LANCE

With more than 28 years of experience on the water, Gavin is a seasoned charter Captain trusted by owners, brokers, and guests alike for his calm leadership, deep local knowledge, and commitment to excellence. His career spans some of the most iconic cruising regions in the world — including Sydney Harbour, the Whitsundays, Noumea and Fiji — where he’s become known for delivering seamless, safe and highly personalised charter experiences. Originally from South Africa, Gavin’s maritime journey began after sailing out aboard a 9-metre yacht — a formative adventure that shaped his lifelong passion for the sea. By the late 1990s, he was captaining vessels out of Sydney Harbour and went on to lead successful charter programs in the region. Across these roles, he has consistently upheld the highest standards in guest service, vessel presentation, and operational integrity. For guests, Gavin brings a calm, approachable presence and a flexible, can-do attitude that ensures every itinerary runs smoothly. He’s known for creating a welcoming onboard atmosphere, leading a professional and attentive crew, and tailoring each experience to suit his guests' preferences. When not working professionally, Gavin enjoys exploring Australia’s East Coast aboard his own Irwin 52 yacht with his family — bringing the same passion and care to his personal cruising as he does to every guest experience. Gavin is a Captain who brings deep expertise, warm leadership and a genuine passion for delivering exceptional moments on the water.

Sergio is an experienced maritime professional and long-standing crew member onboard LANCE, now stepping into the role of Rotational Captain after being First Mate for many years. Sergio brings extensive onboard knowledge, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of both the yacht and her operations. With cruising experience throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and East Coast of Australia, Sergio combines confident navigational expertise with a genuine passion for life at sea. His calm, capable nature and hands-on approach have earned the respect of both crew and guests alike, making him a trusted leader onboard. Known for his positive attitude and adventurous spirit, Sergio thrives in dynamic environments and enjoys everything from diving and hiking to camping and snowboarding when off the water. His enthusiasm for exploration and connection with people translates naturally into creating a welcoming, enjoyable atmosphere onboard. Sergio’s progression from First Mate to Rotational Captain reflects his dedication to the yachting industry, commitment to professional growth, and years of loyalty onboard LANCE. A strong team player with natural leadership qualities, he continues to foster a high-performing and enjoyable onboard culture while delivering exceptional experiences for guests.

Seb Bailey is a New Zealand–born chef with over 17 years of experience across restaurants, superyachts, and private dining. He has worked in London with the Gordon Ramsay Group, throughout Europe on board yachts, and across Australia, in addition to running his own private chef business in New Zealand. With a strong passion for Italian and French cuisine, Seb is highly versatile and confident across a broad range of culinary styles. He takes immense pride in creating everything from scratch — including sourdough bread, fresh pasta, and pastry — with a focus on refined technique and quality ingredients. For Seb, food is a true form of expression, and his dedication to his craft is evident in every dish he presents. He looks forward to welcoming guests on board and sharing his culinary experience.