Kevin GENTLES
Captain
Canadian

Sail & Work Experience
Kevin has years of experience at sea under his belt, having worked aboard ships since 2009. He has been captain on similar yachts in the past, including a Lagoon 630 Power Catamaran, making him well-versed in the structure and management of vessels like APOLLO 99. He also boasts experience in a variety of destinations including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Pacific and Costa Rica, meaning he is more than prepared for the variety of locations which APOLLO 99 is available in. With experience in hospitality, he takes pride in his strong communication skills and ability to provide a unique, personal charter for all those on board.

Job Description
Kevin is responsible for navigation, safety, the overall running and financial management of the vessel, crew, and guests. He always ensures the safe and efficient operation of APOLLO 99, including compliance with all procedures and regulations that keep our guests safe. He takes care of adhering to flag regulations, port state and local laws and regulations, and manages the crew to ensure adherence to, and a full understanding of, the vessel’s policies. He further encourages teamwork, individual growth, and personal attention in delegating duties and supervising all crew tasks.

Licenses and Certificates
• RYA Yacht Master Offshore with Commercial Endorsement
• RYA Coastal Skipper & Day Skipper
• STCW
• Small Power Boat and Rib Master (IYT)
• Efficient Deckhand
• PDSD | PSCRB | HELM
• PWC - Personal Watercraft Crew (IYT)
• Super Yacht Crew Course (IYT)
• VHF Radio Operators (IYT)
• ENG 1 (Valid Until Oct 2026)
• SCUBA Diving – PADI Dive Master
• Stratford Career Institute - Motorcycle/ATV Repair
• Vanguard Cleaning Professional
• Maintenance Course Workplace Hazardous Materials
• National Bartenders School - Bartenders Certificate
• Personal Practices and Responsibilities Certificate
• Sails and Rig Surveying Course
• ECDIS (TRANSAS)
• ECDIS (FURUNO SPECIFIC)

Languages
English


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Ben MCCONACHY
First Mate / Engineer
Australian

Sail and Work Experience
Ben is a mature sailor with strong technical, mechanical, and electrical skills. He demonstrates a strong work ethic and personal time management skills. After having run large commercial winery sites, he has imparted many transferable skills. He managed large teams doing long hours and is therefore no stranger to pressure. Ben has always thrived in the technical side of running a manufacturing site but he also loved running the restaurant and sales side as well. He managed multiple contractors during various refits. To summarise, Ben is a proven deckhand / engineer with solid offshore sailing experience, extensive yard time and prior experience in high end service.

Job description
Ben has the expertise required to stand in for the captain in his absence, acting in an important role for deckhand duties. He assists the captain during navigation and participates in all on-deck operations, respecting guests’ activities. He has extensive knowledge of the maintenance of sailing yachts and is responsible for the running of deck equipment and machinery.

Licenses & Certificates
• RYA YM Offshore
• AMSA Coxswain Grade 1 NC
• AEC 1 & 2
• STCW 2010 BST
• Security Awareness
• LROCP
• IYT Superyacht Deck Crew
• PADI Advanced Open Water
• IYT Small Powerboat / RIB Master Diesel
• Whitsunday Bareboat Briefers Cert
• Food Safety Supervisor

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Georgia RICHARDS
Deckhand / Stewardess
British

Sail and Work Experience
Georgia is our stewardess, deckhand and sometimes 3rd engineer who comes from a small town in Shropshire, UK. Having grown up in a creative family and completing a degree in interior design, Georgia is here to ensure the best experiences for you, your family and friends. She’s been working in the industry for two years and has been onboard Apollo 99 since commissioning. She has brought the Interior to life with her eye for detail and interior design touches. She hopes to welcome you onboard very soon!

Job description
Georgia is responsible for organization, management, and cleanliness of all interiors. She maintains an accurate inventory of all service items and supplies. She ensures cleaning and preparation of the vessel to the highest standards prior to all guest trips. In charge of vessel provisioning for both guests and crew, and all aspects of daily life. When guests are onboard, she ensures they are properly cared for and that all their requirements are met. She offers a particular attention to details and a polite and entertaining spirit.

Licenses & Certificates
• MCA STCW 2010 -RYA SRC (VHF Radio)
• RYA Personal Watercraft - Tender Operator
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• Pool Freediver (SSI)
• Level 2 Food and Hygiene
• Barista Trained
• MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
• UKSA Superyacht Crew Training Certificate
• Mental Health and Well-being

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Nicole BOWMAN
Chef
American

Sail and Work Experience
Nicole has over 10 years of experience in the maritime industry, having worked aboard both motor and sailing yachts. Most notably, she has been a chef aboard 2 previous Sunreef Yachts, meaning her understanding of APOLLO 99’s technology and kitchen was already admirable when she stepped aboard. She takes pride in crafting unique menus according to her guests’ preferences, and has a particular intererest in Caribbean Fusion cuisine. Whether it be an intimate dinner for 2 or larger meals for special events, Nicole has done it all and promises to apply her advanced culinary skills and creativity to every charter.

Job Description
Nicole is responsible for all culinary operations onboard, including provisioning, meal planning, and preparation for both guests and crew. She ensures high standards of food safety and hygiene, adapts menus for dietary restrictions, and delivers varied, high-quality cuisine.

Licenses and Qualifications
• USCG 100 TON MASTER NEAR COASTAL
• AUX SAIL
• ENG1
•STCW 95/10
•PADI RESCU DIVER
•HABC LEVEL 2
•QCF LEVEL 2 IN CULINARY SKILLS
•CULINARY ARTS CERTIFICATE - ASHBURTON
•PERSONAL THAI CULINARY CHEF – BANGKOK THAI COOKING ACADEMY

Languages: English