Captain: Tom Tanner
Born and raised in Newport, Rhode Island, Captain Thomas Tanner’s experience on the water started almost immediately. Raised sailing on his father’s sailboat, by six years old Tom spent his summers sailing on his own optimist dinghy out of Ida Lewis Yacht Club. At fifteen years old he found himself in his first job as a deckhand on a 101’ wooden schooner where his love of cruising began. After participating in the Tall Ships and OpSail2000 events Tom returned to Newport, RI to his roots of competitive sailboat racing. He was hooked, and soon travelled all over the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean competing in world class ocean and maxi racing circuits with wins in notable races such as The Heineken Regatta, Marblehead to Halifax, Newport to Bermuda Race as well as both the 12 meter North American & World championships. It was during this time that he began his second career at sea with formal training and climbed the ranks to Master and Unlimited Dynamic Positioning officer on a 300’ subsea commercial vessel. However, soon the passion of yachting and the need to travel called once again. Tom looks forward to providing you with an exclusive and exciting holiday on board DB9.
Chief Officer: Patricio Lopez Benavides
Patricio or Pat as the crew refer to him brings a diverse background in yachting and hospitality. He has both motor yacht and sailing experience with qualifications that include Chief Mate 3000 GT. An enthusiast of boating and an avid PADI certified Instructor, Patricio enjoys every moment he is at sea. During his time back home in Mexico, Patricio spends his afternoons playing golf and enjoying a good meal with family and friends.
Back onboard, his good-natured spirit and can-do attitude put guests at ease while his professionalism and ability to command a variety of situations instill confidence. Highly knowledgeable about the best seaside sights throughout the Med and the Caribbean, Patricio will thrill guests by whisking them off to the most picturesque hidden coves and enticing attractions during their five-star getaway onboard DB9.
Chief Stewardess: Aubrey Castle-Saunders
Aubrey was born in San Diego, California and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. She grew up doing competitive gymnastics and later participated in cheerleading. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Hawaii. After growing up on the beach, it was a natural progression to work on the water. She came into yachting a bit later in life than most but has made up for lost time, having cruised the waters of the eastern and western Med, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific in the past six years since she began. Her background in fitness instruction and hospitality made her transition into yachting seamless.
The thing Aubrey loves most about working on charter yachts is meeting new people and finding new ways to surprise them. She brings a finely tuned ability to anticipate the needs of her guests and a great sense of humour. When she isn’t working you can find Aubrey baking, cooking, doing arts and crafts, or trying out the newest fitness crazes. Aubrey has previously worked on M/Y Inception, M/Y Ocean Club, M/Y Mirage and M/Y Dream. She speaks English and is always keen to practice French.
Second Stewardess: Camilla
Camilla grew up in Franschhoek, a beautiful wine valley in the Western Cape. She has been surrounded by over one hundred boutique wine farms and world-renowned restaurants since she was seven. This is where her passion for food and wine was born. Camilla also has a keen passion for singing and dancing and decided to complete her degree in Musical Theatre, even though it was inevitable that she would find herself back in the food and wine scene. She recently finished her twelve-week culinary course at Ballymaloe Cookery School, she hopes to keep her food dreams alive and there is no place better to do it than on the yachts where her passion is shared.
Camilla has worked on the yachts on and off for 10 years, she previously worked on M/Y Stormborn, M/Y ANNA1, M/Y Zulu3 to name a few. She finds joy in making sure the guests are well looked after and always happy. She loves making cocktails, table decorating, and service. Camilla is enthusiastic and has a constant and happy disposition and she is committed to making sure guests have a once-in-a-lifetime experience onboard M/Y DB9.
Third Stewardess: Clara Hansen
Clara was born in a small town in Sweden where she graduated and later worked as a photographer, nanny and a barista at a local café However, her love for the ocean and the craving for a new and exciting challenge got her to leave it all behind and pursue a career in yachting in 2022. In her free time, you will find her traveling, playing football and hiking. Clara has been able to merge her love for the ocean, traveling and meeting new people into her perfect role as a stewardess where she is excited and committed to provide an outstanding experience for our guests.
Fourth Steward: Bhes Bahadur
Mr. Bhes as his fellow crew love to call him has over fifteen years of loyal service on board yachts, fearing no task set upon him, whether its interior duties or helping out on desk, nothing is unattainable. Bhes is loving of the career that he has chosen and always strives for the best results possible. Mr. Bhes enjoys motivating his fellow crew members always enjoys having crew dinners out with his crew members whenever time off is on the books. When not onboard, he travels back to Nepal to spend time with his family and always returns back with his signature smile. Mr.Bhes will ensure that every day is a positive one onboard DB9.
Bosun: Dan Abbott
Dan Abbott grew up in Yorkshire, England. He spent his childhood playing basketball and nurturing his affinity for music. He is well versed in playing the guitar, bass, drums, is learning the piano and has a wonderful singing voice. Prior to joining yachting he has played the guitar for Paolo Nutini and his band played in festivals such as Glastonbury, Leeds, and Redding.
He joined yachting, following in his Chief Officer father’s footsteps, after needing a break from performing. However, he soon found that he could intertwine his new career and his love of music for charter guests. If you are lucky, maybe he will play a song or two for you! Dan’s favorite parts of yachting are being able to explore new and beautiful places, his favorites are the Dalmatian and Balearic islands, and being able to share his love of music with guests. He has previously worked on boats such as Stella Maris, The Wellesley, Illusion, Nero, and Aquarius.
Second Engineer/Deck: Ryan Mckenzie
Ryan grew up in Brighton, England, with a creative and adventurous family around him, leading him to be enthralled by history, travel, and culture. After finishing school and college, Ryan became a qualified carpenter with the aim of traveling with his trade. He spent time in the Americas, working on numerous projects until he discovered yachting and went to Florida to take his courses and he hasn't looked back.
Since being in yachting Ryan has gained a lot of experience; sailing the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and New England, and has continued his nautical education and expanded his knowledge and is now consummate in his dual role. He thrives being on the water and is a divemaster as well as a yoga enthusiast. Possessing an effusive and passionate personality, Ryan will always strive to ensure that his guests have the best experience on board; paying great attention to detail, and providing meticulous service.
Deckhand: DONALD LEEVERS
Donald was brought up in Newcastle, Australia, an area known for its beaches and vineyards. He enjoyed his surroundings by being very involved in many different sports such as, soccer, tennis, kickboxing, golf, and swimming. He was and still is an avid reader in his free time as well. In Donald’s pre-yachting life, he put his green thumb to use working as a private landscaper and working in a nursery.
Donald’s enjoyment of the sea led him to yachting through the suggestion of his sister who thought his skills would be a great match for the industry. He took a leap of faith, sold all his belongings, did his courses, moved to France and was rewarded with his first position soon after. He has previously worked aboard Stella Maris, Martha Ann, Stormborn, Lady Tahiti, and Anna I. He has cruised the waters of the Mediterranean, Carribean, and Bahamas. His favorite places have been Southwest Turkey, the Adriatic Sea, and Croatia.
Chief Engineer: Valeriy Kuts
Info coming soon.....................................................................................
Chef: Josh Warriner
Joshua originates from South Africa, although he moved to the United Kingdom at a young age his
culinary roots stem from what he knows. Classically trained and having spent a vast amount of time
travelling through India and South East Asia, Josh likes to keep a modern flair to his food with a
twist of tradition and fusion, as well as always been readily available to suggestions or requests from
guests. Joshua aims to provide guests with the most memorable experiences that they may encounter
in any restaurant, whilst on the water with beautifully presented and tasting food. “My biggest
joy in life is being able to feed someone and see a smile on their face. Whether that’s something
that is completely new to them or that they ate as a child. I want my guests to be happy with what
they eat.”
