DB9 Crew Profiles

TOM TANNER | Captain | American
Born and raised in Newport, Rhode Island, Captain Thomas Tanner’s experience on the water started
almost immediately. Raised sailing on his father’s sailboat, by six years old Tom spent his summers
sailing on his own optimist dinghy out of Ida Lewis Yacht Club. At fifteen years old he found himself
in his first job as a deckhand on a 101’ wooden schooner where his love of cruising
began. After participating in the Tall Ships and OpSail2000 events Tom returned to Newport, RI to
his roots of competitive sailboat racing. He was hooked, and soon travelled all over the Atlantic
Ocean and Mediterranean competing in world class ocean and maxi racing circuits with wins in
notable races such as The Heineken Regatta, Marblehead to Halifax, Newport to Bermuda Race as
well as both the 12 meter North American & World championships. It was during this time that he
began his second career at sea with formal training and climbed the ranks to Master and Unlimited
Dynamic Positioning officer on a 300’ subsea commercial vessel. However, soon the passion of
yachting and the need to travel called once again. Tom looks forward to providing you with an
exclusive and exciting holiday on board DB9.

PATRICIO LOPEZ BENAVIDES | Chief Officer | Mexican
Patricio or Pat as the crew refer to him brings a diverse background in yachting and hospitality. He
has both motor yacht and sailing experience with qualifications that include Chief Mate 3000 GT.
An enthusiast of boating and an avid PADI certified Instructor, Patricio enjoys every moment he is at
sea. During his time back home in Mexico, Patricio spends his afternoons playing golf and enjoying
a good meal with family and friends.
Back onboard, his good-natured spirit and can-do attitude put guests at ease while his
professionalism and ability to command a variety of situations instill confidence. Highly
knowledgeable about the best seaside sights throughout the Med and the Caribbean, Patricio will
thrill guests by whisking them off to the most picturesque hidden coves and enticing attractions
during their five-star getaway onboard DB9.


AUBREY CASTLE-SAUNDERS | Chief Stewardess| American
Aubrey was born in San Diego, California and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. She grew up doing
competitive gymnastics and later participated in cheerleading. She earned her bachelor’s degree in
psychology from the University of Hawaii. After growing up on the beach, it was a natural
progression to work on the water. She came into yachting a bit later in life than most but has made
up for lost time, having cruised the waters of the eastern and western Med, the Bahamas, the
Caribbean, and the South Pacific in the past six years since she began. Her background in fitness
instruction and hospitality made her transition into yachting seamless.
The thing Aubrey loves most about working on charter yachts is meeting new people and finding
new ways to surprise them. She brings a finely tuned ability to anticipate the needs of her guests
and a great sense of humour. When she isn’t working you can find Aubrey baking, cooking, doing
arts and crafts, or trying out the newest fitness crazes. Aubrey has previously worked on M/Y
Inception, M/Y Ocean Club, M/Y Mirage and M/Y Dream. She speaks English and is always keen to
practice French.

NADIA DAMSELL | Second Stewardess| South African
Nadia Damsell was born and raised seaside in sunny Cape Town, South Africa. At age 17 she
stepped into the hospitality industry working as a waitress during her last year at school, where she
saved up to book a one-way ticket out of South Africa and into her new life. After working as a
live-in nanny for a few months in a small town in the UK, the ocean called her back and she joined
the yachting industry in the Mediterranean, now almost 4 years ago. While traveling and gaining
experience in the yachting industry, Nadia’s interests also lie in beauty & aesthetics. Nadia is
dedicated to self-improvement and has throughout the years completed many beauty & yachting
related courses during her time off. Nadia loves themed nights, table decorating & making cocktails!
She is bubbly, friendly and committed to provide a memorable experience for our guests onboard
DB9.

CLARA HANSEN | Third Stewardess | Swedish
Clara was born in a small town in Sweden where she graduated and later worked as a photographer,
nanny and a barista at a local café However, her love for the ocean and the craving for a new and
exciting challenge got her to leave it all behind and pursue a career in yachting in 2022. In her free
time, you will find her traveling, playing football and hiking. Clara has been able to merge her love
for the ocean, traveling and meeting new people into her perfect role as a stewardess where she is
excited and committed to provide an outstanding experience for our guests.

BHES BAHADUR | Fourth Steward | Nepali
Mr. Bhes as his fellow crew love to call him has over fifteen years of loyal service on board yachts,
fearing no task set upon him, whether its interior duties or helping out on desk, nothing is
unattainable. Bhes is loving of the career that he has chosen and always strives for the best results
possible. Mr. Bhes enjoys motivating his fellow crew members always enjoys having crew dinners
out with his crew members whenever time off is on the books. When not onboard, he travels back to
Nepal to spend time with his family and always returns back with his signature smile. Mr. Bhes will
ensure that every day is a positive one onboard DB9.


DAN ABBOTT | BOSUN | English
Dan Abbott grew up in Yorkshire, England. He spent his childhood playing basketball and nurturing
his affinity for music. He is well-versed in playing the guitar, bass, and drums, learning the piano,
and has a wonderful singing voice. Before joining yachting he played the guitar for Paolo Nutini and
his band played in festivals such as Glastonbury, Leeds, and Redding.
He joined yachting, following in his Chief Officer father’s footsteps, after needing a break from
performing. However, he soon found that he could intertwine his new career and his love of music
with charter guests. If you are lucky, maybe he will play a song or two for you! Dan’s favorite parts
of yachting are being able to explore new and beautiful places, his favorites are the Dalmatian and
Balearic islands, and being able to share his love of music with guests. He has previously worked on
boats such as Stella Maris, The Wellesley, Illusion, Nero, and Aquarius.


JULIO AUGUST | Second Engineer | Mexican
Julio was born in Mexico City and after finishing his basic studies he joined the Mexican Merchant
Maritime Navy at the young age of 18 years old, after four years there he gained a degree as an
Engineering Cadet. Julio then started his career as an Engineering watchkeeping officer onboard
Roll off and Bulk Carriers Vessels. Julio then made the jump to yachting and is now happy to bring
experience and a positive attitude onboard DB9.

DONALD LEEVERS | Deckhand | English
Donald was brought up in Newcastle, Australia, an area known for its beaches and vineyards. He
enjoyed his surroundings by being very involved in many different sports such as soccer, tennis,
kickboxing, golf, and swimming. He was and still is an avid reader in his free time as well. In Donald’s
pre-yachting life, he put his green thumb to work as a private landscaper and in a nursery.
Donald’s enjoyment of the sea led him to yachting through the suggestion of his sister who thought
his skills would be a great match for the industry. He took a leap of faith, sold all his belongings, did
his courses, moved to France, and was rewarded with his first position soon after. He has previously
worked aboard Stella Maris, Martha Ann, Stormborn, Lady Tahiti, and Anna I. He has cruised the
waters of the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Bahamas. His favorite places have been Southwest Turkey,
the Adriatic Sea, and Croatia.


VALERIY KUTS | Chief Engineer |
Info coming soon...


EUGENIO PACELLI | Chef | Brazilian
Chef Eugenio hails from Brazil. Having worked his way up through high-end restaurants he has acquired the cooking and organizational skills that a super yacht environment requires. Working alongside Michelin starred Chef Matt Gillan in the UK and then as Chef onboard various private and charter yachts he is keen to show off his culinary skills and wow your palate.