Crew Profiles

Captain Kieran Bown & First Mate Michelle Preciado

Kieran & Michelle met back in 2012 in Mexico whilst working in the dive industry as instructors and photographers. Since then they have been on an unstoppable adventure that has taken them across the Caribbean, Americas, Europe & SE Asia.

They have now been in the charter industry for 8 years and are definitely enjoying their home in the British Virgin Islands. A country full of history and secrets that has allowed them to slowly discover more and more as their adventure continues.

Both Kieran & Michelle were led to the ocean by a passion for scuba diving and adventure, it is was this passion that formed the foundation for a life destined on the ocean. Being on boats has been an integral part of their lives since they were young and it was a natural progression to move on to running sailing yachts in the Caribbean.

Michelle is your 1st Mate onboard. She’s an experienced sailor, holding her RYA Day Skipper, a PADI Dive Instructor and extremely competent Watersport’s instructor whether it’s surfing, foiling, wakeboarding or Free diving she’s got you covered. If that wasn’t enough she’s also professionally culinary trained and has worked as a yacht chef for 5 seasons.

Kieran is an accomplished diver as well as Captain. He enjoys most water sports and has a keen interest in marine life.

Following Irma & Maria in 2017, Kieran & Michelle spent 15 months living on Tortola rebuilding a hurricane damaged catamaran and returned it to the charter fleet. This was an invaluable experience for any charter crew rebuilding a yacht from the ground up and learning every aspect of the rebuild, repairs and upgrades along the way. Here they collectively developed a strong knowledge of Boat Building, Project Management and general Marine Engineering.

In addition to working on charter yachts, Kieran & Michelle’s other passion is adventure and photography. It is this combination that led to the birth of Panga Expedtions. For the past 10 years they have been travelling the world, capturing incredible footage from both above and below the surface and have been featured on countless National TV Channels/Online Media Oulets including Nat Geo, Discovery, Shark Week, GoPro & Google. Whilst enjoying brief sponsorships from GoPro, Light & Motion and other adventure sport companies to help capture incredible footage.

Michelle Preciado
Qualifications:

Certificate in Professional Cookery
Level 2 Award in Food Safety in
Catering
PADI Open Water Instructor
STCW-95
RYA Competent Crew
RYA Day Skipper
ENG-1
RYA VHF Certified
DAN Insured
AIDA Level 2 (Freediving)
EFR Instructor

With a diverse background rooted in hospitality, Ashleigh found a natural transition into the world of yachting through a love of the sun, sea, and travel. Starting out as a deckhand, it wasn’t long before a strong passion for food, nutrition, and cooking led to a permanent place in the galley.
Formally trained in culinary arts, Ashleigh also takes every opportunity to deepen their culinary knowledge through hands-on local cooking courses in destinations around the world—from the vibrant markets of Indonesia to the traditional kitchens of Italy. These immersive experiences inspire a globally influenced style that blends bold flavours with beautifully presented, contemporary dishes, celebrating regional ingredients and creating menus tailored to each unique destination.
With a strong foundation in nutrition, Ashleigh is dedicated to creating meals that not only taste incredible but also nourish and support individual wellbeing. Special attention is given to dietary requirements and preferences—whether plant-based, gluten-free, allergen-sensitive, or health-focused—to ensure every guest feels considered and cared for.
Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, Ashleigh curates menus that reflect the destination and the season, from relaxed alfresco lunches to elegant multi-course dinners. Each dish is designed to enhance the charter experience through flavour, creativity, and a personal touch.



Chef Ashleigh Rendall

Qualifications:
STCW10
STCW PDSD
ENG1(exp 03.2026)
Competent Crew
Ashburton Yacht Chef Course
Food Health & Safety Level 3
WSET Level 2 with distinction
PADI Divemaster
RYA Powerboat L2
RYA PWC
First Aid; Infant First Aid, CPR and emergency oxygen
YOA Deckhand Training
VHF Radio
SYNC Stewardess Training


Cameron Keefe Stewardess/Deckhand

Cameron grew up between the rocky coastline and snowy mountains of Portland, Maine. While she’ll always love her home state, and skiing its peaks, her love for the ocean and warmer weather eventually pulled her further afield. After graduating from the University of Maine, Cameron joined the yachting industry in 2018, a path that has since taken her around the world. She has worked aboard both large sailing yachts and catamarans, from the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas and Caribbean to the far-flung coasts of Patagonia, Alaska, and even Greenland.
Holding her Yachtmaster Offshore certification, Cameron brings a strong foundation in seamanship while balancing her role with a natural flair for hospitality. Her time managing a boutique hotel in Costa Rica gave her valuable experience in creating exceptional guest experiences, which she now blends seamlessly with her life at sea.
Cameron is happiest when she’s in or on the ocean- surfing, scuba diving, free diving, or simply under sail. She also loves hiking, traveling, and discovering new corners of the world. With her adventurous spirit, love for the sea, and diverse background, Cameron is excited to contribute to the crew and deliver an unforgettable season for guests."


Qualifications:
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (Sail)
STCW 10
ENG 1
Power Boat Lv. 2
Security Duties
PADI Adv. Open Water