ESCAPE Yacht Charter

Captain: David “Dave” Erickson

Captain - David “Dave” Erickson
Nationality: /
Languages: English

Description:

Education/Certifications: USCG 1600T/3000T Near Coastal Master Captain, A-B Seaman (unlimited), Advanced Fire Fighting, AWR 14-W Port and Vessel Security for Public Safety and Maritime Personnel, Radar Observation Unlimited, Visual Communication (Flashing Lights), GMDSS, Marine Service Rigger, Core Training Program Certificate, Safe Gulf Training Certificate, USCG 200/500 ITC Ton Captain Master, TWIC, Bridge Resource Management, STCW95, 100 Ton Captain, PADI Certified Rescue Diver

Captain David is a highly seasoned and dependable maritime professional with over 47 years of experience at sea. He began his career as a commercial fisherman, gaining early exposure to large deep draft, ocean going vessels equipped with complex engineering systems and extensive standing and running production gear. He was responsible for the safe passage and security of many lives, overseeing safety, maintenance and production, meeting and exceeding fulfilment of the intended vessels use.

His extensive navigational experience spans a wide range of challenging waters and diverse geographical areas, including the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, Artic Ocean, Long Island, Eastern Seaboard (intra-coastal), Bahamas and Tortugas around the Gulf of Campeche, South to Panama and the Central American Pacific coast, the Caribbean Islands, Atlantic crossings from St. Marteen to Barcelona as well as Long Island, NY to Newfoundland, Canada. He has documented over 4000-24-hour days at sea and have entered almost every deep-water port and Intracoastal Waterway within these regions.

Yachting in both private and charter capacity is the direction he has chosen for the balance of his maritime career. He is rich with experience, possesses a strong work ethic, and provides steady, reliable leadership. David takes pride in creating exceptional, professional charters and sharing his vast knowledge with crew and guests, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of his lifelong passion - life on the water.



Chef - Biggie Dodson
Nationality: German
Languages: English, French, German & Spanish

Education/Certifications: STCW Certified, ENG1 Certified, FOOD HYGIENE II Certified

Originally from Germany, Chef Biggi lived and worked in the U.S. Virgin Islands for several years and is now based on the island of Manhattan.

With over 10 years of serious culinary experience, Biggi has worked extensively in top restaurants as well as on private and charter yachts. She is highly adaptable and skilled at accommodating a wide range of guest preferences and dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, keto, kosher, and many international cuisines.

Her absolute favorite style of cooking is farm-to-table: using locally grown, seasonal ingredients to create food that is both healthy and deeply flavorful.

Well-traveled and culturally curious, Biggie loves exploring new places, learning from different traditions, and embracing adventure, while also valuing moments of calm, especially through her personal yoga practice. She describes herself as easygoing, positive, and happy by nature, bringing both professionalism and warmth to every kitchen she leads.




Chief Stewardess - Kelly Sampson
Nationality: South African
Language: English, Afrikaans

Education/Certifications: GA Level 3 TEFL certificate, Ashtanga & AOL Yoga & Meditation Course, Skills Course: Advanced Excel Course, Diploma Course: Basic Principles of PR, STCW Basic Refresher and PDSD, PYA GUEST Interior Introduction, PYA GUEST Food Service Introduction, PYA GUEST Wine/Mixology Introduction, PYA GUEST Food Hygiene Level 2, PYA Yacht Rating Certificate, YIS Level 2 Silver Service, Powerboat Level 2, PADI Open water Scuba Diving Course

Kelly is an accomplished Chief Stewardess with extensive experience on both private and charter yachts across Europe and the United States. With a background in sales management, promotions, event coordination, public relations, and hospitality, she brings a dynamic blend of leadership, organization, and interpersonal skills to every vessel she joins. She thrives under pressure, excels in team environments, and consistently ensures a high standard of service and presentation onboard.

Throughout her yachting career, Kelly has coordinated and hosted numerous events onboard, Boat shows, fam trips, private owner trips to month-long charters. Working closely with chefs and crew, she takes pride in creating a seamless guest experience defined by luxury, comfort, and attention to detail. She has served as both Chief and Second Stewardess, gaining valuable experience on yachts including M/Y ALESSANDRA III, M/Y HAMPSHIRE, M/Y FAR NIENTE, M/Y GRAND FINALE, M/Y COLUMBUS, M/Y ANDIAMO, M/Y OCEAN DREAMWALKER, and is currently serving aboard M/Y ESCAPE as chief stewardess.

Outside of her professional life, Kelly leads an active and adventurous lifestyle. She enjoys yoga, scuba diving, hiking, and slacklining, activities that reflect her balanced and focused approach both on and off the water.



Engineer - Nick Overbeek
Nationality: American
Language: English

Education/Certifications: Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI), Yamaha Certified Technician, Suzuki Certified Technician, Mercury Certified Technician, MC2 gyrostabilizer certified, STCW, Kohler University, Westerbeke University

Born and raised on the north side of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Nick has been surrounded by the ocean his entire life. His love for boating started early with his family owning a 17’ Boston Whaler. Growing up on a small island, he watched yachts come and go, always wondering what life was like onboard. That curiosity eventually led him to pursue a career in yachting, turning a lifelong passion into a profession.

Before stepping into the yachting world, Nick built an impressive skill set across multiple industries, including owning and operating a landscaping company, working in construction, commercial fishing, and mastering both diesel and marine mechanics. After attending technical school for marine mechanics, he steadily worked his way up to larger vessels and has now been a key part of M/Y ESCAPE for over seven years.

As First Officer, Nick is known for his problem-solving skills, reliability, strong communication, and ability to perform under pressure—all with a positive attitude. He strives to ensure guests have the best possible experience onboard, helping them create lasting memories while enjoying everything the yacht and the ocean have to offer.

In his spare time, Nick enjoys working out, going to the beach, fishing, free diving, and spending time with loved ones.



Deckhand - Arthur Colaljo
Nationality: Filipino
Languages: English, Cebuano

Education/Certifications: Electrical Engineering with ETO (Electrical-Techno Officer) License

Growing up in rural Cebu beside the sea, Arthur spent most of his childhood mornings on the beach. His deep connection to the ocean and love for adventure naturally led him to a maritime career spanning over 25 years.

Starting as a marine engineer and ETO, Arthur spent two decades traveling the world aboard merchant ships before making the successful transition to yachting. Having known many people in the industry, the shift felt like a natural next step. Now, as a dedicated deckhand, he brings a wealth of experience, a strong work ethic, and a passion for exceptional service.

Arthur thrives on creating unforgettable experiences for guests, ensuring they can fully immerse themselves in the moment, enjoy breathtaking destinations, and make lasting memories with the people around them. Life is already complicated—his goal is to make time onboard feel effortless, luxurious, and extraordinary.

In his free time, you’ll find Arthur on the basketball court, listening to music, or taking on the challenge of fixing things that "can’t be fixed." Whether it's fine-tuning yacht operations or enhancing a guest's experience, he’s always up for making things better.