Chris Barrows 

Chris is a skilled and experienced Master Mariner, holds an honours degree in management and has spent over 22 years at sea, logging hundreds of thousands of miles, worldwide. Having risen through the ranks he was responsible for ensuring the safety and smooth operation of some of the world’s largest and preeminent private yachts.

Chris’ passion for yachting began at a young age, growing up sailing on his father’s boats and racing dinghies at school. After passing the Admiralty Interview Board for Officer entry into the Royal Navy, he opted instead for life in the Merchant Navy and began working at sea on cruise ships.

Seconded to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary shortly before qualifying, his ship was put on standby to deploy to the Middle East at the start of the second Gulf War. Launching his career into super yachts in 2005, Chris joined the 95m Oceanco, Al Mirqab as Second Officer. He went on to obtain his Chief Officer’s licence and sailed as Safety Officer in Antarctica, on the polar expedition ship Explorer, honing his ice navigation skills, before later joining the Yachts of Seabourn as Navigating Officer.

Relocating to the beautiful Sultanate of Oman in 2007 and gaining his captain’s licence in 2011, Chris spent nearly 15 years sailing as Chief Officer onboard the 155m Royal Yacht Al Said and the 164m Fulk Al Salamah. He has a proven track record of success in leading and managing superyacht operations and large crews, ensuring that the very highest standards were maintained. Chris also brings extensive refit experience from yards in North America, Asia and Europe, helping to deliver complex projects on time and within budget.

Returning home to the UK in 2022 along with his wife and three children, Chris spent 8 months as a Marine Pilot, enhancing his ship handling skills on the busy Thames Estuary and Rivers Medway and Swale, piloting a wide variety of commercial ships from a vintage paddle steamer up to modern 300m+ deep-drafted LNG tankers.

In addition to his comprehensive maritime experience, Chris served with distinction as a volunteer Police Officer in Southampton for nearly 10 years, earning a long service and good conduct medal and a commendation for the arrest of a prolific burglar.

Outside of work, Chris maintains an active interest in property investment and enjoys sailing, travel, padel, skiing, and spending quality time with his family. With his wealth of knowledge, fastidious attention to detail and decades of experience at sea, Chris is delighted to be part of the TWW Yacht Management team and is committed to providing his
clients with a superlative level of service.