Meet the crew
Jo's Professional Crew of 12 who live on board come from all over the world, and are led by 2 British Captains. With specialist skills in every area, they are always nearby to help you enjoy all the comforts and facilities you desire.
Ian Robertson Captain
Ian started his yachting career in 1987 aboard M.Y. Lazy Devil and enjoyed adventurous cruising on the Amazon and Orinoco rivers in South America. Since then, Ian has followed the more traditional yachting routes of the Mediterranean and Caribbean aboard Virginian, Leander and Katrion. When Ian is not on board, he can be found in his apartment in Barcelona, preparing one of his now renowned Gin and Tonics. Sports are an integral part of his life and include kite surfing, snowboarding, golf and tennis. Travelling is also a passion and having witnessed evidence of the dramatic increase in poaching levels in Africa this prompted Ian to sponsor a rhino "JO" on the Ol Pejeta conservancy in Kenya.
Bruce Handyside Captain
Bruce started in yachting in 1996 completing his first trans-Atlantic on S.Y. Jasali. From Jasali, he moved up through the ranks working on yachts such as Samax and Faribana before taking command on M.Y. Blue Shadow C at the end of 2003. Bruce has extensive cruising experience in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, Florida, Red Sea, and South East Asia. When Bruce is not on board, he spends time with his two boys in Palma De Mallorca, Spain.
James Mckeown Chef
James has 21 year's experience as a professional chef, 13 of which he has dedicated to being a private chef mainly on yachts. Having been brought up in his parent's hotel and seafood restaurant, James was introduced to cooking from a young age. Through working worldwide James has refined his cooking methods and adapted them to himself, to be able to produce a wide variety of cuisines, ranging from; French and Italian to Indian and Mediterranean to excelling in Asian cuisine. One of James' specialities is cooking fish and seafood following a spell of his youth on a fishing boat he is able to spot the best and freshest fish for his guests. He enjoys shopping at the local markets to find the freshest finest ingredients available. James joined Jo in April 2013. Away from the boat James enjoys riding his road bike up big hills, playing golf and enjoys most sports in general.
Adam Butterfield First Mate
Adam started in the industry in 2004 working as a dive instructor/deckhand, In 2005 he started working full time as deck crew and worked his way up the ranks, Working on Yachts such as Leander G, ANNA and White Cloud. Adam has extensive cruising in South East Asia, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Galapagos islands. Aside from yachting Adam enjoys tennis, free diving and endurance walking and camping.
Dave East Bosun
Dave joined JO in October 2011 prior to this Dave worked in the leisure and sports recreation industries in Wales, including the National Watersports Centre for Wales. At this Centre Dave taught many watersports and also RYA courses. Away from the sea Dave is a passionate snow skier having also worked in the French Alps. Practically minded and skilled Dave restored a 200 year Welsh mountain cottage a few years ago.
Andrea Giuliano Deckhand
Andrea Salvatore Francisco was born and raised in South Africa but as his name suggest he likes to think he is Italian. Before he started to work on boats he worked in the Diamond & Jewellers industry. Andrea has completed his Yacht Rating Certificate and now is working towards his Yacht Master. Andrea is a Padi certified Free-Diver and when he can’t be found on deck he is most likely chasing the sea life below. Aside from his love of the sea, Andrea is a keen golfer reputedly playing off 3!
Edward Leeming Deckhand
From the shining, picturesque town of Redditch, Edward is considered to be the only 'Brummie' in the industry. He completed a degree in Business and Marketing at the University of Bangor, Wales. Here he developed an unhealthy passion for kite surfing which led him to become a kite surfing instructor in the UK and Egypt. Edward joined Jo in January 2013 during the yard period. Sharing the season, Edward will be aboard in, April, May and June. In his free time you will find Edward with Captain Ian attempting to kite surf. His other hobbies include: tennis, squash and football.
William Matthews Deckhand
Born in Anglesey, Wales. William joined Jo in January 2013. Sharing the season he will be onboard in July, August and September. Prior to joining Jo William was educated at Shrewsbury school and also completed a degree in Tourism Management at the University of Cardiff. He is also a qualified Ski Instructor, taking part in a ski season in Val d'Isere, as well as this he passed his level 2 powerboat course. Being a keen sportsman, away from the boat you will find William playing tennis, football, golf and he is a keen runner.
Roger Camp Chief Engineer
Roger has been engineering in the yachting industry for 24 years, eight years of which he has spent on board JO. He is a diesel mechanic by trade and holds a Class 1 Engineers Yachting License. When he is not tinkering in the engine room, he spends his time at home with his wife, son and twin daughters in Tweed Heads, Australia. Roger shares his role with Peter on a two month rotational basis.
Peter GosbellChief Engineer
Born in the Pacific Island country of Papua New Guinea, Peter grew up with the sea on his doorstep. He has been involved in yachting since 1993 and has enjoyed cruising interesting regions such as Antarctica, Patagonia, Galapagos Islands and Southern Russia. Originally trained as a Diesel Mechanic with Caterpillar Australia, Peter now holds a U.K Class 2/Y1 Chief Engineer.s license and joined JO as a rotational Chief Engineer. During his leave, Pete will either be found still renovating his newly acquired property in the South of France, travelling or hiking and skiing in the Alps or serenading his wife.
Alex De Cuyper2nd Engineer
Born in Lewis, UK. Alex spent his early years travelling Europe with his family before moving to Australia when he was 13. His driving desire for engineering led him to train as a Mechanical fitter and turner at Trade school. After completing his qualifications he spent 6 years working for Chevron on offshore oil rigs, off the west coast of Australia. Alex joined Jo in February 2013 before working on M.Y. Shandoor and M.Y. Escape. Away from Jo you will find Alex surfing and relaxing in the sun listening to music.
Marie Jose ManderslootChief Stewardess
Marie-Jose grew up in the beautiful Dutch countryside but her business desire led her do achieved a degree in Tourism Management and a BA in Economics. Before joining JO in October 2010 she did several internships for Spanish hotel chains in Mallorca and looked successfully after a portfolio of 8 properties for international clients as a Property Manager. Her international working experience let her speak beside Dutch as well English, German and Spanish. In her free time she loves to go home to see family and friends, hiking, running and reading.
Chloe Colton 2nd Stewardess
Chloe was born in Stamford, Lincolnshire, U.K. She studied at Liverpool University completing a BA Hons degree in Hispanic Studies. This enabled her to spend a year living abroad teaching in Madrid where she learnt to speak fluent Spanish. Chloe started out on Feadship.s M.Y. Lady Beatrice and then M.Y.Tatasu before joining M.Y. JO. She has spent a lot of time singing in Palma, Mallorca doing acoustic covers at open mic nights and would be delighted to sing for guests aboard. During her free time she is a keen surfer and loves to snowboard and dive.
Edyta Szutenbach Stewardess
Edyta grew up in Poland and after completing her studies in 2003 she moved to Amsterdam, Netherlands to work in the hospitality industry. With more than eight years’ experience, she is a trained restaurant manager and delights in fine dining and exceptional silver service. Edyta is also a qualified Child Pedagogic. Edyta loves to read and keep fit dancing; she teaches both salsa and lambada and speaks English, Polish and Dutch.
Carrie-Ann White Stewardess
Carrie - ann grew up next to the water in the beautiful town of Bembridge, Isle of Wight. She had a desire for boats and the Ocean from a young age. Before joining Jo in March 2013 Carrie - ann previously worked aboard M.Y. Serendipity Blue as sole stewardess. She has recently completed a Ski season working as a Chalet hostess. During her time ashore she qualified as an Aqua Aerobics Instructor. Carrie - ann is very passionate about cricket having competed at county level against England players.