Destinations Luncheon 2024

MODERATOR: Kaisa Pace, Charter Manager, Fraser Yachts

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Kaisa spent two years abroad on her family’s sailboat cruising through Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bahamas. After returning to the States to finish her education, Kaisa earned an athletic scholarship to Michigan State University (GO GREEN!). Eager to return to warmer climates, Kaisa moved to Ft. Lauderdale, and it didn’t take long before she was working her way up the ranks onboard motor and sailing yachts. She became a licensed Captain and Sailing Instructor in her twenties and managed a bareboat charter fleet in the Abaco Bahamas before she jumped on an opportunity to work with a leading whale researcher in the Bahamas and Cook Islands studying Humpback and Beaked Whales.

Kaisa started her land-based career at Fraser, training under prominent charter managers; after working with different companies, she returned to Fraser Yachts in January 2023. She has extensive, hands-on experience, in many cruising grounds including the Caribbean and US, with a particular passion for the Bahamas, where her family has had homes since the late 40’s.

Kaisa has been an Acting Member of the IYBA Charter Professional Committee for the past ten years. She also served as Chairman of the Board for the Hope 4 Hopetown, a local initiative of yachting professionals, Nashville songwriters, and local businesses, supporting the Abaco Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian.

Pedro Abdalla, Marina Director Marina Bahia Golfito, Costa Rica

Pedro Abdalla Director of Marina Bahia Golfito, South Pacific of Costa Rica Pedro manages Marina Bahia Golfito, an IGY Destination, located in Golfito, in the South Pacific region of Costa Rica. Has held many Senior Executive positions in the Costa Rica Maritime Government Organizations. Is part of the team developing the Costa Rica Charter Marina Law. Pedro is, since January 2023, member of the board of directors at the Costa Rican Marina´s Association and was notably involved in the design and operation of three of the six marinas in Costa Rica. He has been working at Marina Bahia Golfito for the last 5 years, MBG has hosted close to 240 Superyachts and over 800 yachts in Golfito, Costa Rica.

David Good, CEO Australian International Marine Export Group, Superyacht Australia & Australian Commercial Marine Group

David is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX), Superyacht Australia (SYA) and Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG). David is also a current director of the International Superyacht Society (ISS).

David is a graduate of the Royal Military College Duntroon and served as an Army Infantry Officer on operations. Post military, David was the Manager Operations for the Far North Queensland Ports Corporation based in the Port of Cairns, Australia’s second busiest cruise port and busiest superyacht marina for international visitation.

Since joining AIMEX in July 2018, he has successfully negotiated the Special Recreational Vessel Act 2019 (Charter Laws for Foreign Superyachts) and has worked to strengthen regional cooperation within Asia and the Pacific.

David is married with three young primary school aged boys. He is an active member of his local Returned Services League (RSL) Sub-Branch and holds the role of Treasurer. He is also the founder of Veterans Ocean Therapy, a veteran’s paddle club operating on Pittwater, Sydney.

Phillip Knaggs, Vice President – Investments, Waterloo Investments Holding & Blue Haven Marina in the Turks and Caicos

Philip Knaggs is the Vice President of Waterloo Investments Holding Ltd. and the General Manager of Blue Haven Marina in the Turks and Caicos. Philip is from Trinidad & Tobago, has worked in multiple jurisdictions, and has a background in Foreign Direct Investment.

Monique Webber, Yacht Agent, Founding Member of Superyacht Northwest, Pacific Yacht Management

Monique grew up in Southern California playing on the beaches of Long Beach. In 2016, Monique started working for Pacific Yacht Management (PYM) as a yacht agent and operations manager after 5 years in the RV industry.  From July 2019 to June 2024, Monique was the chair of Superyacht Northwest and has served on the Executive Board of The U.S. Superyacht Association since July 2022.  Monique uses her unique perspective as a yacht agent to help further her knowledge of the recreational maritime industry nationwide.  Monique loves to read, go on road trips with her husband and daughter, has been to 49 of the 50 states, and is serving her second term as president of Jefferson PTA of Everett.

Billy Canellas – Head of Asset Management – NEOM Sindalah Marina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia