Remembering Mark Drewelow
Caroline Blatter
It was with a heavy heart that the yachting world received the heartbreaking news on the 1st March 2025, that highly respected Mark Drewelow suddenly passed away, surrounded by his loved ones. Our heartfelt thoughts and love go out to you Cristina, your daughters and the Drewelow Family.
Mark was a friend and mentor to many, a beacon of light and the yacht industry's moral compass: the visionary founder of YachtAid Global, and through his leadership created a movement that changed countless lives around the world. A hugely experienced and well travelled yacht Captain, Mark started his own highly respected and successful yacht agency, C2C in San Diego in 2003, and was recognised as the west coast expert regarding superyacht operational issues and yacht support whilst cruising the Eastern North Pacific waters.
As a captain, visiting more than 70 countries along his 2-decade circumnavigation of the world, accumulating over 250,000 nautical miles at sea, Mark built a bridge between the luxury of yachting and the essential duty of service. He saw not just the destinations, but the people, not just the marinas, but the villages beyond them. And with the unwavering belief that yachts could be vessels of hope — he founded YachtAid Global in 2006, forever changing the course of lives across the world. His legacy and love will build communities for years to come.
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi
With the aim of bringing collaborative humanitarian, disaster relief, and conservation programs across global coastal regions, through YachtAid Global Mark enabled philanthropic yacht owners and the yachting community to contribute to the world around them and make a lasting positive impact. His work saved numerous lives in the far and near corners of the globe, brought hope, alleviated suffering, and made this planet a better place for many...
Mark was an avid Body Surfer, as an athlete, he was known as the “flying squirrel” for his wave-riding style and ability to glide effortlessly across the face of powerful swells. Beyond his impressive competition record, Mark had become a respected figure in the bodysurfing community, advocating for the sport’s recognition and inspiring the next generation of wave riders. His innovative techniques, blending classic bodysurfing manoeuvers with fluid, high-speed transitions, have redefined what is possible without a board. He recently was named head coach of Team USA for the upcoming IBSA Bodysurfing World Tour Championships in Australia.
"Although as an organisation, we are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend, we find solace in being able to continue the work that Mark loved doing so much too. With over 300 yachts and thousands of crew participating over the years, the vision and mission for the global yachting community to care continues.
In Pictures
