Previous Yachts:
M/Y VIKING III
M/Y NATALY S
M/Y GRACE
M/Y UTOPIA
M/Y LADY HAYA
James is from the Isle of Man and has been in the yachting industry since 2011. He’s spent most of this time in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. In his off time, he enjoys trying different food cultures around wherever the boat is berthed and playing local golf courses. On board, James brings a steady and practical approach to his role and enjoys working as part of a team. He appreciates the routine of life at sea and values keeping things running smoothly day to day. With a good understanding of both guest and operational needs, he is comfortable adapting to different cruising areas and on board schedules.
Interests:
Golf
Football
UFC

James Creswell
First Officer
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 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 ELA
M/Y VIBRANCE
Born and raised in Southern California, where an early connection to the ocean inspired his love for life on the water and shaped his adventurous spirit. Now based in Chicago, he balances city life with his passion for travel and exploration. With five years of experience in the yachting industry, John has primarily worked aboard yachts in the 50-meter range. He holds an OOW3000 GT license and takes pride in maintaining safe, efficient operations while supporting smooth guest experiences on board. Outside of yachting, John is an avid photographer who enjoys capturing landscapes and life at sea.
He also loves camping and backpacking, as well as surfing and snowboarding—always seeking the next adventure both on and off the yacht.
Interests:
Surfing
Snowboarding
Photography
Camping

John Miles
First Officer
Previous Yachts:
M/Y TALITHA
M/Y ILONA IV
M/Y HAIDA
M/Y KISSES
Daan started in the Yachting industry in 1997 as a deckhand, after working as a geography teacher in South Africa. Over the years he served on different motor yachts, from very modern to the ultimate classic Yacht, Haida 1929, that still runs with her original engines. He has an affinity for classic yachts, after been involved with Talitha for 10 years and Haida for 9 years. Prior to joining Nadan, he was Rotational Captain on the classic Motor Yacht Marie. He has mainly sailed the Mediterranean and Caribbean but the last 4 years he’s spent between
New England and the Bahamas. He thoroughly enjoys working with people and loves to see charter guests enjoy themselves and the boat. Nadan is special to him because she has the classic look and feel but with modern comforts.
Interests:
Diving
Sports
Travelling

Daan De Witt
Captain
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 NYMPHEAS
M/Y TRANQUILITY
M/Y CORAL OCEAN
Born in South Africa and having made Scotland her home since the age of 19, Sian has always been drawn to travel, new cultures and meeting people from all walks of life. Her passion for hospitality lead her into the yachting industry at
a young age, where she quickly fell in love with life at sea and creating memorable experiences for guests. After several years on the yachts, she spent time ashore broadening her experience in luxury hospitality, business co-ordination, and management before returning to the industry she loves. When not on board, Sian enjoys discovering new destinations, keeping active and exploring local food and wine wherever her travels take her. With her warm personality, attention to detail and genuine enthusiasm for guest service, she looks forward to helping create an unforgettable time aboard Nadan.
Interests:
History
Design
Freediving
Swimming
Puzzle games

Sian Rae
Stewardess
Previous Yachts
M/Y High Power III
M/Y Paloma
Jorge was born in Spain near the coast, where he first discovered his passion for the ocean. Growing up with a natural curiosity for the engines and mechanics, he chose to further develop his technical skills and mechanical
background. When he entered the yachting industry, he found the perfect combination of the two things he loves most – the seas and engineering. Along with his great experience, he takes it upon himself to ensure the engine
room is always running in perfect condition within a positive and harmonious environment. Jorge also takes great pride in contributing to a seamless experience for guests on board, enjoying the satisfaction of knowing every trip runs smoothly and safely behind the scenes. He especially appreciates being part of a modern classic motor yacht like Nadan, valuing the balance of timeless elegance and modern engineering that makes each journey unique.
Interests:
Sports
Gym

Jorge Esmerode
Chief engineer
Previous Yachts
M/Y Charade
S/Y Necker Belle
M/Y Liberty
Gerhardt was born in Bellville and raised in the Western Cape. He resides in Hermanus, the whale watching capital of South Africa. Growing up he attended a technical high school where he got introduced to multiple trades. Afterwards he took a gap year in the UK as a working holiday maker which turned into 3 years – the traveling bug unknowingly bit! On return to SA, he studied engineering survey which led him into hydrographic surveying and ultimately into yacht engineering. He has completed multiple ocean crossings, been part of several new build projects and worked on a range of different yacht types and designs all over the world. He spends his spare time with family while building his own designed house, He also gardens and collects books while
spending time in in his workshop constructing items and enjoying nature.
Interests:
Permaculture
Carpentry
Diving
Geomatics

Gerhardt Swart
Chief engineer
Previous Yachts
M/Y LADY LARA
M/Y TURQUOISE
Bradley was born in Johannesburg and raised on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, where his passion for the ocean began through surfing, fishing, and sailing. His yachting career started aboard the 55m M/Y Turquoise, cruising the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Florida, before joining 91m M/Y Lady Lara, where he gained further experience throughout the Caribbean and Mediterranean. In his spare time, Bradley enjoys golf, padel, and running, and brings a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and enthusiasm for guest service to every role.
Interests:
Golf
Padel
Running

Bradley Brotha
Bosun