PERSEVERANCE 1

Name: Corinne Hull
Nationality: American
Position: Stewardess
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Corinne is the heart of the onboard experience — creating an atmosphere that feels calm, comfortable, and welcoming. With over 10 years in hospitality, Corinne combines polished service with a genuinely warm and engaging presence, from setting beautiful tables to keeping cabins immaculate.
Her previous sailing yacht experience includes 32.5m Jongert Sunleigh and 30m Southern Wind Farewell. Corrine is confident in supporting families, managing busy itineraries, and stepping up wherever needed.
Friendly, upbeat, and naturally attentive, Corinne brings thoughtful personal touches, a great sense of humour, and quiet professionalism to every charter — helping guests feel completely at home on PERSEVERANCE 1. If you’re lucky enough to hear her singing a tune, she’s a trained opera singer and private voice coach. Her other interests include décor, floral design, baking, games/trivia, and sewing.

Name: Paul O’Donoghue
Nationality: Irish
Position: Engineer
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Paul is the quiet force behind every smooth, comfortable charter — the reason everything onboard “just works,” from air conditioning and lighting to hot showers and silent nights at anchor.

Originally from Ireland, Paul comes to PERSEVERANCE 1 with a strong engineering background from sailing yachts that include 42m J-Class Ranger, 34m Baltic Liara, and 32.5m Jongert Sunleigh. He combines deep technical expertise with a practical, hands-on approach, always focused on preventing issues before guests ever notice them.

Friendly, dependable, and detail-driven, Paul uses his solutions-focused mindset to reliable operations onboard. His off-duty interests include 3D printing, composites, metalwork, carpentry, programming and electrical projects. He also stays active and enjoys wakeboarding, climbing, cycling, surfing.

Name: Ryan Donaldson
Nationality: New Zealand
Position: Captain
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Ryan brings world-class sailing experience and a relaxed, professional approach to every charter. Originally from New Zealand, Ryan has been sailing since the age of six and has logged over 65,000 nautical miles across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Atlantic, and South Pacific.

With a background in elite superyacht racing, world cruising, and charter operations, he combines high-performance sailing skills with calm leadership and exceptional attention to detail.

Ryan spent five years aboard the 34m Baltic yacht NILAYA, rising from First Mate to Captain and competing successfully in prestigious regattas including the St Barths Bucket, Palma Superyacht Cup, and Rolex Maxi Yacht Cup. He also has previous experience on PERSEVERANCE as delivery crew, race crew, and watch leader and has gained intimate knowledge of Baltic yachts.

Friendly, approachable, and highly professional, Ryan is passionate about creating smooth, safe, and truly memorable sailing experiences — whether you’re an experienced sailor or simply looking to relax and enjoy life at sea.

Name: David Hanks
Nationality: Irish
Position: First Officer
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: First Officer David Hanks brings calm confidence, precision, and genuine care to every charter, ensuring life on deck runs smoothly while guests feel relaxed and well looked after at all times.

Originally from Ireland, David combines strong technical expertise with a natural awareness of guest experience. He holds his Yachtmaster Offshore, and whether managing manoeuvres, water sports, or daily deck operations, he helps make the deck run smoothly.

David gained experience on sailing yachts including 34m Vitters Inoui, and 30m Southern Wind Nyumba. He’s trusted for his reliability, attention to detail, and high standards. His background in refits and systems management also means the yacht is always maintained to the highest level.

Friendly, steady, and highly capable, David is a reassuring presence on board — supporting the Captain, leading the deck team, and helping create a seamless, polished, and enjoyable charter for every guest. He’s also a scuba diver and a long distance runner who’s completed the Paris Marathon.

Name: Kate Hoban
Nationality: Irish
Position: Chef
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Kate brings warmth, creativity, and genuine care to every charter, making dining onboard feel relaxed, personal, and effortlessly special — from sunset canapés to beautifully prepared dinners at anchor.

She combines strong hospitality training with extensive sailing yacht experience, including her participation in the 2024/25 Oyster World Rally. She has worked aboard two 22.5m Oyster sailing yachts including SATORI, and 42m Jongert ANNA CRISTINA. She’s built a reputation for reliability, adaptability, and outstanding guest service.

Trained at the renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School, Kate creates fresh, vibrant menus using quality local ingredients, always tailored to guest’s tastes and dietary needs. Her cooking is thoughtful, generous, and designed to make guests feel truly looked after.

Friendly, upbeat, and naturally attentive, Kate understands that it’s the small details — beautifully presented meals, perfect timing, and a warm smile — that turn a great charter into an unforgettable one.