Ancora Crew

NEW ZEALAND

Captain Walter's connection with the Newbuild Motor Yacht Ancora goes beyond navigating its pristine decks – he played an integral role in its build. Walter's hands-on involvement echoes his dedication to the vessel.

Having actively participated in the build process, he not only understands every inch of Ancora but has also imbued the yacht with his passion and vision. This unique involvement ensures that every voyage is not just a journey across seas but a realization of the maritime dreams carefully woven into Ancora’s construction.

Walter's dual role as both captain and contributor to the yacht's genesis establishes a profound link, making Ancora not merely a vessel but an extension of his maritime spirit, ready to embark on new horizons under his expert guidance.

Captain Walter, a seasoned mariner hailing from New Zealand, embodies a life deeply intertwined with the sea. Raised amidst the ocean's embrace, his destiny was clear – a career at sea. Having navigated the waters of the Mediterranean and Caribbean, crossed the Atlantic eight times, and logged over 45,000 nautical miles across South East Asia and the Pacific, Walter's maritime journey is etched with exploration and adventure.

Walter's heart finds solace in Fiji, where he calls home, perched on a balcony overseeing the vast South Pacific Ocean. His connection with the sea is not just professional but deeply personal, evident as he savors moments in his hammock, absorbing the tranquility of his maritime haven.

At the helm of the Newbuild Motor Yacht Ancora, Walter brings a wealth of experience and infectious enthusiasm. Walter's commitment to exploration and his intimate understanding of the seas make him a captain who not only navigates the waters but also crafts unparalleled maritime experiences for those aboard Ancora.

NEW ZEALAND

Chief Engineer Dan, rooted in the maritime essence of New Zealand, embarked on a career that led him from the depths of engineering apprenticeship to the commanding role of Chief Engineer 1st Class on deep-sea fishing vessels. The last 15 years have witnessed Dan's expertise navigating the waters of the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, Scandinavia, and the coasts of North America.

Dan's passion lies in the meticulous care of intricate vessel systems, a task he undertakes with pride and precision. His commitment to maintaining peak performance ensures that every journey aboard is not just smooth sailing but an orchestrated symphony of seamless engineering.

His journey with Ancora began during its building stages, where Dan's skilled hands and keen eye for detail contributed to the yacht's completion and launch. As a vital part of the Ancora team, Dan's dedication extends beyond technical prowess – he finds joy in ensuring that guests' trips are not just voyages but unforgettable experiences crafted with engineering finesse.

UK

Meet Matt Hickey, our experienced and approachable Chief Engineer. Hailing  from Liverpool, UK, Matt has been keeping ships running smoothly since  2007.

After completing his apprenticeship as an electrical engineer in his  hometown, he brought his skills to the yachting industry. Matt's passion for  problem-solving and attention to detail ensures the yacht's systems are  always in top condition.

When he's not in the engine room, you can find. Matt cheering on his favorite sports teams, exploring new hiking trails, or pedaling through scenic bike routes. His friendly and can-do attitude makes  him a valued member of our crew. With Matt at the helm of our engineering team, you can trust that everything will be shipshape and Bristol fashion.

UK

Charlie grew up in England on a farm in Oxford shire, about as farm from the  ocean as you can get. Although a love for the ocean was in his blood, it wasn’t  until he went to Plymouth University that he really fell in love with the sea air. 

Shortly after his time in Plymouth he left for Indonesia in his early 20’s where  he became a scuba diving instructor, a profession that led him all over the  world and under its oceans. About 12yrs ago Charlie had an opportunity as a bosun/dive instructor on a 145ft motor yacht which he grabbed with both hands soon becoming the Mate, a role he stayed in for 6 yrs.

During this time, he gained his MCA chief mate qualifications and extensive cruising  experience in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and the Northeast of the US. He has  hopes of becoming a Captain like his great uncle and passing his love for the water on to his 2 sons His hobbies include triathlon golf, motocross, tennis,  diving, photography, traveling.

SOUTH AFRICA

Stefan was born and raised in Pretoria and spent all his summer holidays in Mossel Bay, on the Southern coast of South Africa.

He enjoys an active lifestyle and participated in various sports since a young age such as rugby, athletics and swimming.

Stefan got his bachelors degree in engineering and worked as a mechanical engineer before he switched from land to sea to pursue his yachting career.

In his free time Stefan enjoys being active and you will always find him outdoors. He will always make sure that everybody has the best experience on board and being very ambitious he wants to grow in his career.

MEXICO

Carlos's culinary journey began in Tijuana, Mexico, where he grew up in a family of dairy farmers. Despite traditional Mexican culture, he found joy in helping his mother in the kitchen from a young age. His passion for cooking led him to attend a private boarding school in North Dakota, where he took on a role as a preparation cook in the kitchen.

Working alongside students from around the world ignited Carlos's interest in travel, sparking a journey that took him to over 81 countries. During his travels, he delved into researching unique food preparation techniques and exotic spices from different cultures.

Carlos furthered his education by obtaining a technical degree in Dairy Science from the California Polytechnic State University. He then gained valuable experience working in various restaurants, including an apprenticeship with Wolfgang Puck in San Diego.

Realizing that culinary arts were his true calling, Carlos decided to pursue formal training and obtained a culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu. His diverse experiences and dedication to his craft have shaped him into a skilled and passionate chef, ready to create unforgettable culinary experiences.

SOUTH AFRICA

Meet Elshke, our warm and welcoming Chief Stewardess from Cape Town.  With her radiant smile and coastal charm, she has been bringing a touch of  South Africa to the yachting industry for nearly five years.

Before making the  transition to yachting, Elshke worked as a flight attendant for Emirates, where  she honed her skills in hospitality and customer service.

Growing up by the  ocean, she developed a love for the sea and a passion for making others feel  at home. When she's not ensuring our guests', every need is met, you can find  Elshke lacing up her boxing gloves, getting lost in a good book, or taking a  leisurely stroll along the shore. Her dedication and focus, honed through  earning a black belt in Karate, shine through in her impeccable attention to detail and tireless work ethic.

Elshke's kindness, warmth, and adventurous  spirit make her a beloved member of our crew. Whether she's serving up a  refreshing cocktail or simply sharing stories of her coastal adventures, Elshke  brings a ray of sunshine to M/Y Ancora.

CANARY ISLANDS

Paula is an exceptional hospitality professional from the Canary Islands,  bringing her expertise and passion for high-standard service to luxury yacht  industry. With several years of experience, Paula has built a reputation for her  dedication to creating unforgettable experiences for guests.

Her attention to  detail, warm personality, and ability to anticipate guests needs make her a  standout in her field. She joined M/Y Ancora to take service to the next level,  and her commitment to excellence shines through in everything she does. 

Outside of her work, Paula is an avid traveler, sports enthusiast, and advocate for a healthy lifestyle. Always seeking new experiences and opportunities for  growth, she brings a positive, vibrant energy to every situation, making her an  extremely valued member of our Ancora team.

SOUTH AFRICA

Meet Jasmine de Pontes, our vibrant and adventurous 3rd Stewardess! All the  way from stunning South Africa, Jasmine brings a burst of energy and joy to our super yacht team.

With a passion for exploring new horizons, embracing thrilling adventures, and staying active through sports, Jasmine is always up for a challenge. Her infectious enthusiasm and joyful spirit make her a ray of  sunshine on board, ensuring our guests feel welcome and pampered. As third  stewardess, Jasmine's attention to detail and friendly demeanor shine  through in every aspect of her work, from delicious crafting cocktails to  creating unforgettable experiences.

With Jasmine on board, every day is a celebration of adventure, joy, and exceptional hospitality. Jasmine brings a  wonderful energy and warmth to every team she is part of, always making other feels comfortable and valued.

SOUTH AFRICA

Growing up in Blouberg, South Africa, just a stone’s throw from the ocean, he  developed a deep connection with the water, spending countless hours in the  lagoon in Langebaan. He attended Paul Roos in Stellenbosch, where he  competed at both provincial and national levels in sports like rugby, athletics,  and powerlifting.

With five years in yachting under his belt, he’s on track to  complete his Officer of the Watch certification. As an Aquarius, his passion for swimming and the ocean has always been a driving force, ultimately  leading him to the yachting industry. Now, he strives to blend safety at sea  with the beauty of yacht aesthetics, ensuring that every charter guest  experiences a safe, yet breathtaking journey onboard.

Jerome’s personality is a perfect blend of warmth, enthusiasm, making him an absolute joy to be  around.