Mike Conquest
Simon Alway
Patrick O'Donnell
David Salazar
Santiago Cordova
Leah Anonsen
Danielle Gay
Ben Vieyra
Ciaran Gordon
Loni Risdeon
Name: Mike Conquest
Position: Captain (rotation)
Nationality: British
PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y Bojangles, M/Y Africa, M/Y Golden Eagle Mike was born in Yorkshire where he started his love for sailing at an early age. He then spent time in the South of England, 8 years in the South of France before settling back in the UK. Mike enjoys many outdoor activities including watersports, skiing, golfing, tennis, and squash, and previously taught technology and P.E. in secondary schools and spent over six years making bespoke furniture. With over 160,000 NM Mike is sure to make your journey both safe and enjoyable. WATERS CRUISED: Mediterranean, Multiple Atlantic Crossings, Caribbean, Cuba, Bahamas, US East Coast JOB DESCRIPTION: To ensure the safety of guests and crew by creating a happy and safe environment with prudent navigation and operational management of the yacht. LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: MCA Master of Yachts <3000 GT, RYA Coach/Trainer/Instructor in dinghies, powerboats, motor and sailing yacht.
INTERESTS: Watersports, Skiing, Golfing, Tennis, Squash & Keeping Fit.
Name: Simon Alway
Position: Captain (rotation)
Nationality: British
PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y Lady Joy, M/Y Marjorie Morningstar, M/Y Freedom, M/Y Aurora B, M/Y Lady Marina, M/Y Tatoosh Simon grew up in Wiltshire, England and developed his love of the water while sailing on the South coast of England. After studying Yacht Manufacturing in Southampton and working for a boat builder for a short while, he decided that he would rather be working onboard yachts than building them. After joining his first yacht in 2000, Simon has travelled the world on yachts and finally settled down in Montreal, Canada where he now lives with his wife and 2 sons. WATERS CRUISED: Mediterranean, too many Atlantic crossings, Caribbean, Bahamas, US East Coast. JOB DESCRIPTION: To safely ensure the best experience possible is provided to the Owner and all Guests. LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: MCA Master (Yachts <3000GRT), Openwater diver
INTERESTS: Motorcycling, Hiking, Sailing, Motorsports and DIY
Name: Patrick O'Donnell
Position: Chief Engineer (Rotation) & Dive Master
Nationality: UK, Scotland
PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y Touch, M/Y Sealyon, M/Y Nassima, M/Y Adora Patrick joined the British Merchant Navy at the age of 18 after high school, spending time on deep sea cargo vessels while studying mechanical/marine engineering at the Glasgow College of Nautical Studies. For the past eight years Patrick has been working in the yachting industry as 2nd engineer on larger yachts and for the past six years as sole/ chief engineer. WATERS CRUISED: Worldwide JOB DESCRIPTION: The chief engineer maintains all the yacht’s systems in top condition- engines, generators, electrical, air- conditioning, refrigeration, fueling, sanitation, computers and hydraulics. Together with the assistant engineer, the chief ensures everything is in proper working order. LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: EOOW unlimited. Dive Master.
INTERESTS: Golfing, Snowboarding, Wakeboarding, Diving, Rock Climbing & Fencing.
Name: David Salazar
Position: Chief Engineer (Rotation)
Nationality: Venezuela
PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y Le Montrachet, 40m, C/S Mariner of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas. David grew up in Valencia, Venezuela. David knew from a young age he had a love for working at sea. Immediately after school he joined The Royal Caribbean international cruise ship as an engineer, progressing in his career up the ranks to second engineer. After spending over 10 years working for different cruise ships he decided to join the yachting industry for a more personal experience. JOB DESCRIPTION: The chief engineer maintains all the yacht’s systems in top condition- engines, generators, electrical, air-conditioning, refrigeration, fueling, sanitation, computers and hydraulics. Together with the assistant engineer, the chief ensures everything is in proper working order. LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: Chief Engineer Unlimited. STCW III/2
INTERESTS: Kite surfing, mountain biking, free diving.
Name: Santiago Cordova
Position: Chief Officer
Nationality: Mexican
PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y Ocean’s 11, M/Y Grand Illusion, M/Y Seven Sins, M/Y Spring, M/V Camila, M/V Tamara. Santiago was born and raised in Mazatlán, Mexico, located on the Pacific Ocean. He has always enjoyed being on the ocean doing watersports and surfing. Santiago truly enjoys the outdoors, going on camping and road trips. His background in commercial vessels has given him an immense amount of knowledge he applies to the yachting industry. Santiago loves to serve others, and his respect for the ocean and being open minded will make your time onboard a special one. WATERS CRUISED: Northern Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean, Adriatic Sea, Ionian Sea, Caribbean. JOB DESCRIPTION: To work with the Rotational Captain along with administrative and safety duties, manage the deck, his team and maintain crew discipline on board. Other duties include boat handling, watch keeping and navigation. The chief officer also has capability to step in for the captain in his absence. LICENSES/CERTIFICATES: Master 3000 GT reg ll/2, Ship Security Officer, PADI Open Water.
INTERESTS: Surfing, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Wakeboarding, Outdoors & Diving
Name: Leah Anonsen
Position: Chief Stewardess (rotation)
Nationality: American
PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y Far Niente 40m, M/Y Just Enough 43m, M/Y Robbie Bobby 34m, M/Y M3 45m, M/Y Take 5 40M. Leah comes from a quaint town in Annapolis, Maryland near the water. She was actively involved in extracurriculars and highly competitive in field hockey, which she played well into college. She received a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Advertising from Towson University. Shortly after, she pursued her love for photography and videography. However, she was craving something different and decided to uproot her life and move to Sydney, Australia and become an au pair. She fell in love with traveling and didn’t want to return home after living abroad and there she discovered yachting. She has a bubbly, friendly personality that makes everyone feel welcome when around her, which makes her perfect for her role as a Chief Stewardess. She has a love for the water but also loves traveling the globe shredding the slopes on her snowboard in her spare time. JOB DESCRIPTION: Offer the highest interior service standards, organize the staff roster for table service, cabin cleaning, meals, and bar-tending, orchestrate all guest outings and activities, and assist with accounts. LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: STCW, Food Safety & Hygiene Level II, Security Awareness, Wine & Cocktail Training. WATERS CRUISED: USA, Bahamas, Caribbean & Mediterranean.
INTERESTS: Snowboarding, Photography, Videography, Hiking & Traveling.
Name: Danielle Gay
Position: Chief Stewardess (rotation)
Nationality: British
PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y Mia Elise 2 60M, M/Y Harmony 55M, M/Y Big Fish 45M, M/Y ZoomZoomZoom 50M, M/Y Drizzle 70M Dani was born and raised in Wiltshire, England. After studying Journalism at University, she decided she would rather take a chance to see the world after hearing about the Yachting Industry from a friend. She quit her bar job and booked a one-way ticket to Nice, France. 13 years later, Dani has experienced more of the world than she knew existed, all thanks to yachting. Having worked onboard many charter yachts, Dani ensures to provide above and beyond service for clients from across the globe and believes in delivering and maintaining an exceptional experience for everyone, every time. WATERS CRUISED: Caribbean & Bahamas, Mediterranean, South Pacific. JOB DESCRIPTION: Offer the highest interior service standards, organize the staff roster for table service, cabin cleaning, meals, and bar-tending, orchestrate all guest outings and activities, and assist with accounts.
INTERESTS: Hiking, Pilates, Wine Tasting, Interior Design, Pottery, Floristry.
Name: Ben Vieyra
Position: Bosun/Chase boat Captain
Nationality: British
PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y Synthesis M/Y Shadow
Ben developed an early interest in the ocean after being introduced to diving by his adventurous father. He has worked in yachting since 2020, bringing his experience from many years as a Professional Dive Instructor. His passion for the oceans led him to study Marine Environmental Management at the University of Plymouth. He obtained his PADI Instructor certification in Utila, Honduras and hasn’t looked back since! Over the years he has built up sea time as a dive & snorkeling guide including adventures with Humpback whales in the Dominican Republic and South Pacific. Ben strives to take great care of all guests onboard Crossed Sabre. He is highly professional, calm and pleasant, and always ready to provide the best watersports experiences, creating an atmosphere of serious fun while maintaining safety. WATERS CRUISED: The Bahamas, Caribbean, Panama, Costa Rica, Galapagos, Pacific coast of Mexico, Sea of Cortez, Canada and Alaska. JOB DESCRIPTION: Assist guests with all water toys and maintain the yacht’s exterior in meticulous order. Extensive knowledge of all equipment. LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: YM Offshore (Commercially Endorsed), PADI Diving Instructor. INTERESTS: Gym training, calisthenics, watersports, freediving, running.
Name: Ciaran Gordon
Position: Deckhand/Engineer/Dive Master
Nationality: British
PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y Global 74M, M/Y Lady M 63M, M/Y Galaxy 54m
Ciaran was born in Cape Town, South Africa. He moved to Perth when he was 15 years old. When Ciaran graduated high school he was gifted a lesson of recreational boat license lessons. This is where he first discovered his love for the ocean. He then pursued his love for travelling and the water and went to Thailand where he completed his divemaster qualification. Ciaran decided he wanted his career to combine his two biggest passions, travel and being in the water and there began his career in yachting. WATERS CRUISED: Mediterranean, Caribbean, South Pacific JOB DESCRIPTION: Responsible for maintaining the yachts exterior in meticulous order and water sports. LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: Yacht Master Offshore, SSI Divemaster, AEC, PB Level 2.
INTERESTS: Drumming, Martial Arts, Keeping Fit, Watersports, Diving.
Name: Loni Risdon
Position: Second Stewardess
Nationality: UK, Scottish
PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y QUINTA ESSENTIA 55M | M/Y ACE 87M| M/Y LADY M 24M Loni was born and raised in Scotland, however a few years ago she decided it was time to swap the cool, rainy Scotland weather for some Palma De Mallorca sunshine! Loni is all about adventure and gaining new life experiences so it was only natural for her to fall into this industry, especially as Palma is such a hotspot for yachts. Since living in Spain she has taught herself Spanish fluently and plans to continue learning new languages. With her polite and bubbly personality, she always builds a good relationship with guests and crew members. WATERS CRUISED: Mediterranean & Indian Ocean JOB DESCRIPTION: Responsible for accommodating guest needs, maintaining the highest standard of the exterior and interior, table presentation, flower arrangements, laundry, housekeeping, service, and bartending.
INTERESTS: Horseback Riding, Photography & Pilates.
Name: Samantha Tutton
Position: Stewardess
Nationality: South African
PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y Odessa 50M Sam is from the coastal city of Durban South Africa and is a true water and sports enthusiast. She played various team sports growing up such as netball and tennis doubles. While Sam’s heart belongs to the beach, she also enjoys playing golf in her spare time with family and friends. After studying Marketing Management at University of Pretoria she dedicated the next 6 years to being a merchandiser in the clothing manufacturing industry. During this time she got to travel to different parts of the world and explore new cultures. An undeniable pull towards seeing more of the world drove her to ultimately find her calling in the yachting industry. She is a kind and joyful individual who thrives on connecting with people from all walks of life, relishing the simple pleasures, from breathtaking sunsets to laughing till it hurts.
INTERESTS: Tennis, Golf, Foodie, Animals and Puzzles.
Name: Taylor Gibbore
Position: Deckhand
Nationality: American
PREVIOUS YACHTS: All Hooked Up Fishing Charters. Taylor comes from a small town in upstate New York, just outside of Binghamton. From a young age she was heavily involved in athletics starting with basketball and lacrosse, then playing rugby in college. She had an itch to leave her small town so she attended Coastal Carolina University. After graduating with a Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology, she decided to travel and started to work on the water. Once she saw the sunrise on the water every morning, she knew working on the water brought her life joy and excitement. From being a first mate on a fishing charter to a dockhand for SeaKarts, she was always looks for the next adventure. With her combined passion of being active and love for the outdoors, her decision to become a deckhand came naturally. She has a hardworking mindset and a positive energy that lifts everyone’s spirit around her. When she’s not on the water she will spend her time with friends and family in South Carolina, either fishing or on the beach. JOB DESCRIPTION: Meticulously maintain the yacht’s exterior, perform watch duties and assist with watersports and exterior activities. Go-to fishing expert! LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: STCW, ENG1 & PDSD.
INTERESTS: Rugby, Yoga, Meditation, Reading, Off-Shore Fishing & Cooking.
Name: Jon Lees
Position: Chef (rotation)
Nationality: British
PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y Zeus 74m, M/Y Alibi 51m, M/Y Volpini 58m, M/Y Solaia 40m, M/Y Oxygen 42m.
Jonathan was born in Cornwell in the UK. After training as a Chef in Chester in the UK he went on to spend 10 years working in some of the most prestigious Hotels and Restaurants in and around the UK. His love for the mountains and snowboarding led him to work at five-star hotels and Chalets in the French and Italian Alps. Jon soon left land life to further his chef career and has been sailing the seas for the last 12 years. WATERS CRUISED: U.S East and West Coast, Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Panama, & Southeast Asia. JOB DESCRIPTION: Menu design, provisioning and food preparation for guests and crew. Food budgeting, stock control, management of galley safety standards, etc.
LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: City and Guilds Cookery Certificate from West Cheshire College, Food Safety level III.
INTERESTS: Fishing, Snowboarding, Reading, Cycling, Trekking & Exploring Different Cuisines.
Name: Fernando Jeffrey
Position: Chef (rotation)
Nationality: Argentinian
PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y Agave, M/Y Chetah Moon, M/Y Willow
Fernando was born in Buenos Aires. He lived in England for 6 years working in some of the most prestige restaurants thereafter he moved to the beautiful coast of San Sebastian, Spain as well as Barcelona, for 3 years, working in multiple 5-star hotels and restaurants. Fernando soon left the land life to further his career sailing the seas doing what he loves and has since been sailing for 9 years. WATERS CRUISED: US East Coast, Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Baltic LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: Cookery certificate from IAG, Pastry Certificate from Welsh Institute, HAACP Food Safety and Hygiene (Level II).
INTERESTS: Reading, Wake Boarding, Water Polo, Trekking, exploring New Cuisines & Traveling
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