Meet our darling Demi! You'll likely find Demi by the water, living her passion for all things aquatic. Growing up in Cambridgeshire, she spent countless hours on her family's speedboat, trying out various water sports and developing a deep love for the ocean. As a competitive spirit, Demi spent her summers wakeboarding and winters skiing with family and friends. But she always dreamed of a career that would take her beyond her hometown, allowing her to travel the world while working. Now, with nearly two years of experience in the industry, Demi feels like she's found her calling as a stewardess. Demi is our skilled beautician and massage therapist on board. With a passion for all things beauty and care, she earned her Diploma in Advanced Beauty Therapy at West Suffolk College. She's excited to continue growing and progressing in her role alongside her crewmates on board M/Y Alta. With her infectious enthusiasm and love for adventure, Demi is a valuable addition to the team, ensuring that every guest has an unforgettable experience on board.
Hidden talent: Demi can ride a horse backwards while line dancing.
Demi Pearson
Stewardess
Courtney is our bubbly and fun-loving 2nd Stewardess, known on board as the absolute sweetheart of the crew. Hailing from the vibrant city of Johannesburg, South Africa, Courtney brings warmth, charm, and a joyful spirit to everything she does. With an adventurous soul and an infectious zest for life, she’s always up for an outdoor escapade—whether it’s hiking up rugged trails, rowing under the sunshine, or diving into a new adventure with a smile on her face. When she’s not out exploring the natural world, Courtney taps into her creative side with her beloved clarinet, mastering both the melodies and the theory behind them. Her musical nature and love for learning add a unique depth to her personality, and her curiosity doesn’t stop there—Courtney is a true globe-trotter, passionate about immersing herself in different cultures and constantly picking up new languages along the way. With a heart of gold and a natural talent for making people feel welcome, Courtney ensures that every guest on Motor Yacht Alta feels truly at home. Her attention to detail, positive energy, and gentle nature make her an irreplaceable part of the Alta family.
Hidden talent: Court can deliver dad jokes so flawlessly, you’ll groan, laugh, and question your life choices—all in one pun-ishing sentence.
Courtney Franks
Stewardess
Meet Marty, our all-around legend and true-blue Aussie with a spirit built for adventure. Born in Brisbane and raised in the laid-back country town of Toowoomba, Marty’s early years were filled with muddy boots, footy fields, and a love for the great outdoors. After a stint chasing athletic dreams, he pivoted into the world of sales—until a mate’s seafaring tales sparked something deeper. In 2020, he swapped cars for keels, diving headfirst into the yachting world and never glancing back at the outback.Since then, Marty has fully embraced life on the water, thriving in the hands-on nature of deck work and the ever-changing rhythm of life at sea. His passion for adventure goes well beyond the ocean—whether it’s snowboarding down alpine slopes, tackling a mountain trail, lifting at the gym,or jetting off to explore a new city, Marty’s always on the move. With his laid-back energy and can-do attitude, Marty fits the yachting lifestyle like a glove. He’s the kind of guy who makes fast friends, keeps the crew laughing, and brings genuine warmth to every guest interaction. A natural team player with a heart for hospitality, Marty is always ready to roll up his sleeves, face the elements, and create epic memories along the way.
Hidden Talent: Pickleball MVP—you’ve been warned.
Marty Higgins
First Officer
Born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands, South Africa, Chef Paul developed a passion for adventure and the outdoors from a young age. As a talented gymnast, Chef Paul spent most of his childhood honing his skills and competing at a national level.
After completing his secondary education, he pursued his culinary dreams by enrolling in the International Hotel School's diploma apprenticeship program. This comprehensive training laid the foundation for Chef Paul's future success in the culinary world. However, it was his experiences working in some of Africa's top safari lodges that truly shaped his culinary style and philosophy.
You'll find that Chef Paul's passion for travel and exploration is reflected in his cooking, as he draws inspiration from the diverse cultures and landscapes he's encountered. When he's not in the kitchen, Chef Paul enjoys fishing, water sports, and hiking, always seeking out new adventures and experiences.
Fun fact about Chef Paul: Had the misfortune of being charged by a hippo not once, but twice! Thankfully, he lived to tell the tale and continues to share his love of food, travel, and adventure with others.
Paul Antolik
Chef
Jonathan brings a boatload of experience (pun intended) to Motor Yacht Alta, where he’s excited to take the helm and captain charter guests on unforgettable adventures. With a razor-sharp eye for detail, he ensures the yacht’s exterior is always looking its best. Before joining the yachting world, he trained as an Aircraft Engineer in the Royal Navy, but the sea has always been in his blood—growing up in a seaside town in Northern England, he’s been around the water all his life. A skilled sailor, Jonathan was part of the British Youth Sailing Squad and even volunteered at the 2012 London Olympics as safety and support crew for the sailing events. Whether it’s wakeboarding, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or giving guests a guided tour of the coastline, he’s always in his element on the water and loves sharing his knowledge. Having worked on some of the busiest charter yachts like NATORI, LAZY Z, and LUCKY LADY, as well as private yachts like ESMERALDA, Jonathan is no stranger to high-pressure environments and making guests feel at home. With his solid work ethic, great sense of humor, and a seemingly endless collection of bad jokes, he keeps both crew and guests entertained. When he’s not ensuring every detail on Alta is top-notch, you’ll find Jonathan watching football (loyal to Tottenham Hotspur, for better or worse), hitting the gym, sailing, or chasing his next adventure. If you’re lucky enough to have him as your captain, expect an incredible experience—along with a few groan-worthy jokes along the way!
Hidden talent: Jonathan can parallel park a tender in one try while reciting the entire Pirates of the Caribbean script—accents included.
Jonathan Copsey
Captain
Matt, our steadfast and quietly brilliant Bosun, hails from the landlocked city of Coventry in the heart of Central England—about as far from the sea as one can get. Perhaps it was this very distance that sparked his curiosity for the ocean and led him to a life spent chasing horizons. Since joining the yachting world, Matthew has brought a steady hand, sharp skillset, and quiet confidence to every deck he steps on, becoming an integral part of the Motor Yacht Alta crew. Stoic by nature, Matthew isn’t one for unnecessary fuss, but those who know him best will tell you—he’s a rock-solid listener, always ready with thoughtful advice and an open ear. Whether you're a guest in need of a gentle guide or a crew member looking for a calm voice of reason, Matthew is the one you turn to. Outside of work, Matthew is a man of many peaceful passions. He’s a true coffee aficionado, often found brewing up something special with precision and care, experimenting with different methods and beans like a scientist in pursuit of the perfect cup. He also thrives outdoors, forever chasing fresh air on long hikes, scenic drives, and water sports that keep him close to nature and challenge his endurance. Dependable, humble, and quietly adventurous, Matthew is much more than meets the eye—and a cherished member of the Alta family.
Hidden talent: Laser tag & go karting – Start your engines
Matthew Cox
Bosun
Meet Captain Iain, a true mariner with a heart as vast as the ocean. Born in New Westminster, Canada and brought up in a small town called Maple Ridge, a true maple syrup loving Canadian! He now calls the vibrant city of Vancouver, British Colombia home. Iain has spent years honing his craft on grand yachts and cruise ships alike.Spending 8 years of his career on Princess Cruises, Iain soon turned to obtain his OOW license followed by a move to the UK to complete his courses in 2012. Captain Iain found himself immersed completely with the yachting industry, working on one of the world’s largest bespoke super yachts, a testament to his expertise and dedication to the craft. When he’s not charting new courses, Captain pedals through scenic trails on his trusty mountain bike, savors the flavors of different cuisines throughout Vancouver, takes his personal boat out for a spin, and shares adventures with his loyal furry companion, Gunnar. With a wealth of experience, and a zest for life, he’s ready to steer your journey to unforgettable destinations.
Fun fact: Has such a bond with his bottle of sriracha, the crew refers to it as “the real first mate.”
Iain Patterson
Captain
Arren is our Chief Stewardess, bringing East Coast charm, razor-sharp wit, and a passion for hospitality to the Alta crew. Raised in the tiny seaside town of Dalhousie, New Brunswick, Arren grew up surrounded by salty air, coastal traditions, and the lively energy of a close-knit family. With two older brothers keeping her on her toes, it’s no surprise she developed a fierce competitive streak that still shines during crew games and yacht challenges. Her dad, a proud lobster fisherman with a world-famous mustache that defies gravity, was certainly a big part of her inspiration to embrace the life of a salty sea-farer—but not the only one. Arren’s own passion for adventure and the sea led her to yachting, where she’s found her true calling. Before stepping into the world of luxury yachting, Arren spent eight years in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Psychology. Her academic path led her into the world of fine dining, where she honed her hospitality skills, mixology knowledge, and appreciation for a good glass of wine. She brings this refined experience—and her warm, engaging personality—straight to the guest experience aboard Alta. Off the boat, Arren lives for yoga classes, foodie adventures, and meaningful time with family and friends. Though her true superpower is spotting a dog from 300 meters and immediately knowing its name, breed, and emotional needs. Arren’s bright energy, thoughtful service, and all-around lovable nature make her a key player onboard. Whether she’s organizing the perfect event or sharing a laugh with guests, she brings heart to every moment.
Hidden Talent: Ventriloquist extraordinaire—don’t be alarmed if a wine bottle starts talking.
Arren Lapointe
Chief steward/ess
Cesar hails from the picturesque nation of Mexico, nestled in the historically significant town of Durango. With a career spanning numerous years in the yachting industry, Cesar's journey began aboard tanker vessels traversing the globe. Despite being of Spanish origin and often collaborating with Spanish crews, Cesar places great emphasis on embracing diverse languages, exhibiting a perpetual thirst for learning. He is always keeping us on our toes, teaching us new Spanish words and making us laugh.
When not dedicated to his maritime duties, Cesar cherishes moments spent with his beautiful family, prioritizing quality time above all else.
Armed with a radiant smile, Cesar is ever-prepared to utilize his extensive engineering expertise to tackle any challenge that comes his way, embodying the essence of a reliable problem-solver.
Fun fact: Cesar loves to give us all Spanish nicknames and rarely will call us
by our real names!
Cesar Onesimo
Chief engineer
Meet Herman Smit – though on board, he’s affectionately known as Harry or Smitty, depending on who’s calling and how much trouble he’s in. Born in the sunny town of Pinetown and raised in Middleburg, Harry’s roots are proudly South African. Before stepping into the world of yachting, he spent several years honing his work ethic and people skills in the fast-paced restaurant scene of Potchefstroom – where he learned that keeping calm under pressure is just as useful behind a bar as it is on deck. A lifelong lover of sport and the outdoors, Harry’s background in rugby and long-distance running gives him the stamina and teamwork mentality that make him a natural fit for deck life. These days, when he’s not elbows-deep in lines or launching toys, you’ll find him scuba diving — a hobby that quickly turned into a full-blown passion. If there’s an ocean nearby, he’s probably in it. With four Atlantic crossings under his belt (and counting), Harry is no stranger to open water. Harry speaks Afrikaans and English fluently, and can hold a surprisingly decent conversation in Spanish – especially if it involves giving directions, talking about food, or asking where the nearest dive spot is. Always first to laugh, last to complain, and forever up for a challenge, Harry is a team player through and through – the kind of guy who makes long days feel shorter and good vibes last longer.
Hidden talents: Reading people’s body language with uncanny accuracy and pulling obscure facts out of nowhere that somehow always ends up being useful (or at least hilarious).
Harry Smit
Deckhand