Previous Yachts
M/Y OBSIDIAN
M/Y SKYFALL
M/Y ICE BEAR
M/Y DR. NO
M/Y PANGEA
Originally from Connecticut, Dennis studied marine science in Boston, where he discovered his passion for the sea. With nine years of experience in the yachting industry, he has traveled the globe, with New Zealand, Mauritius, Norway, Costa Rica, and Alaska among his favorite destinations.
The idea of travelling the world and being able to do what he loves was very appealing. He enjoy the teamwork as a charter crew and to see happy guests.
Interests:
Hiking
Diving
Guitar & Piano
Woodworking
Dennis Claffey
First Officer
Previous Yachts
M/Y STARBURST III
M/Y PHOENIX
Samantha was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. After completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology & Media at the University of Cape Town, she headed off to Aspen and then onto Hanoi for a work/gap year experience. These eye-opening and cultural experiences were her drive for joining the yachting industry as a stewardess in 2019. Samantha is passionate about people, service, and growth through interaction. Prior to joining Nadan in April 2023, Samantha was solely based in the Mediterranean, therefore she is excited to be along on the journey exploring this side of the world. She cares deeply for the beautiful interior and art deco characteristics of the vessel. She is passionate about delivering only the best to our guests and ensuring they have a memorable, luxurious, and adventurous time on board.
Interests:
Travelling
Animals
Different cultures
Interior design
Samantha Gibbs
Chief steward/ess
Previous Yachts
M/Y AZUL
M/Y ATLAS
M/Y MAGIC
Ivan began his culinary career in 2001. After graduating from university in Mexico City, he began operations within his culinary focus at hotels including the Four Seasons. In 2009, he stepped away from more commercial locations to chef and operated the Marakame Café in Cancun and then to a couple of other restaurants in the region, allowing him to develop his skills. In 2012, he took over the operations of a number of Seagoing restaurants, specifically for Holland America Line cruise ships. This gave him the opportunity to focus on plating, as well as creating meal programs for a large galley operation.
When Covid shut down operations with the cruise fleets, Ivan found himself in a position to narrow his culinary focus and entered yachting. Entering the world of yachting has allowed him to take his commercial high-end drive and bring it to a smaller, more intimate surrounding. He has been an integral part of a number of yachts where fast-paced galleys with exceptional results marked by creativity and fine execution were essential.
With a strong dedication to fine cuisine, he’s developed an active mindset through contemporary culinary techniques including blending diverse international flavors. His passion for balancing innovation and specific culinary traditions is reflected in his menus, carefully selecting each ingredient for authenticity. He aims to guide diners on a sensory journey that celebrates culinary mastery in a cultural context. Ivan looks forward to welcoming you on board NADAN and delivering “potions” of flavors and beauty.
Interests:
Chess
Trading
Crypto
Woodwork
Ivan Lopez
Chef
Previous Yachts
M/Y VALYRA
M/Y ISLANDER
M/Y CLUB M
Dundas was born and raised in South Africa and from an early age he was
always drawn to the water. Growing up in various places around the country,
including Durban, he developed a deep love for the ocean, rivers, and coastal
life. It was in Durban that he first became interested in sailing.
Before pursuing his passion for yachting, he spent ten years working in IT within the banking sector, both in London and South Africa. While he gained valuable experience in technology and business, the call of the sea was always strong. In 2001, he sailed his first transatlantic crossing, and by 2006 he made the leap into full-time yachting, combining both his love for boats and water with the knowledge and skills he gained over the years. Since then, he has had the privilege of captaining a variety of vessels, navigating some of the world’s most beautiful and challenging waters.
These days, he now resides in Baja California with his wife and two children.
When he’s not out on the water, he loves seeking out adventure in nature and
sharing these experiences with friends and family.
Interests:
Kayaking
Paragliding
Camping
Off-road motorcycling
Dundas Gold
Captain
Previous Yachts
M/Y ORYX
M/Y BIG FISH
M/Y DIANE
M/Y WHITE SHARK
Jono transitioned into yachting in 2010, leaving behind a corporate sales career in the New Zealand hotel industry. He began as a deckhand on a busy charter boat based in Palma de Mallorca. Over the next ten years, Jono worked on various private and charter yachts, traveling extensively throughout the Mediterranean and the islands of the South Pacific, with Fiji being his all-time favorite. Now, he is thrilled to explore the other side of the world, including the Caribbean, Bahamas, and the East Coast of the USA.
Jono is driven by the excitement guests have for being on board and discovering new places. He loves creating long-lasting, special memories for all guests.
Interests:
Diving
Wakeboarding
Snowboarding
Jono Padoa
First Officer
Previous Yachts
M/Y GLADIATOR
M/Y SWEET ESCAPE
Born and raised in Durban, on the East coast of South Africa, Calvin grew up around the ocean and freshwater lakes. From a young age, sailing, fishing, and diving soon became his greatest passions. He decided to pursue a career as yacht crew so that he could continue enjoying these passions and explore all the industry has to offer. He is incredibly excited to be on board Nadan and has a deep appreciation of the vessel and her classic architecture.
With loads of previous charter experience, a great personality, and a lovely sense of humor, he will most definitely make your experience on board a memorable one.
Interests:
Hiking
Golf
Fishing
Calvin Demont
Chief engineer
Previous Yachts
M/Y LADYSHIP
S/Y ZIGZAG
S/Y KIALOA III
S/Y CYCLOS II
You might say that Jim was literally born into a life afloat. Shortly after being born in St Lucia, he found himself on the deck of his parents 60’ Gaff Yawl in a clinker dinghy crib which his father had built for his arrival into the world. After completing a degree in Electronics Engineering in England, he took off to the Mediterranean with the intention of travelling for a year, before taking up an engineering career. His first position was aboard the Schooner SHENANDOAH which turned into a year long adventure from Italy across both the Atlantic and Pacific to Japan.
Naturally, there was no going back and after 25 plus years, more than a hundred thousand sea miles and a wealth of experience, he is extremely pleased to be at the helm of NADAN and i continue the high standards and reputation of the yacht.
Interests:
Sailing
Cycling
Travelling
Jim Keefe
Captain
Previous Yachts
S/Y PADAMA II
M/Y LADY GIGI
M/Y OCEAN MERCURY
Jade left the UK with her parents at a very young age and now calls Spain home. In 2019, she decided to pursue her career in yachting. While the journey to her first boat took persistence, she gained invaluable life experience along the way, two years of which were dedicated to care work for the elderly. Her first yacht role came in the summer of 2023 as a stew on board S/Y PADMA II.
NADAN holds a special place for Jade due to her timeless elegance and understated charm that turns heads wherever she sails. Always eager to make guests’ time on board all the more adventurous, she warmly welcomes you on board and is eager to ensure you have a once in a lifetime experience.
Interests:
Music
Aviation
Travelling
Jade Moore
2nd Stewardess
Previous Yachts
M/Y LADY LILIAN
M/Y SEASCAPE
M/Y ANCORA
After completing his secondary education in South Africa, Callum pursued studies in software and electrical engineering at a local university. However, he sought a more adventurous & zestful path better suited to his personality and decided to complete his yachting courses after hearing about the industry
through a good friend. He has never looked back. Yachting has introduced Callum to an exciting world of travel, adventure, and a deep passion for the ocean. He takes great pride in maintaining the exterior of the beautiful vessel that is Nadan and is dedicated to ensuring that guests have a wonderful and
memorable time on board.
Interests:
Sports
Formula one
Travelling
Football (soccer)
Callum Capes
Bosun