Lewis grew up in the coastal town of South Shields. His love for exploring new places saw him wanting to travel and found his place in the yachting industry, he has a keen interest in learning new cultures and exploring wherever his job takes him. Lewis is quick minded and enjoys solving problems and fixing things, hoping one day to become a Chief Engineer. Staying active Lewis likes to train at the gym and enjoys spending time with his family and socialising with friends, he strives to maintain a healthy balanced lifestyle. As an avid Newcastle United fan, you will find Lewis in the football stadium supporting his team.

Lewis Watson
3rd Engineer
Although Steve grew up on a farm in South Africa, he spent many vacations at his family’s coastal cottage on the Transkei. Here, he developed a love for the ocean and a deep passion for fishing. He studied law and qualified as a lawyer before deciding it was time to travel the world. Whilst travelling, he ended up working on a yacht in the Bahamas and has never looked back. Steve has spent over a decade of rewarding years in the industry and since obtaining his Masters ticket, he plans to spend many more years reveling in all the good things that the yacht life brings. Steve’s favorite hobbies are fishing, playing golf, reading crime thrillers, and watching most sports.

Steve Manthey
First Officer
Nicholas “Nick” Farrell is a time served Marine Engineering Artificer, learning his trade in the Royal Navy (RN) during a 4-year apprenticeship. The apprenticeship led to service on a variety of vessels from Steam ships and Gas turbine powered vessels and then finally on to nuclear powered submarines. Post RN Nick ventured to the Oil and Gas industry, for a short period of time, before discovering the Yachting world in 2000. Since then, He has been on a variety of vessels from the 39 meters Go to 100 meters Madam Gu. Away from yachting, Nick has property in Brittany where he has a modest collection of classic cars and an equal number of not so classic bicycles, both of which often get used for overnight camping trips. Nick joined ALFA for her first charter summer in 2024.

Nicholas "Nick" Farrell
Chief engineer
Billy is a young man from Cornwall. He enjoys doing outdoor activities in his spare time like mountain biking, walking the coastline and also enjoys snowboard skiing holidays. Billy attended College to do his Carpentry course, his previous employer was Princess Yachts in Plymouth where he worked straight after his studies. Joining ALFA in 2024, this is his first experience of working on board a yacht as a deckhand carpenter and he is looking forward to learning new skills and building relationships with the team.

Billy Retallick
Deckhand/Carpenter
With over 13 years in the yachting industry, David has established himself aboard some of the world’s most prestigious yachts, including Quantum Blue, Venus, Fountainhead, and Soaring ranging from 55 to 105 meters. Known for his professionalism, discretion, and unwavering standards, he brings a calm and confident presence to every role he steps into. In 2024, David joined ALFA as Chief Officer and has since obtained his Master’s license. He now serves as a Rotational Captain alongside Captain Michael, a partnership built on five years of close collaboration and shared values. Having a unified approach to leadership and guest service, David takes great pride in fostering a well-run vessel and looks forward to ensuring that every guest enjoys a relaxed, safe, and truly memorable experience on board.
His career has taken him across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, underpinned by a genuine love of travel. Outside of yachting, David is a former professional cyclist and continues to lead an active lifestyle, recently summiting Mount Kilimanjaro an achievement that mirrors his resilience and focus both on and off the bridge. He also maintains a strong interest in technology and finance, balancing intellect and discipline in his day-to-day professional life.
David will take command for the months of June, and again from latter half of August through September 2026, ensuring a seamless guest experience and smooth vessel operations.

David De Backer
Captain
James has been a chef for 33 years and has worked in Michelin stared and Rosette kitchens, winning 3 Rosettes and A Red M award in 2009, he now lives in Italy.
His yachting career started in 2010 working on the Areti Fleet, Phoenix 2, and other large yachts. James’s culinary repertoire is vast and his delivery elegant, including Italian, French Mediterranean, Asian, Japanese, Fusion, Sushi, Bread/Pastry and catering for special dietary requests such as Vegan, gluten free and Kosher, Keto, FOD and others. His aim is delivering creative, healthy and meticulously constructed meals, made with passion. Being a positive and professional individual James is a great asset to the team, he joined ALFA in 2026.

James Lawrence
Chef
Lara grew up in the beautiful county of Cornwall, surrounded by the sea she was determined to work on the water, however with her Father being an airline pilot she first took to the skies as a helicopter stewardess, flying to the Isle of Scilly. Starting her career in 2008 as a junior stewardess, Lara has worked on very busy charter yachts and worked her way up to be the Chief Stewardess she is today. Lara is passionate about service and creating table themes to ensure guests have the most memorable experience possible and will always go the extra mile. Naturally nurturing, she is a great leader to the interior team, creating a space for them to learn and grow and experience all aspects of the interior department. A keen horse rider and dog lover, she is often exploring the outdoors and doing what she can for animal welfare. Lara is always excited to welcome new guests and will ensure your stay on ALFA is a comfortable, relaxed and memorable experience.

Lara Rigby
Chief steward/ess
Ashton comes from a small village in England, where her strong work ethic and passion for hospitality were shaped from an early age. With over five years of experience in executive support and event planning, including serving as Executive Assistant to the CEO of the UK’s leading online grocer, she developed exceptional organizational skills and the ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
Her love for travel and creating memorable experiences naturally led her to the yachting industry, where she is dedicated to delivering outstanding service and maintaining a positive onboard atmosphere. Warm, energetic, and highly detail-oriented, Ashton is known for her can-do attitude and ability to uplift those around her. Having spent over a decade competing in dance, including representing England internationally, she brings discipline, professionalism, and strong team spirit to every role. In her free time, she enjoys running, Pilates, hiking, and exploring new destinations.

Ashton Alexander
Third Stewardess
Miriam is a dedicated and reliable stewardess. She possesses exceptional organisation skills, meticulous attention to detail, and excels as a team player. Miriam embarked on her journey in the yachting industry in 2019 and has previously worked on board 60m M/Y Madame Kate, where she worked the summer seasons for 4 years. During her time on board, her responsibilities included maintaining the yacht’s interior to the highest standards, table setting and decoration, managing laundry, and providing excellent food and beverage service. Additionally, Miriam has experience working on the 31m M/Y Majola for the Cannes Yacht Show. In her free time, she enjoys photography, travel, learning new languages and interior decorating. Miriam joined ALFA in 2024 and looks forward to welcoming guests aboard and ensuring they have an unforgettable charter experience.

Miriam Delgado Cruz
Stewardess
Amica grew up along the stunning South African coastline, where her love of the ocean first began. Drawn to a life on the water, she stepped into yachting nearly five years ago and has since worked on a range of yachts from 40m to 140m, such as 55m Addiction, 85m Pacific X & 37m Hooligan II. Over this time, she’s found a real passion for service - especially creative tablescapes, handcrafted cocktails, and the art of a perfect coffee. Naturally upbeat and welcoming, Amica brings an easy energy to every guest experience, making sure each charter feels effortless and memorable. When she’s not onboard, she loves travelling, staying active, and soaking up everything the sea and the outdoors have to offer.

Amica Kanes
Stewardess