Previous Yachts
» M/Y FANTASEA (50m)
» M/Y FAST & FURIOUS (44m)
» M/Y A+ (34m)
Languages
» English, Afrikaans and Dutch
Therese grew up near the convergence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, where her coastal upbringing fostered a natural affinity for the sea. This, combined with her desire to explore the world, led her to enter the yachting industry. Since beginning her career, Therese has developed a strong passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences. Known for her warm, approachable nature and ever-present smile, she creates a welcoming atmosphere on board. She is highly attentive, service-orientated, and takes pride in anticipating and exceeding guest needs. Organised, proactive, and calm under pressure, Therese approaches her role with professionalism and dedication. She is committed to maintaining high standards while continuing to grow within the yachting industry.

Therese Oertel
Stewardess
Previous Yachts
» M/Y MARAYA (56m)
» M/Y ZEUS (50m)
» M/Y BLADE (47m)
Interests/Language
» Running
» Horse riding
» English
Imogen has since gained experience on both private and charter motor yachts ranging from 35m to 56m since joining the yachting industry. During this time she has developed a strong foundation in interior operations, including guest service, housekeeping, and interior organisation, always maintaining the high standards expected on board luxury yachts. Warm, personable, and highly motivated, Imogen enjoys meeting new people and creating memorable guest experiences while contributing positively to the onboard team environment. Outside of yachting, she leads an active and adventurous lifestyle. A keen runner who has completed multiple half marathons and a full marathon, she also enjoys diving and travel, including completing an overland expedition from Kenya to Cape Town and back.

Imogen Mattock
Stewardess
Previous Yachts
» M/Y FANTASEA (50m)
» M/Y PUMPKIN (50m)
» M/Y FAST & FURIOUS (45m)
» M/Y FIORENTE (38m)
» M/Y A+ (34m)
Interests/Languages
» Spending time with family
» Sustainable architecture
» Reading
» Photography
» Jogging
» Road biking
» Swimming
» Pilates
» English (fluent), Italian (native), French (fluent) and Spanish
Captain David brings over 25 years of experience on the water, leading both motor and sailing yachts across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and beyond. With a calm, confident approach and a warm smile, David ensures every guest feels at home on board while maintaining the highest standards of safety, service, and comfort.
Throughout his career, David has captained a wide range of luxury yachts, overseen new builds and major refits, and led successful charter seasons for repeat clients. Whether cruising the French Riviera or hosting guests during world-class events like the Monaco Grand Prix, his focus is always on delivering a smooth, memorable experience.
Fluent in English, French, and Italian, David is an excellent communicator and a natural leader. His friendly, composed presence creates a relaxed on board atmosphere – one where guests can truly unwind.
A lifelong waterman, David is also a two-time Italian national rowing champion and enjoys staying active through swimming, cycling, and exploring the outdoors. His passion for the sea, attention to detail, and commitment to guest satisfaction make him a true asset to FORTITUDE 1.

David Piardi
Captain
Previous Yachts
» M/Y ALULIM (53m)
» M/Y PARAM JAMUNA (48m)
» M/Y EMOCEAN (38m)
Interests/Languages
» Fitness
» Travelling
» Health and nutrition
» English and Afrikaans
Michaella is a warm, adaptable and hands-on stewardess with experience across both private and charter yachts between 48m and 53m. She enjoys all aspects of the interior, from creating beautifully presented guest spaces to delivering smooth, attentive service – whether that’s a morning coffee, a perfectly set table, or cocktails at sunset. With a positive energy and a strong eye for detail, Michaella takes pride in maintaining high standards while bringing a calm, can-do attitude to busy days on board. She is a team player who enjoys working alongside like-minded crew to create a welcoming and memorable guest experience. Coming from a background in events and hospitality, she enjoys being part of creating special moments. Outside of yachting, she keeps active and enjoys fitness, travel, and exploring new cultures.

Michaella Smedinga
Stewardess
Previous Yachts
» M/Y PARAM JAMUNA IV (49m)
» M/Y KIKI V (39m)
» M/Y CLARITY (32m)
» M/Y DA MOON (30m)
Language
» English
Luhan brings nearly a decade of experience in the yachting industry, having progressed from deckhand to First Officer and relief Captain through dedication, strong seamanship, and a hands-on approach to his work. Throughout his career he has developed a broad skill set across navigation, deck operations, safety management, and charter preparation, making him a key member of the bridge and deck team.
As chief officer and chase boat driver, Luhan plays a key role in overseeing deck operations, safety protocols, and maintenance while ensuring guests enjoy seamless activities on the water. With instructor qualifications in powerboating and jet skiing, he enjoys sharing his passion for watersports and helping guests make the most of their time at sea.
Calm, approachable, and highly dependable, Luhan is known for his strong work ethic and positive leadership style. His enthusiasm for life on the water, combined with his practical skills and team-focused mindset, make him a valued member of the crew.

Luhan Gericke
First Officer
Interests/Languages
» Restoring vintage motorbikes & Land Rovers
» Snowboarding
» English, French and Italian
British by nationality, raised in France, and now based in Italy, Ashley brings a rich, hands-on background in marine engineering and a calm, professional presence to his role. He grew up in the industry, helping out in his father's marine engineering company from an early age. What began as lending a hand in his free time soon became a formal eight-year training period, where he gained in-depth experience working on hydraulics, PLCs, and mechanical systems aboard commercial and private vessels.
After transitioning into yachting as a crew member, Ashley quickly built a reputation for reliability, deep technical knowledge, and a quiet confidence that keeps the yacht running smoothly, even behind the scenes. He thrives on solving complex problems and maintaining high operational standards across all onboard systems.
When off duty, Ashley is passionate about restoring vintage motorbikes and Land Rovers, riding motorcycles, and spending time in the mountains snowboarding. He has a particular love for Italian motorcycles, drawn to their character, craftsmanship, and engineering style – a passion that fits perfectly with his life in Italy and his eye for precision mechanics.

Ashley Samuel
Chief engineer
Previous Yachts
» M/Y SERENA (55m)
» M/Y KORA (25m)
» M/Y TRIPLE L (25m)
Interests/Language
» Fishing & diving
» Hiking
» Running & swimming
» English
Originally from Johannesburg, Cameron brings strong operational deck experience across private and charter yachts. Holding an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore 200GT, he has developed solid skills in deck operations, navigational watchkeeping, tender driving, maintenance, and guest service. With experience in exterior maintenance, mooring operations, tender handling, mechanical troubleshooting, watersports support, and long-passage skippering, Cameron combines practical seamanship with a calm, hardworking approach. Committed to high standards of safety, professionalism, and guest experience, he continues to develop his career while working toward future command opportunities. A keen outdoorsman, Cameron is an experienced fisherman and certified PADI Open Water diver. Away from the water, he enjoys running, hiking, swimming, and motorsports.

Cameron Van Der Wath
Chase Boat Captain
Previous Yachts
» M/Y TATII (41m)
» M/Y METSUYAN IV (36m)
» M/Y AURA (36m)
» M/Y SUMMER (32m)
Language
» English
Chef Zarick brings over a decade of experience in the high-end culinary industry, combining creativity, technical skill, and a passion for fresh, quality ingredients. Growing up in coastal Durban, South Africa, he developed a strong appreciation for seafood and locally sourced produce, which continues to influence his cooking style. With experience as a sole chef on both private and charter yachts, Zarick is confident managing all aspects of the galley, from menu planning and provisioning to preparing beautifully presented dishes for guests. His culinary repertoire spans a wide range of cuisines, including French, Mediterranean, Asian, molecular gastronomy, and Halal fine dining, allowing him to tailor menus to suit a variety of tastes and dietary requirements. Calm, organised, and highly adaptable, Zarick thrives in the dynamic environment of life at sea. His enthusiasm for hospitality and dedication to delivering exceptional dining experiences ensure that every meal on board is both memorable and perfectly suited to the charter experience.
Previous Yachts
» M/Y MA (45m)
» M/Y PRINCESS EVE (25m)
Interests/Languages
» Golf
» Rugby
» Fitness
» Watersports
» English and Afrikaans
Originally from South Africa, Etienne brings a practical, hands-on background in carpentry, farming, and yacht deck operations. Having developed his skills through daywork on both private and charter yachts, he has gained experience across washdowns, teak maintenance, polishing, detailing, tender care, and shipyard support. His strong work ethic, physical endurance, and attention to detail make him a dependable and proactive member of the deck team. Etienne is quick to integrate into a crew environment, takes direction well, and prides himself on delivering a consistently high standard without needing to be asked twice. With training including STCW, Powerboat Level 2, PWC, VHF and Superyacht Deckhand certification, he is focused on building a long-term career in yachting while continuing to expand his practical seamanship and deck skills. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, rugby, fitness, paddle sports, hunting, and spending time outdoors.

Etienne Badenhorst
Deckhand