ACACIA Yacht Charter

Captain: Joseph Thompson

Joseph Thompson (Captain)
Captain Joe was born and raised on the small Bahamian island of Elbow Cay in the Abacos Islands. Influenced by his love and passion for the ocean, he decided to pursue a career on the water and began his career by attending the Massachusetts Maritime academy. He worked on large commercial vessels throughout his cadetship before taking his experience to the yachting industry. Captain Joe has been in the yachting industry for over 10 years and is extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and leads his programs with an easy-going style. He has worked on strongly established charter programs for the majority of his career, making him well versed in providing a wonderful experience for all guests on board. When Joe is not on the open seas, you will find him surfing and enjoying quality time with his wife.

Samuel Brown (Chief Officer)
Samuel spent his childhood years in Cornwall, England, where he followed in his family's footsteps and became a 5th generation commercial lobstermen. Sam knew from an early age he was destined for a life at sea and by age 16 he began working full time on fishing vessels, eventually working up to captain of his own program. In 2015, he decided to transition his maritime experience to the yachting industry and has spent the last seven years on vessels ranging from 380’ private programs to 130’ charter yachts. Sam is currently studying to become a yacht captain in the future and in his free time he enjoys both scuba and free diving.

Felix Noonoo (Chief Engineer)
Engineer Felix joins M/Y Acacia from Elmina, Ghana. He grew up on the West Coast beaches of Africa and was inspired to work on vessels by his grandfathers' career as a Marine Engineer. Felix attended Maritime University in his home country earning his degree in Marine Engineering before starting his career on commercial ships. He worked on commercial programs for 14 years, ascending the engineering ladder while continuing his educational certifications and traveling all around the world. He was introduced to yachting by a friend and decided to apply his engineering expertise in the yachting industry. Felix is the go-to for all projects both big and small and is committed to the function and safety of M/Y Acacia. When he is not in the Engine room, Felix enjoys spending time with his two young daughters and finding new and interesting places to visit.

Allison Sabo (Chief Stew)
Allison was born and raised in a small town in Indiana. She attended post graduate school at Indiana University with her degree in Human Resource Management, specializing in managing cultural diversity and found the yachting industry, filled with many cultures, would be a great way to integrate her educational experiences along with seeing the world. Throughout her time in the industry, Allison has worked for prestigious programs in all areas of the Interior. She has a passion for service and in-depth knowledge of all forms ranging from high end formal events, to relaxed beach picnics and theme nights. She is dedicated to providing the highest level of service to guests and ensures your time onboard will be a personalized and memorable experience. In her free time, Allison enjoys surfing and beach volleyball.

Phil Browning (Chef)
Chef Phil began his career at 12 years old working as a part-time dishwasher after school in his hometown of Shropshire, England. After training in England and working his way up at highly acclaimed restaurants, Phil became a citizen of the world to explore different cultures and broaden his culinary skills. He settled down in Denmark after years of traveling and took his talents to Café Victor, where he cooked for royalty and celebrities daily. While working in Denmark, he discovered yachting and returned to his passion of being a world traveling chef. Chef Phil is an expert at his craft and creates innovative dishes catered to your preferences that make every dining experience one to remember. When Phil is not in the galley he enjoys skateboarding and exploring whatever location we are in.

Rhys Channon (Bosun)
Growing up a stones throw away from the ocean in Cornwall, England, Rhys has always enjoyed living on the water. His family consists of multiple competitive sportsman and Rhys decided to make his own way in watersports by becoming a pro surfer where he combined his love for the water and travel, competing all around Europe and Africa. After ending his surfing career, Rhys knew yachting was the perfect industry to implement his skills and strong work ethic. He is a certified instructor in a wide variety of activities both onboard and ashore and is happy to instruct you in any water activities. As an experienced Bosun, with seven years of experience in the industry, Rhys is dedicated to providing safe and exciting experiences throughout your stay. In his spare time, Rhys enjoys spending time with his fiancé, scuba diving, and property hunting for new additions to his property portfolio.

Brianne Ricketts (2nd stew)
Hailing from Oregon, Brianne grew up studying dance and Spanish- two passions that collided into inspiration while she was living abroad in Barcelona. While living in Spain, Brianne took an interest in vineyards and studied wine in-depth chose to apply this knowledge upon returning home where she worked as an Event Manager at a Pacific Northwest winery. This position sparked her interest in high end service which inspired her to pursue a career in the yachting industry. Brianne has been a stewardess for three years, working in Europe and Southwest Florida for most of her career. She is driven to provide the highest level of excellence in hospitality and takes pride in working alongside her crew mates. In her free time, Brianne enjoys fashion and exploring podcasts to brush up on new and interesting topics.

Christy Leather (Deck/Stew)
Christy has lived in various cities and towns in South Africa, where she was born. Growing up in St. Francis Bay surrounded by the ocean and family with a passion for boating, she finds joy in being on the water. Christy attended University where she studied Business and Law, however upon graduating realized she wanted to pursue a career involving more adventure which brought her to yachting. After completing both deckhand and stewardess courses, Christy joined her first yacht in Ft. Lauderdale, M/Y Acacia, and has been onboard since. As the deckhand/stewardess she is a versatile crew member with an enthusiasm for providing top-notch service in both departments. When she is not working, Christy enjoys staying active by running and attending fitness classes along with continuing to take part in water sports.