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.

SOUTH AFRICA

Dylan was born in the Canary Islands, where he spent his early years before his family relocated to Cape Town, South Africa. Following his father's footsteps, Dylan became a skilled surfer and competed at a national level. Throughout his school years, Dylan was not only dedicated to his studies but also to serving his community as a member of the local lifeguard club. In 2015, Dylan embarked on a new adventure by joining the yachting industry and has worked his way up through the ranks. Since then, he has travelled the world, gaining invaluable experience and knowledge as a competent crew member. With a keen eye for navigation and a strong commitment to safety, Dylan ensures that every guest aboard Ancora experiences a memorable and enjoyable journey.

Apart from surfing, Dylan's interests extend to fishing, free diving, golf, and soccer.

NETHERLANDS

Dean’s upbringing is a blend of Dutch and Caribbean cultures, having been born in the Netherlands and raised in St. Martin. This unique background gives him a diverse perspective shaped by both European and Caribbean influences.

Growing up in St.Martin, Dean developed a deep passion for marine sports, particularly sailing, which became an integral part of his lifestyle.

Dean's combined experiences in the Netherlands and St. Martin, along with his commitment to marine sports and physical fitness, make him a dependable crew member. He brings practical skills and a strong work ethic to every maritime task, ensuring professionalism and reliability in all his endeavors.

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.

NETHERLANDS

Dayla had the privilege of growing up in a multinational family, which exposed her to various languages such as Dutch, English, Spanish, and Italian. Her love for exploring new places led her to enter the nautical industry at a young age. She has spent over 6 years at sea, traveling around the globe on yachts of various sizes, including those as large as 130 meters.

Throughout her journey, Dayla has embraced the high standards of service expected in the yachting industry, always ensuring that guests are treated with warmth and professionalism. You can trust that Dayla will go above and beyond to make sure every guest has a memorable and enjoyable experience.

When she's not aboard a yacht, Dayla cherishes spending quality time with her family and friends. She loves going for hikes, taking walks on the beach, and going on skiing holidays.

SOUTH AFRICA

Tana was born in Durban, South Africa. Her enthusiastic and humorous demeanor has been contagious amongst the crew and guest.

Before yachting Tana obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the university of Cape Town. In her spare time, she worked as a brand ambassador for Redbull in her hometown. Tana has a passion for travel which lead her to pursue the yachting industry.

Tana enjoys keeping up with the latest fashion trends, cooking and experiencing different cuisines, socializing with new people from different backgrounds as well as watching and playing sports.

Tana looks forward to an extensive career in the yachting industry.

SOUTH AFRICA

Tyler was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa and moved to Durban, Kwa Zulu Natal where she has lived for most of her life with her parents and siblings.

In 2016, Tyler embarked on an exciting journey by relocating to the USA, where she worked as a hostess at the prestigious Mirasol Country Club in West Palm Beach.

It was during her time in the United States that she discovered the yachting industry and found herself drawn to its adventurous opportunities and travel prospects.

Tyler loves to meet new people and experience new places! When she is not working you will find her working out, dining with friends and socializing.