PERSEVERANCE 1

Name: Bruno Basilio
Nationality: Brazilian
Position: Engineer
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Bruno’s parents introduced him to sailing at a young age in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He brings a wealth of experience and skills from a Physics degree to his yachting background sailing around the South Pacific on 18m catamaran MOANA and serving as engineer onboard the legendary 39.4m J-Class VELSHEEDA.

You might be surprised to hear that Bruno is most at home below the surface, where he free dives, spearfishes, and takes underwater photographs. His hobbies have led him on adventures all over the world. Recently he trained to become a professional free diver and has broken 3 national records in Brazil so far. He’s always happy to share his knowledge with guests, especially his apnea breathing techniques.

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: 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.

Name: Maya Saint John
Nationality: British
Position: Stewardess
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Maya brings a warm presence and a genuine passion for sailing to PERSEVERANCE 1. With a background in events management in the UK, she combines strong hospitality skills with a practical, proactive approach to life on board. Friendly, adaptable and highly attentive to detail, Maya takes pride in delivering polished, thoughtful service while being equally happy to lend a hand on deck.

Maya’s sailing journey began on a friend’s boat in Australia and includes nearly a year aboard 25m Oyster REINA, where she completed her first Atlantic crossing. She holds an RYA Day Skipper qualification.

Outside of yachting, Maya enjoys sailing, diving, music and creative pursuits, including playing violin to ABRSM Grade 7 level.

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 the deck runs smoothly while guests feel relaxed and well looked after.

Originally from Ireland, David combines strong technical expertise with a natural awareness of guest experience. He holds his Yachtmaster Offshore and has experience on sailing yachts including 34m Vitters INOUI and 30m Southern Wind NYUMBA. Whether managing manoeuvres, water sports, or daily deck operations, he is reliable, attentive, and highly capable.

His background in refits and systems management ensures the yacht is maintained to the highest standards, while his friendly and steady approach makes him a reassuring presence on board. Outside of yachting, David is a scuba diver and long-distance runner who has completed the Paris Marathon.