Chief Steward: Melveen Malabanan

Mel was born and raised in the Philippines. He first started working on boats when he was 19 and started out on motor yachts as a second steward. Mel has now worked as a Chief steward for more than 10 years and has gained experience on a few different motor yachts based mainly in South of France where he has lived for the past 20 years.

Mel's interests include film, travel and socializing and he particularly loves karaoke.

Second Steward: Nihal Premaratne

Nihal was born and raised in Columbo, Sri Lanka. Wanting to get into the hospitality industry, Nihal attended Hotel School at age 20 and started his career by working in two 5-star hotels in Sri Lanka, The Hilton and The Oberoi. After working for some time in the Middle East, Nihal decided to further his studies and gained a Diploma in Hotel Management whilst in Cyprus. He re-joined The Hilton, Columbo before using his experience to move into the luxury yacht industry. Nihal has now worked on boats for 6 years and travelled the world extensively. He has travelled to the Caribbean, South East Asia, Hawaii, Alaska, Pacific Islands, and Mediterranean to name a few.

His interests include music, film and of course travel.

Stewardess: Irma Villaceran

Irma was born and raised in Cebu, Philippines. She finished her Bachelors degree in Political Science and completed 2 years at Law School. She first landed a job as a stewardess on a 115m motor yacht owned by a European billionaire and joined this colossal cruising castle that sailed to chic ports throughout Asia and the Pacific, Caribbean and Mediterranean catering to some of the most powerful individuals in the world. Before joining Madsummer Irma has worked on several other high profile yachts and has been in the industry for 5 years. Through her glorious life at sea, she has discovered the value and rewards of travelling and has realized that living and working abroad for extended periods of time makes you a more globally-minded and well-rounded individual. Irma consistently works to the highest professional standard and thrives when working as part of a cohesive Madsummer team to deliver top-notch service.

Stewardess: Gerazyl Pantonial

Geri was born and raised in Cebu City, Philippines. She completed a BS Commerce in Management after school and at the age of 25 began work in a 5-Star Hotel in Langkawi, Malaysia. During her time in Malaysia, Gerazyl heard about the yachting industry and decided to begin a career within this industry. She has now been in the industry for 3 years and has worked on a 78m motor yacht based mainly in the South of France. In joining Madsummer, Geri hopes to travel more and expand her work experience further.

In her spare time Geri loves film and karaoke and is often found singing through the decks! She also has a passion for cooking and of course travel.

Stewardess: Peta Dowton

Peta was born in Sydney, Australia and has spent her life growing up next to the ocean. After school, Peta started working with the hospitality industry in 5-star resorts including the Queensland Versace Hotel. In recent years, Peta has pursued a career as a project coordinator within commercial construction.

It was her passion for travel and hospitality combined with her love for the ocean that has lead her into the yachting industry and on to Madsummer.

In her spare time Peta enjoys beach sports and water activities and was a member of surf life savers in Australia. Don't ever challenge Peta to a game of bat and ball unless you have serious stamina!

Stewardess: Tamara Foltynova

Tam is from Valasske Mezirici in the Czech Republic. After completing nursing school in the Czech, Tam moved to London in 1998 to learn English. When she first arrived Tam did not speak any English but ended up staying there for many years working mainly as a nanny and learning English. Recently Tam has worked a couple of ski seasons in The Alps, also as a nanny. Her last position in the UK was assistant to a photographer who primarily took photos of boats and the sea. After attending many regattas Tam fell in love in yachting and decided to embark on a career within the industry.

Tam travelled to the Mediterranean and worked on a couple of boats before joining Madsummer which is her first new build.

In addition to travelling, Tam enjoys swimming, dancing and painting.

Stewardess: Vanessa Gardiner

Vanessa was born and raised in Guernsey in the Channel Islands. After graduating from University a BA(Hon) in Business Administration she worked as a Relationship Manager for HSBC Bank International Ltd and has spent the last 6 years living in Johannesburg, South Africa.

She learned about the yachting industry through an ex-client, fell in love with the idea of working on boats and so made the move from Finance to Yachting. Madsummer is her first motor yacht experience.

Vanessa enjoys scuba diving and other water sports and on land loves to dance. She is also known to be a bit of an adrenaline junkie.

Stewardess: Karlien van Rhyn

Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Karlien graduated in Child Psychology from the University of Stellenbosch. She made the decision to go travelling at the start of 2008 and found herself in London where she worked as a teacher across the city.

Karlien made friends with people working in the yachting industry and after hearing of their experiences, visiting some yachts and doing some research, decided to embark on a career within the industry herself.

In her spare time Karlien enjoys outdoor activities, learning about different countries and their cultures by traveling in order to do so. She has a passion for children and will in the future continue her career in the awareness of children's psychological processes by means of television and public speaking.

Head Chef: Adam Hall

Adam grew up living between UK and Australia, starting his 4 year culinary apprenticeship in Perth, Western Australia in 1986. Working with some of Perth's best known chef's, in some of the best kitchens of that time, including 'Eliza's' winner of many accolades, awards and the prestigious gold plate awards. It was while there that he developed his competitive streak for competition work, winning his first of many medals, at the state 'Salon Culiniaire' while still in his traineeship. Later that same year, he came in as a finalist in the apprentice chef of the year competition.

Adam left Perth after completing his college degree to further broaden his horizons on the east coasts of Australia working in 5-star resorts before travelling to Europe where he worked and travelled for the next year.

After returning to Queensland, Adam secured a position with the "Conrad Casino Hotel" where he worked at the multi award winning "Andiamo" restaurant.

Whilst there he won Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for various categories in the Chef competition 'Salon Culinaire' as well as another Bronze medal in the famous 'Chaine de Rottisseur' competition.

In 1995 Adam began his career in yachting and for the past 13 years has worked on various boats travelling the world. During this time, he has won the 'Chef de Concours' in Monaco, placed second (three times) in the 'Chef de Concours' in Antigua and well completed a cooking segment for the L.A. based food network.

Back home in Australia, Adam has recently started a family and is the proud father of Ava, his new born baby girl.

When he is able is get out of the galley, he enjoys keeping fit, playing his guitar and of course dining at some of the world's best restaurants.

Sous Chef: Henrik Foxberg

Henrik was born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden. He began his career as a chef 10 years ago back in Sweden. Once he completed his formal training he refined his skills in some of the top restaurants in Stockholm. Having sailed for many years Henrik combined his interests and began yachting and has now worked on two motor yachts before joining Madsummer.

His specialty is fresh, modern Mediterranean inspired dishes and extensive chartering has enabled him to cater virtually any taste. Henrik brings enthusiasm and creative talent to his work and to our team.

When Henrik gets time away from the boat he enjoys skiing and keeping fit.