Michelle was born and raised in the Philippines. Her passion for the hospitality industry and traveling made her join the cruise ship industry before her transition to the yachting industry in 2018. Gaining extensive experience on both charter and private vessels. Michelle takes great pride in working closely with guests to ensure their time onboard will be an experience of a lifetime. Michelle keeps the vessel to the highest standards and pays attention to the smallest details. Her warm and friendly personality, coupled with her professionalism will make your time onboard unforgettable.
Michelle Mandia
Rotational Chief Stew
Kenley Williams, or Ken from Belize, discovered his love for the ocean in the coastal town of Punta Gorda. Starting as a park warden in 2009, he honed his marine skills before becoming a marine tour guide and dive master, sharing Belize's wonders. Ken's journey led him to the Aggressor Fleet, where he spent nine years rising from Deck/Dive Instructor to Relief Captain of the 188-ton Dive Yacht, Belize Aggressor III. With a degree in Natural Resource Management and certifications, Ken expertly managed the vessel, delighting guests from around the world. His favorite yacht experiences involve exploring new places and introducing people to the ocean's beauty. Beyond his maritime expertise, Ken enjoys diving, fishing, snorkeling, sailing, paddleboarding, and hiking. Ken's life highlight is the global travel his career offers, with memorable scuba diving experiences in Belize and St. Johns' reefs. His biography is a testament to unwavering passion for the ocean and dedication to sharing its wonders.
Kenley "Ken" Williams
First Mate
Ricky comes from the beautiful Caribbean Island of Jamaica, where he spent most of his life sailing and working in the Caribbean Sea. While he enjoys playing football, reading, and going to the beach in his personal time, he has a strong passion for engineering, fixing things, and keeping a smooth operation running – which stems from a long and successful career as an engineering and training officer in the Jamaican Coast Guard. Ricky is thrilled to welcome you on board and hopes your experience is second to none.
Richardo "Ricky" Smith
Engineer
Shashake, originally from Nassau, Bahamas, developed a deep passion for the sea from a young age. Before transitioning to the yachting industry, he gained valuable experience working on domestic inter-island ferries and tankers, traveling across the Caribbean and refining his maritime skills. Eager for new challenges and experiences, Shashake shifted to yachting, bringing with him a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. He aspires to earn his captain's license in the near future. In his downtime, Shashake enjoys listening to audiobooks and spending quality time with friends and family. His approachable demeanor and professional expertise make him an invaluable member of the crew.
Shashake Nabbie
Deckhand
Maria, born and raised in the beautiful islands of the Philippines, studied Hotel and Restaurant Management and became a certified massage therapist. After several years of land-based experience, she transitioned to working on cruise ships for five years before discovering the yachting industry. Maria now thrives in this more intimate setting, where she can offer personalized service and elevate your experience. In her free time, Maria enjoys practicing yoga, taking long walks, and hiking. Having traveled to many parts of the world, she continues to explore new and beautiful destinations, always eager to discover more.
Maria Bergantinos
Second Stewardess
Vanessa grew up in British Columbia, Canada; raised in the Okanagan Valley before venturing to the beautiful city of Vancouver, where she remained for almost 10 years. From a young age, Vanessa began juggling multiple services and managerial roles within restaurants, retail, and office environments. Her nagging wanderlust eventually getting the better of her, she left life as she knew it and set off through Central and South America, exploring her passions of culture, food, and diving, and living chapters in Costa Rica, Chile, and the Colombian Jungle. This somehow directed Vanessa into working 3 amazing years as Onboard Hotel Manager on a 115m Expedition Vessel, sailing dual seasons in the Polar Regions. She eventually transitioned into the yachting industry, working on motor yachts ranging 44m - 95m, before joining her new home on M/Y Heaven Can Wait leading the interior team to deliver the perfect balance of a professional and relaxing experience while onboard.
Vanessa Goodridge
Chief steward/ess
Chef Daniel, originally from Manchester, UK, honed his culinary skills at the prestigious Ashburton Chef’s Academy in the south of England. With a passion for global cuisines, Daniel’s diverse culinary expertise was shaped by a successful 15-year career aboard yachts and in private homes, complemented by a background in onshore hospitality service. Beyond the kitchen, Daniel’s early years in theatre and performing arts shaped his natural flair for hosting and entertaining. A true enthusiast of exceeding guest expectations, you’ll often find him singing along to his playlist in the galley as he prepares meals with care and precision.
Daniel Parkes
Chef
Tim hails from the Midlands in the UK, with more canal waterway than Venice. The water was always part of his life, when not fishing for Supermarket trolleys in the canal he would be riding his bike along the water's edge. A pastime he very much enjoys today and when not introducing you to the beautiful coastlines he will be exploring on land by bike. Tim firmly believes in prioritizing your safety and providing the best experience. With the help of the crew onboard HCW you will be leaving with wonderful experiences, memories shared with family and friends, and asking yourself When can I come back??
Timothy Gwynne
Captain