Erin was born and raised in San Diego, California, where her love for the water took root early - whether wakeboarding, surfing, or white-water rafting. A natural thrill-seeker, she spent her free time dirt biking, snowboarding, and chasing any adventure the outdoors could offer. After high school, she earned a scholarship to play Division I softball at the University of Central Florida, where her discipline and teamwork flourished. Though she transitioned into corporate healthcare, working with government agencies, the call of the ocean never faded. A year ago, she traded office life for the deck of a yacht, and she hasn’t looked back. Now, as a driven deckhand, Erin is laser-focused on climbing the ranks - with her sights set on one day becoming a captain. When she’s not mastering the ropes of the industry, she’s the crew’s go-to for epic water adventures: fishing, snorkelling, or leading off-boat excursions. With her infectious energy and relentless dedication to creating unforgettable experiences, Erin ensures every trip is nothing short of extraordinary.
Erin Emanuel
Bosun
Tiago brings over fourteen years of hospitality expertise to the galley of ACTA, with a passion for creating unforgettable culinary experiences. Born to entertain, Tiago has honed his skills professionally managing pop-up restaurants and catering high-profile events before finding his calling on yachts. Over the past four years, he’s risen from Sous Chef to leading the galley and interior on a 55-meter vessel, mastering provisioning, team coordination, and seamless service across international itineraries. With a degree in Food Industry Management from Michigan State University, Tiago brings structured expertise to the galley by applying operational precision to menu design, provisioning, and team leadership, all while adapting seamlessly to the demands of yacht service. His fluency in English, Portuguese, and Spanish serves him well in international galley operations, from provisioning in foreign ports to training diverse crew members. When off-duty, his PADI certification reflects a preference for active exploration; whether diving coastal reefs or discovering local markets for inspiration. At heart, Tiago believes the best meals are those shared with great company; a philosophy that aligns perfectly with ACTA’s vision.
Tiago Laranja
Chef
Garrett grew up in Grand Haven, Michigan, where he spent his early years working as a deckhand and fishing guide on the Great Lakes, reeling in salmon and trout. Though fishing was a lifelong passion, his curiosity for food led him to a culinary technical high school, where he refined his skills while working in professional kitchens. Determined to pursue cooking as a career, he trained at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, graduating in 2020. Soon after, he left Michigan for Florida, immersing himself in the yachting industry, a perfect marriage of his love for the water and culinary craft. With a foundation in French and Italian cuisine, Garrett’s style was further shaped by time spent cooking in Mexico, bringing bold, global influences to his dishes. He takes particular pride in his handcrafted sourdough bread and creative sorbets, showcasing both technique and innovation.
Garrett Hamilton
Chef
Matthew is a seasoned yachting professional with a passion for adventure and cultural exploration. Originally from Louisiana, his journey has taken him across the globe—from living in Australia and Canada to various corners of Florida. Over the past four years in the yachting industry, he has launched new vessels, delivered a boat to North Africa, and spent three unforgettable summers cruising the Mediterranean. A true enthusiast of immersive travel, Matthew has embraced every opportunity to expand his skills, from spear fishing and diving to mastering diverse cuisines. His experiences have deepened his appreciation for different cultures, enriching both his professional and personal life. Whether on the water or ashore, he thrives on discovery and the thrill of new horizons.
Matthew Bourgeois
Engineer
Annie is a dedicated Second Stewardess with nearly three years of yachting experience, blending East Coast adaptability with a deep passion for maritime life. Growing up across Maryland, North Carolina, and Ohio, she first discovered yachting through a friend while studying abroad in Italy. What began as a serendipitous introduction soon became a career, as she realized she preferred turquoise waters and sunlit decks to the confines of a traditional office. At 24, Annie balances her professional duties with an active love for the ocean. Whether freediving, spearfishing for fresh meals, or leading sunset yoga sessions for the crew, she thrives in the rhythm of life at sea. To her, the magic of yachting lies not just in the destinations, but in the perfect mix of hard work and spontaneous adventure, from perfecting service details to sneaking away to surf a secluded break.
Annie Penland
Stewardess
As an energetic and professional Chief Officer, David embodies the spirit of adventure and a commitment to excellence. As an upcoming captain, he is known for his diligence and exceptional guest interaction skills, ensuring that every voyage is a memorable experience. His adept crew management fosters a harmonious and efficient team, while his strong personal relationships with vendors and contractors guarantee smooth and reliable operations. Demonstrating remarkable leadership abilities, David’s blend of enthusiasm and professionalism positions him as a standout leader in the yachting world, poised for a successful future in command.
David McFate
First Officer
Born in Aspen, Colorado, Les discovered his passion for the water early, starting scuba diving at twelve and becoming a dive instructor by eighteen. He taught in local lakes and even braved the challenges of ice diving. Seeking warmer waters at twenty-one, he moved to the British Virgin Islands, where he rose to become Captain and Engineer of the world’s largest sailing trimaran. When the vessel’s owner expanded operations to the Galapagos, Les spent a year exploring some of the planet’s most spectacular dive sites while training locals in charter operations. With over 35 years of professional maritime experience, Les holds both Captain and unlimited Chief Engineer licenses, along with certifications as a Master Scuba Instructor and Triton Submarine 3300/3 pilot and repair technician. His career spans private yachts, charter vessels, commercial ships, and even Damen’s explorer yacht AXIS, where he earned his submarine pilot license. A seasoned leader, he’s adept at managing large crews and complex vessels, with a deep respect for the critical role of ship engineers. Beyond his hands-on work, Les is a dedicated educator. He taught at a maritime college and became the first American approved by the UK MCA to instruct ARPA, ECDIS, Navigation, and Radar. When not at sea or teaching, Les enjoys swimming, spinning, cooking, tinkering with computers, and spending time with his family in Fort Lauderdale. A devoted husband of 23 years and father to two grown sons, he shares his home with two dogs and a lifetime of stories from the waves.
Les Annan
Captain
A true maritime professional, Woody brings both heritage and hands-on experience to the yachting industry. The son of marine industry veterans, he literally grew up in shipyards, developing an innate understanding of vessels that would later form the foundation of his career. After earning his degree from the University of Florida, he officially entered the professional yachting world in 2014, blending his technical upbringing with formal training. Woody's unique background gives him a comprehensive perspective on yacht operations - from engineering systems to guest services. His career allows him to pursue his twin passions: working with world-class vessels and exploring new destinations across the globe. When back on land in Fort Lauderdale, Woody recharges by spending quality time with his girlfriend Leanis and their two dogs. An avid golfer, he enjoys friendly rounds with his circle of friends. Whether maintaining vessels or maintaining his handicap, Woody approaches everything with the same dedication and attention to detail that defines his professional work.
Woody Bach
Chief engineer
Alyssa was born and raised along the vibrant Jersey Shore, just minutes from the boardwalk and ocean, where her love for an active, sunlit lifestyle began. Growing up playing competitive softball, basketball, and field hockey, she developed a team-oriented mindset and relentless energy, qualities she now brings to her yachting career. Never one to sit still, she fills her free time with pickleball matches, scenic hikes, and long bike rides, always chasing adventure. Her professional journey started in hospitality at an upscale country club, where she honed her service skills bartending events and catering to discerning guests. Seeking to elevate her craft to the highest standards, she transitioned into yachting, a world that combines her passion for impeccable service with the thrill of exploring new cultures and coastlines. Whether on deck or ashore, Alyssa embraces every opportunity to learn, connect, and turn the horizon into her next destination.
Alyssa Cohen
Stewardess
Brett's journey into yachting began in an unlikely place: North Dakota, far from the ocean. Growing up on the plains, he never imagined his life would revolve around the sea until four transformative years in California, where the Pacific captivated him. From then on, he sought every way to immerse himself in the water, discovering a passion for its endless adventures. Today, Brett thrives in the ocean, whether snorkelling vibrant reefs, freediving into the depths, spearfishing for dinner, or carving waves on a wakeboard. Off the water, he's perfecting his golf swing, pushing limits in the gym, or chasing winter powder on a snowboard. For Brett, yachting isn't just a career; it's a lifestyle that blends exploration, adrenaline, and connection. The constant travel to breathtaking destinations and the incredible people he meets make it extraordinary. Every new port brings fresh experiences, friendships, and a deeper bond with the sea one that began the moment he left the plains behind.
Brett Larson
Deckhand