Andrew Law – Captain

Born on the east coast of Australia, Andrew began sailing at a young age, and through the years has raced and sailed around much of the Australian coast as well as most of the oceans of the world.

After completing a 5 year circumnavigation on his families 53 ft steel ketch “Kittiwake”, Andrew has pursued a commercial career in yachting. During the last 14 years Andrew has captained a number of motor and sailing yachts, chartering in, and exploring all the major oceans of the globe. Andrew brings his wide experience to the fine charter vessel “Touch” and is looking forward to the upcoming seasons working with the current, longstanding, happy and professional crew of the yacht.

The ocean has not only provided Andrew with a challenging career, it has also provided and instilled in him a love of other aquatic pursuits including diving, fishing and surfing.  When he feels the need for some solid ground under his feet, a game of golf or some leisurely mountain biking provide welcome diversions from the “Big Blue”.

Tim Lorigan- First Mate

Tim is the first mate onboard Touch and is from New Zealand, Tim holds his master of yachts 200gt. Prior to the marine industry Tim was in the agricultural industry from mustering sheep and cattle in the high country to trading livestock in international markets. Tim’s other interests are rugby, fishing, travelling and all water sports. Tim having grown up in and around the water has a lot of experience to add to your vacation including fishing, water skiing, wakeboarding, snorkeling and kayaking amongst others. Tim has worked on many high profile boats cruising extensively in both the Caribbean and Mediterranean and now brings his skills to provide you with an exciting, fun and safe time while you are onboard.

Nick Kitney – Engineer

Nick, is the Engineer onboard ‘Touch’, growing up in New Zealand, and in the Pacific, he grew up around the Marine Industry, after having completing an Engineering Degree in Automation. He then moved into Marine Engineering servicing Super Yachts in New Zealand. Having a family background in the Marine Industry, Nick moved into being crew onboard yachts, and has been so for the past five years, cruising world-wide. Nick’s other interests involve music, playing guitar, along with an interest in sports particularly Rugby, Sailing and Cricket. Nick is here to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable stay onboard.     

Lauren Steyn – Chief Stewardess

Lauren, from South Africa is the Chief Stewardess aboard Touch. Lauren started in hospitality working in restaurants from the age of 15, after school Lauren studied International Hotel management. She then joined the Cruise liners which cruised the Caribbean and all the way to Alaska. Lauren then travelled around the UK and started working for a charity for mentally disabled teenagers. Lauren then discovered Yachting, working on a range of motor yachts ranging in size from 30 m to 50 m cruising the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Lauren is here to make your stay on Touch a great experience, from providing cocktails in the Jacuzzi, fine dining in the Salon, to picnics on the beach. Lauren’s unique level of personal service will satisfy the most demanding of guests!

Ben Dineen – Chef

Ben, hailing from Ireland will be your personal chef aboard “Touch”. Having always held a passion for food, Ben began cooking professionally at the age of 16. After falling in love with the excitement, flair and creativity in the kitchen, he embarked on an apprenticeship through Dublin’s critically acclaimed, Michelin starred Restaurant L’Ecrivain.

Out of sheer chance, Ben fell into the yachting industry in the south of France, and adored the access to fresh local ingrediants, travel, and the food culture of the Mediterranian. Ben then went on to work in Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Tokyo as Chef de Partie before joining M/Y Touch.

Using only the best available produce, Ben strives to make your stay a gastronomic experience to remember. His specialties are Modern European, Classical French, and Fusion.

Rene is the second stewardess on board M/Y Touch and originates from South Africa. Rene has a Science degree in Zoology, and previous to entering the yachting industry, spent 5 years in London where she taught Biology to High school pupils, and then taught as a Primary school teacher. Rene has a passion for travelling and people, so in finding the super yacht industry she is able to combine both. Rene has been in yachting for three years and has worked on two other high profile charter yachts. She looks forward to making “Touch” a wonderful experience for all guests in her role as Stewardess onboard.

 Kate – 3^rd Stewardess

Kate holds the 3^rd stewardess position onboard ‘Touch’. Originally born in Perth, she spent much time traveling the west coast of Australia and then carried on to work in the field of hospitality.

Kate has journeyed throughout New Zealand, United Kingdom and Europe and thrives on meeting new people and experiencing different cultures.  While traveling Kate began to further her career in hospitality, she was employed by a high profile restaurant and here she gained extensive knowledge in fine dining and wines. She then moved on and progressed to running her own busy London restaurant. 

You will find Kate is professional, attentive, warm and welcoming.

In her spare time Kate has a keen interest in snorkeling, boating, surfing and scuba diving.

James Woods – Deckhand

James is the Deckhand aboard M/Y TOUCH and hails from Melbourne, Australia. He has been in yachting for three years now, and has recently gained his Master of Yachts 200gts. After graduating with degrees in economics and history, James traveled and worked in a variety of jobs around the world before discovering yachting, work that included filming a movie in Kenya and performing on stage at the Edinburgh festival. He loves being on the water and will very gladly take you water skiing, wake boarding or simply sight-seeing. He is also a certified diver. James hopes to make your stay aboard Touch completely relaxing, comfortable and above all, fun!