Our mission is to provide a full range of professional, flexible and high-value management and consulting services to the yachting industry. An independent, responsive and highly-principled company, we employ experienced, enthusiastic and resourceful engineers and managers, to assist crew, owners, designers and builders with all aspects of yacht operations and construction.
From as far back as he can remember, Ken has loved being on the water. He learnt to sail at a young age and designed and built his own sailing dinghy as a teenager. This led him to study naval architecture at university – and so began a lifelong passion with boat building and the sea.
Ken’s career started at Lloyd’s Register, where he swiftly rose through the surveyor ranks to become a specialist in the Passenger Safety Department.
In 2002 he moved overseas to join the Cayman Registry, where he helped establish it as the largest superyacht registry in the world. He was at the forefront of the introduction of both the MCA and PYC Codes and involved with the design and construction of some of the world’s largest yachts.
Since 2014 Ken has been a Director and the DPA / CSO of Manta.
In a world which is increasingly impersonal, Ken’s individuality shines through and he cherishes the experience of seeing owners enjoying their yachts.
Ken’s passions are classic car restoration and automotive events. He still enjoys sailing when he finds the time and is passing on his enthusiasm to his sons.
Anthony was introduced to sailing relatively late, with his interest in boating originating from family holidays on the Norfolk Broads. This ignited a passion which led him to gain a degree in naval architecture.
After university he worked for Lloyd’s Register after completing their prestigious training scheme, and then for the Cayman Registry which propelled him into the world of luxury yachting.
In 2006 Anthony returned to the UK and the private sector to establish Manta. He’s passionate about the company evolving and flourishing and is totally committed to providing a first class service to all its clients, in the process getting immense pleasure from working closely with owners, family offices and the yachts’ crews.
A keen cyclist, Anthony can often be found in the hills of the Peak District when he is not working.
Sarah’s interest in travel and ships started as a small child when she used to wave off and welcome back her Uncle who sailed onboard cruise ships in the 1970’s and 1980’s.
Starting off in Thomas Cook gave her many travel opportunities which aided her securing a position at sea within the Shorex Department. A total of 17 years was spent at sea with various companies travelling around the world many times and escorting guests on overland tours to exciting destinations such as the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu and India.
Returning to land in 2020 has allowed her to enjoy a more settled family life shared with her beloved Siberian Cats aptly named Dimitri and Pasha!
Alice has been associated with the sea all her life. Growing up on the South Coast of England where she sailed in Chichester Harbour.
After leaving school and going travelling she worked in the hospitality industry in the French Alps, then joined the world of yachting in Antibes. This allowed her to combine her love of travel and the sea. Over 9 years she ran the interior of two very large sailing yachts, circumnavigated the globe. In addition, she has a wide yard experience working as part of a new build team and managing yard refit periods.
Having moved ashore in 2020 just as the country went into lockdown, and after purchasing all the house plants she could get her hands on, Alice discovered a talent for watercolour painting, which she now sells online and through local shops.
Outside of work she spends her time with friends and family, renovating her new home, training Brizo the spaniel and during the winter enjoys skiing.
From a young age Warren loved taking things apart and putting them back together. This naturally led to a passion for engineering, and he completed a degree apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering with BAE Systems before rapidly progressing to Technical Director of an engineering company.
During this time Warren learned to sail and became an RYA/MCA Yacht Master Instructor. After a brief career break teaching yachting in the Solent and Caribbean, he combined his passions for sailing and engineering, accepting his first role as an engineer on a superyacht.
Warren spent the next 12 years as Chief Engineer on a selection of superyachts, and now brings this practical yacht experience to Manta Maritime as a Technical Superintendent.
Outside of work Warren enjoys fine wines, taking his boat out on the Solent, and snowboarding.
Hélène is at the top of her game with clients benefiting from her considerable nautical knowledge and experience gained from a 15-year career at sea where she worked on many types of vessels, including passenger ships and yachts.
Alongside a Master’s Unlimited licence that she obtained in 2007, Hélène also has an Engineering Officer of the Watch ticket and a Master’s Degree in naval architecture.
Since moving shore-side in 2011, Hélène has advised several other management companies on operations, safety and regulatory matters, but since mid-2018 has been working exclusively for Manta.
A keen sailor and horse-rider, Hélène spends as much time as possible on her boat in France and playing polo. That said, building Lego with her son is now starting to monopolise her time!
Sylvia comes from Hong Kong, she grew up in a big family, and her father served in the British Army of the Hong Kong Military Services Corps.
She has a very caring personality and for 17 years she served as a volunteer leader at the Hong Kong Red Cross Society.
She left Hong Kong and emigrated to the UK in 2021. This was an extremely big move to make, especially with the cultural / language barriers, yet through hard work, she has managed to fully embrace her new life, and has used her 30-plus years of accounting experience to pursue a career she loves.
Outside of work, She likes to enjoy the fresh air and spends a lot of time walking. She joined the “Ramblers”, walking group, and through that has forged many friendships.
She is a very creative person and has a passion for Japanese fabrics. Whilst living in Hong Kong she was also a tailor and used to enjoy designing and making hats, bags, and shoes, amongst other things. She had great pleasure in selling her crafts at Sunday markets and in her online shop.
Now she is adjusting to the long cold winter evenings in England.
Growing up in a seafaring family in the naval city of Plymouth, Lauren was always destined for a career at sea. At the age of 17 she began her cadetship on cruise ships and never looked back. She spent the next ten years travelling the world on a variety of ships.
After achieving her Master’s Unlimited License in 2018, she continued to work at sea with her baby son in tow, making her way through the ranks at Princess Cruises. After welcoming a daughter in 2019 Lauren has now decided to drop anchor, beginning a new adventure with Manta Maritime.
Outside of work Lauren enjoys running and travelling, although now with two toddlers in tow you are more likely to find her in the nearest soft play centre that serves good coffee.
Tania is joining Manta Maritime with a wealth of yacht management experience. Having been involved in various aspects of yacht management for the past 8 years, from new build construction to ISM compliance and assisting family offices with translations at the owners’ meetings, she is a great asset to our growing team.
In her spare time Tania loves creating new culinary delights for her healthy food blog, spending time on a yoga mat or paddleboarding with her family. She feels very passionate about charitable work and giving back to the society, hence she really enjoys her volunteer work for Superyacht Charities.
Having the right people in place is crucial for any successful operation, but particularly on superyachts where many specialist and diverse skillsets are required. It is essential to have the right crew in place to ensure your yacht is operated safely and efficiently, and maintained to the highest possible standards – thus providing a first class guest experience. At Manta, we work closely with yacht owners and captains to manage all crew-related matters – from interviewing applicants, training crew and dealing with disciplinary issues, to organising payroll, insurance and travel. This includes assisting owners to comply with the mandatory Maritime Labour Convention 2006 – a carefully planned employment structure in accordance with international social security and welfare legislation.
