To Whom It May Concern
I am writing this reference for David Rutherford, whom I have had the pleasure of working with as captain of MY Shirley Anne. I worked with David as the Group Human Resources Manager of LFG Which incorporated MY Shirley for twelve years. and during that time, he has proven to be an exceptional captain.
David is an experienced and highly skilled professional who has a deep understanding of every aspect of yacht operation, including navigation. safety procedures, maintenance, and guest services. He has an excellent track record of managing all aspects of yacht operation, ensuring the vessel is in top condition and that the family and guests have an unforgettable experience. David has demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities and has the ability to manage a team of crew members effectively. He is highly organised, with a keen eye for detail and always ensures that all safety and regulatory requirements are met.
David is also a great communicator, with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong relationships. David is highly regarded by the owners of M/Y Shirley Anne. David oversaw many shipyard periods, including a complex extension of the yacht. All of this was managed with the utmost professionalism and dedication with shipyard periods successfully running on time and to budget. He is a quick thinker and problem solver, able to handle the situation with calmness and confidence.
I would highly recommend David for any position in the yachting industry. He would be a valuable asset to any yacht operation
Please do not hesitate to contact me it you require any further information. My contact details are +61 2 421 995 570.
Your sincerely
Sarah Duncan - Group Human Resources Manager - LFG Global Services
References
To whom it may concern,
Reference for David Rutherford – Captain MY Shirley Anne
Late in 2018, I was asked by Captain David Rutherford and his Owner to oversee an extensive Refit of their Classic Family Motor Yacht (MY Shirley Anne) that was originally built for the Owners Family in Australia some 35 years ago. The task set by the Owners was to refit her to her former glory without changing her style and feel of the original design of the Motor Yacht. One of the major tasks was to design and integrate a new overhanging swim platform into transom of the vessel without anyone realising anything had been added or changed on the vessel, this was achieved very successfully, and the Owners are delighted with the complete refit. As I was generally based in Auckland over the refit year, running another new build, the refit of Shirley Anne was assigned to both David and I to manage the complete job. This included choosing a site and contracting the works out to various companies and contractors and we did this together
We completed the refit very well, with David being based on vessel and at the yard in the Gold Coast for the complete refit period. David coordinated all the works and trades on site and he did a fantastic job of all aspects of that. David had a full understanding of the Owners requirements for the refit, including the way they like the vessel to be operated day to day and what their ultimate goals were. David was a fantastic asset to the project, and I thoroughly enjoyed working with him and hope to one day again soon. He was a pleasure to work with and is a true professional in his industry.
I would recommend David highly for any position he might to be considering and I wish him all the luck in the future goals.
David McQueen – International Marine Consultant and Owner's Representative
21/12/202
LETTER OF REFERENCE - Captain David Rutherford
MY "Shirley Anne" has been berthed at the Sydney Superyacht Marina since 2008. Since I commenced at the Sydney Superyacht Marina in 2016, I have had the pleasure of working with David Rutherford. Whilst I was learning on the job (as marina manager), I could always rely on David's support and guidance, both encouraging and at times critical. David is modest and respectful, and his management style onboard has resulted in a highly professional, loyal, and motivated crew. There's a high degree of social and environmental awareness on board and the crew works well with the marina team to achieve the best outcomes for the Owner. MY "Shirley Anne" is berthed "Mediterranean style" and therefore requires assistance with groundlines when departing and arriving at its berth
David's communication around his estimated time of arrivals were accurate and his control over the yacht during all wind and weather conditions ensured a smooth and safe procedure for my team. David's'professional and supportive personality will be missed at the Sydney Superyacht Marina.
We wish him a successful start in Europe
Clemens Overdijk CMM
Marina Manager - Sydney Superyacht Marina Rozelle NSW
clemens@superyachtmarina.com.au
+61 488 777 477
December 28, 2023
To Whom It May Concern,
References for Captain David Rutherford
It is our pleasure to write this reference for David Rutherford, who served as Captain of M/Y Shirley Anne, our 125-foot luxury yacht based in Sydney, from 2008 to 2023.Over these 16 years, David has proven himself to be an outstanding and loyal Captain with an excellent work ethic and strong leadership qualities. His in-depth technical knowledge of the yacht, coupled with his industry experience ensured M/Y Shirley Anne consistently met the highest standards of safety, comfort and service excellence.
The yacht underwent several refits during his tenure, including a major overhaul in 2019 that included a full hull replacement, which he managed with great skill and expertise. David's management approach with a focus on mentorship and support, fostered a positive and collaborative environment onboard. As a result. we've been fortunate to have benefited from an excellent team of long-serving crew members under his command.
David ability to balance a the technical demands of his role and the yacht while continuing to maintain a warm familiar environment onboard has always created a wonderful yachting experience that is greatly appreciated by ourselves, our family and guests.
David will be greatly missed onboard M/Y Shirley Anne
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
David and Margo Lowy
250 West 550 Street, Suite 3300. New YORK, NJ 10019, U54 Phone: + I 646 681 2225
Level 19, 60 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia, Phone: +61 2 9295 600
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