Your Crew
Mike Head Captain
Crew Profile
Captain: Mike FrankNationality: Australian
Mike originates from the Australian "bush" where his family bred fine wool on the southwestern slopes and tablelands of NSW. He studied Economics at Sydney University, ran the air fares for a commercial Australian airline, and in his spare time flew Cessna’s with his private pilot’s license. He served as an Officer in the R.A.N. on patrol boats, minesweepers and destroyers throughout the Pacific and Asia area.
Yachting has been a lifelong passion for Mike, on both a professional and personal level. His dedication has led to a career of more than 30+ years as a Captain, Manager, Project Manager and Owner’s Representative working with both Private and Charter Motor Yachts up to 240 feet in length. Mike has been in charge of Shipyards, and Yacht Management companies throughout his career.
Mike takes pride in the excess of 400,000 nautical miles that he has sailed whilst in command and has enjoyed the challenge that these miles offered as they extended north of the Arctic Circle, to Europe, the Americas, Asia and into the Great Southern Ocean.
Mike’s love for boats has taken him ocean racing across the globe as sailing master, tactician, and navigator on a variety of sailboats ranging from half tonners to maxi boats, including the 'J' Class 'Shamrock', competing in many world-class regattas and brutal ocean races.
Mike is very active, with his interests which include his family, sailing, swimming, playing golf, fishing, following rugby and traveling.
Tristyn Bruwer
Chief Officer
Tristyn grew up loving to bodyboard and explore the beautiful beaches of the Garden Route of South Africa. He has always enjoyed the outdoors, water exploration and traveling, and that sense of adventure drew him into the world of yachts. He is at his happiest when he is in the water, trying new restaurants and interacting with people from all walks of life.
In the seven years of his yachting career he has studied and worked his way to be Chief Officer. He has explored some of the most amazing parts of the Mediterranean and the Caribbean onboard yachts, and has done one Atlantic crossing. He cannot wait to cross more oceans in the near future.
Tristyn's love for sports and fitness keep him very active both on and off boats.
Antisa Garma
Chief Engineer
Antisa was born in historic and picturesque Croatia where he was raised in the least-inhabited island in the world named Krapanj. With a mechanical he attended Technical College in Sibenik and graduated from the department of Marine Engineering as a Technician.
Antisa has spent five years working in the container ship industry before moving to the offshore industry in 1998. His engineering career has taken him all over the globe and exposed him to many different cultures and people.
In 2016, he decided to make the transition to yachts and has not looked back. Managing engines, all electrical items onboard, generators and all supporting mechanics keeps his days busy. In his free time he likes fishing, traveling and has a great passion for classic cars and loves to cook and socialize and hang out with friends.
Khanya Lwana
Chief Stewardess
Meet Khanya, our dynamic team member hailing from the stunning coastal city of Dur6an, South Africa, affectionately known as Surf City. Despite the nickname, Khanya opts to keep her toes on land, steering clear of the ocean's waves due to a deep-seated fear of sharks.
Equipped with a degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communications, Khanya embarked on her professional journey as a Private Events Coordinator on cruise ships. Braving the seas for 2 years, she gained valuable knowledge and experiences that would later sliape her career at sea.
Driven for the apQeal of new horizons, Khanya transitioned to the elite world of superyachts 10 years ago. Her expertise and passion for hospitality have made her an invaluable asset to our team and crew and guests love her vibrant spirit and contagious laugh.
Khanya is an avid explorer, relishing the chance to discover new places and connect with diverse cultures. Her love for good company is evident in the joy she finds in sharing a laugh.
Luis Piao
Chef
Luis was born in the beautiful city of Lisbon, Portugal also known as the city of the 7 hills. From a very early age, his passion for cooking came from watching his grandmotlier cook. r-ler de1icious meals always brought him so much JOY, and as a result he decided to be a chef. he started out by wanting to learn his native Portuguese chefs.
After 12 years working in several restaurants, hotels and for 4 different gastro magazines, he aecided to start working on boats, and for 3 years he worked on a yacht that explored the beautiful areas of the Arctic and Antarctica. In 2019 he joined DO&Co, as a Head Chef to the Formula 1 catering company.
Luis likes to travel and discover new places, cultures and most of all new cuisines, in the way to create a fusion of flavors for new dishes.
He loves sports, especially soccer.
T.o describe. Luis in a few words they would be, communicative, and always ready tor a good laugh and good Joke.
Daniel Nathanson
Bosun
Daniel was born in Durban, South Africa along with his 3 sisters ( the thorn amongst the roses). He has been a deckhand in training for almost 3 years with previous experience on M/Y Global, M/Y Samurai, M/Y Andromeda, and M/Y Ramble on Rose. During his time in the industry and ability to travel, he has grown a passion for videography and content creation. Dan feels that with his Business degree, he could use this potential for a future marketing company. He is a good teamplayer, loves to meet new people, and will do his best to ensure you have a memorable experience
Rudy Lumayag
Deckhand
Rudy hails from one of the 7,107 beautiful islands of the Philippines named Cebu. He speaks English and Tagalog fluently and is also conversational in Spanish.
Excited to travel and see the world, Rudy started his career as a deckhand on M/Y White Rabbit and then onto M/Y Vanish that took him all over Europe and the Caribbean. Rudy joined Aspen Alternative in January of 2022 and this year also marks his impressive 8th year in the yachting industry.
Hardworking and always self-driven in everything that he does, Rudy is a great benefit to the team and brings in a wealth of knowledge and skill and is always in a great mood and smiling. His family is a source of inspiration and strength and he has recently welcomed a new baby boy named Rafiel.
Bianca Hoar
2nd Stewardess
Bianca was born and raised in the vibrant city of Durban, situated on the picturesque East Coast of South Africa. Her innate love for beauty and a strong creative flair naturally led her to pursue studies in makeup and
special effects upon finishing school. An advocate of health and fitness, Bianca is not only a qualified yoga instructor but also an avid equestrian
enthusiast.
Passionate about the outdoors and an active lifestyle, Bianca spends most of her free time with friends, on the beach: or riding her horses. Her deep-seated love for the ocean, wildlife, and travel was nurtured during childhood holidays, which has seamlessly transitioned her into the exhilarating and dynamic world of yachting.
With a blend of artistic talent, dedication to fitness, and a zest for adventure, Bianca brings a unique and energetic presence to any crew, always eager to explore and embrace new challenges.
Rhia Garcia
3rd Stewardess
Rhia originates from the town of Camirnes Sur in the beautiful island country of the Philippines. She studied Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Northeastern Philippines.
With a desire to be in the hospitality industry, Riha started her professional career in guest services at the prestigious 5-star Peninsula Manila Hotel. She developed her skills in all areas of guest relations including housekeeping, laundry and silver service. With her high-level of standards and skills, she is a behind-the-scenes powerhouse.
Rhia's yachting experience spans over an impressive 12 year career. She has worked on many distinguished mega-yachts such as M/Y Space, M/Y Imagine and M/Y Here Comes the Sun where she quickly earned her way up the ranks to Head of Housekeeping.
It is an absolute :Rleasure to have Rhia onboard M/Y Aspen and the crew thoroughly enjoy her happy, positive disposition and qwet sense of humor. When she is not being a super-stew, Riha enjoys shopping, going to the
movies and playing competitive badminton.
