was born in Germany, and has been yachting since 1996. She lived in many different countries growing up, including India, Japan, Switzerland, Scandinavia and Brazil. While in Brazil, she attended university and taught English. During a summer holiday, her sister, (a yacht chef at the time) invited Val to work on board as a Stewardess, and her interest in yachting was born. Her favorite locales thus far have been Brazil, Brugges and Sardinia. Val’s hobbies include roller blading, volleyball, rock climbing, scuba diving, reading and backgammon. She also enjoys the theater and cultural arts.