Experiences

Alan was introduced to life on the water at a very early age. His father, being a Royal Navy Mariner, and his Grandfather, a highly regarded businessman in the European yachting world, it wasn’t long before he found his calling on the salty side. Growing up in South Africa, originally starting his journey as a surf lifeguard and scuba diving instructor in various locations around the world, Alan naturally progressed into captaincy of ocean going vessels in places like The Caribbean, Western Mediterranean, Hong Kong, Cyprus and South Africa. Now with almost a decade of experience in commanding roles, you can be sure to feel at ease whilst aboard La Gatta. Alan is, and always has been, an avid Watersports man, participating in many different sports such as kitesurfing, surfing, scuba diving, spear fishing and many more. Above the water he is a long time golfer and all round ball-sports enthusiast.

Isabella is from Cape Town, South Africa. She grew up surfing on the coasts of Cape Town and has always had a love for the ocean and outdoors. It was only natural that she joined the yachting industry with such a lust to travel and see the world. Once she joined the industry, Isabella found a love for sailing. She has sailed the East Coast of the USA, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the South Pacific.

After gaining her sea time, Isabella undertook her captain’s license and now holds a RYA Yacht-Master Offshore 200 ton. She also holds her PADI Dive-Master and AIDA Free Diver Certification. Isabella’s passion for cooking started whilst living at home cooking for her family and friends. She became inspired to take on a culinary career while working with some highly qualified yacht chefs aboard a variety of sailing vessels. She later completed a professional cooking course at the renowned Ashburton Chefs Academy in the UK. Isabella always uses fresh local ingredients of the highest quality available. She will create a unique and exciting menu plan according to your preferences. Her main goal is creating nutritious meals, while getting the opportunity to share her passion for food with others.

Jacoline was born in South Africa and grew up in the west coast of New Zealand – Taranaki. Her background is a combination of all things hospitality. Studying event management and hotel management before deciding to expand her knowledge and pursued a career in the yachting industry.

Growing up with the joys of coastal living Jacoline loves the ocean and has a passion for all water sports. Fortunately, through yachting, her passion for travel and adventure has become an amazing journey. Having gained ample experience working as stewardess aboard multiple Superyachts for 3 years in the Mediterranean, she has a newly found interest in sailing which has brought her to join the crew of S/Y La Gatta. Prior to La Gatta, Jacoline worked in a large team as a butler to the Royal Family in Saudi Arabia, visiting vast locations and private estates. Organizing day to day special guest requests and overseeing formal and informal dinner parties, meetings and events. Due to her vast experiences she can bring highly personalized service and care to your stay on board La Gatta and ensure that your highest expectations are always met with a smile and full of enjoyment.

Growing up in The heart of South Africa, surrounded by farm land and bush Brandon naturally took to an outdoor life. Spending weekends at rivers and lakes to get away from the heat of the South African sun he found his love for being on the water. Watersports became a passion and this is what drove his desire to make a career out of the very thing he loved doing most. Having trained and completed multiple seasons as a Watersports instructor and Assistant Engineer, Brandon is La Gatta’s “Go-To” guy for anything Watersports related! With safety being the absolute top priority, and enjoyment being a very close second, Brandon will ensure all ages and experience levels will come away with a sense of achievement, progression and a huge smile on their faces.

Shawn was raised on the coast of North Carolina, where he began spending time in the ocean at a young age. After completing a degree in Biology at the University of North Carolina – Wilmington, his love for the water took him to Hawaii and Central America chasing waves. In Nicaragua, Shawn was a guide for surfing and fishing on the Pacific coast for two years. He enjoyed sharing his passion for water sports with guests and decided to pursue this career by getting into the super yacht industry. Shawn started as a deckhand/2nd engineer and worked his way up while traveling the eastern coast of the USA, Bahamas, Caribbean, and Cuba. After a year off super yachts, traveling New Zealand, he acquired his Divemaster certification and moved to the Caribbean to work on sailing catamarans. Having worked on numerous different vessels, Shawn has attained extensive knowledge in all matters of yachting, navigating and engineering. Since working in the charter industry for over a decade, he enjoys providing amazing trips that guests will remember for the rest of their lives. Shawn is an avid surfer, kiteboarder, diver, and golfer.

Autumn grew up in northern Michigan surrounded by the Great Lakes. Catching the travel bug while attending massage school on the pacific coast of Costa Rica, Autumn knew she wanted a life of travel and adventure. In 2013, Autumn moved to Fort Lauderdale and began her yachting career as a stewardess/masseuse on super yachts, which took her along both coasts of  the USA, through the Panama Canal, Cuba, and the Bahamas. As a stewardess she worked closely with many incredible chefs, picking up skills, recipes, and cooking knowledge along the way. After a year off super yachts, traveling New Zealand, she acquired her Divemaster certification and accepted her first chef role on a sailing catamaran in the Caribbean. Falling in love with cooking, she later completed a professional culinary course at the award winning White Pepper Chef Academy in the UK. Autumn enjoys cooking many different cuisines while always using fresh, local ingredients. She enjoys making everything she can from scratch, especially sourdough breads and desserts. Her passion for experiencing the flavors of the world are shared with every charter through her nutritious and exciting menus planned according to guests preferences.

Born to a Venezuelan and English multilingual family Rosie spent her early years living in Venezuela before later growing up in England. She’s fluent in both English and Spanish and loves to dabble in French also. Rosie completed her degree in International Hospitality Management from Plymouth University where her passion for the industry and water sports was born. Her 14 years’ experience has seen her running hotels around Europe before taking her skills to yachting.

Rosie has an attention to detail like no other and has a habit of making any space inviting and beautiful wherever she goes but she will particularly dazzle you with her master mixology skills, and have you trying her infamous world renowned Pina Coladas in no time. With numerous Caribbean charter seasons under her belt combined with her love for the ocean, her extraordinary cocktail making skills and her friendly disposition you can feel safe in the knowledge that she knows how to deliver quality service with a smile. 

You’ll be hosted by Captain Brad Stodel who was practically born on a boat. He’s a qualified Yacht Master with over 7 years charter experience cruising world wide. He’s done multiple ocean crossings and charters in Antarctica via the Drake passage , South America, Dubai to Seychelles as well as in and around the Mediterranean. His last position was as captain of a busy fleet of motor yachts (ranging from 22 – 25 meters in length) owned by a syndicate based in Palma De Mallorca – So, you’re in good hands!

Being able to work on Gatto Veloce and chase La Gatta worldwide is such a privilege and I am so thankful for the opportunity I have been given. Exploring and experiencing such beautiful places with the most amazing people is just something you cannot beat! Being able to drive and run a 40ft Van Dutch is a dream come true! I am forever grateful.