Sail Away: Exclusive interview with Lisa Peck from Fraser Yachts

When we talk about luxury living, almost instantaneously we think of private jets and superyachts. Singaporeans will get a chance to acquaint themselves with the latter at the Singapore Yacht Show 2015, where attendees will be able to check out the latest sailing vessels on display and mingle with boat owners and yachting professionals alike. Speaking of which, the President of Young Professionals Yachting Monaco herself, Lisa Peck, will be at the event.

If anyone knows a thing or two about sailing, it should be Lisa Peck. The founding member of YPY Monaco started sailing at an early age on the south coast of England where she grew up. Having studied European Business with French, Lisa decided to return to the Cote d’Azur to improve her linguistic skills. While there she landed a job as a Bi-lingual Communications Assistant at the Yacht Club de Monaco where her love of sailing and yachts expanded to marketing for yacht brokerage companies.

Given her extensive experience in the nautical industry, Lisa is now a keen advocate of improving the collaboration between companies within the industry and the promotion of fair ethics. Her enthusiasm for yachting is evident and we got an opportunity to get the lowdown on her passion and what to look forward to at the Singapore Yacht Show 2015.

Marie France Asia: How did you get started in the world of yachting?

Lisa Peck: While I was in my final year of university I saw a job advert for a graduate position at the Monaco Yacht Club, after spending a year in the region for my internship the year before I thought this would be a great opportunity to go back and continue to work on my French. After several years in the South of France I realized that yachting was a key industry for Anglophones in the area and I moved into the world of yacht brokerage where I have now been for nearly ten years

MFA: Do you think it’s more challenging for females to enter the world of superyachts?

L.P.: I don’t think it’s more challenging to enter the industry but I do think it’s more challenging to get a good position.

MFA: What should we know before chartering a yacht?

L.P.: The only thing you need to know is a good charter broker who will then take care of the whole booking process for you and will create the most amazing holiday experience for you and your guests. However it’s always good to have an idea of where you want to go and when, how many people you will be and what type of holiday you want to have so that the charter broker can then find the best yacht to match your requirements.

MFA: How do you think the industry is fairing in Singapore?

L.P.: The yachting industry is still relatively new in Singapore but it is growing quickly, although it is more common for people to own/charter yachts in areas outside of Singapore where there are more established yachting facilities at present

MFA: What is the best thing about working in the superyacht industry?

L.P.: For me it’s the variation and the travel. No one day is the same as I work on a variety of events and publications throughout the year.

MFA: What are some of the essentials to pack when going on a yacht trip?

L.P.: Sunscreen and swimsuits! Whether it’s in the yacht’s Jacuzzi, relaxing on the sun loungers or enjoying the water toys you’re likely to spend a lot of time outside enjoying the sunshine. Loose light clothes are also useful for when the breeze picks up or going ashore for shopping or lunch.

MFA: What’s the best place you’ve visited on a yacht?

L.P.: I’ve never chartered a yacht myself but I have been lucky enough to go on board for photoshoots, the best place that I’ve been to was the Caribbean, sailing on board a classic yacht around beautiful islands in a nice warm breeze as the sun set was simply breathtaking.

MFA: Lastly, what can we look forward to at the Singapore Yacht Show?

L.P.: There are many great yachts here at the show this year; we have the 51m M/Y Aldabra and the 34m M/Y Azul A on display. Plus there are a huge number of luxury brands including cars, jets, jewellery and even a live art auction this year, not to mention the non-stop social programme.

Tarandip Kaur & Karen George