NAMASTE Yacht Charter

Captain: Thomas Gray

Thomas Gray - Captain

Education/Certifications: 1600 Ton Master
Languages: English
Nationality: American

Captain Tom is a seasoned captain with an innate passion for the water. Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, he was exposed to the wonders of the sea from an early age, with a boat stationed behind his house on a serene, expansive lake. The allure of the water captured his heart, and he has been inseparable from it ever since. From fishing and skiing to surfing and sailing, Captain Tom's life has been a thrilling aquatic adventure. Watersports have always been at the core of his identity, and he even spent several years as a scuba instructor. He finds pure joy in any activity that involves the water – above, on, or beneath its surface. His profound love for aquatic pursuits has led him to explore various roles in the maritime industry.

Since 1989, Captain Tom has been at the helm of numerous vessels, gaining invaluable experience that began with dive boats and fishing vessels. In 2001, he transitioned to yachting, a move that allowed him to combine his seafaring expertise with his desire to offer guests unforgettable experiences on the water. The thrill of charting new territories and meeting people from diverse backgrounds further fueled his dedication to his craft.

One of Captain Tom's greatest joys comes from witnessing his guests' utmost enjoyment. He takes immense pleasure in observing their reactions as they are blown away by the unique experiences both on board and in the water. For him, it's not just a job; it's a privilege to be a part of creating lasting memories for others. His warm and friendly demeanor ensures that guests and crew alike feel welcomed and appreciated throughout their journey on 121’ NAMASTE.

With a vast array of skills, years of experience, and a genuine love for the water, Captain Tom continues to lead his crew with confidence, making every voyage under his guidance an extraordinary adventure.



Duvaughn Chin - Chief Engineer

Education/Certifications: STCW 95, ENG 1, STCW Class 3 UNLIMITED, Proficiency in Security Awareness, Proficiency in Security Duties, The Republic of the Marshall Islands Endorsement, Cayman Islands Endorsement
Languages: English
Nationality: Jamaican

Meet Duvaughn, a highly skilled and experienced engineer, hailing from the picturesque island of Jamaica. He embarked on his maritime journey after graduating from Caribbean Maritime University in 2013, where four years of rigorous studies paved the way for his career in the maritime industry. Duvaughn's professional journey commenced on commercial vessels, including containers, product tankers, and bulk carriers, where he honed his technical expertise. However, a thirst for a new challenge and a passion for luxury vessels led him to transition to the world of super yachts.

As the engineer on board, Duvaughn takes on the vital responsibility of ensuring the seamless operation and maintenance of the yacht's intricate machinery and systems. His extensive experience has led him to become highly skilled in troubleshooting and problem-solving, swiftly handling any technical issue that arises, ensuring the yacht runs safely and efficiently.

Beyond his technical prowess, Duvaughn is known for his warm and welcoming demeanor, coupled with a mature and enthusiastic nature, which makes him a true pleasure to have on board. His professionalism and friendly approach contribute to his status as a valued member of any crew. His dedication to ensuring the safety and comfort of guests onboard will provide peace of mind for all those who set sail with him.

In his spare time, you can find him actively engaging in water sports like water skiing, and wakeboarding, or concentrating on his fitness.



Michael Scattergood - Chef

Education/Certifications: Culinary Arts
Languages: English
Nationality: American

Chef Mike is a culinary maestro hailing from Albany, New York, and later venturing into the bustling food scene of NYC. Besides his culinary talents, Mike's artistic side also shines through as he has been playing the guitar since childhood, a passion that still resonates with him today.

In 2022, Chef Mike reached new heights, surpassing two master chefs to claim the prestigious title of best fine dining restaurant in the Capital Region Wine and Living competition. His culinary prowess was further recognized with top honors in readers' and editors' choices for best restaurant, solidifying his reputation as a culinary virtuoso.

His culinary journey began in the heart of the kitchen, under the watchful eye of the esteemed Jim Rua at Cafe Capriccio in Albany, NY. Although already well-versed in culinary arts, Chef Mike pursued formal education in the business side of the culinary world to complement his skills.

Working alongside two master chefs, Yono Purnomo and Dale Miller, Chef Mike swiftly climbed the ranks and became the director of operations for BMT Hospitality in New York by the age of 25. After moving to Long Island, his passion for private chef events eventually led him to the captivating world of yachting about nine years ago, where he embarked on a journey that combines his love for cooking and the open seas.

With a keen sense of humor, Chef Mike not only delights palates but also brightens spirits wherever he goes. Beyond yachting, his aspirations extend to establishing a higher-end chef staffing agency, a venture dedicated to providing exceptional culinary talent to discerning clients.

While Mediterranean cuisine holds a special place in his heart as his "pocket zone," Chef Mike is well-versed in all forms of cooking, showcasing his versatility and ability to cater to diverse tastes. Drawing from his experiences in restaurants, he has developed a keen understanding of dietary restrictions and allergies, ensuring that all guests can savor his delectable creations.

Amidst his culinary pursuits, Chef Mike finds immense joy in being a devoted father to his amazing daughters, cherishing the moments he shares with them alongside his culinary adventures. Driven by his unwavering dedication to providing an outstanding culinary experience, Chef Mike continues to impress with his mouthwatering creations and warm, hospitable charm.



Sandra Murphy - Chief Stewardess

Education/Certifications: Interior Design & Architecture Degree
Languages: English
Nationality: American/Irish

Sandra is an exceptional Chief Stewardess who brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for the ocean and hospitality to NAMASTE. Raised in both Kinsale, Co. Cork, Ireland, and Duxbury, Boston, MA, she was surrounded by water and captivating coastal landscapes from a young age. Her passion for all things water, swimming, and travel ignited her desire to pursue a career in the yachting industry, where she has dedicated the past decade to creating unforgettable experiences for guests.

Having spent seven years onboard yachts ranging from 120 to 250 feet in size, she has honed her skills and expertise in providing top-notch service and meticulous attention to detail. Prior to her yachting career, she excelled in interior design, visual merchandising, and the hospitality industry, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to every aspect of her work.

Sandra’s commitment to guest satisfaction is unwavering, and she is wholeheartedly dedicated to ensuring that every individual onboard receives a five-star service that exceeds their expectations. Her ultimate goal is to leave guests with a collection of magical memories and moments they will cherish forever – an experience that transcends ordinary travel.

In her spare time, Sandra enjoys yoga, traveling to new destinations, exploring art, and nurturing meaningful connections with friends and family.



Shanique Norman - Second Stewardess
Education/Certifications: STCW, PWB 2, Jetski Operator, Barista, Advanced Equine Research Diploma
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Nationality: South African

Shanique grew up in Dendron, a small farm town nestled on the outskirts of the South African province, Limpopo. From the tender age of 4, she embarked on an equestrian journey, riding horses alongside her mother. As her skills evolved, she transitioned into the realm of professional show jumping, representing her country with pride. Remarkably, she garnered acclaim as the "rider of the year" in her height classes, earning the prestigious Nationwide award for an impressive five consecutive years.

After coming from a background in wedding planning and tourism, having worked in five-star hotels and lodges in South Africa, Shanique’s desire for always wanting to be near the ocean led her to the yachting industry. Her passion for making people happy is what drives her, and she takes great pride in her work. In her role as 2nd Stewardess, Shanique works closely with the Chief Stewardess and Chef to provide top-notch service for guests. She is dedicated to ensuring that all guests' needs are met and that their experience on board is nothing short of exceptional. With Shanique on your team, you can expect a high level of professionalism and attention to detail. Her passion for hospitality, coupled with her warm and friendly personality, makes her a valuable asset to any crew. She is committed to going above and beyond to make sure that guests feel comfortable and happy during their stay.


Michael McCarthy - Chief Mate

Education/Certification: Yacht Masters 200t, EDH, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Certification, Property Diploma
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Nationality: South African

Mike hails from Richards Bay, a town situated along the Indian coastline. Growing up in close proximity to both wildlife and the ocean, Mike's love affair with the sea began at the young age of 10 when he first caught the thrill of surfing. Since then, he has been riding the waves and conquering the tides, competing in multiple Bodyboarding competitions for his province, proudly earning his Springbok colors in land service.

In early 2019, Mike's journey into the yachting world began, inspired by his closest friends who also worked on yachts. Prior to yachting, he spent years as a dedicated Property Broker, specializing in real estate. However, a burning desire for adventure and the pursuit of exciting tales around the campfire beckoned him to embark on a globetrotting adventure. His ever-positive attitude and infectious energy always leaves a smile on everyone's face.

With his sights set on becoming a captain within the yachting industry, Mike's aspirations extend beyond the sea. He dreams of participating in community projects to make a positive impact on the world. Onboard the yacht, his ultimate goal is to make guests feel at home, creating cherished memories and fostering an atmosphere where laughter and camaraderie with the crew make them feel like cherished members of a family.

In his leisure time, Mike indulges in a variety of activities, including bodyboarding, longboard surfing, sailing, mountain biking, and golfing. He also plans to rekindle his passion for surf photography, capturing moments of beauty and excitement in the waves.



Damyn Herbst - Deckhand

Education/Certifications: Maritime Qualifications : STCW 10 ; ENG1; RYA Powerboat Level II; RYA Personal Watercraft SYSA; SuperYacht Deckhand Course
Languages: English, Conversational in Afrikaans
Nationality: South African

Damyn hails from the coastal town of Durban, South Africa. Born and raised by the sea, Damyn has always been drawn to the outdoors and the water, which led him to cultivate a passion for various water sports like surfing, bodyboarding, wakeboarding, skiing, and fishing. But his talents don't end there; he's also a talented DJ, using his musical inclination to express his creativity in another exciting way.

In his day-to-day duties, Damyn is a versatile crew member, taking on roles as a drone pilot, photographer, and tender operator. His journey into the hospitality industry began as a waiter, where he honed his customer service skills to deliver top-notch experiences for guests.

Damyn's positive outlook on life shines brightly, infusing the yacht with energy and enthusiasm. A reliable, honest, and organized team player, he takes immense pride in his work and always displays professionalism in everything he does. His transferable skills acquired through hard work and experience include patience, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities.

Beyond maintaining the yacht in pristine condition, Damyn's utmost priority is to offer guests a fully bespoke and seamless experience. He believes in the value of self-discipline and perseverance, traits gained through his active involvement in sports. Ensuring a balanced mental and physical well-being is essential to him, and he finds solace in activities like running, crafting music sets, flying drones, and exploring during his leisure time.