Originally from Venlo in the Netherlands, Philippe brings a calm, capable presence to life on board. Before entering the yachting industry, he spent two years in the Dutch Navy, where he developed a strong foundation in discipline, teamwork, and seamanship. Since transitioning to yachting four years ago, Philippe has worked on both private and charter vessels, always bringing a hands-on, proactive approach to the deck.
Diving is one of his biggest passions and something he often does when on leave. Philippe recently completed his rescue diving certificate in Mozambique and plans to work towards obtaining his divemaster. Off duty, Philippe also enjoys traveling, road cycling and going for long runs or a gym session.
Philippe Van Essen
Deckhand
Jamie grew up by the beautiful beaches of New Zealand, where her love for the ocean began. Being raised in New Zealand, always outdoors or in the water, gave her a love for staying active and healthy. This passion led her to study Sport and exercise Nutrition at university. In 2020, after completing her studies, she decided to try yachting, combining her love for the ocean with her interest in an active lifestyle, and has been loving it ever since.
In her free time, Jamie enjoys running and exploring the new cities that yachting takes her to. She loves cooking healthy meals for her family and friends when she is home. It’s a great way to share her passion for good food and healthy living with the people she cares about.
Alongside food, Jamie has a flair for mixology so looks forward to creating some delicious drinks onboard!
Jamie Eichmann
Stewardess
Originally born in London, Kurt grew up in South Africa and completed a Law degree in 2006. His love for travel and the outdoors led him to the yachting industry, where his passion and ambition allowed him to quickly gain the necessary qualifications, he required to move up the ranks.
Kurt has served on a variety of yachts up to 73m in length, cruising the Mediterranean, Caribbean, USA, Bahamas and the Maldives and has experience managing refurbishments, refits and new builds. He joins Come Together with his partner Tegan, after spending two years shoreside as an Operations Superintendent, where he was able to further his knowledge in vessel management and compliance.
Aside from travelling and exploring new places, Kurt bears a love for nature and his hobbies include photography, snowboarding, music and exploring culinary experiences.
Kurt Eschert
Captain
James had a passion for the sea from as early as he can remember,
starting at a young age fishing, free diving and driving boats in the Caribbean. Eventually this turned into his profession, he started driving boats for day charters then moving into the super yacht industry after having such a rewarding and fulfilling experience with all the guests from all walks of life. He has worked onboard super yachts for over five years ranging from 50m to 140m.
James was born in the UK and has spent lots of time growing up around the world, one of his favourite places to be in the world is Bali, Indonesia. Sometimes you'll see James clutching his camera or the whoosh of the drone and you know a masterpiece encounter of your holiday is about to be created...
James Gaskin
Bosun
Born in Germany but raised in the wild beauty of New Zealand, Danilo grew up with the mountains on one side and the ocean on the other—an upbringing that naturally sparked his passion for the great outdoors. Whether it’s skiing down snowy peaks, diving into the deep blue, or hiking off the beaten track, Danilo thrives on adventure and is always game for something spontaneous.
His journey in yachting began back in 2017, and through dedication, hard work, and a love for life at sea, he’s risen through the ranks to become 2nd Officer aboard M/Y Come Together. With a keen eye for detail and a genuine love for creating unforgettable experiences, Danilo is here to ensure your stay is nothing short of extraordinary.
Danilo Gasteiger
Second Officer
Ben grew up on the west coast of Canada, and joins COME TOGETHER with 28 years of experience as a chef. Ben now looks back and realizes that the satisfaction and joy that comes from cooking a beautiful meal for people was the catalyst to make cooking his life’s work. Ben has 18 years of experience as chef on yachts with 12 of those years on one vessel cooking for the same family, so creativity and pushing himself to continuously grow, learn, and put in the hard work to deliver the best possible dishes was imperative.
Cooking is his love language and he takes pride in his work, whether it is a meal for the owner or the crew alike. The food we eat is intrinsically linked to our happiness, and Ben’s philosophy is about providing a moment of transcendence on a plate, that brief respite from the stress or hardships of life. Ben has had the fortune to travel, learn, cook and provision all over the world and the global education he has experienced is translated into his cuisine. While his style is precise and measured, the most important tools he has are passion and a true love of what he does. Ben can’t wait to cook for guests onboard Come Together, head to the galley and say hi!
Ben Descoteau
Chef
Mathew was born in the UK and raised in Spain, where he met his wife to be, Matt has two young boys and loves nothing more than exploring the world together. Five years ago, he returned to the UK to start a new chapter.
Matt’s food journey started early—he was born into a hospitality family and has been a Chef for over 20 years. Living in Spain gave him a deep appreciation for Mediterranean cuisine, and over the years, he has worked his way up to the top in some of the world’s most prestigious Michelin-starred kitchens.
Since returning to the UK, Matt had the honour of competing on MasterChef: The Professionals. Most recently, he travelled to Belgium to train under Jan Tournier at the two-star Cuchara, focusing on Japanese cuisine and expanding his knowledge of modern techniques and flavours to enhance the guest experience.
Matt’s philosophy is food has always been about more than just cooking, it’s about family, connection, and creating memorable moments around the table. That passion was born at childhood dinner times and continues to inspire in everything he does today.
Mathew Griffiths
Head Chef
Chris’s love of the sea, sailing and watersports began as a child when his family spent time living on the east coast of Ireland where his mother managed a sailing school, he spent any time he could on the water. After completing his education he worked as a carpenter/builder before returning to work on the sea. Chris started his career on the sea by teaching water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, and wakeboarding on the beautiful island of Rhodes, Greece. Chris has been in the yachting industry for around 8 years working on two busy 55m Charter Amels yachts. Chris is passionate about sharing his knowledge and love for water sports.
When not on board you will find Chris relaxing in the British countryside, exercising, spending time with loved ones and planning his upcoming restoration of an old Land Rover Defender.
Chris Thompson
First Officer
Growing up just outside of London in Hampshire, Vhairi spent her childhood mostly in dance studios competing nationally in ballet,modern, tap & jazz. When Vhairi was in her late teens she decided to hang up her pointe shoes and step into the fashion world. She graduated from Fashion School in London and became a Fashion & Beauty Buyer for 4 years.
The unprecedented events of Covid-19 made her reassess her priorities and she went back to Four Seasons Hotel, Hampshire (her first ever employer at college), working in the events, banqueting and the Seasons restaurant, this soon gave her the courage to plunge into the world of yachting. Alongside being Chief Stewardess, she is also a qualified yoga instructor. When she isn't working you will find her zen on her yoga mat or ripping up the waves on a wakeboard.
Whilst away from Come Together Vhairi and partner Dan, enjoy hiking in Australia, and surfing in Mexico. Their future ambition is to get a rescue puppy next time they visit Mexico, and call it 'Zee', after the first boat they worked on together (motor yacht Z).
Vhairi Burchett
Chief steward/ess
Born and educated in New Zealand, Tegan studied business and events management specializing in the hospitality sector. Her studies allowed the opportunity to work across various high-end hotels and establishments in her homeland and Australia, including being a part of the set up a of an award winning restaurant and cafe and winning Australia’s bar of the year award.
Tegan’s desire to travel led her to Europe, which landed her in the world of superyachts, 9 years ago, with her mission to create and deliver unforgettable experiences for guests on private and charter vessels.
Tegan appreciates keeping active and especially loves Pilates and Yoga, being outside in nature, skiing, or team sports. She enjoys trying new foods and is a keen cook who will always find a reason to host a dinner party for family and friends.
Tegan Davies
Chief steward/ess