Penny was raised in a small Canadian mountain town, where she acquired a deep love and respect for wild places. She has always had a thirst for travel and new experiences, and was introduced to the yachting world while traveling in Mexico in her twenties. This discovery led to a twenty year career on the water, caring for guests in Europe, North America, the Caribbean, and even the South Pacific. Alaska remains one of her favorite destinations, and she is delighted to share it with you on board Yacht Serengeti, and help provide you with an exceptional experience!
Penny Turner
Chief Stewardess (Rotational)
Joey was born into a military family in Atlanta, Georgia, and spent his childhood moving all around the United States. He graduated university with a degree in Accounting and Marketing, but felt drawn to a more dynamic career. He found his calling while visiting a friend on a classic Burger yacht in Washington, DC, and before long had moved to Florida to pursue his new dream. Since then, Joey has spent six years cruising both the east and west coasts of North America. He holds a 100-ton Master’s license and a 200-ton Mate’s license,
and hopes to someday run a program of his own as Captain. Joey is excited to
experience this magical place with you and provide unforgettable memories
onboard Motor Yacht Serengeti!
Joey Neely
Mate
A native of the beautiful Virgin Islands, Lonie started his career at age sixteen as a deckhand on charter yachts. His affinity for anything mechanical quickly led him down the engineering path. In addition to being involved in extensive refits on various sized vessels, he has also taken on the role of sole engineer on many different makes and models of yachts. A seasoned sailor, Lonie has cruised the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, and Central America. With Lonie onboard, you can rest assured that you are in hands of a capable and qualified marine engineer! Whenever and wherever possible, Lonie enjoys honing his skills as a master freediver and spearfisherman, along with a variety of other water sports.
Lonie Tarr
Engineer
Thomas was born and raised in Rockland, Massachusetts. He was first exposed to the yachting industry while on holiday in the US Virgin Islands and inspired to join after seeing the beautiful boats and exotic locations they travel to. Thomas has been gaining experience for the past several years working in estate management and on various yachts in Palm Beach, Florida while also picking up surfing in his free time. Outside of work, you can find Thomas hiking, wakeboarding, or honing in on his underwater photography skills. He looks forward to guiding you through some of the most remote locations that stunning Southeast Alaska provides!
Thomas Sharland
Deckhand & Excursion Guide
Chef Nate is an accomplished chef with over twenty years of culinary experience, from the upper echelons of the Australian dining scene to super yachts and private estates across the globe. When not in the galley, Nate’s interests include recording music, wilderness activities, and putting his nose into a good novel. Aboard Yacht Serengeti, Nate will be emphasizing the local seafood and ensuring an upbeat and welcoming atmosphere in the galley.
Nate Cox
Chef
Hannah came to the West Coast from midwestern roots in Iowa to compete in D1 volleyball in both beach and indoor disciplines. She fell in love with the Pacific and traveled up and down the coast competing in amateur and pro tournaments. Hannah completed her Masters in clinical mental health counseling and worked as a psychotherapist for several years before starting a neuroscience business providing brain mapping and neurotherapy to clients who have suffered from traumatic brain injuries. Hannah decided to join yachting for the opportunity to explore the world's grandest maritime destinations alongside influential, adventurous clientele. When not onboard you can find Hannah posing with her oversized checks at the nearest Beach tournament to Serengeti's current location. She looks forward to hiking alongside waterfalls with you and sharing good conversation while locked and loaded with champagne flutes in her backpack!
Hannah Matt
Stewardess & Pro Beach Volleyball Athlete
Zack was born in Boston and grew up on California’s rugged central coast. He achieved his first dive certification and boating license at age 12. In the years to follow he would obtain two IGFA fishing world records; one saltwater and one freshwater to match. By the age of 18 he was commercial fishing, working off an urchin diving boat around the Channel Islands out of Santa Barbara, and not long after would join the yachting industry. A jack of all trades, Zack is a USCG licensed Engineer and Captain as well as a PADI Divemaster and avid free diver. Fishing is his passion or perhaps addiction. Be it small streams on the fly, spearfishing the reefs, or deep-sea game fishing— he’s down for it all! Captain Zack has an uncanny sense for safety, conscientious seamanship, AND finding fish! Zack is chomping at the hook and can’t wait to guide Serengeti’s guests on their adventures through Alaska’s unbelievable last frontier!
Previous Yachts: AVALON 150', WONDERLAND 122', ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM 161'
Zack Hurowitz
Captain
Ivona grew up in a big family in the quiet countryside of Serbia. She left home at the age of 18, with dreams of living on a small island far away from home. Ivona spent several years on the remote and captivating island of Malta, where she started her career in the superyacht industry. She has cruised extensively throughout the Caribbean, even serving members of the British Royal Family. Her unique background has given her years of invaluable training in delivering top-notch, first-class service to all guests onboard. Ivona is passionate about creating and maintaining beautiful interior spaces and thrilled to be working with a team of professional, enthusiastic, highly dedicated crew mates and guides onboard Serengeti.
Ivona Blagojevic
Chief steward/ess