in yacht charter

BSc (Hons) in Physical Geography from UCL

Senior committee member and advisory contributor to MYBA

Experienced in remote charter including Greenland, Antarctica, Tasmania and Fiordland, New Zealand

Successful track record in charter management achieving strong charter performance and booked calendars

BEYOND YACHTING

If I am not talking about yachts, there is a good chance I am talking about food. I love cooking, particularly intricate patisserie, and I approach cocktail making with probably more seriousness than it deserves. I am also currently restoring a 1936 wooden sailing yacht, a project that combines patience, craftsmanship and an enduring fascination with classic boats. Greece remains my happy place, thanks to its islands, history, mythology and endless variety.

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WHAT SEPARATES A GOOD OUTCOME FROM A GREAT ONE?

Listening. In my role that might mean listening to a captain, an owner or an agent, understanding all perspectives and then acting on the information received to achieve the best possible outcome.

WHAT’S ONE PLACE I’D RETURN TO TOMORROW?

I can’t get enough of the Greek Islands. One day you can be moored beneath whitewashed villages, the next anchored in a deserted bay, snorkelling in crystal-clear water, and by the evening enjoying dinner in a traditional taverna in a busy port. Each island has its own character and flavours.

I’m also fascinated by Greek myths and ancient history, so I would happily return again and again.

WHAT’S BEEN MY MOST VALUABLE LESSON FROM WORKING IN YACHTING?

It may sound like a cliché, but yachting is fundamentally a team effort.

Whether it’s an exceptional crew, a strong yacht management team, knowledgeable agents or experienced brokers, everyone has to work together to deliver the very best experience for our clients.

WHAT’S ONE THING STILL ON MY BUCKET LIST?

I’d like to cruise in Alaska.

Whales, eagles, sea otters, killer whales and bears for starters, plus glaciers, dramatic landscapes and real wilderness.

WHAT DREW ME TO YACHTING?

I grew up on the coast and have been sailing all my life, so a love of boats and the sea has always been part of who I am. It continues to inspire me both personally and professionally.