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.
SUE GRAY
Accounts
Sue joined our team in 2018 and provides book keeping, accounts and office management to our team.
NICK MORGANS
Chandlery Sales Manager/Boat 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.
SIMON CROWDER
Chief Marine Engineer
Simon Crowder joined us in 2010 and is a great asset to our team. He heads
the Engineering Team and specialises in a wide variety of inboard and
Outboard Engines. If it doesn’t run, he can fix it! He also drives the crane
and provides back up to the Boat Yard Team.
MARTIN DENNISON
Boat Yard Technician
Martin Dennison returned to our Boat Yard Team in 2015 having previously worked for us
and brings with him great experience in all types of sailing and power boat repairs. He heads the Boat Yard Team and undertakes all types of boat yard work, craning, polishing, repairing, antifouling, boat handling and maintenance with knowledge and expertise.
NEIL CROWDER
OB Sailing Tuition & Charter
Neil Crowder runs OB Sailing School & Charter business from our
jetties. He provides sailing tuition to RYA standard and offers a
variety of bareboat charter options.
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.
STUART GREENWOOD
Marine Engineer
Stuart joined us in 2022 and he has quickly become a great team
member and asset to the Engineering team. He specialises
in Outboard Engine repairs.
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.
STEVE WATSON
Boat Yard Technician
Steve joined us in 2022 having previously been a boat owner and client
of Maiden. He has quickly brought his skills to the Boat Yard Team.
His roles include boat handling, cleaning, polishing, antifouling,
repairing and maintenance.
IAN FRITH
Boat Yard Technician
Ian joined Maiden in 2020, but he previously worked in this building when
it was Robson in Lakeland and has worked on Windermere for 40 years.
He has extensive Lake knowledge and vast experience in all aspects of
repairing and maintaining boats.
OLIVIA WILSON
Apprentice Bookeeper & Accounts
Olivia joined us in 2020 and works alongside Sue in the Account Department
whilst also doing her AAT exams at college.
KEITH MORGANS
Manager
Keith has worked alongside us as a Marine Surveyor, for many years and he joined our team in 2022 to run our Whitehaven Branch, which he does on a part time basis. He has an extensive wealth of knowledge about the Marine industry and can assist with selling your boat on brokerage, or help you to find a new one. He also oversees our well stocked Chandlery in Whitehaven. He is based in the office four days a week and available through our contact us page.