Crew Profiles:
Captain Gerry Matt
Originally from Canada, Gerry has lived and worked in the Caribbean and Bahamas for over twenty years with a little over half spent in the British Virgin Islands.
After leaving a successful career as a heavy equipment mechanic in Canada, Gerry made a complete career and lifestyle change by becoming a Scuba Diving Instructor and moving to the Bahamas.
With a diploma in photography and photojournalism he ultimately specialized in underwater photography and video, filming reef, wreck, dolphin experience and shark feeding dives. Several of his photos have been published in various magazines. Gerry is a member of the elite SSI Platinum Pro Diving Club having logged more than 5000 dives.
In 1997 Gerry completed the training and exams to become a qualified RYA Yachtmaster. He has since worked on several yachts as Engineer, Mate and Captain. In late 2002 and early 2003, Gerry upgraded his training and qualifications to MCA Master of Yachts, the highest level Captain qualification available for yachts endorsed by the Maritime Coast Guard Agency, a division of the UK government.
Gerry has vast experience of working with guests on charter and private yachts, sail and power. Gerry’s has met guests from all walks of life and with his friendly, easy going demeanor guests become friends and return year after year to charter with Captain Gerry at the helm.
Chef Lisa Mead
Joins Viaggio with a very deep and wide breadth of experience together with some highly placed recommendations.
Lisa Mead trained in Queensland, Australia, where she originates from, and after qualifying, went on to cook in a variety of restaurants.
For the past 15 years, Lisa has been a Chef in Australia, the Mediterranean and Caribbean. She has created Epicurean delights on a variety of luxury yachts, 5 star villas and numerous high quality restaurants. Her wide experience in this industry is extraordinary. Lisa also spent time in Asia, where she gained valuable experience with local cuisine. Whilst in Asia Lisa also learned to speak conversational Malaysian, Indonesian & Japanese.
With glowing references from around the world, Lisa has also had the opportunity to cook for some fascinating people during her career including celebrities, Royalty and heads of State.
In her spare time, Lisa dedicates herself to her other passion as an artist, and has exhibited her paintings in galleries throughout Australia and the British Virgin Islands.
First Mate & Stewardess Ashley McGowan.
Ashley joined Viaggio as First Mate & Hostess in 2009 after leaving the Bitter End Yacht Club where she was Assistant Water Sports Director.
Raised in Ontario, Canada, Ashley sailed at her family’s lake cottage every summer and skied all winter. Racing the circuit at Sturgeon Lake Sailing Club where she was head instructor and race coach, Ashley climbed to an overall 17th in the infamous CORK Regatta, sailing Laser 2s.
Ashley is the true definition of a water baby and was able to swim before she could walk, so it seemed inevitable she would work on the water and already has extensive experience: She is CYA certified, a certified diver, US Sailing certified in basic keelboat sailing and is one exam away from having her BVI Boat Master License. Ashley was also the event director for the Pro-AM BEYC Regatta and enjoyed many a day teaching both adults and children to sail having been head sailing instructor in various yacht clubs around the globe. Marine biology is also a passion for Ashley, who has undertaken the catching and tagging of sea turtles, reef checks, sea grass studies and fish ID surveys.
To add to her vast repertoire, Ashley has also completed the Dale Carnegie Toastmasters of London training and having worked at a dairy back home, she mastered ice cream churning skills - with some really weird and wonderful recipes!
In her spare time, Ashley enjoys music, sports and her real passion of sailing.
About working on Viaggio, Ashley says “Who could ask for a better office view?”
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Ashley
Hosty |
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Lisa Mead
Chef |
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Ashley McGowan
Hosty / Wonder Woman |
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Ashley McGowan
Hosty / Wonder Woman |
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Lisa Mead
Chef |
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Lisa Mead
Chef |
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Gerry Matt
Captain |
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Gerry Matt
Captain |
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The Crew
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The Crew
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