Graeme
CAPTAIN
Nationality: New Zealand
Originally from New Zealand but now living in England, Captain Graeme has over 28 years’ experience in the marine industry. He has captained a range of vessels from High Speed ferries to Tugs, moving up the ranks to navigating 80+metre motor yachts. In the many years of super yachting, Graeme has travelled extensively throughout the world giving him the expertise and ability to create a unique experience for our guests.
His early years were spent on the family farm, growing up amongst the rugged and secluded terrain of New Zealand’s South Island. He is sporty, having been a tennis coach, water ski instructor and being an avid recreational diver/qualified rescue diver. Crew are often attracted to his infectious and adventurous nature, being one of the first to encourage crew to explore and expand their knowledge when docking into a new port.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Amphitrite, M/Y Vajoliroja, M/Y Simson S (Lone Ranger), M/Y Izanami, M/Y Sarita Si, M/Y Odalisque
Grade: MCA 3000GT Master of Yachts, New Zealand 500T Offshore, Masters Captain’s License
Alastair
CAPTAIN
Nationality: South African
Captain Alastair has been involved in the yachting industry for 24 years. Having a Master Mariner as a father inspired Alastair to follow a similar path, working his way up from apprentice boat builder, delivery skipper, to Captain on Super Yachts. His extensive career has taken him around the globe and has cruising experience in the Mediterranean, Asia, Central & South America, USA, Canada, the Pacific, Norway and its arctic circle, The North Sea and the greater Caribbean and Bahamas. He grew up in the coastal city of Durban, South Africa and found an early love of the ocean spending many weekends sailing, surfing and swimming. Captain Alastair is extremely adventurous and is a certified skydiver as well as a Rescue Scuba Diver. He also enjoys motorbike riding, surfing, snowboarding, wake boarding, watching rugby and of course spending time with his wife and two children. You can hear his infectious hearty laugh a mile away and his joyful energy is appreciated amongst the crew.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Amphitrite, M/Y Vajoliroja, M/Y Ocean Mercury, M/Y Double Haven, M/Y Ambrosia 3, M/Y Sarita Si
Grade: MCA 3000GT Master of Yachts
Daniel
FIRST OFFICER
Nationality: New Zealand
Born in Majestic Queenstown, New Zealand, Chief Officer Danny had a very active childhood spending most of his days outdoors in the beautiful ‘Kiwi’ countryside. He began his Maritime career in 2008 as a deckhand and has progressed through the deck department to Chief Officer He cruised extensively around the Eastern and Western Mediterranean for 9 years before joining Calypso gathering invaluable experience and of course amazing memories. Danny joined Calypso in 2016, and since then his travels and experience have broadened to even more exciting and remote locations such as Alaska, Belize, USA, Canada, Maldives, Thailand, French Polynesia and Fiji)…. His positivity is infectious which makes him an extremely popular member of the crew. When Danny isn’t working he enjoys quality time with his young family and other activities such as skiing, snorkelling, playing rugby and documenting his travels through his camera.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Istros, M/Y Gloria Teresa
Grade: MCA 3000GT Chief Mate
Guy
FIRST OFFICER
Nationality: British
Guy grew up in Dorset on England’s Southern Coast. Due to his father being in the Royal Navy, boats were always a part of his early life. In his younger days, Guy worked for a water sports company on the local beach of Sandbanks and progressed on to work for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) as a Beach Lifeguard. It was here that he was trained to a high standard to operate Inshore Rescue Boats and Rescue Water Craft.
From sailing toppers and lasers while in the Scouts, to working and sailing large sailing super yachts, Guy has been fortunate to have been able to sail all around the world. He was lucky enough to have spent several years sailing around the central and western Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean, visiting a large number of countries and islands along the way.
Guy has recently started a family with his wife back home in England and spends his free time travelling, playing with the BBQ, paddleboarding on the river and exploring the local countryside.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Arbema, M/Y Mirabella V, M/Y Erica XII, M/Y Virginian
Grade: MCA 3000GT Master of Yachts
MIKE
SECOND OFFICER
Nationality: New Zealand/ British
Mike is a passionate sailor at heart and enjoys taking on the range of challenges the marine world offers!
Born in the UK to Kiwi and South African parents, Mike moved to New Zealand at a young age and calls the small South Pacific nation home. Exploring the outdoors inspired him to gain a Diploma in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and work in a number of roles where he could share his passion for adventure with others.
Chasing his own personal dreams led Mike to work on historic racing yachts and eventually a full transition into the yachting industry. Happiest when exploring new horizons, meeting new people and learning new skills makes working onboard M/Y Calypso a natural fit.
Previous Yachts: S/Y Rock and Roll, S/Y Phryne, S/Y Badis, M/S Hortense
Grade: MCA 3000GT
Sean
BOSUN
Nationality: Zimbabwean
Growing up on a wildlife reserve in a small village in the South of Zimbabwe, Sean has a natural taste and love for the outdoors.
Having represented Zimbabwe in swimming, water polo and rugby at an early age, he was always a true fitness enthusiast. He naturally qualified as a Personal Trainer and worked in gyms in England before deciding to move to Australia. It was here Sean fell in love with the ocean and found a passion for diving. now also holding his Divemaster’s qualification.
Sean loves staying active, in his free time you will either find him free-diving, rock climbing, fishing or catching some rays in the sun.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Gazella II, M/Y Lili
Grade: Yachtmaster 200gt, Personal Trainer
Laura
DECKHAND
Nationality: British
Laura grew up in the North of England but was lucky enough to travel a lot from a young age and spent a lot of time hopping between the UK, Cyprus and Abu Dhabi. She moved to Cyprus after finishing her studies, where she assisted with powerboat and jet rentals, teaching watersports and doing safety boat operations.
She also started diving a few years ago and has achieved her rescue certification and aims to become a diving instructor in the future. Her love of the water led her to the yachting industry. In her spare time you can find Laura at the beach, at an ice cream stall or diving!
Max
DECKHAND
Nationality: British
Max, originally from Cheltenham grew up sailing along the south coast of Devon and has always had an interest in water sports. His main focus was competing in regional jet ski competitions, but in his spare time he loves water skiing, wake boarding and paddle boarding.
He has a huge passion for cars and aeroplanes where he became highly skilled in modifying the cars and latterly working for a family run business in Basingstoke where he gained experience in repossessing the planes. Max is looking to expand his career in yachting, he loves what he does and is excited to see where this industry will take him.
Grade: Yachtmaster Offshore (Sail)
Previous Yachts: M/Y Seahorse, MY Virginian, M/Y Lady M
James
CHIEF ENGINEER
Nationality: South Africa
Growing up near a large fresh water lake in Cape Town, South Africa, spurred his interest for sailing and water sports and offered him the chance to compete in regattas around South Africa, as well as offshore racing. From a young age, James was raised participating in a lot of activities; one such taught him the art of building aeroplanes. This led him to complete his pilot license and he tries to fly often. James’ easy-going nature and kindness makes him a likeable crewmember. If his engineering background, sailing and flying skills aren’t enough, James also holds his PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certificate and enjoys diving whenever there is a chance. James loves spending his free time being a dad and husband to his family at home.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Sylvia, M/Y Mirabella 3, M/Y Pereus, M/Y Iri, M/Y Amphitrite
Grade: Y1 Chief Engineer License
Hugh
CHIEF ENGINEER
Nationality: British
Hugh is from Aberdeen, Scotland and joined the Royal Navy at the age of 16. He trained as an Artificer Apprentice and studied Marine Engineering with the University of Portsmouth. He then went on to serve onboard nuclear submarines as a marine engineer.
Hugh left the Navy in 2010 and has worked on various yachts up to 90 metres in length (300ft) since. Besides the Mediterranean and Caribbean, yachting has enabled him to visit other fantastic destinations such as Tahiti, Palau, Galapagos and Cocos Islands as well as spending several years in Asia.
In his spare time, Hugh enjoys taking care of family as well as off road motorcycle riding, listening to and playing music, and is currently completing his MSc in Engineering and Management.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Callisto, M/Y Ice, M/Y Yalla
Grade: Y1 Chief Engineer Licence
David
SECOND ENGINEER
Nationality: New Zealand
David was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, where he was exposed to boating and the ocean from a young age.
He started his Marine Engineering career at a super yacht building company, Alloy Yachts. Here, he completed a 5-year apprenticeship to become trade qualified as a Marine Systems Engineer. This ultimately led him to his decision to move into the operational side of yachting and went on to complete his studies as a MEC3 Engineer.
After obtaining his Engineering degree he joined the super yacht industry on M/Y Oasis. Yachting has taken David all around the world from the Mediterranean to Thailand, the East and West coasts of America and Canada to the Arctic Circle in Iceland and Norway. He enjoys being on the move and the challenges that engineering has to offer.
In his spare time he enjoys traveling, water sports, diving, fishing or generally relaxing by the water.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Oasis, M/Y iDynasty
Grade: MEC 3 Unlimited
Shane
SECOND ENGINEER
Nationality: British
Shane grew up in the mountains and valleys of Wales, always making the most of what the countryside had to offer. He has now swapped out the Valleys for the South West coast and now lives in Southampton.
After leaving school, Shane completed a mechanical engineering apprenticeship in the heavy steel industry and worked as a mechanical engineer before making the jump to go to sea. His career at sea began in the merchant Navy where he completed a 3-year officer cadet programme and became an engineering Officer of the Watch, sailing on the biggest ships in the world and venturing to every corner of the globe. He then, crossed into the yachting industry and has not looked back!
Shane loves the outdoors and his hobbies include fishing, camping, mountain biking. His goal is to travel the world and make amazing memories with his partner.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Perle Noire, M/Y Starfire
Grade: Degree in Marine Engineering, EOOW Unlimited, SV 2nd Engineer
Marieke
SOUS CHEF
Nationality: British/Dutch
Marieke was born to Dutch parents in the English countryside. During her time studying International Business at University, she spent four summers working as a chef on sailing yachts, chartering in the Adriatic. She then settled down to an office job in London, working in the wine industry, which led her to complete her WSET Level 3. However, the itch to travel and see more of the world led her to work a ski season in Val d’Isère, where she was reminded of her love of food and cooking and was intro-duced to her first connections in yachting. Marieke joined her first vessel in January 2021 as Crew Chef and has been enjoying life on the high seas ever since.
During her down time, Marieke is active and enjoys running and yoga. She regularly plans trips to ski, sail and experience new cultures and food in as many places as she can travel to.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Alfa Nero
Paula
CHIEF STEWARDESS
Nationality: British
Paula was born and raised in East Lothian, Scotland. She started her yachting career in 2012 and since then has been hooked. Paula has been lucky enough to travel all over the Mediterranean, Caribbean, America, Norway, Iceland and more recently the Maldives, working onboard charter and private yachts. Paula loves running on the beach in her home town, North Berwick as well as hiking most recently was a trip up and very wet and windy Ben Nevis on a trip around Scotland. She loves to travel, trey new cuisine and creative cocktails are her passion.
Paula has completed her WSET level 2 wine course and would love to complete her level 3 course, as well as to tour more whisky and gin distilleries and vineyards. A self-confessed coffee addict she is usually found in a coffee shop on her off time enjoying independent roasteries around the world.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Galaxy, M/Y Lionheart, M/Y Slipstream, M/Y Cloudbreak
Emily
CHIEF STEWARDESS
Nationality: Kenyan
Emily was born and raised in Kenya and spent most of her time exploring what Kenya had to offer. After finishing school, Emily moved to England to study Management and Human Resources at University.
After graduating in 2017, she took a job teaching children to ride at local stables, mixing her love for outdoors, sports and people, until she decided to take a step into a life at sea. She found her passion here and after her first season, took the opportunity to spend the winter working as a Chalet a host in Meribel, enhancing her love for hospitality and travel before returning to her yachting career where she has progressed in the industry.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Mustique, M/Y Highlander
Alex
SECOND STEWARDESS
Nationality: British
Alex was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland. At the age of three, she was taken to her first ever dance class and never looked back. She went on to become a champion Scottish Highland dancer competing and performing all over the world, regularly competing in the famous World Highland Dancing Championships at the Cowal Games in Dunoon.
Alex studied French and Spanish at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, spending a year abroad teaching English in Paris. After university Alex started flying around the world as a flight attendant for Virgin Atlantic before deciding to swap the skies for the seas and start a career in the yachting industry!
Alex lives a very active lifestyle and is extremely passionate about health and fitness. She works out regularly and enjoys boxing, yoga and running. Qualifying as a personal trainer was a way for her to combine her love of fitness with the rewards of helping others to reach their goals.Previous Yachts: M/Y Silver Dream
Qualifications: Level 3 Personal Training
Amie
THIRD STEWARDESS
Nationality: British
Amie is originally from Conwy, a small coastal town in North Wales. She attended a school that focused heavily on outdoor education. It was here that she developed a keen interest in sailing and outdoor pursuits.
After studying sports coaching, she went on to work in an exclusive hotel and spa for two years. However, following this she decided to take a change of direction and joined the yachting industry. Having grown up by the sea and always having had a love for water sports, alongside her experience in high end hospitality and a love for travelling, it seemed like the perfect career choice.
She has now been in yachting for three years and her passions include exploring new places, hiking, skiing, paddle boarding and generally keeping fit. A perfect day for Amie would be trekking up a mountain to swim in a remote lake.
Previous Yachts:M/Y Sea Walk, M/Y Lady Sheridan/Amaral, M/Y Game Changer
Ellie
STEWARDESS
Nationality: British
Ellie, who was born in West Yorkshire, is a newcomer to the yachting world. Whilst studying Philosophy at the University of Birmingham, Ellie worked part-time in the hospitality industry, which sparked her interest in hospitality. She worked at a variety of events, including Michel Roux’s Restaurant at Cheltenham Racecourse and the hospitality suites at Aston Villa Football Club.
Her enthusiasm for the hospitality industry, combined with her passion for travel, led her to enter the yachting industry. Ellie appreciates a challenge, and in 2018, she ran the London Marathon, raising over £5,000 for charity with events such as a fashion show, a curry night, and countless bake sales.
Ellie spends her free time with her friends and family, and she is constantly eager to try new things.
Bonnie
STEWARDESS
Nationality: British/South African
Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa with part of her childhood spent on the South Island of New Zealand, Bonnie has grown up surrounded by travel and adventure.
After completing her Marketing degree in 2018 she moved to Cornwall, UK and found herself beginning her Super yachting career in 2021.
She is social, positive and fun. She enjoys being outdoors hiking, snowboarding, horse riding, doing yoga and discovering new places and cultures.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Space, M/Y Parillion, M/Y Silver Fast