Crew Profiles

CAPTAIN DWIGHT LEDBETTER

Dwight has always held a passion for the water, immersing himself since he was four years old in waterborne activities such as competitive sailing and swimming, surfing and diving. Raised on the Space Coast of Florida, he sailed and won championships while leading his AAU Swim Team to consecutive State Titles, a seventh in the National Junior Olympics, and setting 8 High School records.
Dwight initially pursued the lure of rough Necking the offshore oil fields in the Gulf of Mexico. Quickly working his way through the ranks to become a Liquid Nitrogen Operator, he again set records, this time in the onsite physics of well control.
When the oil field business crashed in 1985, he seized upon ‘The Call of the Sea’, this time as a professional crewman racing on a legendary Maxi Yacht in England. Dwight has never looked back.
In his 18 years as a “yachtie”, Dwight has won the Maxi World Championships and Antigua Race twice each, the Newport to Bermuda Race, and the Holy Grail of offshore yachting racing, the Fastnet Race. Having sailed 196,000 bluewater miles, he has crossed the Atlantic 12 times and sailed the oceans from Quebec to Buenos Aires, and Hawaii to Italy.
Having reached the pinnacle on sailing yachts, he chose to apply his seamanship and leadership skills to luxury Motor Yachts. First, a 120’ Sport Fish – CADENCE, largest in the world – Then to a 106’ cruising yacht, CALEX, and a 126’ new build, ALGORYTHM, of Trinity Yachts. As Captain for the Chairman of Trinity, Dwight successfully campaigned and sold a 126’ Trinity, BIG EASY, then promptly moved the owner to a 121’ Moonen, WHITE HEAVEN III.


MATE KEVIN THOMPSON

Kevin is a career waterman who is at home in just about any cruising ground. Well known in the charter yacht industry, he holds a 200 Ton Master, USCG Captain’s license with numerous courses in yacht operations and safety all of which enhance any yacht’s overall program. He also wears a smile as part of his uniform. His favorite past time is fishing, diving.

CHIEF STEWARDESS ERIKA PAGTALUNAN

Erika is a certified Yacht Stewardess and has a niche for bartending, decorating and ensuring that her guests receive the utmost outstanding service on their Yacht Charter experience. She trained through Bluewater Yachting Crew for her certifications including: STCW, Coast Guard/Firefighting course, and Yacht Interior Service - Level 1. She takes pride in being detailed and organized all while making sure her guests are comfortable and safe. Her guests are priority when it comes to her work, and if asked, she would be happy to assist/partake in any offboard activities as well.

Some fun facts about Erika are, she was born and raised in Michigan. She grew up around Lake Huron and the great outdoors. She spent a great amount of time camping, hiking, fishing and skiing with her family growing up and it's something she still enjoys to do with them. Erika has traveled within the U.S. borders working in multiple states in the hospitality industry. Wanting to see more of the world while using her interior and hospitality skills, she decided to join the Yachting community and has loved it ever since!


DECKHAND/STEWARDESS AUBREY PURSCHKE

Aubrey holds a 100 Ton Master, USCG Captain’s license and is a dynamic and skilled First Mate with extensive experience in yacht operations and navigation, ready to jump right into any program or project. Her water skills include Nitrox enriched air diver, PADI Advanced SCUBA diver and freedive instructor. She is adept at maintaining vessel standards, overseeing maintenance, and providing exceptional customer service to guests. Aubrey is always up for an adventure. Her passion is fishing and freediving.

CHEF AARON BYERS

Chef Aaron grew up in the heart of New Jersey devouring the abundance of freshness that the Garden State produces.! After graduating University in 2000, he set out on an adventure to see the world and came across the yachting Industry while traveling in the South of France along the Cote D'Azur and felt that he had found the Holy Grail. Travel the world in style on mega yachts while rubbing elbows with the most influential minds on the planet Yes Please!!
After 10 years of sailing around the world and making memories of a lifetime, he left the yachting industry with a dream to take a crack at creating his childhood dream of opening a taqueria on the beach and surfing everyday! He succeeded and created one of the first food truck businesses in South Florida. Over the span of 7 years he was awarded and recognized by national celebrity chefs, publications and media outlets on numerous occasions for the quality of his product. He sold the company at its peak, and went surfing!! 🙂
Over the last 6 years since he sold his company, he has been traveling the globe honing his cooking skills in over 50 countries while traveling and cooking on multiple mega yachts.
He is an avid lover of all things on the sea, mainly surfing, diving, and spearfishing! He has a gift of creating unique flavors by infusing ingredients from all corners of the globe and looks forward to making your palate dance!!