Joshua was born in the scenic coastal town of Knysna, South Africa. It’s beautiful mountains, estuary, and beaches cultivated a lifestyle full of surfing, fishing, water sports and hiking. Joshua joined the yachting industry in 2016. With hard work and perseverance Joshua proved himself to his team and stepped into the Bosun role in 2018. He has been fortunate to have spent a great deal of his time working in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, as well as Indonesia and China.
In Joshua's spare time he enjoys diving, spear fishing, water sports, hiking, and keeping fit and active. He also enjoys the occasional game of chess. Happiest when: Doing something adventurous in nature with good company Previous yachts: M/Y Blue Sky, M/Y Muchos Mas, M/Y Helios 2, M/Y Home, M/Y Aurora Interests: Fishing, hiking, water sports, diving, kite surfing Languages: English
Joshua Nel
Bosun
Eugene was born in Phalaborwa, in the far North of South Africa, which is well known as one of the few gates to the Kruger National Park. Growing up in this wild and remote area nurtured his love for the outdoors and nature. Eugene joined the yachting industry in 2012 and quickly worked his way up the ranks. Prior to yachting, he played golf professionally, however after a few injuries, his interest shifted to more business-centric opportunities. Travel was always on the cards for Eugene and he thinks that there is no better way to see the world than through working on board yachts. Eugene speaks fluent Afrikaans and basic Dutch. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, fishing and anything adventurous.
Happiest When: Out in nature enjoying a spot of fishing
Previous Yachts: M/Y Silver Fast, M/Y Quite Essential, M/Y 11-11, M/Y Senses, M/Y Sky
Interests: Fishing, Golf, Soaking up the great outdoors Languages: English, Afrikaans
Eugene Potgiegieter
First Officer (Rotational)
At the age of 14, Sean discovered he had a flair for cooking during domestic science / cookery classes. This pointed him in the direction of catering college. At the age of 16, Sean enrolled in a two year professional catering course in what, at the time, was considered to be one of the best catering colleges in the UK, “High Peak Catering College". Sean enjoyed this time and was lucky to have the benefit of working with great tutors who taught him the basics and helped progress on the back of that great start.
Sean’s background is in fine dining country house hotels across the UK which is classed as modern British, but Sean loves trying all types of world cuisine. He feels lucky that during his time working on yachts, that he could travelled around the world.
Happiest When: Exploring world-class cuisines
Previous Yachts: MY Ace, MY Sea Dream, MY Sky, RV Falkor, MY Air, MY Odessa
Interests: Discovering new restaurants and taking ideas from different
countries
Sean David Ballington
Chef (Rotational)
Evelina was born and raised in a small town called Eskilstuna outside of Stockholm. She’s always been interested in traveling and exploring new places, so a couple of years ago she decided to leave her home town for a year that turned into 2,5 years of traveling and meeting new people. She went to the US to work as a Nanny in New York City and Dallas. Thanks to her sister, who is in yachting, Evelina got inspired to get into the yachting industry and enjoy the fact that it allows her to travel the world, meeting crew members and guests from different countries and cultures. Her passion for interior design is now used in the service and housekeeping side of yachting where she will be able to grow and learn new things.
Happiest When: Spending time with loved ones, baking (& eating) cake! Previous Yachts: S/Y EOS
Interests: Interior Design, Traveling Languages: Swedish, English, Polish
Evelina Lorenc
Stewardess
Originally from the small surf and fishing village of Kommetjie in Cape Town, South Africa, Dan has been working in the yachting industry since 2021. After completing a plumbing apprenticeship, he discovered yachting and hasn’t looked back, enjoying the chance to travel, meet new people, and work at sea.
When not on board, he’s either surfing, running trails (he's even completed an ultra marathon), or capturing moments through his passion for film photography.
Happiest When: Around good people with great energy.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Antelope & Rush, MY Damoon, M/Y GO
Interests: Surfing, film photography, trail running, travel, spending time
with friends
Daniel Lock
Deckhand
Tristan Leach grew up in South Africa, in a town called Harrismith. Tristan tend to find himself immersed in the farming life and exploring the bush, fostering a deep connection with nature. Passionate about the ocean, he enjoys deep sea fishing, diving, and boating, always seeking adventure on the open water. Tristan has a passion for repairing all things mechanical and any jobs that are hands on. When at home you will find Tristan either on the farm, on his fishing
boat or enjoying a round of golf.
Happiest When: Exploring new waters and any new challenges.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Ecstasea, M/Y White Rose of Drachs
Interests: Golf, Fishing, Diving
Tristan Leach
Deckhand
Brad grew up in a small town in South Africa where his family holidays were always associated with the ocean or lakes. Be it fishing or water sports, he has always had a love for the water. Brad decided to join the yachting industry in 2012 as he was keen to see more of the world and tired of sitting behind a desk. He threw himself into the day-to-day of yachting life and quickly gained the experience to progress to his current position. During his time in the industry, Brad has cruised the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as well as the Arabian Sea on yachts ranging from 45 – 80m. He brings valuable knowledge of these waters to the Gladiator program. In addition, he brings to the role 20 + years of experience in the hospitality industry and a qualification in Hotel Management.
Happiest When: Road cycling through Europe or on the Golf Course
Previous Yachts: M/Y Constellation, M/Y Inception, M/Y Invader, M/Y Lady Michelle, M/Y Moca, M/Y Gladiator
Interests: Golf, Cycling on-road & off-road, Fishing, Camping Languages: English
Brad Armstrong
Captain
Lorian is based in Chester, UK, and began his maritime career at the age of 17. He has since built a life around the sea, with over 16 years of experience as captain on yachts ranging from 35 to 55 metres, including five new builds. He brings a calm, confident presence and a strong focus on guest experience and safety.
Lorian has developed extensive cruising knowledge throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Bahamas, as well as Northern Europe. Whether navigating busy charter seasons or off-the-beaten-track passages, he leads with professionalism and a deep respect for the ocean.
Happiest When: Sailing the Welsh coast aboard his own sailboat — and skiing in the Alps during the winter.
Previous yachts: M/Y Moon Sand, (55m) MY Moon Sand (45m) MY Arabella.
Languages: English
Lorian Smith
Captain (Rotational)
Shaun was born in Cape Town, South Africa and grew up in Durban. After studying marketing and working in one of South Africa’s most famous bars as a mixologist and flair tender, he left in 2009 to work as a bartender on the world’s best Boutique Cruise ships Seadream 1 and 2, traveling the world for four years.
In 2014, he joined private yachting and landed his first job on an explorer superyacht. Since then, he has cruised the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mediterranean areas but also spent a few months in Alaska shortly after receiving his Officer ticket. He has a love for the ocean, above and below the surface. Shaun’s passion is SCUBA diving, and he is a certified Dive Master. He also loves kiteboarding and surfing. A great team player, Shaun is approachable, and enjoys imparting his knowledge and experience to fellow crewmembers. He is currently working towards his Masters license.
Happiest When: Exploring the great outdoors, whether it be at sea or in the mountains.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Pacific, M/Y Aviva, M/Y Kefi, M/Y Hodor, M/Y C-Squared & M/Y Lady J. Interests: Watersports, Snowboarding, Hiking, Rugby and Golf.
Shaun Kendall
First Officer (Rotational)
Ricardo hails from South Africa and calls many different parts of the country his home. He attended university in Cape Town where he graduated with a BSc in Mechanical engineering in 2011. With an appetite for adventure, Ricardo headed to the Caribbean where he quickly landed an engineering job on a luxury sailing yacht. Ten years later, he has experience working on various sailing and motor yachts of all sizes and now holds his Y1 Certificate of Competency from Warsash University, the highest qualification a yachting engineer can obtain. Ricardo has been Chief Engineer on Gladiator since 2018 and ensures the smooth running of all systems during your charter. Ricardo has a passion for sport (particularly golf) and the outdoors, along with his great interest in how things work, which initially drove him to becoming an engineer.
Happiest When: On the golf course or camping in the wild
Previous Yachts: S/Y Mondango, S/Y Unplugged, M/Y Odessa
Interests: Sports, Exploring the Outdoors, Nutrition
Ricardo Negri
Chief engineer