The Ripard name has been echoed through Yacht Clubs and Race Regattas around the world. John Ripard Snr. is a decorated veteran in the sailing world, from being an America’s Cup Judge to founding the Rolex Middle Sea Race, his efforts contributed to a vibrant industry on the island.
The soul of RLR Yachting was born on the sea, the passion for sailing is a force to be reckoned with. Once the Ripards and Mr. Larvan got together to start the first chandlery in Malta, the yachting industry could really kick off. Now, we are a leading supplier of equipment for boats, from Optimist and Laser sailors, all the way up to the 200m superyachts that arrive in our Grand Harbour.
OUR TEAM
Christian Ripard
Director
As the son of Paul Ripard; legendary sailor, boat-builder and co-founder of RLR; it was inevitable that sailing would be a way of life for Christian. Starting out in dinghies off the coast of Malta, to windsurfing, breaking records with his brother Pawlu on their Mirror Ten, and coming in at an incredibly close 2nd place on his third Sydney to Hobart race, the list of achievements goes on.
Christian’s experience in the industry and passion for the sport plays a fundamental role in the company, providing the standards of service and contacts that comes with such a deep level of understanding and expertise.
Thomas Ripard
Yacht Agency
Thomas Ripard has been working as a professional sailor for over 10 years. He is the grandson of John Ripard Snr. Co-Founder of RLR Ltd. and the famous Rolex Middle Sea Race. Thomas has years of experience skippering and crewing on yachts around the world from 100 year old William Fife classics to state-of-the-art Grand Prix racing yachts. His love for the sea fuels not only his passion for sailing but also windsurfing and any other sea-related sport.
With his expert knowledge and wealth of experience, Thomas plays a fundamental role in customer relationship management and new business ventures. He also manages the yacht services and agency side of the business.
Darius Goodwin
Management
After moving to Malta from the UK in 1988, Darius instantly fell in love with the sea. He took up windsurfing, wake boarding and sailing, and over the years built up his miles and obtained the relevant tickets and qualifications. In 2003 Darius joined RLR and has since progressed to the forefront of the team, enabling the business to evolve to the established status that it’s at now.
Darius’ family includes his wife, two daughters, their dog and bird. His love for the sea and outdoors remains strong, and he starts most days with a long open-water swim along the Maltese coast.
Julia Ripard
Chandlery
Julia is a keen sailor and swimmer, and has some of her fondest childhood memories at sea. Growing up in Malta, Julia learnt to sail with her peers at the sailing club her father, John Ripard Jnr. founded; the Malta Young Sailor’s Club, and from holidays spent on the family’s Swan 47, Lazy Duck.
Julia is the newest member to join the team, and her role at RLR combines her passion for story-telling and customer relations, as she wears both hats of marketing and sales, within the company.
Kurt Galea
Spare Parts and Servicing
Kurt has been working for RLR for the past 15 years, adding to a total 25 years of industry experience. Being a warranty-certified technician for Volvo Penta and Raymarine, Kurt is a crucial member of the RLR team proving that no problems are too great to solve.
Kurt is married with two young children, loves sports and the outdoors. He’s quick to brighten the mood with his good sense of humour and enjoys eating out with good company.
Kurt Schembri
Spare Parts and Servicing
The second Kurt in the mechanics shop, and the youngest member of our team at 28 years old. Kurt Schembri joined the team in 2018 with ten years of experience in the engineering industry. He’s a classic car enthusiast and loves all motorsports in general proving the passions for engineering and mechanics runs deep.
Like his colleague in the mechanics shop, Kurt is also a warranty-certified technician, and together they make an expert team of capable and experienced professionals.
Ines Psaila
Accounts
Ines has worked with RLR for over 4 years now, and this has been her first working experience in the yachting industry. However, she has been working in accounts for the majority of her career.
While she wouldn’t consider herself an adventurous sailor, Ines used to own a small boat on which she enjoyed cruising along the coast of Malta, and she loves living so close to the sea.
Rebecca Micallef
Administration
When Rebecca joined RLR 18 years ago, she was entering into the marine industry for the first time. She took on this new venture by storm, and has been a fundamental part of the team ever since. Having always loved boats, Rebecca brings personal interest and passion to the work that she does, and considers RLR as a second home, and its members as family.
Rebecca is married and has a son, whom she enjoys spending her free time with, along with other family members and friends. She loves gardening, the outdoors and animals, and has two cats of her own.