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Crew

Get to Know Crossed Sabre Crew Members

CAPTAIN (ROTATIONAL), British

Mike Conquest

PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y Bojangles, M/Y Africa, M/Y Golden Eagle

Mike was born in Yorkshire where he started his love of sailing at an
early age. Sailing and racing as well as coaching instructors and teaching
Technology and PE in a Secondary school in the South of England. Later spending over six years making bespoke furniture and running a RYA sea school, eventually delivering motor yachts all over Europe. He then spent 8 years living in the South of France before settling back in the UK. Mike enjoys many outdoor activities including watersports, skiing, golfing, tennis, and squash. With over 160,000 NM Mike is sure to make your journey both safe and enjoyable.

WATERS CRUISED: Mediterranean, Multiple Atlantic Crossings, Caribbean, Cuba, Bahamas, US East Coast

JOB DESCRIPTION: To ensure the safety of guests and crew by creating a happy and safe environment with prudent navigation and operational management of the yacht.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: MCA Master of Yachts <3000 GT, RYA Coach/Trainer/Instructor in dinghies, powerboats, motor and sailing yacht.

HOBBIES: Water-sports, Skiing, Golfing, Tennis, Squash & Keeping Fit.

CAPTAIN (Rotational), British

Simon Alway

PREVIOUS VESSELS: M/Y Lady Joy, M/Y Marjorie Morningstar,
M/Y Aurora B, M/Y Lady Marina, M/Y Tatoosh.

Simon grew up in Wiltshire, England and developed his love of the water while sailing on the South coast of England. After studying Yacht Manufacturing in Southampton, and working for a boat builder for a short while, he decided that he would rather be working onboard yachts than building them. After joining his first yacht in 2000, Simon has travelled the world on yachts and finally settled down in Montreal, Canada where he now lives with his wife and 2 sons.

WATERS CRUISED: Mediterranean, too many Atlantic crossings, Caribbean, Bahamas, US East Coast.

JOB DESCRIPTION: To safely ensure the best experience possible is provided to the Owner and all Guests.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: MCA Master (Yachts <3000GRT), Openwater diver

HOBBIES & INTERESTS: Motorcycling, Hiking, Sailing, Motorsports and DIY

CHIEF ENGINEER (Rotational), Scottish

Patrick O'Donnell

PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y Touch, M/Y Sealyon, M/Y Nassima, M/Y Adora

Patrick joined the British Merchant Navy at the age of 18, spending
time on deep sea cargo vessels while studying mechanical/marine engineering at the Glasgow College of Nautical Studies. In 2016, Patrick
started working in the yachting industry as 2nd engineer on larger yachts and as sole/chief engineer since 2018.

WATERS CRUISED: Worldwide

JOB DESCRIPTION: The chief engineer maintains all the yacht’s systems in top condition- engines, generators, electrical, air- conditioning, refrigeration, fueling, sanitation, computers and hydraulics. Together with the assistant engineer, the chief ensures everything is in proper working order.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: EOOW unlimited. Dive Master.

HOBBIES & INTERESTS: Golfing, Snowboarding, Wakeboarding, Diving, Rock Climbing & Fencing

CHIEF ENGINEER (Rotational), Venezuela

David Salazar

PREVIOUS YACHTS:  M/Y Le Montrachet, C/S Mariner of the Seas, C/S Freedom of the Seas.

David grew up in Valencia, Venezuela. David knew from a young age he had a love for working at sea. Immediately after school he joined Royal Caribbean International as a cruise ship engineer, progressing in his career up to second engineer. After spending over 10 years working for
various cruise ships he decided to join the yachting industry where he
enjoys the more personal experience and service provided to guests.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The chief engineer maintains all the yacht’s systems in top condition- engines, generators, electrical, air-conditioning, refrigeration, fueling, sanitation, computers and hydraulics. Together with the assistant engineer, the chief ensures everything is in proper working order.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: Chief Engineer Unlimited, STCW III/2

HOBBIES & INTERESTS: Kite surfing, mountain biking, free diving.

CHIEF OFFICER, Mexican

Santiago Cordova

PREVIOUS VESSELS: M/Y Ocean’s 11, M/Y Grand Illusion, M/Y Seven Sins, M/Y Spring, M/Y Camila, M/Y Tamara.

Santiago was born and raised in Mazatlán, Mexico. He has always loved being on the ocean doing watersports and surfing. Santiago enjoysthe outdoors, going camping and on road trips. His background in commercial vessels has given him an immense amount of knowledge
he applies to the yachting industry. Santiago loves to serve others, he is
open minded and holds great respect for the ocean

WATERS CRUISED: Northern Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean, Adriatic Sea, Ionian Sea, Caribbean.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Work closely with the Captain, perform administrative and safety duties, manage the deck, his team and maintain crew discipline on board. Other duties include boat handling, watch keeping and navigation. He is also able to step in for the Captain in his absence.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES: Master 3000 GT reg ll/2, Ship Security Officer, ECDIS, Radar Operation, GMDSS Operator, Bridge Resource Management, Fast Rescue Boats, PADI Open Water.

HOBBIES & INTERESTS: Surfing, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Wakeboarding, Outdoors & Diving

CHIEF STEWARDESS (Rotational), American

Leah Anonsen

PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y Far Niente, M/Y Just Enough, M/Y Robbie Bobby, M/Y M3, M/Y Take.

Leah comes from a quaint seaside town near Annapolis, Maryland. From a young age she was highly competitive in field hockey, which she played well into college. She received a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Advertising from Towson University. Shortly after, she pursued her love for photography and videography. However, craving adventure she moved to Sydney, Australia and became an au-pair. While living abroad Leah fell in love with traveling and discovered yachting. Her bubbly, friendly personality helps everyone feel welcome, and makes her the
perfect Chief Stewardess. Leah loves the water but also enjoys traveling
the globe and shredding the slopes on her snowboard in her spare time.

WATERS CRUISED: USA, Bahamas, Caribbean & Mediterranean

JOB DESCRIPTION: Offer the highest interior service standards, organize the staff roster for table service, cabin cleaning, meals, and bar-tending, orchestrate all guest outings and activities, and assist with accounts.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: STCW, Food Safety & Hygiene Level II, Security Awareness, Wine & Cocktail Training.

HOBBIES & INTERESTS: Snowboarding, Photography, Videography, Hiking & Traveling.

CHIEF STEWARDESS (Rotational), French

Stephanie Bouillon

PREVIOUS YACHTS: PREVIOUS YACHTS: MY AURORA BOREALIS 30m, MY LADY JORGIA 75m, MY BEOL 60m

Originally from the beautiful city of Paris, Stéphanie has been a global explorer from a young age, immersing herself in diverse cultures and embracing new experiences with an open mind. Her passion for hospitality was sparked during her studies while working as a VIP stewardess at prestigious international events in Paris.

After earning a master’s degree in communication and marketing, Stéphanie embarked on a solo nine-month journey to New Zealand. During this time, she discovered the world of yachting while working as a nanny for a dynamic ex-yachty family, igniting a passion that has shaped her career over the past five years.

Outside of work, Stéphanie enjoys road biking, diving, and exploring unique destinations. One of her most memorable adventures was a sailing expedition in Greenland in 2023. Her love for the ocean, combined with her adventurous spirit, continuously drives her to seek new challenges and experiences.

WATERS CRUISED: Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Coordinate all interior service including the staff roster for table service, cabin cleaning, meals, and bartending, orchestrate all guest outings and activities and assist with the accounts.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: STCW, Food Safety & Hygiene Level II, Wine Level 1 & 2, Purser, Advanced Leadership & Management, Mental Health  Awareness, Food Safety & Hygiene Level II, Security Awareness

HOBBIES & INTERESTS: Cycling, Diving, Dancing, Hiking

BOSUN/CHASE BOAT CAPTAIN

Ben Vieyra

PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y Synthesis M/Y Shadow.

Ben developed an early interest in the ocean after being introduced to diving by his adventurous father. He has worked in yachting since 2020, bringing his experience from many years as a Professional Dive Instructor. His passion for the oceans led him to study Marine Environmental Management at the University of Plymouth. He obtained his PADI Instructor certification in Utila, Honduras and hasn’t looked back since! Over the years he has built up sea time as a dive & snorkeling guide including adventures with Humpback whales in the Dominican Republic and South Pacific. Ben strives to take great care of all guests onboard Crossed Sabre. He is highly professional, calm and pleasant, and always ready to provide the best wastersports experiences, creating an atmosphere of serious fun while maintaining safety.

WATERS CRUISED: The Bahamas, Caribbean, Panama, Costa Rica, Galapagos, Pacific coast of Mexico, Sea of Cortez, Canada and Alaska.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Assist guests with all water toys and maintain the yacht’s exterior in meticulous order. Extensive knowledge of all equipment.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATES:  YM Offshore (Commercially Endorsed), PAD Diving Instructor.

HOBBIES & INTERESTS: Gym training, calisthenics, watersports,
freediving, running.

DECKHAND/ENGINEER, Brittish

Ciaran Gordon

PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y Global, M/Y Lady M, M/Y Galaxy.

Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Ciaran moved to Perth as a teen. An
unexpected and fortunate gift of recreational boat license lessons led
him to discover a love for the ocean and launched him into a series of
exciting worldwide travels. In Thailand he completed his Divemaster qualification, subsequently deciding to pursue a career in the yachting industry, combining his two biggest passions, traveling and being on the water. Ciaran looks forward to making every guest’s experience onboard Crossed Sabre memorable and unique.

WATERS CRUISED: Mediterranean, Caribbean, South Pacific

JOB DESCRIPTION: Maintain the yacht’s exterior in meticulous order, coordinate and facilitate water sports and water activities.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: Yacht Master Offshore, SSI Divemaster, AEC, PB Level 2, STCW, ENG

HOBBIES & INTERESTS: Drumming, Martial Arts, Keeping Fit, Watersports, Diving

SECOND STEWARDESS, Scottish

Loni Risdon

PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y QUINTA ESSENTIA, M/Y ACE, M/Y LADY M.

Loni was born and raised in Scotland, but eager to discover the world and gain new life experiences, she swapped her native cool and rainy weather for the sunshine of Palma de Mallorca, where she quickly discovered the yachting industry. During her time in Spain she learned spanish fluently and now looks forward to becoming proficient in new languages. Her polite and bubbly personality helps her build successful relationships with guests and crew members alike.

WATERS CRUISED: Mediterranean & Indian Ocean

JOB DESCRIPTION: Accommodate guest needs, maintain the highest standards
of the exterior and interior, table presentation, flower arrangements,
laundry, housekeeping, service, and bartending.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: STCW, ENG1, Power Boat License & Jet-Ski License

HOBBIES & INTERESTS: Horseback Riding, Photography & Pilates.

STEWARDESS, English

Alexandra Penwill

PREVIOUS YACHTS: MY PALADIN

Alex grew up in a charming countryside town by the ocean in Plymouth, UK. With a deep yearning for tropical adventures, she took her first solo trip at 18 and has been traveling the world ever since. After graduating with a BA in Fashion Communication & Promotion, Alex moved to London, where she spent four years as Marketing & Brand Manager for a thriving accessories company.

Despite her success, Alex realized city life wasn’t for her. She made the bold decision to move to Bali, Indonesia, where she spent four transformative years immersed in the beauty of the island. It was in Bali that Alex discovered her passion for yoga, meditation, and holistic healing.

Eager for a new chapter, Alex joined the yachting industry in 2022, inspired by the adventurous stories of her two sisters, both stewardesses on superyachts. She leads an active, health-conscious lifestyle, with a commitment to fitness and holistic wellness. Alex brings a warm, peaceful energy that instantly makes guests feel at home.

WATERS CRUISED: U.S.A, Bahamas, South Pacific & Mediterranean.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Accommodate guest needs, maintain the highest standards
of the exterior and interior, table presentation, flower arrangements,
laundry, housekeeping, service, and bartending.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: STCW, Food Safety & Hygiene Level II, Security Awareness, 200hr Yoga Teacher Training & Breathwork Facilitator Training.

HOBBIES & INTERESTS: Yoga, Meditation, Breathwork, Hiking, Cycling, Snorkelling, Photography & Traveling.

DECKHAND, American

Taylor Gibbore

PREVIOUS YACHTS: All Hooked Up Fishing Charters

Taylor comes from a small town in upstate New York. From a young age she was heavily involved in athletics, from basketball and lacrosse, to playing rugby in college. She attended Coastal Carolina University, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology. Adventurous at heart, Taylor decided to travel the world and quickly found work near the water which filled her with joy and excitement. From first mate on a fishing charter to deckhand for
SeaKarts, she hasn’t stopped evolving. The yachting industry has provided the perfect outlet for her love for the outdoors and her active spirit. Taylor is hardworking and her positive energy lifts up everyone around her. When not found on the water she loves spending time with friends and family in South Carolina, fishing or on the beach

WATERS CRUISED: U.S East Coast

JOB DESCRIPTION: Meticulously maintain the yacht’s exterior, perform watch duties
and assist with watersports and exterior activities. Go-to fishing expert!

LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: STCW, ENG1 & PDSD

HOBBIES & INTERESTS: Rugby, Yoga, Meditation, Reading, Off-Shore Fishing & Cooking

CHEF (Rotational), British

Jon Lees

PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y Zeus, M/Y Alibi, M/Y Volpini, M/Y Solaia, M/Y Oxygen.

Jonathan was born in Cornwell and trained as a Chef in Chester, spending the next decade working in some of the most prestigious
hotels and restaurants around the United Kingdom. His passion for the mountains and snowboarding led him to work at five-star hotels and chalets in the French and Italian Alps. Jon left the shore life to further his culinary career and having discovered the world of yachting, he has been sailing the seas for the past twelve years.

WATERS CRUISED: U.S East and West Coast, Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Panama, & Southeast Asia.


JOB DESCRIPTION: Menu design, provisioning and food preparation for guests and crew. Food budgeting, stock control, management of galley safety standards, etc.

HOBBIES & INTERESTS: City and Guilds Cookery Certificate from
West Cheshire College, Food Safety level III.

HOBBIES & INTERESTS: Fishing, Snowboarding, Reading, Cycling, Trekking & Exploring Different Cuisines.

CHEF (Rotational), Argentinian

Fernando Jeffrey

PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y Agave, M/Y Chetah Moon, M/Y Willow

Fernando was born in Buenos Aires. He lived in England for 6 years
working in some of the most prestigious restaurants. He subsequently moved to the beautiful coast of San Sebastian, Spain also spending time in Barcelona, working in multiple 5-star hotels and restaurants. Fernando left the land life to further his career while sailing the seven seas. Over the past 9 years the yachting industry has allowed him to do what he loves while continuing to explore the globe, he is excited to be part of the CROSSED SABRE team and looks forward to delighting the palates of his most demanding guests

WATERS CRUISED: US East Coast, Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Baltic

JOB DESCRIPTION: Menu design, provisioning and food preparation for guests and crew. Food budgeting, stock control, management of galley safety
standards, etc.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: Cookery certificate from IAG, Pastry Certificate from Welsh Institute, HAACP Food Safety and Hygiene (Level II).

HOBBIES & INTERESTS: Reading, Wake Boarding, Water Polo, Trekking, exploring New Cuisines & Traveling