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Who will be skippering the yacht?
Meet the Skippers Behind Every Great Campaign
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One of the questions we are asked most often is, “Who will be skippering the yacht?”

It's a fair question. Whether you're joining a prestigious regatta, tackling an offshore race, or taking part in your first sailing event, the skipper plays a huge role in shaping the experience.

At LV Yachting, we are fortunate to work with some exceptional owner-skippers and professional captains from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. What they all share is extensive experience on the water, a passion for sailing and a commitment to helping our clients enjoy every moment of their campaign. Here are just a few of the talented skippers you'll find on our events calendar.

Richard Oswald – Emily of Cowes

Few people can match Richard's depth of experience. Having sailed extensively throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean, he has spent a lifetime on the water and has crossed the Atlantic more than 20 times.

Before becoming skipper of the Elan 450 Emily of Cowes, Richard owned several notable yachts, including the beautiful schooner Coral of Cowes and the legendary ketch Emily Morgan. His calm and measured approach has earned him a loyal following of returning crew members year after year.

Richard's seamanship was recognised following the 100th Rolex Fastnet Race when he received the Royal Ocean Racing Club Seamanship Award after coordinating a successful search and rescue operation for a man overboard during the race.

One Fastnet crew member summed up the experience perfectly:

"There were some serious challenges out there, but your calm focus and solid skippering made all the difference. Couldn't have asked for a better person to be out there with."

Richard will be leading campaigns at the 200th edition of Cowes Week, as well as aboard the classic 1926 yawl Peter at Regatta Royale Cannes and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez.

EMILY OF COWES
Sailing yacht named Emily of Cowes with a crew on deck, cutting through blue water near a rocky shoreline.

Eric – Andiamo

For many sailors, a successful regatta is about much more than results. It's about learning, improving and enjoying the experience. That's where Eric excels.

As owner-skipper of the Grand Soleil 44 Andiamo, Eric has built a reputation as both an accomplished racer and an excellent coach. Client feedback consistently highlights his ability to bring the best out of every crew while maintaining a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere onboard. One crew member described him as:

"There were some serious challenges out there, but your calm focus and solid skippering made all the difference. Couldn't have asked for a better person to be out there with."

Another praised his willingness to share knowledge and adapt the boat's setup to help the crew develop their skills and maximise performance.

Whether you're looking to gain experience in Mediterranean regattas or simply enjoy competitive racing with a welcoming team, Eric and Andiamo continue to be one of our most popular choices.

ANDIAMO

Sam Tregelles – Mad Dash

Although one of the newer owner-skippers on the race charter circuit, Sam Tregelles brings a wealth of sailing experience and enthusiasm to every campaign.

As skipper of the Elan 410 Mad Dash, Sam has transformed a lifelong passion for sailing into a professional career. He has led flotillas throughout Greece, delivered yachts across Europe, crossed the Atlantic and sailed extensively around the Caribbean.

What sets Sam apart is his focus on helping crew members achieve their own goals, whether they are complete beginners or experienced sailors looking to sharpen their racing skills. One client commented:

"Sam was exceptional in listening to our team's objectives and developing our existing skills to enable us to be a competitive entry in this event."

You can join Sam for a variety of events, including Cowes Week, the Rolex Middle Sea Race and the RORC Transatlantic Race.

mad dash

Oliver Kobale & Gerwin Jensen – Austrian Ocean Racing Team

For those seeking serious offshore racing and high-performance sailing, Oliver Kobale and Gerwin Jensen offer a truly professional experience.

As key members of the Austrian Ocean Racing Team, both have accumulated extensive offshore miles and significant racing achievements. Oliver began racing dinghies in Austria before competing internationally and later becoming one of the founding members of the Austrian Ocean Racing Team. Since then, he has logged more than 120,000 nautical miles offshore.

Together, Oliver and Gerwin lead campaigns aboard some of the most exciting yachts on the circuit, including the Wally Vantanera and Volvo 65 Sisi.

Their professionalism regularly receives praise from clients. Following the RORC Transatlantic Race, one participant described the experience as:

"One of the most professional sailing experiences I have had so far. The guidance and support throughout the entire process were excellent."

From Caribbean offshore races to Mediterranean regattas and ocean crossings, they provide opportunities for sailors to experience world-class racing at the highest level.

VANTANERA
SISI - VOLVO 65

Conan Henderson-Dott – Stella

Conan Henderson-Dott combines extensive sailing knowledge with strong engineering and leadership skills developed over more than a decade in professional yachting.

Growing up in the Scottish Borders, Conan first learned to sail on inland reservoirs before progressing into a career that has seen him work aboard everything from performance race yachts and Wallys to J-Class yachts and a 56-metre ketch.

Holding an MCA Master 200 qualification, Conan is known for his calm and analytical approach, making him equally comfortable leading a crew through offshore passages, regattas or luxury sailing experiences.

After completing a degree in Mathematics and travelling throughout South America, Conan entered the charter industry in Greece as an instructor, flotilla skipper and engineer. Since then, he has progressed through roles ranging from Bosun and First Mate to Captain on a wide variety of sailing yachts.

His combination of professionalism, technical expertise and approachable nature makes him a valued member of the LV Yachting skipper team.

STELLA

More Than Just a Skipper

Every yacht has its own personality, but it is often the skipper who defines the experience. Whether it's Richard's legendary seamanship, Eric's coaching ability, Sam's enthusiasm, Oliver and Gerwin's offshore expertise or Conan's calm leadership, each brings something unique to the crews they lead.

When you join an LV Yachting campaign, you're not simply booking a place on a yacht. You're joining a team led by experienced professionals who are passionate about helping you get the most from your time on the water.

If you'd like to learn more about any of our skippers or discuss upcoming events and crew opportunities, get in touch with the LV Yachting team today.