MARGATE

CAPTAIN DURAN

Captain Duran Stuart brings over a decade of yachting expertise straight from the Bahamas to each charter. His journey into the maritime world started with a solid foundation from the Chapman School of Seamanship in Florida, where he mastered essential skills ranging from navigation to boat maintenance across 369 hours of intensive training. Since graduating in 2005, Duran has ascended from being a mate on a 92-foot luxury motor yacht to a captain renowned for his navigational skills, logging more than 2300 hours at sea and serving on three different crews.

Through his adventures from South Florida to the Bahamas and up the northeastern coast of the United States, Duran has curated unrivaled charter experiences, always prioritizing the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of his guests. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a zealous fisherman, eager to share his top fishing spots with guests aboard Yacht MARGATE. With Duran at the helm, expect nothing less than a fun, safe, and unforgettable journey on the water.

CHIEF STEWARDESS OLLIE

Ollie hails from South Jersey, where her love for boating began, navigating the Jersey Shores on her family’s Chris Craft. Honing her creativity at Moore College of Art and Design, South Philly wasn’t enough to hold her back from the sunny skies of South Florida in 2000. Her passion for boating and knack for hosting beautifully aligned in the Boating Capital. Over the last decade, Ollie has been making waves in The Bahamas and the Caribbean, serving on yachts and dedicating herself to guest satisfaction. She’s excited to extend her warmth and expertise on MARGATE.

CHEF MANDY

Mandy’s journey from a small town near Kelowna, British Columbia, sparked her love for organic ingredients early on, thanks to her chef mother’s influence in bread making and canning. Her passion for healthy cooking with fresh ingredients grew as she traveled the globe, starting in Australia at 19, moving through New Zealand, Europe, and settling in Scotland for a year. These travels widened her palate and exposed her to numerous cuisines. Prior to her yachting career, she honed her skills in high-end restaurant service and cooking techniques, drawing from her background in Canada’s wine regions to deepen her understanding of food and wine pairings. In 2012, Mandy furthered her culinary knowledge at The Art Institute in Vancouver, where she also met Shane, her future husband. Together, they’ve pursued a yachting career, traveling places like The Bahamas, Indonesia, Central America, the USA, and Mexico for work and exploration.

MATE SHANE

Shane, hailing from the Pacific Northwest just outside Vancouver, Canada, has a deep-rooted love for the sea that started 20 years ago as a salmon fishing guide. Eventually moving to Florida with his wife Mandy, Shane shifted gears to the yachting world, focusing on crafting unforgettable journeys for guests beyond the deck. Whether they’re eager to try something new or ticking off dream activities, Shane’s at the helm. When not enhancing guest experiences, he enjoys fishing, golfing, or playing hockey. Now, in the Caribbean, he’s excited to offer the ultimate blend of beauty and adventure.