Born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nadine developed a lifelong appreciation for nature, animals, and the outdoors. Ambitious and independent from a young age, she began her yachting career shortly after completing school and has since built a strong reputation for her professionalism, dedication, and warm approach to guest service. Now based in Italy, Nadine has cultivated a deep appreciation for the country’s culture, cuisine, wine, and way of life. Her approachable nature, positive attitude, and strong work ethic allow her to build meaningful connections with both guests and crew, contributing to a harmonious and high-performing onboard environment. Nadine believes that kindness, humility, and a proactive mindset are the foundations of outstanding service and successful teamwork.
Happiest When: Spending quality time with family and friends, travelling, and discovering new destinations and cultures.
Previous Yachts: MY Escape II, MY KD & MY Vega
Interests: Pilates, beach days, hiking, scuba diving, and exploring beautiful coastal destinations.

Nadine Van Niekerk
Chief Stewardess
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)
Born and raised in the mountains of western Sydney, Max grew up on the Hawkesbury river, surrounded by nature. He kept himself busy participating in a number of sports, including rugby, soccer and swimming. Upon finishing school, Max moved to Sydney city where he found his first job on the water working for the Fast Ferries. His new passion for the ocean life quickly saw him making the jump to the superyacht industry. Following his first season on board yachts, Max moved to Spain to continue pursuing his newfound career.
Max has now decided to specialise in the chase boat captain role as he enjoys taking responsibility of a vessel and the challenges that are involved.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Space, M/Y Anna, M/Y Zenji, M/Y Dark Shadow, M/Y Nina J

Max Allen
Chase Boat Captain
Dean grew up in the northern part of South Africa on the beautiful East Coast near the Mozambique border. Coming from a family boat building business, Dean has a natural passion for boats and the sea, making yachting a natural calling. Dean has a massive passion for repairs and fixing all things and a love for hands-on jobs.
Dean has spent his time working on a variety of superyachts, travelling to beautiful places and diving in the most amazing waters.
When at home, you will find Dean spearfishing, underwater, diving and catching fish, playing his guitar or enjoying a spot of golf.
Happiest When: Embracing the wonders of the underwater world.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Hampshire 1, M/Y Hampshire, M/Y Pipedreams, M/Y Nomad

Dean Yeld
Bosun
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
Tarryn hails from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where she grew up on a sugar cane plantation. With a deep interest in organization and coordination, she pursued a three-year program in Event Coordination at Stellenbosch, followed by a BCom in Marketing and Business Science. During her Studies, Tarryn embraced the opportunity to work as an Au Pair for two children, an experience that deepened her love for nurturing and caregiving. In 2023, she transitioned into the yachting industry and has since completed an enriching tour around the Mediterranean. Her diverse skill set, combined with her enthusiasm for travel and the outdoors, makes her a dynamic and valuable asset to the Gladiator crew.
Happiest When: Spending time with her family and designing intricate floral arrangements, any opportunity to let her creative light shine!
Previous Yachts: M/Y White Rose of Drachs, M/Y Lusine
Interests: Tarryn is passionate about hiking, SCUBA diving, fishing, and Pilates

Tarryn Edgar
Stewardess
Raised in a small South African town, Brad’s early years were spent around the water, with fishing, boating and water sports playing a central role in family life. In 2012, Brad transitioned from a career in hospitality to yachting, seeking adventure and a chance to see the world. Since then, Brad has risen through the ranks to Captain, gaining vast experience cruising the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, as well as the Arabian Sea.
Having worked on high-profile charter and private yachts ranging from 45 to 80 meters, he has honed a leadership style rooted in professionalism, calm under pressure and a strong focus on safety and guest satisfaction.
Brad combines his seafaring knowledge with over 20 years in the hospitality industry and a formal qualification in Hotel Management, allowing him to deliver exceptional onboard experiences while running an efficient operation.
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
Ryan began his yachting career in 2009, entering the industry alongside his twin brother, who fittingly went on to become captain of this very vessel some years ago.
Over the past 15 years, Ryan has built extensive experience across a range of vessels, steadily progressing through the ranks while earning his engineering qualifications. His hands-on approach, combined with a deep understanding of onboard systems, ensures the yacht runs safely, efficiently and to the highest standard.
Happiest When: Cycling cross country, Regular gym sessions are an important part of his routine, providing both physical balance and a mental reset after demanding days on board

Ryan Frith
Chief Engineer (Rotational)
Confident and personable, Lionel hails from South Africa and brings over five years of experience on both private and charter yachts to his role on Gladiator. Having cruised extensively throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas and the U.S., he offers strong navigational expertise alongside a calm and capable presence on board.
Passionate about guest experience, Lionel leads watersports and tender excursions with ease, crafting seamless days that range from laid-back beach setups to high-energy adventures.
Energetic, professional and team-focused, Lionel is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and ensuring every charter runs smoothly. In his free time, he enjoys golf and cycling.
Happiest when: Cycling cross country, diving and Golf

Lionel Fouché
Chief Officer
Originally drawn to the ocean through a lifelong passion for surfing, David spent the past few years building his career in yachting.
On board, David assists with everything from daily operations to getting guests out on the water. He particularly enjoys driving tenders and running watersports, helping guests make the most of their time exploring and having fun.
Easygoing, motivated, and always hands-on, he takes pride in creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
Happiest When: Cross country running, Watersports and keeping fit

David Jorgensen
Deckhand