Dan is a calm, capable Chief Mate who brings a steady presence and a hands-on approach to life onboard M/Y GRAND CRU. With over a decade in yachting, he’s worked his way up through the ranks on a variety of busy private and charter yachts, so he’s used to keeping things running smoothly whatever the programme.
He’s just as comfortable on the bridge as he is out on deck, whether that’s overseeing operations, driving tenders, or helping guests enjoy a day on the water. Having spent several seasons on active charter yachts, he knows how to balance safety, organisation, and guest experience without overcomplicating things.
Easy-going and approachable, Dan enjoys the practical side of the job and being part of a tight-knit crew. When he’s off duty, he likes staying active and making the most of being by the sea.
Previous Yacht include: M/Y TENACITY (34m), M/Y ASTRA V (42m), M/Y MOKA (42m)

Daniel "Dan" Jackson
First Officer
Petra brings a calm, positive energy and a strong eye for detail to her role onboard M/Y GRAND CRU. With experience across both private and charter yachts, she’s confident in housekeeping, laundry, service, and guest care, always ensuring interiors are beautifully presented and guests feel comfortable and well looked after.
Organised, adaptable, and quietly efficient, Petra enjoys the detail-oriented side of interior work, from elegant table setups to perfectly prepared cabins.
Outside of yachting, she enjoys travelling, reading, and creative projects such as social media design and digital marketing. Friendly and easy-going, Petra helps create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere onboard.
Previous Yacht include: M/Y LELOU (35m), M/Y OLIMP (50m), M/Y AMBASSADOR (50m)
Mark brings over 20 years of experience in yachting to his role as Captain onboard M/Y GRAND CRU, along with a calm, steady approach that immediately puts both guests and crew at ease. Having spent many years running both private and charter programmes, he knows how to strike that balance between keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes and making sure everyone onboard is having a great time.
He’s a very hands-on Captain who enjoys being involved in all aspects of the yacht — whether that’s on the bridge, working alongside the crew, or getting stuck into maintenance and refit projects. With a strong technical background and an eye for detail, he takes real pride in keeping the yacht operating at its best.
Outside of work, Mark enjoys sailing, watersports, skiing, and snowboarding — anything that keeps him active and outdoors. Easy-going and approachable, he creates a relaxed, professional atmosphere onboard where guests feel comfortable from the moment they step onboard.
Previous Yachts include: M/Y LOTUS (45m), M/Y LIBERTY (50m), M/Y RR (45m), M/Y YOU & G (40m), M/Y MEANTIME (30m), M/Y ATLANTIC ENDEAVOUR (34m)

Mark Saunders
Captain
Jose brings a huge passion for food and years of fine dining experience to his role onboard M/Y GRAND CRU. Trained under some of Spain’s most respected culinary names, including Joan Roca and Martin Berasategui, he combines refined Mediterranean cooking with a relaxed, guest-focused approach that suits life onboard perfectly.
Having worked across both private yachts and luxury hospitality, Jose is highly adaptable and enjoys tailoring menus to each guest’s tastes, whether that’s fresh Mediterranean lunches, elegant dinners, or healthy, lighter dishes. Calm and organised in the galley, he takes pride in sourcing quality ingredients, maintaining high standards, and creating a dining experience that feels personal and memorable.
Outside of cooking, Jose loves travelling, discovering new flavours, and drawing inspiration from different cultures and cuisines. Friendly and easy-going, he brings great energy to life onboard and genuinely enjoys sharing his passion for food with guests.
Previous Yachts include: M/Y JULES (50m), M/Y VAHALLA (24m), S/Y TARGI 4 (24m), M/Y KALIBUS (24m)

Jose Maria Portas Mompo
Chef
Anamarija brings over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality to M/Y GRAND CRU, and it really shows in the way she looks after guests. Having worked across yachts, private villas, and five-star resorts, she has a natural feel for what makes people comfortable and how to create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere onboard.
She’s incredibly organised and detail-focused, but in a way that feels effortless — making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes so guests can simply enjoy their charter.
When she’s off duty, Anamarija loves staying active with running, swimming, and hiking, and has a real passion for sailing and travel. She also enjoys painting and playing the piano, bringing a creative touch to everything she does. Warm and easy to be around, she makes everyone feel right at home.
Previous Yacht include: M/Y AHS (66m), M/Y VEGA (55m), M/Y GO (43m), M/Y LUNA (43m)

Anamarija Borosak
Chief steward/ess
Luke brings a great mix of practical skills, seamanship, and adventurous energy to his role onboard M/Y GRAND CRU. With a background in construction and over eight years running his own renovation business, he’s incredibly hands-on and naturally drawn to maintenance, problem-solving, and keeping things looking their best.
His love for the water eventually led him into yachting, where he’s gained experience on sailing and motor yachts, including delivery passages, tender driving, and shipyard refit work. He also spent time in the Royal Navy Reserves, where he developed strong teamwork, seamanship, firefighting, and safety skills that continue to serve him well onboard today.
Outside of work, Luke is passionate about sailing, photography, hiking, and music. He recently restored his own Westerly Centaur sailing yacht from the ground up, combining his love for the sea with his carpentry and engineering skills. Friendly, motivated, and always up for an adventure, Luke brings great energy onboard.
Luke Bliss-Thompson
Chase Boat Captain
Nelson brings a wealth of hands-on engineering experience to his role as Chief Engineer onboard M/Y GRAND CRU. With a background that began in the Royal Navy as a Marine Engineering Artificer, he has spent years working across commercial vessels, refits, sailing yachts, and motor yachts of all sizes.
He’s a practical, solutions-focused engineer who enjoys being involved in all aspects of life onboard — from technical troubleshooting and maintenance to helping on deck and supporting tender operations when needed. His broad knowledge spans electrical and mechanical systems, hydraulics, HVAC, refrigeration, watermakers, and propulsion systems.
Outside of work, Nelson has a lifelong passion for sailing and boating, particularly yacht racing and rescue cover. He also enjoys photography and keeping up with both historic and emerging technologies. Easy-going and dependable, he brings a calm, steady presence onboard.
Previous Yacht include: S/Y LA VICTORIA (36m), S/Y SORVIND (34m), M/Y MARI-CHA (45m)

Nelson Hastings
Chief engineer