PHILOTIMO

Captain: Gavin Van Der Berg

Captain Gavin

Having been around boats since the age of five, Gavin’s parents were in the process of refitting a boat for a circumnavigation. Due to a tragic accident which lead to the loss of his father, this dream had to be put on hold.

The boating world became his natural choice of career, where he went on to acquire the qualifications to become a certified sailing instructor. Gavin inherited the dream and his ultimate goal is to one day sail around the world. Free diving is his greatest passion with hobbies including surfing, fishing and most water sports under the sun. Gavin has been a charter captain in the British Virgin Islands for the past 8 years and knows the waters better than most. Gavin holds an RYA/MCA Yacht Master Ocean Qualification, a BVI Boatmaster and a SAMSA Yacht Master Commercial.

Some of his current sailing accomplishments are, across the North and South Atlantic, circumnavigated the Baltic Sea, eight seasons in the Caribbean, two seasons in the United Kingdom and France, up the East Coast of Africa, Durban to Kenya as well as stops in Madagascar and not to mention a surf/sail trip in Indonesia.

Gavin has recently returned to chartering in the BVI after living and sailing aboard his own vessel with his wife and two young girls around the Caribbean.

Gavin is looking forward to welcoming you onboard M/Y Philotimo and showing you the vacation of a lifetime!

Chef/Mate: Marie Perz

Marie was born on the Dominican Republic. In her teenage years she moved to Italy where she studied languages. She worked as interpreter/translator along with Web Marketing. Marie also loved cooking part time in restaurants, where she found herself in tune with her soul and real nature.

In 2010 she totally revolutionized her life by changing profession and started cooking on yachts in the US and British Virgin Islands.

Now she is a professional Chef, graduated with Merit in Devon-England at Ashburton Chefs Academy.

Marie is a super star in the galley specializing in tasting Italian, European, North America, Spanish Caribbean cuisine with a flair for unique presentation and gracious service. She gives her best when inspiration launches her at new “Marie’s Creations”, which are very original, tasty dishes, result of a passionate research into new ways to satisfy the most refine palates.

Marie has a passion for client service detail and loves to deliver those special touches that bring smiles to all her guests. You will be asking for her amazing recipes when you reluctantly leave Marie's kitchen. She speaks English, Italian, Spanish and French but is best versed in the language of excellent service and tasty fun.