Born and raised in southern California, David has been around the water all his life. He started his boating career when he was 15 years old going fishing anytime he could. He received his first Coast Guard license at the age of 22 and has been running boats ever since. David has been many places, but his favorite has been southeast Alaska where the beauty of the landscape and the fishing is plentiful. David’s daughter is also in the industry as a chief stewardess.

Alex grew up in Zimbabwe, spending every opportunity fishing, camping, and driving boats. At 16, he discovered scuba diving, sparking a deep passion for the ocean that has continued to grow ever since. He went on to work toward his PADI Scuba Instructor certification and spent his free time surfing, diving, fishing, and boating along the East Coast of Africa. In 2015, Alex moved to Freeport, Grand Bahama, where he worked as a Shark Feeder and Underwater Videographer. It was there that he was introduced to the yachting industry and knew he had found his calling. Now serving as Chief Officer, Alex prides himself on safety, teamwork, and creating unforgettable experiences for every guest onboard. His passion for the ocean and extensive experience on the water makes him a valuable part of the Lady Elaine team.

From the age of 8, Ben has been immersed in the world of sailing, racing competitively and exploring the depths of the sea. Ben has been working on yachts for twenty years predominantly, as a Chief Engineer. Engineering has always been a fascination from tinkering with cars to rebuilding a mini at an early age. His passion for the water extends beyond sailing, encompassing windsurfing and the technical challenges of tech diving. He brings this diverse blend of expertise and enthusiasm to both his work and hobbies.

Barend grew up in South Africa and began his yachting career in 2016. With a deep love for the ocean and a passion for adventure, he thrives on the adrenaline and energy of life on the water. As Bosun, Barend takes pride in ensuring the yacht’s deck operations run smoothly and safely, but his favorite part of the job is getting guests involved and making the most of their time on the water. A professional darts player outside of yachting, Barend brings a competitive spirit, great energy, and a fun personality to the team. Whether it’s getting the jet skis fired up, paddleboards in the water, or sea bobs ready for the morning’s adventures, he is always looking for ways to make every day onboard memorable.

Originally from Vail, Colorado, Haley traded mountain life for the ocean and never looked back. Her yachting career began in Australia, and she quickly discovered a passion for hospitality, adventure, and life at sea. Having worked on charter yachts around the world, Haley progressed through the ranks to Chief Stewardess in a short time. Before yachting, she worked as an event planner, developing her natural eye for detail and talent for creating memorable experiences. Affectionately known onboard as the “Vibe Technician,” Haley brings warmth, energy, and exceptional attention to detail to every charter. From beautifully curated tablescapes and themed dinners to thoughtful personal touches, she loves creating experiences that feel effortless and unforgettable. A Certified Rescue Diver, Haley is equally at home in the water and loves every moment of life at sea.

Lea Gonzales is from San Antonio, Texas, and graduated from Texas State University with a degree in Business Marketing. After spending over 14 years in the hospitality industry, she decided to make a bold career shift and pursue her passion for travel and the ocean by entering the yachting industry. With a strong background as a bartender and personal trainer, Lea brings a unique combination of hospitality, energy, and wellness to the team. She takes pride in delivering exceptional service and excels in high-pressure, fast-paced environments. Known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and positive, can-do attitude, Lea is passionate about ensuring every guest feels welcomed, relaxed, and well cared for onboard.

Kyleigh was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With an extensive background in customer service, she spent the last year working at the Philadelphia International Marriott as a Convention Coordinator. Driven by her love for the ocean, Kyleigh moved to sunny Florida to pursue a career in yachting. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at the beach, supporting the arts, and exploring new places. Always bubbly, energetic, and focused, Kyleigh brings a warm and enthusiastic approach to the interior team and is dedicated to creating the best possible experience for every guest onboard.

Neill was born and raised in the scenic coastal town of Hermanus, just outside Cape Town, South Africa. Growing up by the ocean sparked his early fascination with the maritime world and nurtured a natural affinity for outdoor adventure. After finishing high school, Neill committed fully to pursuing a career in yachting, completing all required deckhand certifications and gaining valuable hands-on experience in the industry. Known for his strong work ethic, enthusiasm, and consistently positive attitude. His passion for sports and the outdoors has shaped his energetic and active lifestyle, qualities that translate seamlessly into his role on board.

Helgi was born in Canada and raised there until the age of 6, when he moved with his parents and older brother to The Big Island of Hawaii. When Helgi turned 13, he moved with his mom and his brother to Sarasota, Florida to attend Pine View School for the Academically Gifted. Following a passion for building his food knowledge, he has lived and worked in high-end restaurants in Florida, Arizona, Oregon, Hawaii, Montana and Texas. Helgi’s passion for adventure has brought him to the yachting industry in 2011, working aboard classic yachts and Superyachts in Alaska, Southeast Florida, Panama, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Not only does Helgi have 23 years of culinary experience, but also he has had the opportunity to work as a Casting Food Judge for FOX Network’s hit TV show, MasterChef USA with Gordon Ramsay. Helgi believes that food should be simple and true to the ingredients in each dish, using the freshest and most local produce and proteins.

Helgi has been a professional and hobbyist carpenter and landscaper in the past. He believes in sustainability and giving back to the communities where he lives and works. As an arborist, he was an integral part of the relief efforts of catastrophic hurricanes Katrina, Wilma, Irma, and Ian. He has also aided in the relief efforts in Mt. Hood National Forest to reopen trails that were destroyed from the infamous 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. Helgi is an accomplished ultra-endurance athlete in his spare time. Fitness is a primary focus in his life. He has completed marathons and iron distance triathlons, as well as ultramarathons of varying distance. In 2018, Helgi became one of 39 people in the world to have ever completed the Triple Crown of 200s, which is a series that consists of three non-stop 200 + mile ultramarathons in 10 weeks, totaling 650 miles and 100,000 feet of elevation gain. In 2021, Helgi completed the same series a second time, but this time connecting the three races in between for a total of 2,850 human powered miles in 61 days, being the first and only person to ever complete a Trans Triple Crown of 200s. In October of 2023, Helgi finished his 14th 200 + mile ultramarathon and third Triple Crown. Helgi has ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a degenerative auto-immune arthritis. He promotes “movement as medicine” and raises awareness of his condition in partnership with the Spondylitis Association of America. To learn more about Helgi please visit: http://linktr.ee/helgiolafson