Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Sten van Aardt grew up along the wild Atlantic coastline, where his deep passion for the sea was first ignited. With more than a decade of diverse and hands-on maritime experience, Sten has developed a well-rounded career across yacht technical work, vessel operations, fleet and base management, charter coordination and skippering — bringing both practical know-how and operational leadership to every role he undertakes.

Over the course of his career, Sten has built a strong foundation in vessel readiness, preventive maintenance planning, team leadership, logistics and client service. He is skilled at managing complex operational systems, coordinating dynamic crews, resolving technical and logistical challenges under pressure, and ensuring service delivery consistently meets owner and guest expectations. His experience spans vessels of various sizes, including experience supporting private yachts and larger vessels up to 45 meters, where he assisted with operational coordination and owner support throughout vessel acquisition and onboarding.

At the heart of Sten’s professional identity is a deep commitment to operations excellence — designing and refining processes that improve efficiency, reliability and safety across the board. As General Manager of Primus Marine Group, he leads the company’s overall operational strategy, service standards, fleet performance and client experience. Sten works closely with owners, partners and internal teams to foster a culture of collaboration, professionalism and continuous improvement that ensures every yacht under the group’s care is managed with integrity and precision.

Known for his structured yet approachable leadership style, Sten values strong relationships, clear communication and pragmatic problem-solving. He draws inspiration from the discipline of seamanship and the satisfaction that comes from creating seamless experiences for both crews and clients.

When he’s off duty, Sten stays connected to the ocean — whether exploring Phuket’s stunning coastline, skippering recreational passages or spending quality time outdoors with friends and family.

Personal motto: “Discipline at sea is freedom on the water.”

Phone: +66 (0) 61-748-7402