THE CREW
Meet the Team That Will Make Your Gladiator Charter Experience
One to Remember
The Gladiator crew are hand-selected not only according to their experience and knowledge but also for their eclectic and fun-loving personalities. Together they create an onboard atmosphere of camaraderie, positivity and professionalism. Their priority is to provide every guest with a one-of-a-kind experience, whilst ensuring their safety and comfort at all times. Read on to learn more about the outstanding Gladiator crew.
“It was very difficult to wake up this morning and not to see the Gladiator crew. We had the most wonderful week. Thank you for all you do.”
Charter Guest – September 2019
Rotational Captain: Brad Armstrong
Raised in a small South African town, Brad’s early years were spent around the water, with fishing, boating and water sports playing a central role in family life. In 2012, Brad transitioned from a career in hospitality to yachting, seeking adventure and a chance to see the world. Since then, Brad has risen through the ranks to Captain, gaining vast experience cruising the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, as well as the Arabian Sea. Having worked on high-profile charter and private yachts ranging from 45 to 80 meters, he has honed a leadership style rooted in professionalism, calm under pressure and a strong focus on safety and guest satisfaction.
Brad combines his seafaring knowledge with over 20 years in the hospitality industry and a formal qualification in Hotel Management, allowing him to deliver exceptional onboard experiences while running an efficient operation.
Happiest When: Road cycling through Europe or teeing off on the golf course.
Languages: English
Rotational Captain: Lorian Smith
Lorian is based in Chester, UK, and began his maritime career at the age of 17. He has since built a life around the sea, with over 16 years of experience as captain on yachts ranging from 35 to 55 metres, including five new builds. He brings a calm, confident presence and a strong focus on guest experience and safety.
Lorian has developed extensive cruising knowledge throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Bahamas, as well as Northern Europe. Whether navigating busy charter seasons or off-the-beaten-track passages, he leads with professionalism and a deep respect for the ocean.
Happiest When: Sailing the Scottish west coast or skiing in the Alps.
Languages: English
Rotational Chief Engineer: Ricardo Negri
Ricardo hails from South Africa and calls many different parts of the country his home. He attended university in Cape Town where he graduated with a BSc in Mechanical engineering in 2011.
With an appetite for adventure, Ricardo headed to the Caribbean where he quickly landed an engineering job on a luxury sailing yacht. Ten years later, he has experience working on various sailing and motor yachts of all sizes and now holds his Y1 Certificate of Competency from Warsash University, the highest qualification a yachting engineer can obtain. Ricardo has been Chief Engineer on Gladiator since 2018 and ensures the smooth running of all systems during your charter.
Ricardo has a passion for sport (particularly golf) and the outdoors, along with his great interest in how things work, which initially drove him to becoming an engineer.
Happiest When: On the golf course or camping in the wild.
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Rotational Chief Engineer: Ryan
Ryan began his yachting career in 2009, entering the industry alongside his twin brother, who fittingly went on to become captain of this very vessel some years ago. Starting out on deck, Ryan quickly discovered a strong interest in the technical side of operations and was given the opportunity to spend time in the engine room, an experience that ultimately shaped his career path.
Over the past 15 years, Ryan has built extensive experience across a range of vessels, steadily progressing through the ranks while earning his engineering qualifications. His hands-on approach, combined with a deep understanding of onboard systems, ensures the yacht runs safely, efficiently and to the highest standard.
Outside of work, Ryan leads a highly active lifestyle. With a strong sporting background, he enjoys a variety of water and contact sports, including boxing. While previously an avid runner, he has more recently shifted his focus to cycling, competing in several races. Regular gym sessions are an important part of his routine, providing both physical balance and a mental reset after demanding days on board.
Happiest When: There are no engineering alarms on board.
Languages: English
Chief Officer: Lionel Fouché
Confident and personable, Lionel hails from South Africa and brings over five years of experience on both private and charter yachts to his role on Gladiator. Having cruised extensively throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas and the U.S., he offers strong navigational expertise alongside a calm and capable presence on board.
Passionate about guest experience, Lionel leads watersports and tender excursions with ease, crafting seamless days that range from laid-back beach setups to high-energy adventures.
Energetic, professional and team-focused, Lionel is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and ensuring every charter runs smoothly. In his free time, he enjoys golf and cycling.
Languages: English
Rotational Chef: David Bouillon
David was Born in Brittany, North West of France, and grew up near his grandparents’ farm and butchery.
He discovered his passion for cooking as a kid in his uncle’s restaurant during family holidays in the South of France. Upon completion of his culinary studies in Britany, he furthered his skills working in restaurants across the globe – from Paris to Courchevel, England to the Caribbean.
Since joining the Yachting industry in 2004, David has travelled the seas extensively and has been motivated to continue training and discovering new techniques. He has since completed courses through Alain Ducasse Education and the Michel Guerard Health cooking school.
Happiest When: Sharing good times around delicious meal and discovering local specialties.
Languages: French, English, Spanish
Rotational Chef: Sean Ballington
At the age of 14, Sean discovered he had a flair for cooking during domestic science/cookery classes. This pointed him in the direction of catering college. At the age of 16, Sean enrolled in a two-year professional catering course in what, at the time, was considered to be one of the best catering colleges in the UK, “High Peak Catering College”. Sean enjoyed this time and was lucky to have the benefit of working with great tutors who taught him the basics and helped him progress on the back of that great start.
Sean’s background is in fine dining country house hotels across the UK which is classed as modern British, but Sean loves trying all types of world cuisine. He feels lucky that during his time working on yachts he has had the opportunity to travel around the world.
Happiest When: Exploring world-class cuisines
Languages: English
Chase Boat Captain: Max Allen
Born and raised in the mountains of western Sydney, Max grew up on the Hawkesbury river surrounded by nature. He kept himself busy participating in a number of sports, including rugby, soccer and swimming.
Upon finishing school, Max moved to Sydney city where he found his first job on the water working for the Fast Ferries. His new passion for the ocean life quickly saw him making the jump to the superyacht industry. Following his first season on board yachts, Max moved to Spain to continue pursuing his newfound career.
Max has now decided to specialise in the chase boat captain role as he enjoys taking responsibility of a vessel and the challenges that are involved.
Happiest When: On the water or out in nature with good friends.
Languages: English, Spanish
Bosun: Dean Yeld
Dean grew up in the northern part of South Africa on the beautiful East Coast near the Mozambique border. Coming from a family boat building business, Dean has a natural passion for boats and the sea, making yachting a natural calling. Dean has a massive passion for repairs and fixing all things and a love for hands-on jobs.
Dean has spent his time working on a variety of superyachts, travelling to beautiful places and diving in the most amazing waters.
When at home, you will find Dean spearfishing, underwater, diving and catching fish, playing his guitar or enjoying a spot of golf.
Happiest When: Embracing the wonders of the underwater world.
Languages: English, Afrikaans
2nd Stewardess: Evelina Lorenc
Evelina was born and raised in a small town called Eskilstuna outside of Stockholm. With a zest for travel, she set off on a year long adventure that turned into two and a half years of travelling the world. A journey that she will never forget.
During this time, Evelina went to the US to work as a Nanny but with a sister working in the yachting industry, she was inspired to give it a go herself. She enjoys the fact that it allows her to travel extensively while meeting people from different countries and cultures.
Her passion for interior design is now put to good use as part of the Gladiator yacht service and housekeeping team.
Happiest When: Spending time with loved ones, baking (& eating) cake!
Languages: Swedish, English, Polish
3rd Stewardess: Tarryn Edgar
Tarryn hails from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where she grew up on a sugar cane plantation. With a deep interest in organisation and coordination, she pursued a three-year program in Event Coordination at Stellenbosch, followed by a BCom in Marketing & Business Science. During her studies, Tarryn embraced the opportunity to work as an au pair for two children, an experience that deepened her love for nurturing and caregiving. In 2023, she transitioned into the yachting industry and has since completed an enriching tour around the Mediterranean. Her diverse skill set, combined with her enthusiasm for travel and the outdoors, makes her a dynamic and valuable asset to the Gladiator crew.
Happiest When: Spending time with her family and designing intricate floral arrangements, any opportunity to let her creative light shine!
Languages: English
Deckhand: Tristan Leach
Tristan grew up in South Africa, in a town called Harrismith. Tristan tends to find himself immersed in the farming life and exploring the bush, fostering a deep connection with nature. Passionate about the ocean, he enjoys deep sea fishing, diving and boating, always seeking adventure on the open water. Tristan has an enthusiasm for repairing all things mechanical and any jobs that are hands on.
When at home you will find Tristan either on the farm, on his fishing boat or enjoying a round of golf.
Happiest When: Exploring or diving in new waters and any new challenges.
Languages: English
and Afrikaans
PLAN MY CHARTER
Get in touch with your preferred yacht charter broker today to start planning your bespoke Gladiator yacht charter.
