Cookson Adventures appoints new Head of Yacht Expeditions
Cookson Adventures announces the appointment of Erik Hasselman as Head of Yacht Expeditions
January 2026 – Ultra-luxury travel company Cookson Adventures today announces the appointment of Erik Hasselman as Head of Yacht Expeditions, effective immediately. Bringing more than 19 years of experience in the yachting industry, Hasselman most recently served as Commercial Director at U-Boat Worx, where he played a key role in pioneering global recognition of the submersible sector.
Based in Antwerp, Belgium, Erik joins Cookson Adventures at a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution, as it continues to strengthen its position at the cutting edge of expedition yachting. Working closely with an established team of project managers, he will help deliver a new generation of yacht-based expeditions around the world, while shaping original and innovative concepts for both charter clients and private yacht owners. Central to his role will be building long-term relationships across the global yachting landscape, from owners and captains to owner representatives and leading charter and sales brokers. His appointment is one of eight strategic hires made in the last year and reflects Cookson Adventures’ sustained sales momentum and a period of strong growth.
Born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Erik began his career at Intel before joining U-Boat Worx in 2007, the world’s largest manufacturer of manned submersibles. Initially appointed as Sales & Marketing Manager and later promoted to Commercial Director, he oversaw the delivery of more than 50 manned submersibles to both private and industry clients. He has led the organisation of several complex submersible expeditions worldwide, including projects in Norway, Malta, Italy, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia.
His extensive experience includes managing the logistics, testing and sea trials of submersibles deployed from leading superyachts such as M/Y Legend, M/Y Game Changer, M/Y Sofia and M/Y Pacific Provider. A career highlight was the establishment and management of the Curaçao Sub Centre in 2020, the first dedicated facility to support submersible diving operations, pilot training and testing. He has personally completed over 250 submersible dives across ten different models, with a maximum depth of 1,140 metres achieved in Norway.
Erik Hasselman commented on his appointment; “Every yacht owner and charterer should discover what true creativity, exploration, and exclusive access can do for a yacht-based expedition. With Cookson Adventures, it’s not just the remote destinations you talk about, it’s also about designing experiences that leave a lasting positive impact. I’m excited to start contributing to the company’s continued growth as a leading expedition brand in the industry”.
Nick Davies, Managing Director of Cookson Adventures, commented: “Erik brings a strong combination of commercial acumen, marine operational experience, luxury market understanding and technical expertise to this role. It’s an exciting time of growth at Cookson Adventures. Erik’s recent appointment will support the continued expansion of our client base and strategic partner network, strengthening Cookson Adventures’ position at the intersection of exploration, luxury travel and yachting.”
Cookson Adventures was founded in 2007 by avid adventurer and polar world record holder Henry Cookson. The company has built a reputation for creating pioneering travel experiences for a global clientele looking to explore untapped, remote corners of the world, whilst enjoying the highest level of elegance.
Over the past 19 years, Cookson Adventures has experienced sustained growth, delivering highly specialised travel and conservation-led experiences that provide clients with access to some of the world’s most remote and biologically diverse environments. The company has achieved several industry firsts, including facilitating the first private manned submersible dive in Antarctica and contributing to the discovery of a previously unidentified sub-species of orca off Cape Horn. These expeditions are made possible through Cookson Adventures’ extensive global network of experts, encompassing scientists, marine biologists, conservationists and award-winning photographers. As the company continues to expand, this appointment supports the ongoing realisation of the founder’s long-term vision.
Legend in Antarctica
SuRi in Fiji
Submersible diving in Fiji
