Willem is at his happiest when guests are perched happily in one of the many comfortable areas on deck while the boat sails effortlessly into the sunset. His calm nature and giddy knowledge of almost all types of yachts will elicit a true sense of happiness while onboard.

An outstanding sportsman on the water Willem looks forward to taking you waterskiing and wakeboarding or exploring the treasures under the sea as he is a certified PADI Dive Master.

Captain Willem is looking forward to this new adventure and with his natural humor and easy-going nature you are assured an unforgettable time. Willem creates specialized itineraries for each guest and will make you feel at ease afloat as he safely steers you to unique & exciting destinations on Yacht Namaste.

STEWARDESS-FIRST MATE: Alexis GARRISON

Nationality: American

Language spoken: English, conversational French & Spanish

Age: 36

Diplomas : RYA Dayskipper, WSET Level 2 in Wines, SUP Yoga Instructor, Powerboat Level II

Alexis eagerly joins Namaste with her partner Willem.

Originally from Mississippi, Alexis was born a water baby growing up within a sailing family. Her grandfather was the Commodore of the Pass Christian Yacht club for many years. Every summer as a child Alexis would spend in sailing school on the Gulf Coast and on the weekends, they would overnight to Cat Island on the family’s private sailboat. As a teenager, her family moved to the US Virgin Islands where Alexis discovered the world of yachting and she immediately set sail for exploration & adventure.

Fast forward ten years and Alexis has gained extensive knowledge of world cruising destinations which has enhanced her passion for culture & exploration. She looks forward to sharing her detailed knowledge with guests while creating unique trips specifically catered to each client’s requests. Keeping you on your toes and most likely always one step ahead she’ll perhaps make champagne magically appear at just the right moment or create dreamy custom chocolates to adorn your pillow at night.

Alexis holds her Level 2 Award in Wines & Sprits from the prestigious Wine and Education Trust of London. Not only does she take great care when creating luscious cocktails but she is passionate about sourcing the best wines from around the world for Namaste guests.

Just as happy managing the interior you’ll certainly see Alexis enjoying her time on deck and as certified Day Skipper and SUP Yoga & Pilates instructor Alexis can keep you safe and fit during your trip.

Alexis graciously welcomes you onboard and looks forward to showing guests the place where luxury meets adventure on yacht Namaste.

CHEF: Fabiano BIAMONTI

Nationality: 25, Italian

Languages: Fluent Italian, English and French.

Chef Fabiano is better known as Fabi and joins Namaste with his partner Kara, after concluding a successful charter season around the Mediterranean. Fabi comes from the North Coast of Italy where he grew up in his family’s delicatessen which produced three generations of chefs. Fabi joined the professional kitchen at the age of 16 whilst studying for his Catering & Hospitality diploma. Upon graduation, Fabi began his career starting as a Pastry Chef. Over the years, Fabi joined the ranks of Michelin Star restaurateur Alain Ducaisse at his restaurants in London & Monte Carlo. His passion quickly allowed Chef Fabi to take the head chef position in a well known Italian restaurant in the heart of Berlin and later drew him to work as a private chef in Monte Carlo.

Chef Fabi is new to the sailing industry and we welcome his excitement and passion for his new position with Namaste. Fabi is focused on bringing the highest quality, fresh produce to your plate with beautiful and attentive presentation. Using a mix of traditional Italian recipes and his own modern twist, he is a driven and creative chef with the technical training and skills to create masterpieces to suit every taste. He looks forward to welcoming you to Namaste with a fresh glass of homemade Limoncello.

Buon Appetito!

FIRST MATE: Kara STATHAM: 32 / British

Languages: Fluent English, Italian and French. Conversational German.

First Mate Kara was raised in the Welsh mountains and her love for the outdoors was apparent as a child when she learned to swim before she could walk. Kara has been a globetrotter since graduation from University where she studied Italian and French. During a trip with her brother to Brazil she discovered kite-surfing and hasn’t looked back. Kara excitedly earned her instructor certification and six years later, has taught multi-lingual students all over the world including Australia, Italy and Egypt.

While working on the Caribbean Island of Antigua, Kara was pulled into the yachting industry by an eager owner who asked her to join as their personal instructor. We couldn’t be more pleased she accepted as she now joins Namaste as our water sports superstar! This will be Kara’s sixth season working on yachts and she is relishing the opportunity to join our unique program while working alongside her partner Fabi.

You will most likely find Kara at the helm of Vega towing guests on the wakeboard or seeking out the super-secret spots for our guests.