Nicholas was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa and while his passion for travel and culture took him all around the globe, he is now based between New Zealand and Indonesia.
When he's not taking care of guests on DIANA, you can find him surfing, diving, hiking and sailing. Travelling all over Asia on surf trips with close friends is how he likes to spend his time off. Nic, obtained his Yachtmaster 200 ton licence in 2015 in South Africa, engineering tickets in Florida, and PADI dive master in the southern Caribbean.
He has spent the last 11 years trying his hand in different areas of the yachting world including manning dive operations on super yachts to transatlantic sailing trips to running high end tailored charters for celebrities in the Caribbean.

Nicholas Matterson
Captain
Tiina comes from Finland, the land of thousand lakes. She started her career as a chef and joined the yachting industry after working several years as a scuba diving instructor. Her current yachting history includes 6 Atlantic crossings, 2 Pacific crossings, Mediterranean and Caribbean seasons, and exploring small remote islands in the middle of nowhere. She loves sourcing the freshest local ingredients and experimenting with local dishes. Her specialty cuisines are Mediterranean and Asian fusion. When not in the galley, her special interests include running, cycling, diving and hiking. She loves working on yachts, as it allows her to always be surrounded by her greatest passion, the ocean.

Tiina Halmetoja
Chef
Ian designed and built “Diana” for her Californian owners. He manages the yacht full-time and supervises all the charters personally to ensure that the guest experience is safe and memorable. Originally from Scotland, but settled now in New Zealand, Ian has been sailing the South Pacific for over 20 years, with 10 seasons sailing and diving in French Polynesia. At times when Diana’s charter skipper is on rotation, Ian will be your Captain. He has a lot of value to add to the program in terms of personality, experience and local knowledge.
“During my 20 years of hosting owners and charter guests on board yachts, I have met a lot of different nationalities and personalities. Many of those whom I have dealt with were born to great wealth, many were famous, self-made multi-millionaires. Each family has been treated with the utmost discretion, each situation engaged with a unique mixture of grace, intelligence and good humor. To read and anticipate the needs of your guests whilst remaining unobtrusive is not a skill easily learned. In my opinion it is what sets a brilliant Captain apart from a merely proficient one - the ability to be a world-class host. I try to ensure that the trips I run are truly memorable experiences for all involved. However, I do put a very strong emphasis on the security of my guests and crew and I will always step in if I feel that compromises are being made in safety matters.”
“My aim is to guarantee the best possible outcome for our guests. I accomplish that by chatting to them about what it is they most wish to get out of their time on Diana. Every trip is different. For some it’s a sailing adventure they are after. Some clients just want to catch fish. For some it’s secluded beaches and crystal clear water. We have had clients build their entire itinerary around a birthday or a special event. Others just wish to use the boat as a moving platform for diving or water sports. In my many years of charter management, I have found that the optimal experiences are only fully achieved when an early and open communication takes place between the client, the broker and the yacht’s crew. Tell us what you want out of your holiday, and we’ll make it happen!”

Ian McIntosh
Captain
Fernando comes from Argentina. He is passionate about the underwater world, and in fact owns a dive school in Argentina, running dive trips in the Galapagos for more than 10 years. He started his career on boats organizing liveaboards in Brazil several years ago, and joined the yachting industry in 2024 with the dream to explore more destinations around the world, above and below the water. One of his most unforgettable sailing memories is crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a small sail boat, going from Spain all the way to Uruguay, diving in several exotic locations along the way. When not around the water, Fernando can be found running, cycling or hiking up mountains.

Fernando Julian Alvarez
Deckhand Rotational
Originally from Wilmington, North Carolina, USA, Shawn grew up with the ocean at his doorstep, which sparked his love for sailing, surfing, fishing, and diving at a young age. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, he moved to Central America to work as a surfing and fishing guide. His years there allowed him to accumulate significant sea time and earn his initial 100 GRT USCG captain’s license.
In 2013, Shawn transitioned into the yachting world with a strong interest in both engineering and open-water sailing. After several years working on deck and in the engine rooms of motor yachts, he discovered his true passion for sailing catamarans. Since then, he has completed multiple ocean crossings and has cruised and chartered extensively throughout the Caribbean—from the Virgin Islands to Grenada—the Mediterranean, including Southern France, Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica, as well as French Polynesia, from Tahiti and the Society Islands to the Tuamotu Archipelago.
Shawn currently holds a 200 GRT / 500 GT Oceans license with the USCG and looks forward to sharing his love of the ocean with guests during their journey aboard Diana.

Shawn Hardesty
Captain
With over three years of Mediterranean yachting experience, Cameron brings a mix of adventure, skill and calm confidence to every charter. A qualified Yachtmaster Offshore with Applied Engineering 1 & 2, he’s worked across roles from charter bosun to chase boat captain, always keeping things running smoothly both on deck and on the water.
Before joining the yachting world, Cameron worked in mental health care in the UK, leading workshops and supporting patients — a background that’s given him a thoughtful, team-oriented approach to life at sea.
An outdoor enthusiast through and through, Cameron’s happiest on a board — whether it’s surfing, fliteboarding or skating — and he’s always up for an adventure, from spearfishing to hiking remote trails. His favourite corner of the world is Wilderness, South Africa, a place he once explored on a Land Cruiser road trip along the Garden Route.
If there’s an activity that involves salt water, sunshine, or a touch of adrenaline — Cameron’s your man.

Cameron Harvey
First Officer
Jade’s journey into sailing began in Cape Town, where she first worked on a 9-meter sailboat, taking guests out on unforgettable marine safaris. With over 4 years of experience in the industry, she brings a warm and professional presence to the crew. As a 300hr certified yoga instructor, Jade promotes a calming and rejuvenating atmosphere onboard, where guests can unwind mentally.
Recently completing her WSET Level 2 wine certification, Jade combines her love for fine
beverages with her passion for hospitality, specializing in crafting healthy cocktails and refreshing
juices tailored to guests' preferences.
Her adventurous spirit has taken her far and wide—from exploring the waters of Alaska on a motor
yacht, where she saw orcas, whales, and glaciers, to diving with mantas as part of her feediver
qualification. Jade’s goal is to one day explore all the world's reefs.
Jade’s favorite aspect of her work is creating a relaxed, classy environment where guests feel
completely at ease. Whether it’s through personalized service or simply providing an expertly
crafted drink, she aims to enhance every moment onboard, complementing the chef’s themes and
making each guest’s experience unforgettable.

Jade Becerra Hernandez
Stewardess