The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) is the voice of professional yacht crew worldwide.
Since 1991 as a non-profit, trade association, we represent the interests of yacht crew and yachting companies, advocating on their behalf with maritime and other authorities across the globe.
Powered by over 10,000 international members, our mission is to promote high standards of qualification, skills and knowledge. With the collaboration of our PYA partners, we strengthen the yachting industry and support its professionals.
Our Role in the Industry:
PYA attends policy meetings with the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and other administrative bodies, ensuring yacht crew voices are heard in decision-making processes. Beyond advocacy, we play a key role in the industry's development, offering crucial services such as the MCA-approved Digital Service Record Book (D-SRB), an essential tool for career progression that ensures seamless verification of sea time and compliance with industry regulations.
We actively support crew wellbeing across all aspects of their careers providing access to essential resources and safety guidance through our Member Assistance Service and Onboard Safety Group. These services are managed collaboratively by our experienced teams and council members.
From our headquarters, the PYA staff provides daily support to members, offering expert advice on qualifications and career development. We oversee sea service verification, coordinate industry-leading events, and create opportunities for networking and engagement, all while championing yacht crew’s interests on a global scale.
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Behind every PYA initiative is a group of individuals who know the yachting industry inside out. We come from diverse backgrounds — from life at sea to shoreside operations — and combine our skills to keep things running smoothly for our members. Here’s the team that makes it happen:
Christophe Bourillon, Chief Executive Officer
Christophe Bourillon, with 30 years of experience in senior management, public affairs, and crisis communication at the national and international levels, has founded and led various industry associations, such as Wind Europe. He has also driven other organisations through major transformations, including the World Nuclear Association, the European Biofuels Association and the World Federation of Science Journalists.
He has managed government relations campaigns for the oil and gas, nuclear, and other industries. As an accredited expert to the United Nations, he participated in the negotiations of the UN Convention on Climate Change for more than 15 years. Christophe was appointed CEO of the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) in 2021.
Sophie Rodrigues, Office & Events Manager
Sophie Rodrigues brings over 20 years of administrative and financial experience to her role as Office & Events Manager at the Professional Yachting Association (PYA), where she has been a key team member since 2016. Initially joining as Membership & Accounts Manager, she quickly advanced to overseeing office operations and event organisation.
At PYA, Sophie ensures the smooth running of daily operations, from finance management to team coordination, while also planning and delivering successful industry events dedicated to crew networking and development. Fluent in both French and English, Sophie is based in Antibes, where she enjoys contributing to the heart of the yachting industry.
Bianca Grosu, Sea Service & Training Manager
With a solid background in administration and customer service, Bianca Grosu is part of the Sea Service Team at the Professional Yachting Association (PYA), where she supports yacht crew in navigating certification processes and regulatory requirements. Prior to joining PYA, Bianca gained experience in corporate environments such as Deloitte and Orange, specializing in administrative coordination, client service, and operational support.
Organized and detail-oriented, Bianca manages sea service verifications and provides guidance to crew on compliance and career pathways. Fluent in Romanian, English, and Spanish, she combines a strong analytical mindset with a customer-focused approach, contributing to PYA’s mission of supporting crew worldwide. Bianca is based in the South of France and enjoys being part of the vibrant international yachting industry.
Alicia Jordan, Sea Service & Development Manager
Alicia has a 13-year background of working with and onboard superyachts up to 55m and recently made the transition to land. Currently, she holds the role of Sea Service Manager at the Professional Yachting Association helping crew navigate the MCA regulations to log their sea service, give career advice, and remain up to date with industry news, events and relevant topics of discussion.
Shana Hassoun, Marketing Team
Passionate about marketing and communication, Shana Hassoun joined PYA in November 2023 as part of the marketing team, focusing on engagement, visibility, and data analysis. With a background in marketing and business, she is currently pursuing a master's in marketing & AI to integrate innovative approaches into her work.
Since joining PYA, she has contributed to expanding social media reach, building strategic partnerships, and supporting key industry events. She particularly values the international nature of yachting and the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds.
Axel Danel, Marketing Team
Axel Danel joined PYA in November 2023 as part of the marketing team, contributing to communication strategies, digital content creation, and social media management. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in business engineering, Axel combines strategic thinking with hands-on marketing skills to support PYA’s visibility and outreach efforts.
With experience in B2B client prospection, logistics coordination, and digital marketing, Axel plays an active role in developing campaigns and strengthening PYA’s presence across digital platforms. His passion for international business, combined with a creative and analytical approach, allows him to effectively promote PYA’s services to the global yachting community.
