Walter's connection with the Newbuild Motor Yacht Ancora goes beyond navigating its pristine decks - he played an integral role in its build. Walter's hands-on involvement echoes his dedication to the vessel. Having actively participated in the build process, he not only understands every inch of Ancora but has also imbued the yacht with his passion and vision. This unique involvement ensures that every voyage is not just a journey across seas but a realization of the maritime dreams carefully woven into Ancora’s construction.
Walter's dual role as both captain and contributor to the yacht's genesis establishes a profound link, making Ancora not merely a vessel but an extension of his maritime spirit, ready to embark on new horizons under his
expert guidance. Captain Walter, a seasoned mariner hailing from New Zealand, embodies a life deeply intertwined with the sea. Raised amidst the ocean's embrace, his destiny was clear – a career at sea. Having navigated the
waters of the Mediterranean and Caribbean, crossed the Atlantic eight times, and logged over 45,000 nautical miles across South East Asia and the Pacific, Walter's maritime journey is etched with exploration and adventure. Walter's heart finds solace in Fiji, where he calls home, perched on a balcony overseeing the vast South Pacific Ocean. His connection with the sea is not just professional but deeply personal, evident as he savors moments in his hammock, absorbing the tranquility of his maritime haven.
At the helm of the Newbuild Motor Yacht Ancora, Walter brings a wealth of experience and infectious enthusiasm. Walter's commitment to exploration and his intimate understanding of the seas make him a captain who not only navigates the waters but also crafts unparalleled maritime experiences for those aboard ANCORA.

Previous yachts: ALRUYA, SURI (63m), TWIZZLE (57m), AD-VANTAGE (55m), PARSIFAL III (54m), BIG FISH (45m) & RH3 (39m)

Charlie grew up in England on a farm in Oxford shire. His true love for the sea emerged when he attended Plymouth University. In his early 20’s he moved to Indonesia, where he became a scuba diving instructor, a profession that took him across the world and beneath the oceans. About 12 years ago Charlie seized the opportunity to work as a bosun/dive instructor on a 44.2m motor yacht, quickly advancing to Mate, a role he held for six years. During this time, he obtained his MCA chief mate qualifications and gained extensive cruising experience in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and the Northeast of the US. He aspires to become a Captain like his great uncle and hopes to pass his love for the water on to his two sons. When he is not on board, Charlie enjoys triathlon golf, motocross, tennis, diving, photography, as well as travelling. He constantly aims to meet every guest’s desire and provide the best service during their time on board M/Y ANCORA.

Shane was born in Northern Ireland and lives along the North coast in a seaside village called Portrush. Shane has a lot of family in Fort Lauderdale and visits every year. He plays golf with his 3 brothers and likes to relax at his family's Irish bar in Lauderdale. He was offered his first job in their establishment.

8 years later, he is still in love with the ocean. He enjoys all water sports and has a professional manner when instructing. He loves to travel and plays Soccer and Golf on his holidays and enjoys snowboarding during the winter. Shane has a bubbly personality and is very social.

Previously serving as Bosun, Shane now leads operations as the Chase Boat Captain, where he continues to deliver professional service and ensures guests enjoy a seamless experience on the water.

Originally from the UK, Brooks brings over 8 years of hands-on experience in the maritime industry. Beginning her career with formal training at a watersports college, she has steadily built a diverse and practical skill set through various roles at sea. A key milestone in her journey was achieving her Divemaster certification, which reflects not only her passion for diving but also her deep connection to marine life. Known for her strong team spirit and positive attitude, Brooks is excited to contribute to the crew and deliver exceptional service on board.

Dan, rooted in the maritime essence of New Zealand, embarked on a career that led him from the depths of engineering apprenticeship to the commanding role of Chief Engineer on deep-sea fishing vessels. The last 15 years have witnessed Dan's expertise navigating the waters of the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, Scandinavia, and the coasts of North America.

Dan's passion lies in the meticulous care of intricate vessel systems, a task he undertakes with pride and precision. His commitment to maintaining peak performance ensures that every journey aboard is not just smooth sailing but an orchestrated symphony of seamless engineering. His journey with ANCORA began during its building stages, where Dan's skilled hands and keen eye for detail contributed to the yacht’s completion and launch. As a vital part of the team, Dan's dedication extends beyond technical prowess – he finds joy in ensuring that guests' trips are not just voyages but unforgettable experiences crafted with engineering finesse.

Previous yachts: HELIOS (60m), DAYDREAM (42m), SILENTIWORLD (40m) & RUYA (42m)

Originally from Liverpool, UK, Matthew is an experienced and approachable Chief Engineer and he has been ensuring ships run smoothly since 2007. After completing his apprenticeship as an electrical engineer in his hometown, he brought his skills to the yachting industry. His passion for problem-solving and attention to detail ensures the yacht's systems are always in top condition. When he's not in the engine room, Matthew can be found in cheering on his favorite sports teams, exploring new hiking trails, or cycling through scenic bike routes. His friendly and can-do attitude makes him a valued member of our crew. Matthew will make sure ANCORA’s guests and crew are always in a safe environment.

Stefan was born and raised in Pretoria and spent all his summer holidays in Mossel Bay, on the Southern coast of South Africa. He enjoys an active lifestyle and participated in various sports since a young age, such as rugby, athletics and swimming. Stefan got his bachelors degree in engineering and worked as a mechanical engineer before he switched from land to sea to pursue his yachting career. In his free time Stefan enjoys being active and you will always find him outdoors. He will always make sure that everybody has the best experience on board and being very ambitious he wants to grow in his career.

Previous yachts: OCEAN DREAMWALKER III (48m) & BINZIYAD (38m)

Francisco Salas born in Palma de Mallorca Spain, brings 18 years of experience in the yachting industry to MY Ancora, combining a passion for hospitality with expert seamanship. He began his career sailing at a young age aboard family-owned yachts, cultivating an enduring passion for life at sea.

His early years navigating the Balearic Islands laid the foundation for a distinguished career, blending hands-on seamanship with the refined demands of luxury super yachting.

This soon evolved into extraordinary experiences including circumnavigating the globe twice, as well as undertaking multiple Atlantic crossings, including a recent passage as captain of M/Y ANCORA. He has since cultivated a reputation for exceptional guest service, flawless deck operations, and creating unforgettable onboard experiences. With a dedication to excellence, Francisco ensures every charter aboard M/Y ANCORA is seamless, safe, and tailored to the guest’s desires. Whether coordinating water sports adventures, curating gourmet dining setups, or navigating pristine anchorages, his attention to detail and warm professionalism elevate every journey.
When not aboard, Francisco enjoys kitesurfing, surfing and spending time with his young family bringing that same enthusiasm back to life on the water.

Previous yachts: CORAL OCEAN (74M), TWIZZLE (57M), DELUSHA (43M)

Francisco Ruíz Rascon is a passionate chef with 13 years of experience in the yacht industry. He started his career in Mexico City, where he studied at a culinary university, while working in restaurants. He continued his career in Naples, where he explored the Italian cuisine. In 2012 Francisco moved to Miami and officially joined the yacht industry. Since then, he has developed a deep passion for creating vibrant and flavorful dishes aboard luxury yachts. His love for connecting with guests through interactive dining experiences and his dedication to experimenting with culinary styles set him apart. Outside of the kitchen, Francisco enjoys exploring new restaurants, staying active, and practicing boxing. He is now ready to make his best to please his clients on board M/Y ANCORA.

Originally from Cape Town, Elshke is a warm and welcoming Chief Stewardess. With her bright smile and coastal charm, she has been adding a bit of South African essence to the yachting industry for almost five years. Prior to her transition to yachting, Elshke worked as a flight attendant for Emirates, where she refined her skills in hospitality and customer service. Growing up by the ocean, she developed a love for the sea and a passion for making others feel at home. When she's not ensuring every guest’s need is met, Elshke enjoys boxing, reading books or taking a leisurely stroll along the shore. Her dedication, focus, and black belt in Karate, are reflected in her impeccable attention to detail and strong work ethic. Elshke's kindness, warmth, and adventurous spirit make her a beloved member of the crew. Whether she's serving up a refreshing cocktail or simply sharing stories of her coastal adventures, Elshke brings a ray of sunshine to M/Y ANCORA.