LA GATTA

Captain Alan Collinge:

Alan was introduced to life on the water at a very early age. His father, being a Royal Navy Mariner, and his Grandfather, a highly regarded businessman in the European yachting world, it wasn’t long before He found his calling on the salty side. Growing up in South Africa, originally starting his journey as a surf lifeguard and scuba diving instructor in various locations around the world, Alan naturally progressed into captaincy of ocean going vessels in places like The Caribbean, Western Mediterranean, Hong Kong, Cyprus and South Africa. Now with almost a decade of experience in commanding roles, you can be sure to feel at ease whilst aboard La Gatta. Alan is, and always has been, an avid Watersports man, participating in many different sports such at Kitesurfing, surfing, scuba diving, spear fishing and many more. Above the water he is a long time golfer and all round ball-sports enthusiast.

“La Gatta is a very special and important vessel to me, and I look forward to welcoming all guests aboard to be apart of one of the most exciting and unique experiences of your life!”

Chef Isabella Matterson:

Isabella is from Cape Town, South Africa. She grew up surfing on the coasts of Cape Town and has always had a love for the ocean and outdoors.
It was only natural that she joined the yachting industry with such a lust to travel and see the world. Once she joined the industry, Isabella found a love for sailing. She has sailed the East Coast of the USA, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the South Pacific.
After gaining her sea time, Isabella undertook her captain’s license and now holds a RYA Yacht-Master Offshore 200 ton. She also holds her PADI Dive-Master and AIDA Free Diver Certification. Isabella’s passion for cooking started whilst living at home cooking for her family and friends. She became inspired to take on a culinary career while working with some highly qualified yacht chefs aboard a variety of sailing vessels. She later completed a professional cooking course at the renowned Ashburton Chefs Academy in the UK. Isabella always uses fresh local ingredients of the highest quality available. She will create a unique and exciting menu plan according to your preferences. Her main goal is creating nutritious meals, while getting the opportunity to share her passion for food with others.

Chief Stewardess Jacoline Venter:

Jacoline was born in South Africa and grew up in the westcoast of New Zealand - Taranaki. Her background is a combination of all things hospitality.
Studying event management and hotel management before deciding to expand her knowledge and pursued a career in the yachting industry.
Growing up with the joys of coastal living Jacoline loves the ocean and has a passion for all water sports. Fortunately, through yachting, her passion for travel and adventure has become an amazing journey. Having gained ample experience working as stewardess aboard multiple Superyachts for 3 years in the Mediterranean, she has a newly found interest in sailing which has brought her to join the crew of S/Y La Gatta. Prior to La Gatta, Jacoline worked in a large team as a butler to the Royal Family in Saudi Arabia, visiting vast locations and private estates. Organizing day to day special guest requests and overseeing formal and informal dinner parties, meetings and events. Due to her vast experiences she can bring highly personalized service and care to your stay on board La Gatta and ensure that your highest expectations are always met with a smile and full of enjoyment.

First Mate Brandon Hapelt:

Growing up in The heart of South Africa, surrounded by farm land and bush Brandon naturally took to an outdoor life. Spending weekends at rivers and lakes to get away from the heat of the South African sun he found his love for being on the water. Watersports became a passion and this is what drove his desire to make a career out of the very thing he loved doing most. Having trained and completed multiple seasons as a Watersports instructor and Assistant Engineer, Brandon is La Gatta’s “Go-To” guy for anything Watersports related! With safety being the absolute top priority, and enjoyment being a very close second, Brandon will ensure all ages and experience levels will come away with a sense of achievement, progression and a huge smile on their faces.