TUSCAN SUN CREW PROFILE
Total crew complement: 9 | Certified divers only
CAPTAIN | DALE PARKER | AMERICAN
PREVIOUS YACHTS: Mustang Sally, Mia Elise, Baroness L, Forty Love
WORK EXPERIENCE: Dale has spent the best part of his life on the sea. Originally from Lake Tahoe, Nevada, his parents relocated to the Virgin Islands when he was two. Dale was raised on a sailing yacht based in St Thomas. Dale gained his first captain's license when he was just 18. Over the years Dale has had a variety of prestigious yachting jobs ranging from running private and charter yachts to working as a new build project manager. Having navigated all over the world, Dale has a wealth of knowledge. He'll be able to tell you a story on just about anything to do with boats and the sea. Dale is a enthusiastic guide and knows all the secret spots in the areas he's cruised. He will go to the great lengths to ensure guests have a fun, adventurous and memorable trip.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Along with overseeing management and safety of the vessel, Captain Dale ultimately strives to provide his guests with an unforgettable experience aboard TUSCAN SUN.
JOB RELATED LICENSES & CERTIFICATES:USCG 1600/3000 Ton Master, upon all oceans
EDUCATION: Key West Community College, Science degree / Marine Propulsion (Florida)
HOBBIES: water sports, fishing, diving and exploring new destinations
WORK EXPERIENCE: Dale has spent the best part of his life on the sea. Originally from Lake Tahoe, Nevada, his parents relocated to the Virgin Islands when he was two. Dale was raised on a sailing yacht based in St Thomas. Dale gained his first captain's license when he was just 18. Over the years Dale has had a variety of prestigious yachting jobs ranging from running private and charter yachts to working as a new build project manager. Having navigated all over the world, Dale has a wealth of knowledge. He'll be able to tell you a story on just about anything to do with boats and the sea. Dale is a enthusiastic guide and knows all the secret spots in the areas he's cruised. He will go to the great lengths to ensure guests have a fun, adventurous and memorable trip.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Along with overseeing management and safety of the vessel, Captain Dale ultimately strives to provide his guests with an unforgettable experience aboard TUSCAN SUN.
JOB RELATED LICENSES & CERTIFICATES:USCG 1600/3000 Ton Master, upon all oceans
EDUCATION: Key West Community College, Science degree / Marine Propulsion (Florida)
HOBBIES: water sports, fishing, diving and exploring new destinations
CHIEF ENGINEER| BYRON HISSEY| AUSTRALIAN
PREVIOUS YACHTS: Atlantic Goose, Linda Lou, Riela (sail), Melek (sail)
WORK EXPERIENCE: Byron is the Chief Engineer onboard. He grew up in Sydney and has been sailing his parent’s yacht along the East Coast for most of his life. He completed an Automotive Technician's apprenticeship and moved on to small garage restoring classic sports cars such as Jaguars, Aston Martins and Ferraris. His love for travel and adventure led him to the yachting industry; his natural curiosity for the way things work was a perfect match for the engineering route.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Responsible for all aspects of engineering on board, maintenance and repairs of machinery and electronics – including your laptop or cell phone!
JOB RELATED LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES: MCA Yacht 3 Chief Engineer, Yachtmaster Coastal, Padi Open Water Diver.
HOBBIES: traveling, photography, fine dining, self-admitted technology geek
WORK EXPERIENCE: Byron is the Chief Engineer onboard. He grew up in Sydney and has been sailing his parent’s yacht along the East Coast for most of his life. He completed an Automotive Technician's apprenticeship and moved on to small garage restoring classic sports cars such as Jaguars, Aston Martins and Ferraris. His love for travel and adventure led him to the yachting industry; his natural curiosity for the way things work was a perfect match for the engineering route.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Responsible for all aspects of engineering on board, maintenance and repairs of machinery and electronics – including your laptop or cell phone!
JOB RELATED LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES: MCA Yacht 3 Chief Engineer, Yachtmaster Coastal, Padi Open Water Diver.
HOBBIES: traveling, photography, fine dining, self-admitted technology geek
FIRST MATE | JACO STOFBERG | NAMIBIAN
PREVIOUS YACHTS: Primadonna, Noble House, Tuscan Sun
WORK EXPERIENCE: Jaco Stofberg was born and raised in Namibia. His love of the outdoors and mechanical back round secured him a job as maintenance manager/game guide on the Chobe River. Eager to travel he then spent 2 years in England which eventually led him to the yachting industry. With extensive cruising experience as an OOW he ensures that your stay aboard Tuscan Sun will be a safe and memorable one.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Leader of all deck related operations as well as upkeep of all safety equipment, charts and logs onboard. Organize outdoor activities and water sports and additionally assist the captain with administrative and navigational duties.
JOB RELATED LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: OOW 3000Gt, Yachtmaster Offshore, Padi Diver.
HOBBIES: Surfing, snowboarding, wake boarding, mountain biking, photography, diving and traveling.
WORK EXPERIENCE: Jaco Stofberg was born and raised in Namibia. His love of the outdoors and mechanical back round secured him a job as maintenance manager/game guide on the Chobe River. Eager to travel he then spent 2 years in England which eventually led him to the yachting industry. With extensive cruising experience as an OOW he ensures that your stay aboard Tuscan Sun will be a safe and memorable one.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Leader of all deck related operations as well as upkeep of all safety equipment, charts and logs onboard. Organize outdoor activities and water sports and additionally assist the captain with administrative and navigational duties.
JOB RELATED LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: OOW 3000Gt, Yachtmaster Offshore, Padi Diver.
HOBBIES: Surfing, snowboarding, wake boarding, mountain biking, photography, diving and traveling.
CHEF | SAMANTHA BLANE | SOUTH AFRICAN
PREVIOUS YACHTS: Majestic, El Jefe, Sunrise
WORK EXPERIENCE: Samantha was born in South Africa where sailing and the love of the ocean has always been a part of her life. She began her yachting career roughly five years ago in the Caribbean, previously on M/Y Sunrise as Sous Chef/stew and then later joined M/Y El Jefe as Chef. After taking some time off after receiving her Chef diploma, Samantha later worked as Sous Chef in a 5 Star Safari Lodge in the famous Kruger National Park. But still having the love for the Ocean was soon back on the water where she joined the 62m Feadship M/Y Majestic as a Sous Chef.
JOB RELATED LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: Christina Martin National Chef Diploma
HOBBIES: Samantha is a keen scuba diver and also enjoys photography, hiking, running and baking scrumptious treats.
WORK EXPERIENCE: Samantha was born in South Africa where sailing and the love of the ocean has always been a part of her life. She began her yachting career roughly five years ago in the Caribbean, previously on M/Y Sunrise as Sous Chef/stew and then later joined M/Y El Jefe as Chef. After taking some time off after receiving her Chef diploma, Samantha later worked as Sous Chef in a 5 Star Safari Lodge in the famous Kruger National Park. But still having the love for the Ocean was soon back on the water where she joined the 62m Feadship M/Y Majestic as a Sous Chef.
JOB RELATED LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: Christina Martin National Chef Diploma
HOBBIES: Samantha is a keen scuba diver and also enjoys photography, hiking, running and baking scrumptious treats.
CHIEF STEWARDESS | DAWN SUTTON | AMERICAN
PREVIOUS YACHTS: Primadonna, Noble House, Apogee, Tuscan Sun
WORK EXPERIENCE: Dawn was raised in San Diego, California. After graduating from the University of Southern California with a degree in Comparative Literature, she moved to Europe and worked as a nanny and English tutor. Throughout her travels of the Mediterranean she was introduced to the yachting industry and now has over 4 years of extensive charter experience. Dawn ensures to make your stay aboard Tuscan Sun a truly memorable one.
WATERS CRUISED: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, Central America, Mexico, U.S. east and west coasts
JOB DESCRIPTION: Main liaison with guests for service, purchasing and provisioning all interior items including wine and spirits. Additionally required to plan and execute parties and events and assist the captain as needed.
JOB RELATED LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: STCW 95, PADI open water diver, AYI Interior Skills Master course, Bartending & Mixology certificate, WSET Level 1 wine certification
EDUCATION: University of Southern California
HOBBIES: Yoga, bicycling, hiking, swimming, reading and cooking
WORK EXPERIENCE: Dawn was raised in San Diego, California. After graduating from the University of Southern California with a degree in Comparative Literature, she moved to Europe and worked as a nanny and English tutor. Throughout her travels of the Mediterranean she was introduced to the yachting industry and now has over 4 years of extensive charter experience. Dawn ensures to make your stay aboard Tuscan Sun a truly memorable one.
WATERS CRUISED: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, Central America, Mexico, U.S. east and west coasts
JOB DESCRIPTION: Main liaison with guests for service, purchasing and provisioning all interior items including wine and spirits. Additionally required to plan and execute parties and events and assist the captain as needed.
JOB RELATED LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: STCW 95, PADI open water diver, AYI Interior Skills Master course, Bartending & Mixology certificate, WSET Level 1 wine certification
EDUCATION: University of Southern California
HOBBIES: Yoga, bicycling, hiking, swimming, reading and cooking
SECOND STEWARDESS | ELESHA VLATKO | AUSTRALIAN
PREVIOUS YACHTS: Dream
WORK EXPERIENCE: Elesha grew up in outback Australia and moved to the coast to complete her education. There she grew a love and passion for the ocean and a strong desire to work in an environment that offered her the sea daily. Elesha is very patient and is always ready for a new challenge. She has an extensive history in hospitality. She can often be found behind the bar whipping up a classic cocktail for the guests on the TUSCAN SUN.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Assists the chief stewardess, guest & cabin service, boat stowage for sea, maintaining inventories
JOB RELATED LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: STCW 95, Level 1 WSET Certificate in wines
HOBBIES: swimming, reading, tennis, outdoor activities and water sports
WORK EXPERIENCE: Elesha grew up in outback Australia and moved to the coast to complete her education. There she grew a love and passion for the ocean and a strong desire to work in an environment that offered her the sea daily. Elesha is very patient and is always ready for a new challenge. She has an extensive history in hospitality. She can often be found behind the bar whipping up a classic cocktail for the guests on the TUSCAN SUN.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Assists the chief stewardess, guest & cabin service, boat stowage for sea, maintaining inventories
JOB RELATED LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: STCW 95, Level 1 WSET Certificate in wines
HOBBIES: swimming, reading, tennis, outdoor activities and water sports
THIRD STEWARDESS | |
WORK EXPERIENCE: JOB DESCRIPTION:
HOBBIES:
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SECOND ENGINEER/DECKHAND | SCOTT HARWOOD | AMERICAN
PREVIOUS YACHTS: Summerwind
WORK EXPERIENCE: Scott entered the yachting industry a little less than a year ago after completing an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from North Carolina State University. His affinity for the seas developed many years ago while spending his summers fishing off the Outer Banks. Scott joined the TUSCAN SUN after spending several months assisting other ships during shipyard period, and is now looking forward to continuing his career in the yachting industry as an engineer and one day applying to law school.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Complying with all safety procedures in the engine room including cleanliness and maintenance of the engine room. Knowledge of all systems on board. Assists in all areas on deck.
RELATED LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: AEC, EMT
HOBBIES: health and fitness, stock market research, financial investments, American politics
and PADI open water diver
WORK EXPERIENCE: Scott entered the yachting industry a little less than a year ago after completing an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from North Carolina State University. His affinity for the seas developed many years ago while spending his summers fishing off the Outer Banks. Scott joined the TUSCAN SUN after spending several months assisting other ships during shipyard period, and is now looking forward to continuing his career in the yachting industry as an engineer and one day applying to law school.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Complying with all safety procedures in the engine room including cleanliness and maintenance of the engine room. Knowledge of all systems on board. Assists in all areas on deck.
RELATED LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: AEC, EMT
HOBBIES: health and fitness, stock market research, financial investments, American politics
and PADI open water diver
BOSUN | BRAD THOMPSON | AUSTRALIAN
PREVIOUS YACHTS: Dream, Grace E, Virginian
WORK EXPERIENCE: Brad was born in a small seaside town in Sydney. He moved to France in 2006 to pursue a career in yachting. Previously, Brad worked in the signage industry. He also worked on film sets building well known backdrops for films such as the "Matrix" and "Star Wars". Brad is a very diverse character, he also played guitar in a heavy metal band touring Australia. This is Brad's second time working aboard; he returned after a yearlong break knowing that TUSCAN SUN is the best!
JOB DESCRIPTION: Cleanliness and maintenance of the yacht. Assists with planning and executing repair jobs on board. Assists with all outdoor guest activities and water sports.
JOB RELATED LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: Yachtmaster Offshore.
Brad is focused on continuing his education and licensing; his goal is to work his way up through the ranks to become a captain.
HOBBIES: surfing, snow skiing, mountain biking, photography
WORK EXPERIENCE: Brad was born in a small seaside town in Sydney. He moved to France in 2006 to pursue a career in yachting. Previously, Brad worked in the signage industry. He also worked on film sets building well known backdrops for films such as the "Matrix" and "Star Wars". Brad is a very diverse character, he also played guitar in a heavy metal band touring Australia. This is Brad's second time working aboard; he returned after a yearlong break knowing that TUSCAN SUN is the best!
JOB DESCRIPTION: Cleanliness and maintenance of the yacht. Assists with planning and executing repair jobs on board. Assists with all outdoor guest activities and water sports.
JOB RELATED LICENSES & CERTIFICATES: Yachtmaster Offshore.
Brad is focused on continuing his education and licensing; his goal is to work his way up through the ranks to become a captain.
HOBBIES: surfing, snow skiing, mountain biking, photography
