Solemates

Name: Marco Fidalco
Nationality: Portuguese and Swazi
Position: Bosun
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Born in Swaziland and raised in South Africa, Marco discovered his love for the outdoors and adventure at a young age. His active lifestyle is grounded in fitness, hiking, running, football, and padel, keeping him energized and focused on board. A passion for travel and the ocean naturally led him to the yachting industry, where he enjoys combining his enthusiasm and skills to deliver outstanding guest experiences.

He is a certified Jet Ski Instructor, offering safe and engaging instruction to guests, and has recently taken up diving to further connect with the underwater world and expand guest activities on board. With a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and attention to detail, Marco brings professionalism and warmth to his role.

His goal is to create an unforgettable experience for every guest, ensuring each day is both seamless and adventurous, with a genuine focus on fun, safety, and exceptional service.

Name: Christy Gold
Nationality: British
Position: Stewardess
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Christy grew up in Plymouth, known as Britain’s Ocean City, where she developed a love for the ocean from a young age. By the age of 10, she was an internationally competitive swimmer. Her passion for fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle led her to complete a sports science diploma, eventually becoming a qualified swimming teacher and fitness instructor. After the pandemic, Christy left her role as a manager and award-winning barista at a coffee shop to join the NHS, completing a year of Adult Nursing at the University of Plymouth and working as a Health Care Assistant in Maternity and Gynecology emergency operating theatres.

With a love for travel, the ocean, and adventure, yachting became the perfect next step. Christy enjoys hiking, swimming, yoga, going to the gym, cooking, and exploring the world with her friends and family. These activities keep her connected to her passions and active lifestyle.

Name: Charlotte Scragg
Nationality: New Zealand
Position: Stewardess
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Charlotte is an enthusiastic and motivated newcomer to the yachting industry, eager to combine a love for the ocean with a passion for travel. After beginning a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Charlotte realised a desire for a more hands-on and adventurous career that would allow for exploration of the world while making a positive impact on others’ experiences. Naturally outgoing and friendly, Charlotte enjoys bringing people together through engaging conversation, shared activities, and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for guests and crew alike.

With a strong interest in health and fitness, Charlotte maintains an active lifestyle that fuels energy, motivation, and a can-do attitude on board. As a team player, Charlotte excels in collaborative settings, consistently demonstrating initiative while maintaining professionalism and focus on every task. Excited to learn and grow, Charlotte is ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of building a successful career at sea.

Name: Chris McGlynn
Nationality: South African/ British
Position: Deckhand
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Born in South Africa, Chris has spent most of his life in and around the ocean. A former competitive swimmer, he proudly represented his country on international stages before transitioning from racing across the globe to exploring it by sea. His passion for travel and the water naturally led him to the yachting industry, where he has spent the past two years building a strong foundation as a deckhand. With over 5,000 nautical miles under his belt—including a recent Atlantic crossing—Chris brings experience, enthusiasm, and a safety-first mindset to the team. A certified lifeguard with over a decade of experience, he has personally performed multiple rescues and ensures guests feel safe and confident during watersports.

Chris thrives in team environments, embraces learning opportunities, and always brings a positive, high-energy presence. Friendly, helpful, and engaging, Chris is committed to creating unforgettable, fun-filled memories for every guest on board.

Name: Zach Sharland
Nationality: American
Position: Deckhand
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Zach grew up in the Boston area with a strong connection to the water, from New Hampshire lakes to the shores of Cape Cod. After discovering yachting in the U.S. Virgin Islands, he pursued his training in Fort Lauderdale and quickly built a solid foundation in the industry.
With a background in team sports, Zach brings energy, teamwork, and a guest-focused approach to every charter. He takes pride in creating an engaging onboard atmosphere, ensuring guests feel relaxed, included, and fully immersed in the experience.

Name: Olivia Parker
Nationality: New Zealander
Position: Head Chef
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: After qualifying as a chef at 19, Olivia built her culinary foundation through apprenticeships at a variety of high-end establishments in New Zealand. There she quickly earned recognition for her versatility, work ethic, and natural talent in the kitchen. Her passion for food and drive to continually refine her craft allowed her to take on increasing responsibility early in her career.
Since transitioning into yachting, Olivia has successfully managed all aspects of galley operations as a Sole Chef onboard a busy 36m yacht, delivering exceptional dining experiences for both guests and crew. Drawing inspiration from global cuisines and her love of baking and pastry, she creates beautifully presented dishes that balance creativity, flavor, and refinement, making every meal a memorable part of the charter experience.

Name: Bradley Meier
Nationality: South African
Position: Chef
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Bradley is a passionate chef who combines bold flavors, creative presentation, and high-quality ingredients to create memorable dining experiences. Drawing inspiration from a variety of cuisines, he enjoys crafting dishes that are both refined and approachable, from elegant guest dining to elevated comfort food.
Having owned and operated food provision and hospitality businesses for the past six years, Bradley brings strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a calm approach to fast-paced environments. A dedicated team player, he takes pride in supporting seamless galley operations while delivering exceptional food and service on every charter.

Name: Lara-Leigh Wilkinson
Nationality: South African
Position: Stewardess
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Hailing from a quaint coastal town in South Africa, Lara-Leigh has a deep love for the ocean and the outdoors. With a strong background in hospitality, Lara-Leigh developed a passion for cocktail crafting and guest service. After transitioning from project management, where she refined organizational, leadership, and time management skills, Lara-Leigh ventured into yachting in 2022 to pursue a dream of global exploration. Known for an infectious positivity and warm, outgoing nature, Lara-Leigh brings immense value to any team, curating unforgettable experiences for guests. During downtime, Lara-Leigh enjoys expanding horizons through exploration, painting, and reading, finding fulfillment in both artistic and intellectual pursuits.

Name: Noah Robinson
Nationality: British
Position: Engineer
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Noah brings a positive, approachable energy onboard, always ready to lend a hand with a calm, can-do attitude. With a natural talent for problem-solving, he plays a key role in keeping all systems running smoothly behind the scenes.
With a lifelong connection to the water and a family background in yachting and marine engineering, Noah developed his technical skills from an early age. His Caribbean heritage and global upbringing bring a relaxed, easygoing presence onboard, while his hands-on experience ensures safe and seamless operations throughout each charter.

Name: Robert Frost
Nationality: South African
Position: Captain
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Rob, your laid-back yet experienced captain, has been navigating the Mediterranean’s busiest charter yachts since 2007, rising from Deckhand to Captain in just three years. Calm and collected, with a touch of humor, he keeps the crew in high spirits.

Growing up in a coastal South African town, Rob’s love for the sea started early, and he’s since sailed across the Indian Ocean and Australia’s East Coast, from races to family cruises. Now, he enjoys kiteboarding, quiet beach walks with his partner Samantha, and off-roading adventures. When not on the water, Rob crafts wooden furniture or watches rugby (Springboks or Sharks). With a deep connection to the sea, he’s passionate about creating unforgettable voyages.

Name: Samantha Graupner
Nationality: South African
Position: Chief steward/ess
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Samantha always longed for the ocean’s salty air and sandy shores. The vastness of the sea connects her to something greater, much like the hospitality industry, which ignites Samantha’s passion for teamwork and personalized guest experiences. After studying Psychology for six years, she worked in medical institutions, schools, and NGOs.

In 2016, seeking personal growth, Samantha leaped into yachting, discovering a true calling in creating global adventures. This led to managing a beachfront property business in South Africa, curating unique guest experiences. A lifelong equestrian, Samantha has competed internationally and engaged in equine therapy. Together with her partner, Captain Rob, they embrace life’s joys, whether cooking or adventuring in their Suzuki Jimnys. Samantha treasures simple moments with loved ones and strives to bring that same peace and tranquility to every guest experience.

Name: Charles Baird
Nationality: British
Position: First Officer
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Charles discovered his love for the water early on while working at a local watersports center. With over nine years in the yachting industry and extensive charter experience, he’s renowned for crafting action-packed, personalized experiences. His adaptability ensures every charter is tailored to meet the unique preferences of each guest.

A passionate sportsman, Charles has led football teams to victory in the Midlands and competed in boxing and tennis, showcasing his strong teamwork and competitive drive. Proudly Scottish and a devoted Celtic FC supporter, his competitive spirit, dedication, and creativity shine through in every charter.

Drawing on his diverse experiences, Charles ensures M/Y Solemates is the yacht of choice, offering an unforgettable adventure. With him leading the deck team this summer, guests can look forward to an exciting journey. Friendly and approachable, Charles has built a successful yachting career and is on the verge of completing his Captain’s qualifications.

Name: Charlotte Goldman
Nationality: Australian
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Stewardess/Nurse
Languages: Not specified
Description: At 23 years old, she brings a refreshing blend of professionalism, warmth, and enthusiasm to the yachting industry. Raised as an expatriate in Hong Kong, she developed an appreciation for diverse cultures, global travel, and teamwork from an early age. Returning to Australia to complete her nursing degree strengthened her compassion, attention to detail, and ability to stay calm under pressure—qualities that seamlessly complement her role onboard.

A natural people person, she thrives in collaborative environments and is accustomed to shared living and team dynamics through both her sporting and professional experiences. Her nursing background enhances her ability to care for guests and crew alike with genuine empathy and precision. Combining her passion for hospitality, wellness, and adventure, she approaches every charter with positivity, professionalism, and a commitment to creating memorable, comfortable, and safe experiences for all guests at sea.