OUR YACHT CHARTER SPECIALISTS
German has enjoyed the water from a very young age, in and out of boats from the day he was born thanks to a family tradition of avid sailers - mono-skiing, wake-boarding, kite-surfing and sailing regattas were his childhood pastimes. Academically, he has a Bachelor in Business Administration and a Masters in Finance.
After working in many diverse industries, from marketing to manufacturing and construction, German’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Ritzy Yachts in 2012. It all started as a part time activity to get bookings for his family catamaran in the Virgin Islands. With his passion for yachts and focus on the client experience, he has grown the company steadily year after year.
He has built a team of talented people and strives to help them grow as individuals. German, together with his team, travel frequently to the different charter destinations and boat shows to inspect first-hand the yachts and meet the crews in person. Throughout the years, he has developed a deep knowledge of yachts and an understanding of luxury service aboard them.
Nowadays, he is also recognized in the industry for being the President of the Charter Yacht Broker Association.
When not working, he can be found kite-surfing in Key Biscayne Bay or skiing in Colorado.
After working in many diverse industries, from marketing to manufacturing and construction, German’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Ritzy Yachts in 2012. It all started as a part time activity to get bookings for his family catamaran in the Virgin Islands. With his passion for yachts and focus on the client experience, he has grown the company steadily year after year.
He has built a team of talented people and strives to help them grow as individuals. German, together with his team, travel frequently to the different charter destinations and boat shows to inspect first-hand the yachts and meet the crews in person. Throughout the years, he has developed a deep knowledge of yachts and an understanding of luxury service aboard them.
Nowadays, he is also recognized in the industry for being the President of the Charter Yacht Broker Association.
When not working, he can be found kite-surfing in Key Biscayne Bay or skiing in Colorado.
Dayle's love for yacht chartering began in 1985 when she embarked on her first Virgin Islands sailing trip aboard a 52’ Irwin sailboat. This introduction blossomed into a lifelong passion for yachting vacations in fabulous destinations.
Originally from the Midwest, Dayle moved to Southern California where she learned to sail and enjoyed many fun sailing trips to Catalina Island. Eventually, she was inspired to leave her marketing position with Pizza Hut, Inc. and launch a yacht charter business. She excelled at matching clients with the perfect yacht and helping design dream vacations. She also organized group sailing flotillas in the Caribbean and Greek islands. Then a one-of-a-kind opportunity presented itself. Dayle set sail aboard a 34’ sailboat, one of three crew bound for a Pacific sailing adventure. 21 days and 2500 miles later they made landfall in the Marquesas Islands, and continued through the Tuomotu Atolls and French Polynesia on this “magical trip”.
Dayle returned to San Diego where she enjoyed living in the heart of San Diego’s vibrant sailing community. Her active involvement with Point Loma Yacht Club culminated when she served as 2014 Commodore. That same year she returned to the yacht charter business to follow her passion which she now brings to Ritzy Yachts.
Originally from the Midwest, Dayle moved to Southern California where she learned to sail and enjoyed many fun sailing trips to Catalina Island. Eventually, she was inspired to leave her marketing position with Pizza Hut, Inc. and launch a yacht charter business. She excelled at matching clients with the perfect yacht and helping design dream vacations. She also organized group sailing flotillas in the Caribbean and Greek islands. Then a one-of-a-kind opportunity presented itself. Dayle set sail aboard a 34’ sailboat, one of three crew bound for a Pacific sailing adventure. 21 days and 2500 miles later they made landfall in the Marquesas Islands, and continued through the Tuomotu Atolls and French Polynesia on this “magical trip”.
Dayle returned to San Diego where she enjoyed living in the heart of San Diego’s vibrant sailing community. Her active involvement with Point Loma Yacht Club culminated when she served as 2014 Commodore. That same year she returned to the yacht charter business to follow her passion which she now brings to Ritzy Yachts.
Lindsey hails from New England and a long line of chefs. Following in her father's footsteps, she found herself in the restaurant industry at a very young age. Always mesmerized by the thoughtful creations flowing out of the New England kitchens she worked in, she decided to pursue her passion for the culinary arts. She immersed herself in culinary courses and the bustling food scene.
In an effort to keep her passion for travel alive, she set off into the yachting industry roughly 12 years ago. From the Eastern Seaboard of the US to France, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Croatia, the Caribbean, and many stops in between, she not only honed her skills in several different styles of cuisine but developed an immense passion for yachting.
Between jobs as a Chef onboard, she took the opportunity to gain as much knowledge as possible on maintaining, maneuvering, navigating, and helming a range of yachts. She completed three Atlantic crossings and a multitude of yacht deliveries throughout the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and up the US Eastern Seaboard. She even competed in sailing races whenever the opportunity lent itself. She earned her USCG Captains license and soon after, purchased a sailing yacht of her own. When she wasn’t crewing aboard luxury yachts she was traversing the Caribbean in her sailing monohull.
She eventually found her way into Fleet Management and has worked to develop many successful charter programs. While managing, she completed her Charter Yacht Brokers Course and has now made her way over to brokering. She is thrilled to help curate Charter Yacht Vacations in some of the most stunning locations around the globe, many of which hold great significance for her. Seeing her clients come home from Charter with gorgeous memories and experiences to last a lifetime is something she finds incredibly rewarding!
In an effort to keep her passion for travel alive, she set off into the yachting industry roughly 12 years ago. From the Eastern Seaboard of the US to France, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Croatia, the Caribbean, and many stops in between, she not only honed her skills in several different styles of cuisine but developed an immense passion for yachting.
Between jobs as a Chef onboard, she took the opportunity to gain as much knowledge as possible on maintaining, maneuvering, navigating, and helming a range of yachts. She completed three Atlantic crossings and a multitude of yacht deliveries throughout the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and up the US Eastern Seaboard. She even competed in sailing races whenever the opportunity lent itself. She earned her USCG Captains license and soon after, purchased a sailing yacht of her own. When she wasn’t crewing aboard luxury yachts she was traversing the Caribbean in her sailing monohull.
She eventually found her way into Fleet Management and has worked to develop many successful charter programs. While managing, she completed her Charter Yacht Brokers Course and has now made her way over to brokering. She is thrilled to help curate Charter Yacht Vacations in some of the most stunning locations around the globe, many of which hold great significance for her. Seeing her clients come home from Charter with gorgeous memories and experiences to last a lifetime is something she finds incredibly rewarding!
Michael Piper
Yacht Charter Broker
Originally from Portland, Oregon, Mike owned a successful event planning and design company that he operated for over 25 years. After covid decimated the event industry, he decided to sell everything and move to sunny Mexico, ultimately landing in a quaint fishing village called Boca de Tomatlan, where he has to commute to the mainland by a 5 minute water taxi.
Mike has a love for travel and over the years he has visited more than 40 countries throughout Europe, South America and North Africa. One of his favorite destinations was the Greek islands, so he has a special interest in those yachting itineraries.
He is an avid gardener, chef and party planner. Mike’s work passion has always been about creating wonderful experiences, and he now brings that interest and attention to detail to creating memorable yachting tours and on board events around the globe.
Mike has a love for travel and over the years he has visited more than 40 countries throughout Europe, South America and North Africa. One of his favorite destinations was the Greek islands, so he has a special interest in those yachting itineraries.
He is an avid gardener, chef and party planner. Mike’s work passion has always been about creating wonderful experiences, and he now brings that interest and attention to detail to creating memorable yachting tours and on board events around the globe.
Lucy discovered her passion for the yachting industry back in 2017 and has never looked back! Alongside fulfilling the role of a yacht charter broker for seven years, Lucy has also managed a fleet of yachts in the Caribbean for three years, discovering different sides to the industry whilst building on her knowledge base within the industry.
Born and raised in London, UK, Lucy now finds herself enjoying the Mediterranean summers nesting in the historical city of Valencia, Spain whilst chasing the Caribbean sun during the colder winter months - overseeing each charter season both in the Med and the Caribbean as closely as possible! Fostering a creative spark under her belt, Lucy studied Technical Theater and Stage Management in London where she worked in London’s West-End theater for four years before ‘fleeing the nest’ and moving to Spain where she discovered her sea legs and salty skin!
Having lived on sailboats both in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, Lucy has accumulated a book of first-hand experiences in a number of the top charter destinations and knows all the hidden gems to make your vacation unforgettable!
When Lucy is not matching her clients to the perfect-fit charter yacht, you can find her diving in the Caribbean ocean or sipping on a sangria whilst watching flamenco in Spain! Using her intimate knowledge of the cruising grounds, yachts and crews, Lucy cannot wait to plan your charter vacation with you!
Born and raised in London, UK, Lucy now finds herself enjoying the Mediterranean summers nesting in the historical city of Valencia, Spain whilst chasing the Caribbean sun during the colder winter months - overseeing each charter season both in the Med and the Caribbean as closely as possible! Fostering a creative spark under her belt, Lucy studied Technical Theater and Stage Management in London where she worked in London’s West-End theater for four years before ‘fleeing the nest’ and moving to Spain where she discovered her sea legs and salty skin!
Having lived on sailboats both in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, Lucy has accumulated a book of first-hand experiences in a number of the top charter destinations and knows all the hidden gems to make your vacation unforgettable!
When Lucy is not matching her clients to the perfect-fit charter yacht, you can find her diving in the Caribbean ocean or sipping on a sangria whilst watching flamenco in Spain! Using her intimate knowledge of the cruising grounds, yachts and crews, Lucy cannot wait to plan your charter vacation with you!
Florencia Ballve
Yacht Charter Broker
Born and raised in Argentina, Florencia’s passion for the travel industry began at a young age while reading books and watching movies depicting far-off lands, especially Greece and Italy. She will never forget walking out of the movies at the age of 15 and telling her father she would travel the world when she grew up.
Shortly after finishing high school, she decided to go on a solo three-month adventure traveling in Costa Rica. From there it was onto university studies where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism. She decided that both her personal and professional life would involve traveling and helping others to live once in a life time experiences.
Since then, Florencia has carried out her passion by working for hotels and travel agencies.
Her most recent work/travel experience was onboard a 3,000 passenger cruise ship, working side-by-side with people from +60 different nationalities, visiting a different port each day. Now she brings her love of travel to the Ritzy Yachts team, sharing with clients the joy of a private yacht charter.
Florencia is a beach lover, however her favorite pastime is snow skiing. In her free time, you’ll find her planning a weekend getaway with friends or off to the mountains on a ski trip.
Shortly after finishing high school, she decided to go on a solo three-month adventure traveling in Costa Rica. From there it was onto university studies where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism. She decided that both her personal and professional life would involve traveling and helping others to live once in a life time experiences.
Since then, Florencia has carried out her passion by working for hotels and travel agencies.
Her most recent work/travel experience was onboard a 3,000 passenger cruise ship, working side-by-side with people from +60 different nationalities, visiting a different port each day. Now she brings her love of travel to the Ritzy Yachts team, sharing with clients the joy of a private yacht charter.
Florencia is a beach lover, however her favorite pastime is snow skiing. In her free time, you’ll find her planning a weekend getaway with friends or off to the mountains on a ski trip.
Camila was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She dreamed of traveling around the world since she was a child, until the age of fourteen, when she traveled to Europe and her life was forever changed. She decided that travel was all she wanted to do, and she did it; she has visited twenty countries and counting.
After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in tourism, she left her job at an airline to pursue her dream of living by the beach in Australia, where she worked at a hotel in Sydney and traveled around. Camila enjoys assisting people in realizing their travel desires, believing that "dreams are meant to come true."
She is always looking for new adventures, which is how she ended up living in Italy, at least for the time being.
In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new places, trying new restaurants, and reading a good love story.
After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in tourism, she left her job at an airline to pursue her dream of living by the beach in Australia, where she worked at a hotel in Sydney and traveled around. Camila enjoys assisting people in realizing their travel desires, believing that "dreams are meant to come true."
She is always looking for new adventures, which is how she ended up living in Italy, at least for the time being.
In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new places, trying new restaurants, and reading a good love story.
Federico, from Argentina, has always been drawn to nature and travel, whether sailing, trekking in Patagonia, or spending holidays and weekends on his family's farm.
While studying to be a marine engineer, he was invited to a tall ship gathering and embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime sailing voyage that spanned South America and the Caribbean aboard a 100-foot sailing catamaran. During this incredible 15,000 nautical mile journey, navigating the Atlantic, rounding Cape Horn, cruising along the South Pacific Coast, crossing the Panama Canal, and exploring the enchanting Caribbean Sea with its idyllic Leeward and Windward islands, eventually returning to Buenos Aires after living on board for seven months.
Fede joined Ritzy to pursue a professional career in the yachting industry after years of working as a technology teacher and, most recently, at a high-tech company. His technical knowledge, one-of-a-kind experiences, and passion for sailing ensure that your dream yacht charter will be unforgettable.
While studying to be a marine engineer, he was invited to a tall ship gathering and embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime sailing voyage that spanned South America and the Caribbean aboard a 100-foot sailing catamaran. During this incredible 15,000 nautical mile journey, navigating the Atlantic, rounding Cape Horn, cruising along the South Pacific Coast, crossing the Panama Canal, and exploring the enchanting Caribbean Sea with its idyllic Leeward and Windward islands, eventually returning to Buenos Aires after living on board for seven months.
Fede joined Ritzy to pursue a professional career in the yachting industry after years of working as a technology teacher and, most recently, at a high-tech company. His technical knowledge, one-of-a-kind experiences, and passion for sailing ensure that your dream yacht charter will be unforgettable.
Stephanie's passion for luxury travel started in her childhood, with her collection of travel magazines fueling her dreams of distant lands. Even as a child, she had a keen eye for detail and an insatiable curiosity about the world.
With a degree in Communications and a Master's in International Studies, Stephanie has carved out a multifaceted career in the travel industry. Boasting thirteen years of experience, she is celebrated for her meticulous approach and her knack for creating unforgettable travel experiences. Her career has taken her to some of the most exclusive destinations.
For Stephanie, travel is about truly immersing oneself in a destination and discovering its hidden gems. She considers attention to detail crucial, ensuring every charter she organizes is filled with special touches that make all the difference. Her genuine enthusiasm for crafting the perfect itinerary ensures that even the most routine trip feels like an extraordinary adventure.
An avid traveler and culinary enthusiast, Stephanie believes the best way to understand a destination is through its gastronomy. When she's not working or exploring new destinations, she enjoys cooking and uncovering the culinary traditions of the places she visits.
With a degree in Communications and a Master's in International Studies, Stephanie has carved out a multifaceted career in the travel industry. Boasting thirteen years of experience, she is celebrated for her meticulous approach and her knack for creating unforgettable travel experiences. Her career has taken her to some of the most exclusive destinations.
For Stephanie, travel is about truly immersing oneself in a destination and discovering its hidden gems. She considers attention to detail crucial, ensuring every charter she organizes is filled with special touches that make all the difference. Her genuine enthusiasm for crafting the perfect itinerary ensures that even the most routine trip feels like an extraordinary adventure.
An avid traveler and culinary enthusiast, Stephanie believes the best way to understand a destination is through its gastronomy. When she's not working or exploring new destinations, she enjoys cooking and uncovering the culinary traditions of the places she visits.
FINANCE, MARKETING & IT
Born and raised in Argentina, Verónica developed a strong passion for travelling from a very young age. She is always busy planning her next adventure and eager to discover destinations and embracing new cultures.
Verónica has a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hotel Management, industries in which she gained professional experience across Argentina and in different countries such as Spain, Germany, Italy and the United States, where she spent 2 seasons in Naples.
She is also a journalist specialized in Sports, and has covered major international events like Olympic Games and FIFA World Cups. In 2019, together with some colleagues she founded a digital media promoting the role of women in Sports Journalism, and she recently edited a solidarity book with stories written by Olympic athletes, that was launched before Tokyo 2020.
Always eager to learn, she is a very curious, client-oriented and multifaceted person. Verónica is responsible for the efficient functioning of Ritzy Yachts' office, as well as developing new business opportunities for the company.
Verónica has a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hotel Management, industries in which she gained professional experience across Argentina and in different countries such as Spain, Germany, Italy and the United States, where she spent 2 seasons in Naples.
She is also a journalist specialized in Sports, and has covered major international events like Olympic Games and FIFA World Cups. In 2019, together with some colleagues she founded a digital media promoting the role of women in Sports Journalism, and she recently edited a solidarity book with stories written by Olympic athletes, that was launched before Tokyo 2020.
Always eager to learn, she is a very curious, client-oriented and multifaceted person. Verónica is responsible for the efficient functioning of Ritzy Yachts' office, as well as developing new business opportunities for the company.
Federico was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has had a strong passion for water sports since a young age. He won several swimming competitions during high school and has become an avid diver with over 100 immersions in his dive log as an adult.
Federico holds a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Video and a postgraduate diploma in Marketing. He is currently pursuing his MBA studies. He has worked in the entertainment industry for many years as a Marketing Manager for major media companies.
Federico's love for the sea and his eagerness to learn have sparked an interest in a career in the yachting and tourism industry, which he believes is not so different from the entertainment industry. Federico is responsible for the smooth functioning of this website and developing our content marketing strategies.
Federico enjoys working with his teammates, sharing information, and introducing more people to the beauty of the sea.
Federico holds a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Video and a postgraduate diploma in Marketing. He is currently pursuing his MBA studies. He has worked in the entertainment industry for many years as a Marketing Manager for major media companies.
Federico's love for the sea and his eagerness to learn have sparked an interest in a career in the yachting and tourism industry, which he believes is not so different from the entertainment industry. Federico is responsible for the smooth functioning of this website and developing our content marketing strategies.
Federico enjoys working with his teammates, sharing information, and introducing more people to the beauty of the sea.
Paz has a Bachelor's degree in Sports Journalism, she enjoys all types of sports (sometimes she even practices them!). She is passionate about the details, almost obsessive and is super organized with a great talent for customer service as she is always thinking of others!
Some years ago she met German and with him, she discovered her love for nautical life. Year after year she has become more involved in the yachting world.
Before Ritzy Yachts she worked in many different industries including hospitality, marketing and finance. Some years ago, she started to assist in some aspects of the company but in 2017 she and German decided it was time for her to formally join the Ritzy team.
Since then she has been looking for new marketing ideas and working to improve the administrative process and is now in charge of the finance department. She is constantly looking for new procedures, which can be implemented in order to improve both the financial processes and the customer experiences. When the working day is done, she can be found riding a bike near the beach or cooking some special food.
Some years ago she met German and with him, she discovered her love for nautical life. Year after year she has become more involved in the yachting world.
Before Ritzy Yachts she worked in many different industries including hospitality, marketing and finance. Some years ago, she started to assist in some aspects of the company but in 2017 she and German decided it was time for her to formally join the Ritzy team.
Since then she has been looking for new marketing ideas and working to improve the administrative process and is now in charge of the finance department. She is constantly looking for new procedures, which can be implemented in order to improve both the financial processes and the customer experiences. When the working day is done, she can be found riding a bike near the beach or cooking some special food.
Sofia has built a diverse and successful career within the luxury industry, with a deep passion for hospitality and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Over the years, Sofia has honed a broad skill set in sales, operations, and customer relations while maintaining a strong focus on the high standards defining the luxury sector.
Throughout her career, Sofia has demonstrated a passion for the hospitality industry, whether overseeing luxury accommodations, providing tailored travel experiences, or managing high-end events. Her commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and leadership have earned her a reputation for consistently exceeding expectations.
Driven by a genuine love for creating memorable experiences, Sofia continuously seeks opportunities to improve operational efficiency, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to the growth of the luxury hospitality industry.
Outside of professional life, Sofia likes surfing and water sports, enjoying the thrill of the ocean, and staying active in water-based activities. She is currently studying to become a certified yacht captain, specializing in both sailing and motor yachts, further deepening her love for the sea and adventure.
Throughout her career, Sofia has demonstrated a passion for the hospitality industry, whether overseeing luxury accommodations, providing tailored travel experiences, or managing high-end events. Her commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and leadership have earned her a reputation for consistently exceeding expectations.
Driven by a genuine love for creating memorable experiences, Sofia continuously seeks opportunities to improve operational efficiency, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to the growth of the luxury hospitality industry.
Outside of professional life, Sofia likes surfing and water sports, enjoying the thrill of the ocean, and staying active in water-based activities. She is currently studying to become a certified yacht captain, specializing in both sailing and motor yachts, further deepening her love for the sea and adventure.
Moutaz is an experienced web developer with over 10 years of expertise in website development. He has a strong affinity for utilizing React and Node.js, two powerful tools for crafting websites.
Moutaz had a delightful experience collaborating with Ritzy's exceptional team in the creation of the new website using React and Node.js. They also excel at ensuring the website's seamless operation over time.
One aspect that distinguishes Ritzy's team is their remarkable attention to details. Moutaz has a great time while enhancing these details to optimize functionality.
He genuinely revels in coding and finds joy in the continuous improvement of the website, striving to make it perform better and look more appealing to its users.
Moutaz had a delightful experience collaborating with Ritzy's exceptional team in the creation of the new website using React and Node.js. They also excel at ensuring the website's seamless operation over time.
One aspect that distinguishes Ritzy's team is their remarkable attention to details. Moutaz has a great time while enhancing these details to optimize functionality.
He genuinely revels in coding and finds joy in the continuous improvement of the website, striving to make it perform better and look more appealing to its users.