Captain – Steve McDonald
Australian
Previous Yachts: M/Y NOBLE HOUSE (53.8m), M/Y CAPRI (59m), M/Y FLAMINGO DAZE (47m), M/Y BART ROBERTS (81m)
Steve McDonald, from Sydney, Australia, is a Master Mariner who has been working at sea for the past 39 years. Having sailed extensively as a captain in the commercial shipping industry he moved full time into the super yacht sector in 1990. He served as captain of the 136m Savarona, 117m Le Grand Bleu, 77m Simson S, 81m Bart Roberts and has completed many refits and build projects. Steve has vast cruising experience of the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Indian, Pacific, Arctic, Antarctic and South-East Asian waters, and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible itinerary for your voyage.
Chief Engineer – Larry Stein
Canadian
Previous Yachts: M/Y SUNRISE (53m), M/Y THE BIG BLUE (42m), M/Y PRINCESS IOLANTHE
(46m)
Interests: Diving, robotics
Larry began his professional career as an Automation Robotics Engineer in 1995. After several years of success, his love of the oceans led him to bring his expertise to the yachting industry where he quickly progressed from a 24m yacht. Since then, his extensive engineering experience and constant quest for perfection has enabled him to build a stellar reputation and become a sought after engineer. He thrives in this environment and loves the high standards that are demanded by the yachting industry. Larry has immense pride in the work he does and the results show. In his off time Larry enjoys diving and the great outdoors.
Chief Stewardess – Jessica Matthews
South African
Previous Yachts: M/Y LAZY Z (51m), M/Y CARPE DIEM (58m), M/Y LADY SURA (50m)
Interests: Competitive surfer (ex-professional), wakeboarding, snorkeling, snowboarding, horseback riding
Jessica grew up in sunny Durban on the East Coast of South Africa horseback riding and surfing. She surfed competitively for 15 years, which had her traveling the world on the World Qualifying Series from the age of 19. Jess also was the captain of the South African team at the World Surfing Games in 2003. In 2011 after trying to settle into a fashion company for 3 years managing and launching surf and bikini brands in South Africa, the travel bug bit again and Jess leapt head first into a successful yachting career. She kick started it off with a 36 day crossing on a 52ft catamaran across the Atlantic from Cape Town to the BVIs. Ever since then she has gained a lot of experience on large and very busy charter yachts at a very high standard traveling between the Caribbean and the Med and catering to high profile clients. She is passionate about her job and making sure the guest’s needs are met at all times while maintaining a very high standard of service and running the interior team. Jess looks forward to making your stay on board a relaxing, fun and memorable one.
BOSUN – GARRETH RIDDLE
South African
Previous Yachts: M/Y SHALIMAR (40m), M/Y SEALYON (36m), M/Y D’NATALIN (46m)
Interests: Diving, spear fishing, night fishing
Garreth grew up near Durban, South Africa and after a few stints bartending, life guarding, and working with pre-primary children, he started to pursue his dreams in the nautical world. He relocated to Ft Lauderdale and soon realized the yachting industry’s potential. Starting as a deckhand, his dedication and work ethic were quickly acknowledged, which earned him advanced positions with greater responsibility. He is motivated and enthusiastic about his career and looks forward to ensuring each charter is an unforgettable experience for his guests.
Chef – Peter Williams
Australian
Previous Yachts: M/Y LAZY Z (51m), M/Y CARPE DIEM (58m), M/Y NORTHERN LIGHTS (46m), M/Y PARAMOUR (43.6m)
Interests: Surfing, wakeboarding
Peter hails from the coastal town of Noosa Heads in Queensland Australia where his passion for the water, friendly people and cooking great food began. His culinary training and natural talent quickly earned him the prestigious “Chef of the Year South East Queensland” award. Working in Noosa’s top restaurants as head chef for over a decade, more awards and recognition followed. Next came the opportunity in 2009 to serve as Yacht Chef, which married his love of cooking with the water. Peter has not looked back since. His unforgettable menus are now celebrated and enjoyed by the growing charter clientele that he serves, which includes French, Italian, Asian, Global Fusion and Modern Australian. When Peter is not in the galley preparing his next taste sensation he can be found surfing or motocross riding.