Previous Yachts
» M/Y A2 (47m)
» M/Y ORYX (42m)
Description:
Damian has worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. Starting out as a waiter and bar man in his native Scotland, he travelled the world working in high end restaurants before finding his passion and ultimate calling in the kitchen.
After gaining a culinary degree, he trained at the Isle of Eriska and Michelin starred Inverlochy Hotels on the west coast of Scotland.
Throughout his career he has staged in London in some of the city’s finest restaurants, which gave him invaluable insight into the importance of classical cookery whilst creating modern and innovative dishes. This remains the backbone of his cooking style and drives his passion for brilliant produce with uncomplicated flavours.
This eventually led him to running kitchen teams on superyachts in the south of France, Italy , Caribbean , USA and more recently opening and leading an award-winning restaurant and café in Dubai.
Damian Lobjoie
Head Chef
Previous Yachts
» M/Y TRANQUILITY (91m)
» M/Y QUATTROELLE (86m)
» S/Y MONDANGO 3 (56m)
» S/Y PRANA (52m)
» M/Y AL KHOR (49m)
Description:
Dani was born in a coastal village in northern Spain, where a love for the ocean sparked his early desire to explore the world. Sailing from a young age, he began his career in the maritime industry at 25, starting in Abu Dhabi and gaining experience on a variety of yachts and commercial vessels. When off duty, Dani enjoys traveling to his favorite destinations, especially the Galapagos Islands. A self-confessed ‘geek’ tech enthusiast, he closely follows new developments in technology. An avid scuba diver, Dani finds joy in watching guests return from dives, eager to share their underwater discoveries.
Daniel Costa Eiras
Chief engineer
Previous Yachts
» M/Y A (147m)
» M/Y CONFIDENTIAL (50m)
» M/Y CYCLONE (44m)
» M/Y AMICO (35m)
Description:
Ashley has over 13 years of hospitality and work experience behind her, including waitress, barista and bartending, teaching yoga and videography. After her Master degree in law land-based service, she made her way into the seafaring world. She has experienced both private and charter yachts, with her first job being on one of the largest yachts in the world. Here, she was trained to exceptionally high standards which she has continued through her career on yachts. Ashley has excellent attention to detail and is especially attuned to the guest experience. She has a flair for table décor and for making exciting gourmet cocktails and aperitifs. Off the boat, Ashley loves all things healthy, and fitness related. Yoga is her favourite pastime, and she has completed over 500 hours of training as a yoga teacher.
Ashley Maritz
Chief steward/ess
Previous Yachts
» M/Y KATHERINE (63m)
» M/Y BURKUT (54m)
» S/Y MIKADO (50m)
» M/Y CETO (47m)
» M/Y CASSIOPEIA (32m)
Description:
Jorge was born and grew up in the Cantabria region on the Northern coast of Spain. Rough seas with cloudy and rainy weather!
Living by the sea led to a bond that has endured his whole life.
He always had an interest in machines and all sorts of mechanics, and his passion for Jules Verne’s books and tales of travelling, led him to become a marine engineer. After graduating engineering college, several years of commercial shipping followed until, in 2007 he got his unlimited chief engineer certificate which he wears with pride.
He made the transition into yachting soon after and many years later he still loves the profession and what it gives him in return. He knows without doubt he made the right decisions as he is living the life he always dreamed.
Jorge Ruiz Garcia
Chief engineer
Previous Yachts
» M/Y ENIGMA XK (71m)
» M/Y SP1 (50m)
» S/Y VIJONARA (42m)
» S/Y BACCHUS (27m)
Description:
Lilé hails from a small town in South Africa and brings a wealth of maritime experience to the yachting industry. Holding a Yachtmaster Offshore 200GT license, she is an avid sailor and a culinary-trained chef who has worked in South Africa’s top restaurants. Additionally, Lilé spent two years as a rescue swimmer with the Coast Guard, gaining critical emergency response skills.
With a degree in Business Administration and Accounting, she effectively executes deck operations while ensuring that high standards in safety and customer experience are met. Outside of work, Lilé is health and fitness-oriented, enjoying kickboxing, running, and various water sports, including sailing Hobie Cats, diving, and surfing.
Having travelled to over 50 countries and briefly worked as a travel influencer, Lilé loves sharing her experiences with guests.
Lilé Potgieter
Bosun
Previous Yachts
» M/Y OCEANXPLORER (87m)
» M/Y ADDICTION (55m)
» M/Y RR (45m)
» M/Y NEW WAVES(42m)
Description:
Justin was born and raised in the Friesland region of the Netherlands. Most of his family are seamen with Captains, Chief Engineers and Chief Electricians in their ranks. Justin followed their lead by finishing his education at a maritime academy before completing a cadetship which he left with impressive deck and engineering qualifications. Justin´s first years at sea were in the commercial world before he transitioned to yachting in 2021. His great ambition is to one day be Captain on a super yacht. He is an enthusiast team member and is happy taking care of the crew and guests on board DAISY D.
Justin Soek
First Officer
Previous Yachts
» M/Y PANAKEIA (46m)
Description:
Born and raised on a coastal farm in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, Stian was always passioned by watersports, whether it was fly-fishing, jet-skiing or Sunday booze cruises.
He took over the family lodging and hunting business and successfully run it for over 7 years within the hospitality industry, which led him to strive for guest satisfaction and creating memorable moments always with a smile on his face!
Fortunately, Stian grasped the incredible opportunity to broaden his horizons and dive into the world of yachting and has loved it for the past three summer seasons. In his spare time Stian enjoys hunting, fly-fishing, working on cars, woodwork and cooking.
Stian has been a valued part of the crew of DAISY D since June 2024.
Stian Scheepers
Deckhand
Previous Yachts
» M/Y MARIDOME (55m)
» M/Y TATASU (48m)
» M/Y LEGEND OF TINTAGEL (43m)
» M/Y LIBERTY GB (40m)
» M/Y TWISTED (35m)
Description:
Ady grew up in a seaside town in the UK and always had a passion for anything boating! He completed a 4 years marine engineering Apprenticeship at a local yacht builder that stirred the passion for a career path in yachting. Ady has 30 years of experience in yachting. During these years he has been on only six yachts, and he was crew on one of these for 25 years working as 2nd engineer, bosun, 1st officer and made a couple of trips as captain.
Ady joined DAISY D in October 2023 as rotational captain and has taken command for two Atlantic crossings and Caribbean and Mediterranean seasons.
Outside of the job he enjoys a variety of sports as golf, football and boxing and really enjoys teaching these to willing students! Ady comes to work with a passion for the job and likes to interact with guests and he looks to make their stay as safe and enjoyable as possible!
Adrian Dutton
Captain
Previous Yachts
» M/Y SALUZI (70m)
Description:
Laurie grew up in the beachside suburbs of Auckland, New Zealand, spending countless summer weekends by the ocean. After five years in a creative corporate role and over a year coaching resistance training and Pilates, she turned to the yachting industry to combine her passions with a lifestyle of travel and adventure. Laurie remains dedicated to fitness and learning, currently pursuing a personal training certification online, with plans to add a yoga or yacht master certification soon. Life at sea has allowed her to explore new destinations, gain unique experiences, and connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
Laurie Mitchell
Stewardess
Previous Yachts
» M/Y VICIOUS RUMOUR 111 (40m)
» M/Y DEMA RIVA (23m)
Description:
Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Shannon moved to Ireland in 2022 to begin a new chapter. With seven years of experience as an educator and co-owner of a tutoring centre, her passion for learning and exploration has only deepened over time. She is captivated by different cultures, unique architecture, and the thrill of meeting new people, all of which inspired her transition to the yachting industry. She is eager to continue expanding her skills and immersing herself in new experiences. In her free time, She enjoys hiking, drawing, painting, cooking, and practicing yoga - activities that keep her grounded and energized, both on and off the water.
Shannon Ferraris
Stewardess