Our Crew
KAREN SCHWERDT
Managing Director
Karen Schwerdt has over thirty years of experience in
the Marine industry, mostly with the Beneteau brand. She started work
with the former Beneteau Dealer on the Lake in the mid-eighties and
apart from a four-year stint working in the Chandlery for a local Power
Boat Dealer, she has concentrated on the Sailing side of the industry.
She progressed from Chandlery Manager to Sales Manager and then when the
opportunity arose in 1997 to form Maiden Marine, she did so, taking on
the role of Managing Director.
JIM SCHWERDT
Director
Jim Schwerdt brings with him a wealth of Industry
knowledge. Formerly Managing Director of Melges Race Boats in the UK, he
has travelled extensively, racing all types of craft, including doing
the “Whitbread” in ‘89/90. His professional connections with North
Sails, has brought Maiden the agency for the World’s leading sailmakers.
He concentrates on Managing the Boat Yard schedule, New Boat Sales,
Warranty and Aftersales back up and running the Sail and Canopy loft.
JOHN ETTRIDGE
Director
John Ettridge, (Karen’s brother and a founder member of
the Maiden Marine team) is the Boat Yard Foreman and is a time served
Boat Builder. He has twenty five years of experience in GRP repairs and
just about anything to do with maintaining your yacht.
He organises the day to day running of the Boat Yard repair facility and
is an essential part of the full back up service Maiden provides.
CHRIS CIANCHI
Brokerage Sales Manager
Chris Cianchi joined the Maiden Brokerage department in
February 2016. He had previously been working part-time with Lin in the
Sail/Cover loft. A boat owner himself, his main expertise is in Management Training but
he is putting his sailing and lake knowledge to good use in the
Brokerage Department.
NICK MORGANS
Retail Manager / Boat & Engine Sales
Nick Morgans started working in Maiden’s busy Chandlery
shop in March 2016. As well as his previous chandlery shop experience,
he is a Dinghy Sailing Instructor, along with being a coach for both
Paddle Boarding and Kayaking. So you are just as likely to see him on
the water as in our shop!
LIN GREGORY
Designer & Machinist in Sail Loft
The Canvas, Canopy and Sail Loft work is all carried out by Lin Gregory.
She is incredible at designing and building custom built covers. She
has extensive machining experience and can produce all types of
covers/canvas work for both sail and power boats. She also produces new
upholstery for inside & outside and carries out Sail valeting and
repairs.
CHARLIE TURNER
Marine Engineer
Charlie joined us in 2019 when we took over the Marina Boat Yard.
He is a great asset to the engineering team and has a wide
knowledge of both inboard and outboard engines.
MATT DENNISON
Boat Yard Technician
Matt joined us in 2019, he is brother to Martin and a great team member!
He also undertakes a wide variety of Boat Yard work. Everything
from polishing, antifouling, crane operator, boat handling, repairing
and maintenance.