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: Georgiana Sabau

With a decade of experience in the customer service industry, Georgiana has had the privilege of working in various roles that have honed her skills and over time mastered the art of catering to various palates. From serving as a Chef/Stewardess on luxurious private yachts to showcasing her culinary expertise in fine-dining establishments and B&B accommodations, Georgiana's journey has been diverse. As the previous owner and chef at Vila Roberto in Brasov, Romania, a bustling guest house and restaurant, she catered to a wide range of international clientele, providing them with delectable breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

Throughout her career, she has held positions as a chef, restaurant supervisor, and fine dining waitress across different countries. These roles have demanded exceptional interpersonal skills and a knack for social interaction, qualities that come naturally to the talented chef. Georgiana is always eager to satisfy any palate, and her passion for cooking allows her to explore an array of flavors, be it Asian, Mediterranean, North American, or Caribbean. Georgiana's primary focus is on creating healthy dishes using the freshest ingredients available, while also accommodating dietary requirements.