Captain's training day with a difference.
Beyond the Helm is an exciting training and networking day designed for captains of 24m+ yachts operating at the top of their field. Hosted by Brown's International Yachts, with training led by Who Dares Group, the day focuses on topics imperative to being a well-equipped captain in a modern world: security and anti-piracy, leadership under pressure, and personal resilience training.
The event takes place on Friday 27th March in Calanova, Mallorca.
Additionally, you are invited to an (optional) 5K run with a Cocos Deli healthy breakfast smoothie to kick the day off, followed by a networking lunch at Brunos' and celebration sunset rooftop drinks Can Blanc!
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We understand that being a great yacht captain today, demands far more than technical skill.
It requires decision-making under pressure, leadership in high-risk environments, and the ability to set the standard for an entire crew. This is exactly what Beyond the Helm training day is about.
With training led by Who Dares Group, founded by UK Maritime Special Forces veterans, the day introduces highly specialised training that goes beyond standard crew programmes, with a focus on security, leadership and resilience under pressure.
The result is an engaging, intelligence-led experience that sharpens leadership mindset, operational awareness and practical tools captains can apply immediately onboard.
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Leadership Under Pressure
A focused session on command presence, decision-making, crew management, and maintaining standards onboard. Using real operational methods from UK Special Forces, we explore how elite teams align under pressure, challenge poor behaviours, and set a culture that elevates safety and performance. The aim is to give Captain’s tools that they can use immediately onboard.
Security, Risk Awareness & Anti-Piracy
A practical and scenario-led briefing on current global maritime threats, suspicious behaviour indicators, layered security principles, and rapid crew response. Captains learn how to strengthen onboard readiness, tighten SOPs, and make confident decisions when facing uncertainty or hostile acts.
Resilience & Personal Performance
Beginning with a keynote from one of our Special Forces Instructors, this session provides a holistic look at maintaining personal resilience as a leader responsible for vessel, crew, and guests. Covering stress management, sleep, burnout prevention, and cognitive performance, this session gives captains actionable routines and frameworks used inside Special Forces units to sustain energy and clarity across long seasons.
Meet Your Instructors:
WHO DARES GROUP
Founded by UK Maritime Special Forces veterans, Who Dares Group provides highly specialised, advanced training for corporate and superyacht crews, focusing on professional standards, conduct, and security awareness. They are also an official training provider for Le Belle Classe Academy at the Yacht Club de Monaco.
The training is designed to be an intro to address gaps not covered by standard crew training programmes, with emphasis on areas such as discretion, judgement, and operational readiness.
LEO WALKER
CEO & FOUNDER
Leo Walker is the founder and CEO of Who Dares Group. A 20-year veteran of distinguished military service, including 15 years within UK Special Forces following service in the Royal Marines, Leo brings exceptional operational leadership experience to both military and civilian environments.
He has led high-pressure operations worldwide and applies the principles of elite leadership, resilience, and decision-making under stress to the training of Superyacht Crews, blue-chip corporates, senior leadership teams, and high-performing organisations.
MIKE
INSTRUCTOR
Mike brings over 30 years of martial arts experience, alongside 7 years training operatives within military and Home Office contexts.
He delivers combatives and security training grounded in operational realism, with a strong focus on decision-making, control, and performance under pressure.
Mike’s depth of experience and disciplined approach make him a key member of the Who Dares Group instructional team.
VANESSA
INSTRUCTOR
Vanessa is a world-leading expert in urban combatives, situational awareness, and personal protection. She designs and delivers high-impact, scenario-based training for both civilian and military environments, including work supporting UK defence and Home Office–related programmes.
As a team lead within Who Dares Group, Vanessa oversees situational awareness and personal protection training, ensuring all programmes are practical, realistic, and immediately applicable.
Accredited under Rick Faye and Ajarn Chai Sirisute, her instruction sets the benchmark for modern urban combatives.
Agenda: Friday 27th March, Calanova
Please note this is a complimentary event, but with a pre-registration criteria. We will be able to confirm attendance after pre-registration. Anyone who turns up on the day without prior-confirmation from Brown's International Yachts will not be able to take part in the day.
07:40
- 10:00
Optional 5k Run
Wake up the right way, with an optional 5k run, meet your colleagues for the day and enjoy a delicious breakfast smoothie supplied by Cocos Deli! Shower facilities are available at the port.
10:00
- 13:00
First Training Session
We start the official training at 10am focusing on leadership, personal protection and resilience.
13:00
- 14:30
Networking Lunch
Time to replenish with a delicious lunch at Brunos.
14:30
-16:30
Second Training Session
We return to training with situational awareness, security & anti-piracy, and leadership under pressure.
16:30
- 18:00
Celebration Drinks!
Time to enjoy a few celebration cañas on the rooftop bar of Can Blanc!
Is This Event For You?
This is a very specific event for captains of vessels 24m+ who are looking to learn new skills and participate in activities throughout the day from seminars to practical & physical elements!
You want to improve your leadership skills be the best captain for your team and your self
You want to learn from professionals that have been in extreamly high pressure enviroments
You are a captain for a yacht 24m+ and are open to learn additional skills to compliment your technical skills
You want to open to learning ways to cope with physical and mental challenges
Register Your Interest Now!
If you would like to attend this unique training & networking day please fill in the form below!
Places are complimentary and limited. The event is for captains of yachts 24m+ due to the training content and discussions being designed around these operational environments.
We will contact you if your place has been confirmed.
IMPORTANT: Please note this is a complimentary event, but with a pre-registration criteria and for captains of 24m+ yachts. We will be able to confirm attendance after pre-registration. Anyone who turns up on the day without prior-confirmation from Brown's International Yachts will not be able to take part in the day.
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IN PROUD PARTNERSHIP WITH
U-Crew
The Ultimate Crew App
The U-Crew App connects maritime and aviation professionals in one vibrant digital ecosystem where work, wellbeing, and community meet.
For Yacht Captains, U-Crew aids recruitment by providing insights that go beyond a traditional CV. The platform builds a behavioural profile of each crew member through their activity, networking, and engagement within the U-Crew community.
Life on board requires the right personalities as much as the right skills. By combining verified credentials with behavioural insight, U-Crew helps captains and senior crew make more confident hiring decisions for teams that must live and work closely together for extended periods on board.
U-Crew. Come for the jobs. Stay for the community.
Port Calanova
Full-service port based in Mallorca and Brown's International Yachts HQ
Port Calanova is a modern, full-service marina located just minutes from the centre of Palma. Known for its professional infrastructure and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, it caters to yachts and sailing professionals alike.
The marina offers high-quality berths, technical services, hotel facilities and more! With a strong sailing heritage and vibrant community, it is a key hub for both cruising and racing in the Balearics. An ideal base combining accessibility, expertise and lifestyle.
Pantaenius
Yacht Insurance
Pantaenius is a leading specialist marine insurance broker with decades of experience in the superyacht industry. Renowned for its deep technical knowledge and yacht-focused policies, Pantaenius provides tailored insurance solutions for owners, captains and managers worldwide.
Their in-house claims handling and 24/7 support set them apart in complex situations. Trusted across the industry for reliability, expertise and long-term relationships. A benchmark name in yacht insurance.
Oceanskies
Yacht Registration and Crew Employment Services
Oceanskies is a specialist provider of yacht registration, flag state and crew employment solutions for the superyacht industry. They support owners, captains and managers with compliant, efficient and practical structures across leading jurisdictions. Known for their hands-on expertise and clear guidance, Oceanskies simplifies complex regulatory and employment matters. Their approach combines technical knowledge with real-world understanding of yacht operations. A trusted partner focused on compliance, clarity and long-term support.
Cocos Deli
Healthy deli and catering based in Portals Nous and Palma
Cocos Deli is based in Portals Nous and Palma and focuses on healthy breakfasts and lunches to eat in their stylish café or to go! They also offer catering for events, yachts or for wherever you need.
They only use the freshest ingredients to create their delicious and healthy dishes and smoothies. Their recipes are crafted with love and passion, and have proudly been doing it since 2016!
Restaurante Bruno
Restaurant in Port Calanova
In the heart of Calanova Port, Restaurante Bruno welcomes you to a unique gastronomic experience, where quality Mediterranean cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere blend seamlessly in an incomparable setting. Facing the marina, with a prime view of the yachts on the ground floor of the port, Brunos invites you to enjoy fresh, flavorful cuisine without interruption into the evening.
Après Provence
Brown's International Yachts rosè of choice
Après is rosé that flows. Crafted at Château des Bertrands, this blend of Grenache Noir, Cinsault, and Syrah delivers a bright, fruit-first hit, finishing with a crisp minerality that keeps the moment going.
We love a glass while onboard basking in the sun on a summers day, relaxing back in port watching the sunset and even in the winter months on the snow! There is always time for an Après moment...
Can Blanc
Roof-top bar and resturant in Port Calanova
With its relaxed and friendly atmosphere, it's the perfect place to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner. At Can Blanc offers a wide variety of culinary options, from tapas to salads, to delicious dishes such as ribs, ravioli or hamburgers.
Based on the rooftop of Calanova Port they have the perfect view to start the day with a coffee or watch the sunset with a cocktail and dinner.
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