Ancora Crew
With years of experience in luxury yacht charters, our Captain and crew possess the expertise and knowledge to ensure each charter becomes an unforgettable experience.
Captain — Walter Reynolds
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.
Rotational Captain — Francisco Salas
SPAIN
Francisco Salas born in Palma de Mallorca Spain, brings 18 years of experience in the yachting industry to MY Ancora, combining a passion for hospitality with expert seamanship.
He began his career sailing at a young age aboard family-owned yachts, cultivating an enduring passion for life at sea.
His early years navigating the Balearic Islands laid the foundation for a distinguished career, blending hands-on seamanship with the refined demands of luxury super yachting.
This soon evolved into extraordinary experiences including circumnavigating the globe twice, as well as undertaking multiple Atlantic crossings, including a recent passage as captain of MY Ancora.
He has since cultivated a reputation for exceptional guest service, flawless deck operations, and creating unforgettable onboard experiences.
With a dedication to excellence, Francisco ensures every charter aboard MY Ancora is seamless, safe, and tailored to the guest’s desires. Whether coordinating water sports adventures, curating gourmet dining setups, or navigating pristine anchorages, his attention to detail and warm professionalism elevate every journey.
When not aboard, Francisco enjoys kitesurfing, surfing and spending time with his young family bringing that same enthusiasm back to life on the water.
Rotational Chief Engineer — Daniel Shrives
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.
Rotational Chief Engineer — Charles Rose
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.
Rotational Chief Officer — Leroy McDougall
Tasmania
Leroy was born and lives on the Northwest Coast of Tasmania, Australia. He grew up exploring the outdoors of Tasmania and its many National Parks and enjoyed all the opportunities the island waters provided. From an early age he was always involved in sports, especially water sports and sailing.
In his early 20s while travelling in Asia, he found himself on his very first superyacht. Leroy was hooked and spent the next 12 years evolving in the yachting industry, exploring the world’s oceans on multiple sailing yachts, enhancing his skills and knowledge.
Leroy loves the travelling lifestyle yachting offers and being able to experience the many cultures. Leroy does look forward to the interactions with guests while they enjoy the fine service that Ancora offers in and on the water.
Rotational Head Chef — Jean-Marc Alain Lenferna de la Motte
SOUTH AFRICA
I am a driven chef with a deep passion for the culinary arts. Throughout me career, I’ve had the privilege of working in some of the top kitchens across South Africa and Mauritius, experiences that laid a strong foundation for the chef I am today. Over the past seven years, I have continued to develop my craft within the yachting industry, where I’ve spent the last four circumnavigating the globe.
Allowing me to immerse myself in a diverse range of cultures and cuisines, while also managing complex logistics in dynamic environments. Calm under pressure, I bring a steady hand and thoughtful approach to every galley I step into. My culinary repertoire is broad and refined, with expertise in Asiatic cuisines (including Japanese, Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese), French Mauritian fusion, Mediterranean, and contemporary American styles. I have a strong focus on seafood preparation and presentation, and over the past few years, I have also delved deeply into gut health and fermentation techniques, tailoring dishes to suit a variety of dietary needs. My approach is rooted in freshness, health, and visual appeal, with a strong emphasis on thoughtful plating. With an academic background in architecture, I bring an eye for structure and design to the plate — an influence that subtly informs my culinary style.
Rotational Chef — Rosco Haywood
SOUTH AFRICA
Ross grew up along the beautiful coastline of Cape Town, South Africa, where his early years were shaped by a deep connection to the ocean. An avid surfer and diver, much of his childhood was spent in and around the water, cultivating a lifestyle that naturally led him toward the yachting world. Creativity has always played an important role in Ross’s life. From a young age he explored artistic outlets such as drawing, animation, and photography. At home, his father often had something delicious simmering on the stove, and it was through these moments that Ross first discovered his passion for food. Inspired by both his creative instincts and love for cooking, Ross enrolled at the renowned The Culinary Academy in Franschhoek, nestled in the picturesque mountains of South Africa’s celebrated Cape Winelands. After completing his training, he gained valuable experience working in several of Cape Town’s top restaurants, where he refined his culinary skills and developed a strong foundation in contemporary cuisine. When he’s not in the galley, Ross enjoys discovering new restaurants and cuisines around the world. He also leads an active lifestyle and particularly enjoys playing football and golf.
Chief Stewardess — Elshke Kellerman
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.
Rotational Chief Stewardess — Judy Broodryk
SOUTH AFRICA
Originally from South Africa, Judy brings a calm and positive energy to life onboard. Growing up in a big family, she naturally enjoys being around people and creating a welcoming environment for both guests and crew. Her love for travel and hospitality led her to the yachting industry, where she quickly found a passion for the lifestyle and strong team dynamic that comes with it. Judy is known for her approachable nature, attention to detail, and ability to stay calm under pressure. She takes pride in delivering a high standard of service while helping create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere onboard. In her free time, Judy enjoys wellness, personal development. She also has a strong interest in human behavior and communication and is currently studying hypnotherapy alongside her career in yachting.
Stewardess — Amber Chantrey
United Kingdom
Amber is a fun, kind, and energetic stewardess previously working as an au pair before stepping foot into the yachting industry with the kind of positive attitude every boat needs. Confident in service, housekeeping, and keeping the interior running smoothly, all while bringing a smile and good energy to the team. Amber is highly adventurous and passionate about traveling, loves exploring new destinations, staying active in the gym, going on long walks, and enjoying a bit of shopping and lifestyle aesthetics. She appreciates both excitement and attention to detail, always bringing enthusiasm and care into her work. Amber is a great colleague, a real team player, and someone who works hard, laughs easily, and helps create a happy atmosphere onboard. She is warm, reliable, and professional, with a personality that makes her a pleasure to work with.
Stewardess — Amber Swartz
South Africa
With a background in design and teaching, and a natural curiosity for the world, Amber brings both creativity and a genuine love for life at sea. Her travels have taken her across the globe, shaping not only her eye for detail but her easy ability to connect with guests from all walks of life. She has a flair for the finer touches onboard— beautifully detailed cabins and perfectly turned-down beds. At the same time, Amber knows when to swap precision for playfulness, and loves creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere for guests. In her free time, you’ll find her enjoying yoga, photography, getting creative with art, or lost in a good book. Calm, creative, and quietly attentive, Amber is dedicated to making every guest experience feel effortless, welcoming, and memorable.
Chase Boat Captain — Stuart Bradburn
SOUTH AFRICA
Chase boat captain, Stuart has extensive experience at sea and navigated the Mediterranean, Indian, Atlantic, Caribbean, and the Pacific oceans. He has grown up sailing, motor yachts, and surfing and has established great seamanship and confidence in and on the sea. He's friendly and calm and enjoys sharing a safe, enjoyable experience at sea. He has extensive years of experience on high end charter and gained an excellent standard of service with the utmost professional attention to detail of charter service. His attention to guest’ needs is extremely accommodating and projects a great positive energy. He has great experience with weather and finding the best anchoring for protected bays and takes pride in making sure all guests are looked after and having a great time. He is a great sportsman and still enjoys big wave surfing. He used to be a world champion downhill speed skater in 2003. He leads a healthy, active lifestyle with a great positive attitude.
Bosun — Mhari Watson
United Kingdom
Mhari grew up in the Northeast of England. She’s fond of doing lengthy hikes and cycling around in North Yorkshire and East Lothian, Scotland where her family are from. She enjoys anything water based, be it sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling or surfing. Mhari studied Geography at Glasgow University, where she went on her first flotilla sailing holiday. This sparked a passion for sailing, so she continued working as Skipper for sailing holidays in the Ionian Sea for four years. She moved on to a role on board a 35m Sunseeker as First Mate for three years in which she explored incredible areas of the Mediterranean. Mhari is looking forward to exploring more of the Mediterranean and further afield with guests on Ancora this year.
Second Engineer — Campbell Alanthwaite
South Africa
Campbell was born in Durban, so being in and around the ocean has always come naturally to him. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time at beaches around the world, surfing, catching waves, and staying active outdoors. He is focused on continuing his studies while building on his five years of experience working as an electrician, where he has developed strong hands-on skills and become an all-round handyman. Campbell’s guilty pleasure is anything that keeps him close to the water. Whether it’s heading out for a fish or spending time by the ocean, he values these moments shared with friends and family.
Captain — Walter Reynolds
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.
Rotational Captain — Francisco Salas
SPAIN
Francisco Salas born in Palma de Mallorca Spain, brings 18 years of experience in the yachting industry to MY Ancora, combining a passion for hospitality with expert seamanship.
He began his career sailing at a young age aboard family-owned yachts, cultivating an enduring passion for life at sea.
His early years navigating the Balearic Islands laid the foundation for a distinguished career, blending hands-on seamanship with the refined demands of luxury super yachting.
This soon evolved into extraordinary experiences including circumnavigating the globe twice, as well as undertaking multiple Atlantic crossings, including a recent passage as captain of MY Ancora.
He has since cultivated a reputation for exceptional guest service, flawless deck operations, and creating unforgettable onboard experiences.
With a dedication to excellence, Francisco ensures every charter aboard MY Ancora is seamless, safe, and tailored to the guest’s desires. Whether coordinating water sports adventures, curating gourmet dining setups, or navigating pristine anchorages, his attention to detail and warm professionalism elevate every journey.
When not aboard, Francisco enjoys kitesurfing, surfing and spending time with his young family bringing that same enthusiasm back to life on the water.
Rotational Chief Engineer — Daniel Shrives
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.
Rotational Chief Engineer — Charles Rose
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.
Rotational Chief Officer — Leroy McDougall
Tasmania
Leroy was born and lives on the Northwest Coast of Tasmania, Australia. He grew up exploring the outdoors of Tasmania and its many National Parks and enjoyed all the opportunities the island waters provided. From an early age he was always involved in sports, especially water sports and sailing.
In his early 20s while travelling in Asia, he found himself on his very first superyacht. Leroy was hooked and spent the next 12 years evolving in the yachting industry, exploring the world’s oceans on multiple sailing yachts, enhancing his skills and knowledge.
Leroy loves the travelling lifestyle yachting offers and being able to experience the many cultures. Leroy does look forward to the interactions with guests while they enjoy the fine service that Ancora offers in and on the water.
Chase Boat Captain — Stuart Bradburn
SOUTH AFRICA
Chase boat captain, Stuart has extensive experience at sea and navigated the Mediterranean, Indian, Atlantic, Caribbean, and the Pacific oceans. He has grown up sailing, motor yachts, and surfing and has established great seamanship and confidence in and on the sea. He's friendly and calm and enjoys sharing a safe, enjoyable experience at sea. He has extensive years of experience on high end charter and gained an excellent standard of service with the utmost professional attention to detail of charter service. His attention to guest’ needs is extremely accommodating and projects a great positive energy. He has great experience with weather and finding the best anchoring for protected bays and takes pride in making sure all guests are looked after and having a great time. He is a great sportsman and still enjoys big wave surfing. He used to be a world champion downhill speed skater in 2003. He leads a healthy, active lifestyle with a great positive attitude.
Bosun — Mhari Watson
United Kingdom
Mhari grew up in the Northeast of England. She’s fond of doing lengthy hikes and cycling around in North Yorkshire and East Lothian, Scotland where her family are from. She enjoys anything water based, be it sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling or surfing. Mhari studied Geography at Glasgow University, where she went on her first flotilla sailing holiday. This sparked a passion for sailing, so she continued working as Skipper for sailing holidays in the Ionian Sea for four years. She moved on to a role on board a 35m Sunseeker as First Mate for three years in which she explored incredible areas of the Mediterranean. Mhari is looking forward to exploring more of the Mediterranean and further afield with guests on Ancora this year.
Second Engineer — Campbell Alanthwaite
South Africa
Campbell was born in Durban, so being in and around the ocean has always come naturally to him. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time at beaches around the world, surfing, catching waves, and staying active outdoors. He is focused on continuing his studies while building on his five years of experience working as an electrician, where he has developed strong hands-on skills and become an all-round handyman. Campbell’s guilty pleasure is anything that keeps him close to the water. Whether it’s heading out for a fish or spending time by the ocean, he values these moments shared with friends and family.
Chief Stewardess — Elshke Kellerman
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.
Rotational Chief Stewardess — Judy Broodryk
SOUTH AFRICA
Originally from South Africa, Judy brings a calm and positive energy to life onboard. Growing up in a big family, she naturally enjoys being around people and creating a welcoming environment for both guests and crew. Her love for travel and hospitality led her to the yachting industry, where she quickly found a passion for the lifestyle and strong team dynamic that comes with it. Judy is known for her approachable nature, attention to detail, and ability to stay calm under pressure. She takes pride in delivering a high standard of service while helping create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere onboard. In her free time, Judy enjoys wellness, personal development. She also has a strong interest in human behavior and communication and is currently studying hypnotherapy alongside her career in yachting.
Stewardess — Amber Chantrey
United Kingdom
With a background in design and teaching, and a natural curiosity for the world, Amber brings both creativity and a genuine love for life at sea. Her travels have taken her across the globe, shaping not only her eye for detail but her easy ability to connect with guests from all walks of life. She has a flair for the finer touches onboard— beautifully detailed cabins and perfectly turned-down beds. At the same time, Amber knows when to swap precision for playfulness, and loves creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere for guests. In her free time, you’ll find her enjoying yoga, photography, getting creative with art, or lost in a good book. Calm, creative, and quietly attentive, Amber is dedicated to making every guest experience feel effortless, welcoming, and memorable.
Stewardess — Amber Swartz
South Africa
Amber is a fun, kind, and energetic stewardess previously working as an au pair before stepping foot into the yachting industry with the kind of positive attitude every boat needs. Confident in service, housekeeping, and keeping the interior running smoothly, all while bringing a smile and good energy to the team. Amber is highly adventurous and passionate about traveling, loves exploring new destinations, staying active in the gym, going on long walks, and enjoying a bit of shopping and lifestyle aesthetics. She appreciates both excitement and attention to detail, always bringing enthusiasm and care into her work. Amber is a great colleague, a real team player, and someone who works hard, laughs easily, and helps create a happy atmosphere onboard. She is warm, reliable, and professional, with a personality that makes her a pleasure to work with.
Rotational Head Chef — Jean-Marc Alain Lenferna de la Motte
SOUTH AFRICA
I am a driven chef with a deep passion for the culinary arts. Throughout me career, I’ve had the privilege of working in some of the top kitchens across South Africa and Mauritius, experiences that laid a strong foundation for the chef I am today. Over the past seven years, I have continued to develop my craft within the yachting industry, where I’ve spent the last four circumnavigating the globe.
Allowing me to immerse myself in a diverse range of cultures and cuisines, while also managing complex logistics in dynamic environments. Calm under pressure, I bring a steady hand and thoughtful approach to every galley I step into. My culinary repertoire is broad and refined, with expertise in Asiatic cuisines (including Japanese, Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese), French Mauritian fusion, Mediterranean, and contemporary American styles. I have a strong focus on seafood preparation and presentation, and over the past few years, I have also delved deeply into gut health and fermentation techniques, tailoring dishes to suit a variety of dietary needs. My approach is rooted in freshness, health, and visual appeal, with a strong emphasis on thoughtful plating. With an academic background in architecture, I bring an eye for structure and design to the plate — an influence that subtly informs my culinary style.
Rotational Chef — Rosco Haywood
SOUTH AFRICA
Ross grew up along the beautiful coastline of Cape Town, South Africa, where his early years were shaped by a deep connection to the ocean. An avid surfer and diver, much of his childhood was spent in and around the water, cultivating a lifestyle that naturally led him toward the yachting world. Creativity has always played an important role in Ross’s life. From a young age he explored artistic outlets such as drawing, animation, and photography. At home, his father often had something delicious simmering on the stove, and it was through these moments that Ross first discovered his passion for food. Inspired by both his creative instincts and love for cooking, Ross enrolled at the renowned The Culinary Academy in Franschhoek, nestled in the picturesque mountains of South Africa’s celebrated Cape Winelands. After completing his training, he gained valuable experience working in several of Cape Town’s top restaurants, where he refined his culinary skills and developed a strong foundation in contemporary cuisine. When he’s not in the galley, Ross enjoys discovering new restaurants and cuisines around the world. He also leads an active lifestyle and particularly enjoys playing football and golf.