Gary was born and raised in South Africa but now resides in Melbourne, Australia with his wife and young daughter. He grew up around water from a young age. Previous Yachts: M/Y Calixe, M/Y Thundergulch, M/Y Passion, M/Y Lionheart and M/Y Steel and M/Y Solemar and 7.5 years on Victoria Del Mar a busy charter vessel, spent a seasonal med summer on M/Y Trident 65m Feadship and recently finished up on a 67m Amels cruising the Mediterranean and the Caribbean . Work Experience : Coming from a Naval background as a diver, he continued to follow his passion for the water and joined yachting in 1998. Waters Cruised :Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, Indian Ocean, Middle East and the UK waters. Education and Job-related licenses and Certificates: Gary has a degree in Human Movement and Psychology and Master Yachts 3000gt.Gary is also a qualified fitness instructor and Scuba diver instructor. Hobbies: Gary is an avid kite boarder and scuba diver. He loves the outdoors and with these attributes he hopes to encourage guests to enjoy the vessels numerous toys and have a good time

Born and raised in Italy, Noemi brings a refined pastry background and a passion for exceptional guest experiences to life onboard. With Michelin-star level experience gained in some of Italy’s most respected fine dining establishments, including La Speranzina and La Stua de Michil, she has developed a strong foundation in precision, creativity, and high end hospitality. Her culinary style combines elegant presentation with a detail driven approach, influenced by both contemporary pastry techniques and luxury restaurant service. Having worked across pastry kitchens, guest experience, and reservation coordination, Noemi offers a well-rounded understanding of ultra high end hospitality and enjoys creating memorable experiences tailored to each guest.

Born and raised in South Africa, Kelly is an experienced Chief Stewardess with five years in the yachting industry, including two years in a leadership role on yachts ranging from 45m to 56m. Passionate about hospitality and creating exceptional guest experiences, she is known for her warm nature, calm approach, and strong attention to detail. Specialising in high-end service, elegant table scaping, themed nights, and guest relations, Kelly takes pride in creating an atmosphere where guests feel cared for, comfortable, and truly special. Her background as a licensed beautician and entrepreneur has refined her eye for presentation, luxury standards, and personalised service. She is equally passionate about leading and mentoring junior stews, ensuring the interior runs seamlessly while maintaining the highest standards onboard. Outside of yachting, Kelly enjoys travel, wellness, beauty, and sourdough baking — a passion she carries with her around the world.

Born in St Albans, UK, and raised in the South of France, Chief Officer Alban developed a deep connection to the Mediterranean coast—an area he knows intimately. With over a decade of experience aboard both charter and private yachts across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Asia—including Thailand, Singapore, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka—he offers a wealth of operational expertise delivered with calm precision and professionalism. After earning a degree in Economics and traveling extensively, Alban committed to a full-time career in yachting, steadily building his experience and leadership at sea. An experienced Chief Mate 3000, he also serves as the vessel’s Security Officer, upholding the highest standards of safety and efficiency on board. Known for his approachable nature and keen attention to detail, Alban is dedicated to creating a memorable guest experience, and looks forward to welcoming you on board.

Marcelle du Plessis, Stewardess, grew up fishing, bodyboarding, and swimming in the Indian Ocean along the Southern Coast of South Africa. She began her hospitality career working at private and commercial events after school. Her passion for wine led her to conduct in-depth wine tastings at prestigious South African wine farms. Combining her love for the ocean with her hospitality experience, she naturally transitioned into yachting. Her interests include outdoor sports and activities, music, Formula 1, and exploring new places. Marcelle is excited for the season and looks forward to creating exceptional experiences for guests aboard Shalawaty.

Born and raised in South Africa, Brendan brings over five years of yachting experience to M/Y Shalawaty, with cruising experience across the USA, Caribbean, Bahamas, Canada, and the Mediterranean. Having built a strong foundation on private yachts, he has developed expertise in deck operations, tender driving, watersports, and guest activities, with extensive knowledge of Sardinia and Mediterranean cruising grounds. With a degree in Economics and International Trading, Brendan combines practical leadership with strong operational discipline. Passionate about fishing, rugby, golf, padel, and life on the water, Brendan is also known onboard for making his own traditional South African biltong, proving that while you can take the South African away from home, you can never take home out of the South African

Born in South Africa and shaped by a life spent on the ocean, 23-year-old Deckhand Blake has developed a natural affinity for the sea and a deep understanding of life on board. With years of hands-on experience across both charter and private yachts, he has cruised extensively through some of the world’s most sought-after destinations, building a strong foundation of seamanship, teamwork, and operational skill along the way. Known for his calm, capable approach and sharp attention to detail, Blake brings both professionalism and a positive, easygoing energy to every vessel he joins.
Passionate about the ocean beyond his profession, Blake is an avid wakeboarder and surfer, always making the most of time on the water, and is equally enthusiastic about scuba diving, exploring what lies beneath the surface. His active lifestyle and genuine love for the sea translate into an authentic and engaging guest experience. Dedicated to maintaining high standards of safety, efficiency, and service, Blake takes pride in supporting smooth operations on board while creating a fun, memorable atmosphere for everyone on board

Born and raised in Cornwall, UK, Erin is 21 years old and has spent her life by the sea. With experience across recreational, competitive, and instructional water sports, she has developed a strong passion for the ocean and a natural confidence on the water. She is now dedicated to building a career in the yachting industry, with a clear focus on progression.
Driven, enthusiastic, and hardworking, Erin enjoys both guest interaction and supporting operations behind the scenes. She recently transitioned into yachting from roles as a water sports Instructor and as a Sports Coordinator and Community Lead within a school environment. Erin has a passion for an active lifestyle and especially enjoys surfing, her favourite sea sport, alongside continuously learning new skills. She is excited to begin her journey in the industry.

Radota joined the yachting industry after building a strong foundation in commercial shipping and marine engineering. Most recently, he worked on board Nord, Alfa Nero, and Axioma, gaining valuable experience in machinery maintenance, refit projects, and the operation of complex engineering systems on some of the world's most prestigious yachts.
Originally from Montenegro, Radota studied Marine Engineering and is currently continuing his education at the Faculty of Maritime Studies in Kotor. Holding an EOOW Certificate along with a comprehensive range of engineering and safety qualifications, he is known for his strong work ethic, positive attitude, and hands-on approach to problem-solving.
A keen sportsman, Radota played competitive football and handball for many years and continues to enjoy an active lifestyle. Friendly, motivated, and dedicated, he takes pride in ensuring the yacht operates safely and efficiently while contributing to a positive atmosphere on board.

Connie is 21 years old, born in Kingston, England, and raised in the south of Spain from the age of 12. Having grown up in a multicultural environment and attended an international school, she brings an open-minded outlook and a natural ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
With a strong background in hospitality, including a recent winter ski season in Austria and hands-on yachting experience, Connie is confident supporting the interior team across housekeeping, laundry, and service. She is calm under pressure and takes pride in maintaining high standards in all aspects of her work. Creative and energetic, Connie enjoys painting, cooking, and making cocktails. She brings a positive approach to service and enjoys creating a smooth and enjoyable atmosphere for guests. Her love for travel and the outdoors reflects her active and upbeat nature.
Friendly, reliable, and guest-focused, Connie is committed to creating a warm and memorable experience onboard