Last night (May 12) saw the London branch of Young Professionals in Yachting celebrate its first anniversary at the capital's Royal Ocean Racing Club. Sponsored by Boat International, the event saw people under the age of 40 from all areas of the industry come together to network, socialise and share their expertise.

From left to right: YPY London board members treasurer Charles Stephenson, president Risa Merl, sponsorship director Krystyna Ledochowska, events director Lucy Oliver, vice president James Carroll and membership director Aline Serret

Young London-based yacht designers were particularly well represented at the event. As part of its commitment to nurturing yachting's next generation Boat International has offered designers who joined YPY a series of exclusive benefits, for example, special rates on tickets for the Superyacht Design Symposium.

From left to right: Daniel Dalmau, Felix de Navacelle ( Philippe Briand Design), _Mahdi Shirzadkhan (Vitruvius Yachts/Philippe Briand Design) _, Sam Curson (Winch Design), James Russell (Winch Design), Andy Waugh (Andy Waugh Design), Rob Armstrong (Thirty C Design), Jim Sluijter (Winch Design), Ben Hills ( Bannenberg & Rowell), previous Young Designer of the Year award winner Raphael Laloux (Philippe Briand Design), Mark Norton Menendez (Marc Newson), and Aran Bas (Aran Bas Design)

Young Professionals in Yachting also has locations in Monaco and Florida. The London branch was founded in 2015 in response to a growth in the capital's yachting industry and has since become a hub for young people from all areas to share their ideas and knowledge.

Pictured: Chris Gregory (Burgess)

In accordance with its aim to bring people together and promote growth and learning within the industry, over the past year YPY has offered members a series of talks from high profile speakers including Andrew Winch, John Leonida and the Blue Marine Foundation.

Pictured: Guests enjoy the event

YPY currently has approximately 200 members globally from high profile yachting businesses including Camper & Nicholsons, Boat International Media, Winch Design, Burgess, Clyde & Co, RWD and more.

Pictured: Sam Curson (Winch Design Aviation)