Luke Thompson
Skipper / Chase Boat Captain
Mallorca
Summary
An extensively experienced maritime professional with a proven track record of excelling in high-pressure settings alongside elite sports and athletes, especially in remote and challenging environments. Consistently delivering outstanding service and maintaining operational excellence at the highest levels. Skilled across various maritime operations, including media and broadcast management, emergency response, and navigation. Possesses extensive experience in vessel maintenance, safety protocol implementation, and efficient team leadership. Currently seeking opportunities in chase boat driving roles and crew positions, aiming to apply expertise and enthusiasm for maritime ventures.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Sail GP Global VIP Chase Boat Driver
SailGP
01.2024 - Current
- Played pivotal role as Guest Chaser Driver during SailGP events held in Sydney and Christchurch 2024. Operated 14-meter Rib, Sacs Rebel 40 high-speed chase boats, ensuring VIP guests and partners received unparalleled access.
- Navigated closely behind F50 supercharged and technologically advanced wing-sailed catamarans during races, providing guests with thrilling experiences.
- Conducted seamless docking operations in open water for Superyachts, including CORROBOREE (90 guests), RASCAL (70 guests), ROLEX, GHOST II (70 guests), and STARSHIP (150 guests).
- Delivered high-speed onboard racecourse experiences for corporate partners and esteemed guests, enhancing their overall event experience.
Collaborated with onboard hosts to provide live expert commentary and prioritize guest safety throughout the experience.
Skipper (In Survey
Happy Gilmore 9 Meter Rayglass Protector
05.2021 - Current
- Responsible for daily operations, service, and maintenance to ensure vessel remains in survey under NZ Maritime law.
- Conducted informative tours for over 20 charters, clients, and passengers, sharing knowledge about local history, wildlife, and points of interest.
- Managed financial aspects of vessel's operation, including budgeting, tracking expenses, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Enhanced safety measures by implementing and enforcing strict protocols, conducting regular equipment checks, and providing thorough safety briefings to passengers.
2019 America's Cup Chase Boat Driver
Craig Monk Management
01.2021 - 03.2021
- Effectively managed timely arrivals and departures of catering and guests by meticulously adhering to strict schedules and implementing efficient route planning strategies, including routes from Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) to Viaduct, as well as routes to America's Cup race courses, spanning 48 days.
- Maintained peak boat performance through regular inspections and prompt execution of necessary repairs, ensuring uninterrupted service throughout event.
- Enhanced overall passenger experience by delivering captivating narrations of America's Cup and local history, landmarks, and wildlife during excursions.
- Played key role in coordinating special events, catering and private charters, overseeing seamless execution from inception to completion, and ensuring client satisfaction.
Head of Media and Broadcast
Royal Akarana Yacht Club
10.2019 - 12.2019
- Directed all aspects of local and international broadcast operations, overseeing on-water media safety and management, as well as aviation airspace authorities, licenses, operators, and vendor relationships. Negotiated contracts to optimize value and efficiency.
- Implemented streamlined operational processes by identifying inefficiencies and introducing best practices, improving overall productivity and cost savings.
- Managed setup and deployment of 330 GPS tracking devices to enhance on-water management and safety measures.
Led cross-functional teams to achieve regatta goals, promoting stakeholder collaboration and communication successfully. - Established partnerships with major entities such as Sky TV, Icarus TV, TracTrac, World Sailing, and 49er Class Association, alongside international media and photographers.
- Implemented effective budget management strategies, resulting in reduced operational costs while maintaining high standards of broadcast quality and service delivery.
- Increased brand visibility by developing and implementing strategic media campaigns.
Education
MBA, Business Management - Business Management
University of Auckland Business School, Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland, AUK12.2019
Skills
- Media and Broadcast Management
- Emergency Management
- Navigation Expertise
- Team Management
- First Aid Proficiency
- Effective Communication
- Vessel Maintenance
- Mooring Operations
- Safety Procedures Implementation
- Operational Planning
- Strategic Leadership
- Ship Maintenance and Security
Certification
- Skipper Restricted Limits Certificate (SRL)
- International Certificate of Competence (ICC)
- Powerboat Level 2 (Feb 2024)
- Offshore Medical Certificate (April 2024)
- Maritime VHF Operator Certificate (Mar 2022)
- Maritime Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Certificate (Feb 2024)
- GPS Certificate(Feb 2024)
- Radar Certificate,(Feb 2024)
- Domestic Maritime Operations (Level 4)
- Fire Safety
- Offshore Medical - Coastal First Aid Certificate
Timeline
Sail GP Global VIP Chase Boat Driver
SailGP
01.2024 - Current
Skipper (In Survey
Happy Gilmore 9 Meter Rayglass Protector
05.2021 - Current
2019 America's Cup Chase Boat Driver
Craig Monk Management
01.2021 - 03.2021
Head of Media and Broadcast
Royal Akarana Yacht Club
10.2019 - 12.2019
MBA, Business Management - Business Management
University of Auckland Business School, Auckland, New Zealand
References
References available upon request.
Membership Details
NSN:148364877
RYA: P21319125
References
References available upon request.
Hobbies
- Diving
- Surfing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Wildlife Protection and Marine Wildlife Initiatives
Membership Details
NSN:148364877
RYA: P21319125
References
References available upon request.
Membership Details
NSN:148364877
RYA: P21319125
References
References available upon request.
Hobbies
- Wake skating
- Diving
- Surfing
- Fishing
- Offshore adventures
- Hiking
- Wildlife Protection and Initiatives
- Protection of NZ Waters and Marine Wildlife
Membership Details
NSN:148364877
RYA: P21319125
References
References available upon request.
Hobbies
- Wake skating
- Diving
- Surfing
- Fishing
- Offshore adventures
- Hiking
- Wildlife Protection and Initiatives
- Protection of NZ Waters and Marine Wildlife
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