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
Brad grew up in a small town in South Africa where his family holidays were always associated with the ocean or lakes. Be it fishing or water sports, he has always had a love for the water.
Brad decided to join the yachting industry in 2012 as he was keen to see more of the world and tired of sitting at a desk. He threw himself into the day-to-day of yachting life and quickly gained the experience to progress to his current position. During his time in the industry, Brad has cruised the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as well as the Arabian Sea on yachts ranging from 45 – 80m. He brings valuable knowledge of these waters to the Gladiator program. In addition, he brings to the role 20-years of experience in the hospitality industry and a qualification in Hotel Management.
Happiest When: Racking up the miles on his road bike.
Languages: English
Rotational Captain: David Molenaar
Born and raised in South Africa, Dave has long nurtured a passion for the sea. Upon completion of his ND in Oceanography, he wasted no time before embarking upon a career in the yachting industry. Now, some 23 years later, Dave has worldwide sailing experience and has cruised many remote areas of the Pacific, the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean, West Mediterranean, the East and Western coasts of the USA and even the Arctic. Detailed shipyard periods have also featured heavily along the way and Dave assures us – there is no better way to “know your yacht” than being involved in an extensive refit.
Dave is a highly driven, hardworking and safety conscious person who is held in high esteem by his crew and highly thought of by his guests. Excellent standards of service and comfort are of the highest priority to Dave and all guests can expect to be welcomed with a huge smile.
Happiest When: Having a Braai with his family or catching waves on his surfboard.
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Rotational Chief Officer: Eugene Potgieter
Eugene was born in Phalaborwa, in the far North of South Africa, which is well known as one of the few gates to the Kruger National Park. Growing up in this wild and remote area nurtured his love for the outdoors and nature.
Eugene joined the yachting industry in 2012 and quickly worked his way up the ranks. Prior to yachting, he played golf professionally, however after a few injuries, his interest shifted to more business-centric opportunities. Travel was always on the cards for Eugene and he thinks that there is no better way to see the world than through working on board yachts.
Eugene speaks fluent Afrikaans and basic Dutch. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, fishing and anything adventurous.
Happiest When: Out in nature enjoying a spot of fishing.
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Rotational Chief Officer: Shaun Kendall
Shaun was born in Cape Town, South Africa and grew up in Durban. After studying marketing and working in one of South Africa’s most famous bars as a mixologist and flair tender, he left in 2009 to work as a bartender on the world’s best Boutique Cruise ships Seadream 1 and 2, travelling the world for four years.
In 2014 he joined private yachting and landed his first job on an explorer yacht. Since then, he has cruised the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mediterranean but also spent a few months in Alaska shortly after receiving his Officer ticket. He has a love for the ocean, above and below the surface. Shaun’s passion is SCUBA diving, and he is a certified Dive Master. He also loves kiteboarding and surfing. A great team player, Shaun is approachable, and enjoys imparting his knowledge and experience to fellow crew members. He is currently working towards his Masters license.
Happiest When: Exploring the great outdoors, whether it be at sea or in the mountains.
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: Matthew Beukes
Matt grew up Durban, South Africa. He spent his youth with a spanner in hand working alongside his father operating commercial earthmoving equipment in the family business. Having grown up so close to the ocean, Matt is a keen surfer, kite surfer, diver, spear-fisherman and sailor.
Upon finishing school, Matt chose to combine his passion for engineering and love of the ocean – serving a diesel mechanic’s apprenticeship specialising in both the marine and commercial field. Once qualified Matt was appointed the Chief Marine Engineer at the exclusive Desroches Island Lodge, a luxury 5 star private island resort, where he set up and ran the lodge’s workshop and was responsible for its fleet of vessels.
Matt then made the move to the yacht industry and has worked on a variety of vessels, gaining invaluable experience under seasoned Chief Engineer’s. Matt now holds his Yacht 3 Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency.
Happiest When: Out on the ocean with his surfboard.
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Rotational Chef: David Bouillon
David was Born in Britany, 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: Tomislav Veseljak
Tomi was born in Croatia’s capital, Zagreb and from early age discovered his love of food. As a senior in high school Tomi moved to the US, though later returned to Croatia to study economics. Shortly after finishing his degree, he opened his first restaurant and rediscovered his passion for food.
Over the coming years, Tomi studied at many culinary schools from southern Italy to the Culinary Institute of America in New York where he studied Asian cuisine. He later studied at the CIA’s Californian branch where he mastered chocolate and worked in the infamous Kollar chocolates in Yountville.
Prior to joining yachting, Tomi worked in various countries, from his native Croatia, USA, Sweden, Switzerland and Austria, until finally settling in Barcelona, Spain. Tomi joined the industry in 2015 while continuing his culinary studies alongside. He graduated from Tokyo Sushi Academy in 2019 and in 2020 studied Peruvian cuisine at Le Cordon Bleu in Lima.
Happiest When: Travelling the world (86 countries so far), learning local specialties and making friends through the art of cooking.
Languages: Croatian, English, Spanish
Chief Stewardess: Savannah Mascarelli
Born to a French Mother and an American Father, Savannah’s roots extend from the Sierra Nevada’s to the South of France. After spending her childhood developing cherished moments in these beautiful places, she knew she had to find a career that would allow her to move freely between the two. She began working her way up the hospitality ladder, cultivating her expertise in renowned French restaurants and prestigious 4 diamond hotels. However, it was only after she came across yachting through a chance encounter with a family friend, that she discovered her true passion. Seamlessly transitioning from land to sea, Savannah brings her high standards and enthusiasm to motor yacht Gladiator.
She has loved every minute of the past seven years cruising the world’s most beautiful areas; Her proudest accomplishment, walking a previous vessel through the Panama Canal! Savannah’s passion for adventure is matched only by her love of providing exceptional guest experiences, and she looks forward to creating wonderful memories for every one who comes aboard.
Happiest when: Being active! She loves rock climbing, paddleboarding, hiking, horse riding, skiing or playing tennis (badly).
Languages: English, French
Bosun: Aidan Visser
Aidan grew up in the small town of Rustenburg, South Africa. His childhood was spent playing sport and enjoying the outdoors, where he still spends most of his time off.
Although his younger years were spent far from any ocean, upon graduating from university, Aidan decided to made the seas his new home. He set out for the South of France to pursue a career in the maritime industry and has never looked back. He has worked for high end clients in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, the Maldives and Mexico as well as working as a VIP Bottle Service Host in various night clubs in California.
Outside of work, Aidan spends his time working out, playing football, practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and hiking wherever he can.
Happiest When: Keeping fit on a breath-taking hike in the mountains.
Languages: English
Rotational Chase Boat Captain: Dean Yeld
Dean, 24 years old, 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
Rotational 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
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: Nicole Anderson
Nicole grew up on a farm on the East coast of South Africa. She has fond memories of fishing with her dad which sparked an interest in the ocean. Whilst she was at university, she completed her stewardess courses knowing that as soon as she graduated, she wanted to be out at sea with the bonus of travelling. A versatile, adaptable and creative team player, Nicole has worked as a deckhand, chef and stewardess aboard a variety of yachts and has travelled considerably during her yachting career but still has much to see.
If Nicole is not in the galley learning and baking something new, she is either underwater taking photos, making her way up a mountain to capture amazing shots of the horizon or exploring to find a gelato shop.
Happiest When: Diving with her underwater camera or baking some of her favourite desserts.
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Deckhand: Chris Sparkes
Chris grew up in Mbabane, Swaziland. His childhood was spent camping and fishing around his home and in the five big game parks in South Africa. This ignited a love for travel and hospitality which led him to study tourism and tour operations at Varsity College in South Africa.
Upon graduating, Chris moved to Cape Town where he started his career as an Orthopaedic Surgery Assistant. With travel at the forefront of Chris’s mind, he recently decided to change tack and embark on a new career in the yachting industry. With a few seasons under his belt, he is looking forward to the extensive cruising he will undertake on board Motor Yacht Gladiator.
Chris has a fierce passion for fitness, and you’ll catch him in the gym during his down time.
Happiest When: Going hiking with friends and adventuring in any way possible.
Languages: English
Deckhand: Saragh Fraser
Saragh grew up in the beautiful and vast countryside nearby the Canadian/US border. She knew she wanted to get out and explore the world as soon as she could and was itching to find an industry which allowed her to do so. It was on a backpacking adventure in 2021 where she discovered the world of yachts and decided to try it out. Her favourite part has been the amazing people she’s met along the way and the incredible adventures it has brought her so far, affirming her decision to fully pursue yachting as a career.
In her spare time, Saragh loves to stay active by doing yoga, running, hiking, horseback riding, diving, longboarding, surfing, or anything outdoors. She loves exploring wherever her boats take her and trying to find the best coffee shop in town, especially one that makes an amazing dirty chai.
Happiest When: Travelling! Being in the mountains or somewhere on (or under) the sea.
Languages: English
PLAN MY CHARTER
Get in touch with your preferred yacht charter broker today to start planning your bespoke Gladiator yacht charter.
