About YDUK
Meet the team
Yacht Delivery UK is one of the longest standing, reliable and most well regarded yacht delivery companies in Europe. Our Skippers and crew are dedicated to providing an exceptional level of service regardless of the type of yacht or the distance of the passage.
Being yacht owners ourselves, we understand the care, professionalism and communication needed to keep our clients satisfied.
Since 2005, we have been providing yacht delivery services, skippers for hire and bespoke tuition services to our clients, both private and commercial, and are very proud of the excellent reputation we have achieved.
Whether you’ve run out of time whilst cruising, require the services of a professional skipper, want your boat delivered or need to get your race yacht to an event by sea, road or ship, we can guarantee our services will be reasonably priced and on time every time.
Toby Duerden
Meet Toby, a seasoned maritime professional with a lifelong dedication to the sea. Growing up, he honed his skills assisting in his family’s sailing school.
While studying engineering and marine biology at university, Toby was the bosun of an award-winning university sailing team.
At 21, he earned his Commercially Endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore, leading yacht charters and deliveries across Cornwall, the British Isles, and the Mediterranean.
Later becoming a qualified instructor, Toby led a Caribbean catamaran sailing fleet, teaching young enthusiasts sailing, marine biology, Scuba diving and leadership skills. Headhunted for a pivotal role in Greece, he managed a sailing school, charter, and flotilla base, instructing and examining students.
In the superyacht realm, Toby ascended to the role of First Mate but realised his true passions lay in deliveries and tuition and has now sailed over 100,000Nm as a professional skipper.
His extensive experience, passion for sailing, and professional approach make him an invaluable member of our yacht delivery team.
Additionally, he’s a total dolphin/whale magnet so don’t forget to bring a camera (and lanyard) if he’s onboard.
Nigel Mashembo
Meet Nigel, a distinguished member of our yacht delivery team, holding the esteemed qualifications of Yachtmaster Instructor/Examiner and Yachtmaster Ocean Sail & Power.
Nigel is an industry-renowned yacht manager and skipper with a wealth of experience.
With an impressive record of over 100,000 miles on both sailing boats and powerboats, Nigel is a seasoned professional in maritime affairs. His recent collaboration with Team Origin – the UK Americas Cup team, Louis Vuitton Trophy WSTA regatta, and BMW Oracle Racing – highlights his expertise at the pinnacle of competitive sailing.
Beyond his contributions to the racing world, Nigel owns and operates a Prima 38 racing yacht, a vessel synonymous with corporate race charters. He navigates through prestigious events like the Fastnet Race, Round the Island Race, and Cowes Regatta, showcasing not only his skills as a skipper but also his commitment to providing exceptional experiences for clients.
Nigel’s profound knowledge, extensive experience, and notable contributions to the sailing community make him an invaluable asset to our yacht delivery team. His passion for the sea and commitment to excellence ensure the success of every journey under his command.
Jim Duerden
Introducing Jim, a invaluable member of our yacht delivery team, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to every journey. For the past three decades, Jim has been the driving force behind the renowned “Top Cat Cruising School,” where he has been imparting his nautical wisdom to eager students on a variety of catamarans, currently his Privilege 39.
Jim’s mastery extends beyond teaching; he is hailed as one of the best in the industry, particularly in weather planning and effective practices of yacht ownership. Additionally, with his background as a former mechanic, his exceptional maintenance and engineering skills make him an invaluable asset on any voyage.
Holding qualifications of Yachtmaster Instructor/Examiner in both Sail and Yachtmaster Ocean Sail & Power, Jim has logged well over 200,000 miles as a skipper and instructor. His comprehensive understanding of seamanship, coupled with his practical knowledge, ensures a seamless and safe yacht delivery experience.
Jim’s dedication to sharing his passion for sailing, coupled with his remarkable skills and qualifications, makes him an indispensable part of our yacht delivery team. When Jim is at the helm, you can trust that your vessel is in the hands of a true maritime professional.