Previous Yachts: M/Y RAHAL (46m), M/Y HAPPY END (30m)
Interests: Surfing, fishing/spearfishing, swimming, reading, music production
Donovan grew up along the coast, so it only felt natural that he pursue a career at sea. From recreational boating to commercial fishing, he holds a multitude of skills, which he pairs with a can-do attitude. After working on a range of yachts, he is excited to join the ROYALE X crew and showcase his love for the job. He is specifically talented in mooring, line handling and carpentry. Naturally, Donovan enjoys all water sports, however, has also started producing music in his spare time.
Donovan Bradfield
Deckhand
Previous Yachts: M/Y OCEANA (55m), M/Y ONE WORLD (32.5m), M/Y DEEP BLUE (35m), S/Y JAGARE (40m)
Interests: Snorkelling, free diving, photography, fishing
Having worked most of his yachting career in the sunny city of Sydney, Jack has taken the leap to expand his skills overseas on-board ROYALE X. He most recently worked as Bosun on board a 55m charter yacht, managing deck operations to the highest standards. This included maintenance, repairs, navigation and training crew members. His ethos is being a flexible and supportive leader, whilst always maintaining the highest standards. His interests are also reflected in his love for the sea.
Jack Harris-Gregory
First Officer
Previous Yachts: M/Y RUYA (41m), M/Y WHITE RABBIT ECHO (61m), S/Y SPIRIT OF THE SEA’S (64m), M/Y AMBASSADOR (40m), M/Y LILIYA (40m)
Interests: Kite boarding, biking, diving
Gero grew up in Bulgaria and has worked on a multitude of yachts leaving him with an extensive knowledge of technology. He spent four years at the Technical University of Varna, whereby he dealt with engines, welding and constructing, assembling cranes, and hydraulics. He has worked on board charter boats as Chief Engineer, impressively completing an around the world trip including sailing through the Indian Ocean, Suez Canal and Pacific. Gero also has his free-diving qualifications, which has allowed him to practice spear-fishing in his spare time.
Gero Byanov
Chief engineer
Previous Yachts: M/Y ENTOURAGE (60m), M/Y HODOR (66m), M/Y ARETE (44m), M/Y KISSES (54m), M/Y MISUNDERSTOOD (50m), M/Y LADY DEHLIA (48m)
Interests: Surfing, fishing, diving, travelling, cooking
Martin is both an experienced and accomplished professional in the maritime industry, having worked on both private and charter motor yachts ranging from 20 to 66m. He has has worked in all areas of yachting, from being a Steward, Engineer, and eventually a Captain in 2005. These experiences have taken him from the East and West coasts of North and Central America, Alaska, Bahamas, Caribbean, and Mediterranean, and he has completed 21 Trans-Atlantic crossings to date!
Beyond his maritime career, he has successfully managed businesses in the seafood industry, operated a holiday resort in Costa Rica, and overseen yacht maintenance and refits. His multi-lingual capabilities, strong work ethic, and excellent leadership skills have consistently delivered exceptional service to owners and guests alike. With a passion for delivering the highest level of care and service, Martin is well-equipped to excel in his role, bringing a unique blend of experience and dedication to every endeavour.
Martin Leder
Captain
Previous Yachts: M/Y LIZARD (22m)
Interests: Travelling, paddle boarding, sailing, wakeboarding, photography
Kyle has long had a passion for the ocean and for all things associated with it, whether this be the water sports aspect, the travelling aspect, or the general adventure aspect that it offers. Having recently completed his Yachtmasters, Kyle went on to sail over 800 nautical miles along the coast of South Africa. It was only after this trip that he decided this is where he wanted to pursue a career at sea. With a solid understanding of vessel operational, maritime regulations and teamwork, Kyle now looks forward to contributing to the dynamic ROYALE X crew.
Kyle Brown
Deckhand
Previous Yachts: M/Y WILD ORCHID I (47m), M/Y EVE (32m)
Interests: Hiking, adventure and action sports, photography
Susan grew up in Johannesburg and worked within environmental energy and sustainability before discovering the world of yachting. Now with three years deckhand experience under her belt, Susan is an asset to any team. She strives to be constantly learning, improving and inspiring her peers on board. She joins ROYALE X with the goal of being more involved in bridge operations, showcasing her dedication and passion to grow within the role. This year she would like to learn how to fly a drone in her spare time.
Susan Neethling
Deckhand
Previous Yachts: M/Y MAXIMUS (30m), M/Y GIOIA (33m), M/Y TANZANITE (44.2m), M/Y CATCHING MOMENTS (46m), M/Y AQUASITION (43m), M/Y AURORA B (49m)
Interests: Running/hiking, travelling, snowboarding, food
After graduating from Florida State University with an Editing, Writing and Media degree, Paige discovered the world of yachting, working as a stewardess and later a charter marketing assistant. This gave Paige a unique insight into the different areas within the industry, and she learned what makes a great superyacht both on and off board. However, her love for the ocean saw her rejoin as crew, and she quickly worked up the ranks to Chief Stewardess. She prides herself on her bartending skills, tablescapes, and loves to practice both leadership and teamwork.
Paige Armstrong
Chief steward/ess
Previous Yachts: S/Y NINGALOO (47m), M/Y MASTEKA 2 (37m), M/Y AMARYLLIS (78m), M/Y UNBRIDLED (58m), M/Y TRUE NORTH (50m), M/Y ANASTASIA (75m)
Interests: Hiking, mountain biking, paddle boarding, diving, meditation, Pilates reformer, yoga
Growing up in New Zealand, Rebecca's early childhood was filled with cooking farm-style meals with her father and baking with her grandmother. She learnt to gather seafood and hunt with her family. Cooking quickly became a creative outlet, and she took over as the main cook in her household as a young teen.
She left New Zealand at 19 and moved to Europe, quickly falling into work as a cook on yachts and beginning the journey of a self-taught chef. She travelled and worked around the globe, immersing herself in culture and the tastes and colours of the world.
Gaining a wealth of cooking knowledge as a private chef aboard luxury yachts, Rebecca worked in residences throughout America, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the UK, North Africa, the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, working for an array of UHNW clients worldwide.
Rebecca possesses a strong background in the arts, including fashion design, graphic design and food styling, later studying nutrition and wellness.
It's her heartfelt belief that she has the ability to share her energy through her cooking, and she feels blessed to share such a gift. Simply said, cooking lights up her soul.
Rebecca Hendricks
Head Chef
Previous Yachts: M/Y DESAMIS B (40m)
Interests: Wakeboarding, snowboarding, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkelling
With over five years of housekeeping experience, including supervisory roles, Gloria brings exceptional attention to detail, strong time management, and excellent communication skills to the ROYALE X interior team. She thrives in high-end hospitality environments and having worked four ski seasons in luxury lodges and apartments, she has developed a keen eye for maintaining pristine spaces and ensuring guest satisfaction. Beyond housekeeping, Gloria’s experience in cocktail mixing and services adds versatility to her skill set. Growing up near the Great Barrier Reef, Gloria is also passionate about protecting the oceans and conservation.
Gloria Kennedy
Stewardess