2026 AYCA Seminar

Moderator Emily Mack

Current President of AYCA and Charter Broker at Luxury Charter Group Ltd, Emily has over 20 years charter brokerage experience. She has a great appreciation of the amazing leadership that has come before her throughout AYCA’s history –and hopes to (almost) fill those shoes.

Albania & Montenegro: Luxury Adriatic Pre & Post Charter Experiences
Rade Bogavac - Travel Twitch

RADE BOGAVAC the founder and CEO of Travel Twitch, a Montenegro-based travel company. He is an experienced travel guide, narrator, and historian. Rade is a member of the Tourist Guide Association of Montenegro, where he oversees and executes large events. He was a dedicated project manager for incentive trips to Montenegro with InTours DMC agency, where he organized and executed large scale events for guests. With a decade of experience in various travel sectors, Rade is the expert to reach out to for various vacation needs. Rade recently relocated to Boston, where he runs his tourism business.

Montenegro: Land & Sea, captures Montenegro's enticing features and puts you in the middle of the action. With the recent development of luxury nautical settlements, Montenegro is putting itself on the map as the rising star of the Mediterranean. Montenegro is the country for you for its coastal capacities, marinas, hotels, and shore itineraries. For the outdoor enthusiast, attractions include national parks, rivers, lakes, and of course, the Adriatic Sea. Adventure seekers come to explore the caves, river rafting, and ATV tours. The unique sense of the old-world charm can be found in remote villages, rural areas, and the quiet hills.

Value Added - Customized shoreside and cultural experiences for your Italian Itinerary
Marsha Yachting

Based in the strategic maritime hub of Naples, with over 25 years of experience, Marsha Yachting is a premier reference point for owners, captains and management companies crossing the Mediterranean. We are specialized in providing comprehensive support both at sea and ashore, ensuring a seamless experience for every vessel and clients we attend.

Our core strength lies in a deep-rooted knowledge of the Mediterranean’s most prestigious destinations. We provide unrivaled assistance throughout the region: from the glamour of Capri, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, to the historic charm of Naples, Pozzuoli and the islands of Ischia and Ponza.

Beyond our local expertise, we extend our operational reach throughout the entire Mediterranean and Europe through our trusted partners network.

Our team is at your disposal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to please any request whether shore based or onboard.

JC Merlo, CPCU, ARM SVP of Partnerships, GIA Insurance Programs

GIA Insurance Programs is a San Antonio and Austin-based MGA licensed in all 50 states, focused on building tailored insurance solutions for specialty industries. For AYCA members, GIA developed a custom-built Charterers Legal Liability quoting platform that allows brokers to generate CLL quotes instantly online, eliminating the back-and-forth that traditionally slows down charter bookings. The platform was designed specifically around the workflow of charter professionals, so quotes can be issued in minutes rather than days. You, as the broker, can quote for your clients or simply send them the link and they can get an immediate quote themselves. JC leads partnership development at GIA, with a focus on embedding insurance products directly into the platforms and workflows that brokers, operators, and clients already use. He holds the CPCU and ARM designations and works closely with AYCA members to make charter liability coverage faster, simpler, and more accessible.

Inside Charter Compliance - Contracts, Clearance and Operations

John Bromley - Holbrook & Murphy
Joseph Dargavage - US Superyacht Association

John Bromley

John J. Bromley is a Proctor in Admiralty and concentrates his practice in all areas of maritime law, including marine casualties, personal injury, collisions/allisions, Limitation of Liability Act claims, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act claims, maritime commercial transactions and foreclosures, defense against vessel arrest, and Defense Base Act claims. He also handles cases involving subrogation, general insurance defense, product liability, large loss fire cases, and commercial litigation.

John is an Adjunct Professor at Suffolk University Law School where he teaches Admiralty & Maritime Law and coaches oral advocacy for the Admiralty Moot Court team for the Annual Judge John R. Brown Admiralty Moot Court Competition. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served in support of various naval missions during the first Gulf War.

John obtained an Associate’s Degree in Journalism from Broward Community College and an Undergraduate Degree in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College where he was admitted into the Gold Key Honor Society. John earned his law degree from Suffolk University Law School in Boston with a concentration in International Law.

Joe Dargavage

Joe is the Founder and Partner of United Island and Yacht in Fort Lauderdale, whom along with its sister company in Nassau, United Shipping, forms one of the top yacht agency organizations in our region. UIY / United Shipping is the largest Yacht Agency in both Florida and the Bahamas, and their dedicated team is responsible for agency and shore side support to the Super Yachts that visit our region. UIY has offices in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Savannah, Nassau Bahamas, and San Juan Puerto Rico.

In addition, Joe spent the last twelve years as a Partner at the iconic Romora Bay Resort & Marina, the premier marina destination in Harbour Island, Bahamas. With its superyacht marina and top-rated resort, Romora caters to vessels up to 190 feet, and has become a top charter destination in the Bahamas
Joe is currently the Chairman of the Board of the United States Super Yacht Association (USSA), with its mission and goal to drive business to our US boatyards and marinas by bringing more yachts to US shores each year and by showcasing refit in America.

Carlos Núñez - CEO & Founder, Kontiki Expeditions

Carlos Núñez is a private investor and entrepreneur, and the CEO & Founder of Kontiki Expeditions, a boutique yachting concept redefining experiential travel in Central America.

Founded in 2022, Kontiki operates a luxury expedition yacht in Costa Rica and Panama, offering highly curated journeys for small groups and private charters. The concept blends nature, culture, and a strong sense of place, with a focus on meaningful connection, personalized service, and seamless onboard experiences.

Under his leadership, Kontiki has quickly positioned itself within the high-end travel space, attracting an international clientele seeking intimate, off-the-beaten-path experiences that go beyond traditional cruising.

Carlos began his career in the tuna fishing and processing industry, developing deep operational and commercial expertise, before transitioning into travel with a long-term vision centered on sustainability, authenticity, and the evolution of boutique yachting.

About Kontiki Expeditions:

Kontiki Expeditions is a boutique expedition yacht company operating in Costa Rica and Panama, offering immersive small-ship journeys focused on nature, culture, wellness, and adventure.

With a maximum capacity of only 18 guests, our itineraries explore remote destinations such as Golfo Dulce, the Osa Peninsula, Coiba National Park, and the Gulf of Chiriquí, combining personalized service with authentic local experiences and regenerative tourism principles.

Joined by the following for Round Table Discussions

ADAM EDELMAN – NISI
Adam Edelman is the founder and winemaker of Nisi, a small-lot Chardonnay and Pinot Noir brand sourcing exclusively from the Sta. Rita Hills. He began his career at Aubert Wines and Realm Cellars before building Nisi independently from the ground up in 2024.

Nisi works with organically farmed vineyard sites and is guided by a deliberate minimalist approach in the cellar. The wines are poured in Michelin-starred dining rooms across California and exported to select markets in Asia and Europe.

The Preservation Society of Newport County is a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect, preserve, and present an exceptional collection of house museums and landscapes in one of the most historically intact cities in America.

Our 11 historic properties and landscapes – seven of which are National Historic Landmarks – trace America’s architectural and social development from the Colonial era through the Gilded Age. In keeping with its mission, the Society strives to offer its members and the public a comprehensive view of each property’s architecture, interiors, landscapes and social history.

CITIZENS BANK

Lauren M. Tundis

Lauren M. Tundis is a Vice President, Business Banking Relationship Manager at Citizens, where she has spent the past 7 years building strong client relationships and delivering strategic financial solutions. She brings over 13 years of experience in business banking and payments and is recognized for her consultative, relationship-focused approach. Lauren excels as a trusted advisor, guiding clients through complex financial decisions while taking the time to understand their unique goals and challenges. Her commitment to long-term partnerships positions her as a reliable and strategic resource for her clients.  Supported by a team of specialists, Lauren delivers tailored solutions that enhance cash flow and mitigate risk. Her expertise extends to international and domestic payments, fraud protection, and comprehensive business banking services. In addition, she serves as a commercial lender, helping clients access the capital necessary for growth. With a deep understanding of foreign exchange and cash management, Lauren is dedicated to empowering her clients to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Patrick Gwynne is a Director on the Global Markets Foreign Exchange team at Citizens Bank, based in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 27 years of experience in foreign exchange and capital markets, he specializes in advising business banking clients on cross-border payments and navigating the complexities of the global economy. Patrick works closely with companies across the Citizens footprint to develop effective foreign exchange strategies that enhance competitiveness and manage risk. Known for his deep market expertise and client-first approach, he is widely regarded as a trusted advisor for all foreign exchange needs. He began his career in 1995 with Fleet Bank and joined Citizens in 2001, where he has held a number of roles across the foreign exchange business. Patrick is also a frequent presenter at industry events and leads training initiatives for business banking professionals within Citizens. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Boston University.

James Nadeau is a Business Banking Market Manager and Vice President at Citizens Bank, bringing over 16 years of industry experience to his role. He leads a high-performing team of seven Relationship Managers serving clients across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, with a focus on helping businesses grow through strategic financial guidance and strong local partnerships. Known for his client-first approach and commitment to building lasting relationships, James is passionate about supporting business owners through every stage of their journey. His leadership emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and delivering meaningful results for both clients and his team. Outside of work, James enjoys spending time with his wife, three children, and their puppy, exploring the rich beauty and history of New England.

Ryan Kur, Foreign Exchange Specialist, Citizens Bank. With nearly two decades of experience in the banking industry, Ryan Kur is a seasoned FX specialist at Citizens Bank. His deep expertise in foreign exchange services allows him to partner with businesses to unlock opportunities through comprehensive FX solutions. Ryan seamlessly integrates FX strategies into financial plans, empowering clients to confidently navigate international markets, optimize currency transactions, and mitigate risks associated with foreign exchange fluctuations. Ryan has a proven track record of tailoring FX solutions to meet the unique needs of the maritime industry, particularly yacht charter businesses. His approach not only enhances client value but also positions him as a trusted advisor, fostering deeper relationships and driving growth.