Accomodations:

Crew Profile

Captain- Alexander "Zander" Howell
Certifications/Education: Master 500 Unlimited, PWC Instructor, Diving Instructor, Charter House
Languages: English, Spanish
Nationality: British

Captain Zander grew up as an only child in the UK and Spain. After being raised on sailboats for many years, entering the yachting industry was a natural decision to make. He now has close to nine years of experience sailing the Baltic and North Sea, the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.
Captain Zander’s objective is to ensure all guests’ needs and wishes are met. He strives to provide a remarkable tour, anchoring in the most beautiful destinations. Captain has created a welcoming atmosphere on board MY PURA VIDA, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing guest experience.

When he is not facilitating a remarkable charter, you can find captain snorkeling, reading, camping, or exploring remote places.



Chef – Cara Trubenbach
Language spoken: English, German, Dutch

Cara, hails from Namibia; Africa. She has been in the yachting industry for several years now. She started as a stewardess, working on a variety of yachts, before realized that she had a passion and talent in the culinary arts. She studied at Ashburton cookery school in the UK and gained her culinary diploma in 2019.
Cara specializes in Asian Fusion, Mediterranean and French cuisine. Having cruised in both Mediterranean and Caribbean waters, she is well used to creating locally inspired dishes from both sides of the pond.

She is confident in adapting her abilities to everyone needs and ensures an enjoyable culinary experience for the guests. Outside of yachting, Cara loves the countryside, enjoying hiking and skiing.



Stew- Giselle Azueta
Certifications/Education: Degree in Education, STCW, ENG1, Course in “Hospitality for Superyachts”
Languages: English, Spanish
Nationality: Mexican

Giselle was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, where she participated in a variety of activities such as tennis, golf, water skiing, ice skating, and basketball. After spending a summer in Florida, Giselle decided to enter the yachting industry for the thrill of adventure and meeting new people from around the world. Prior to entering yachting Giselle was a teacher for children with special needs for six years.
Giselle is constantly going the extra mile to provide exceptional service for guests. She is known as the positive one in the group, radiating good energy to whomever she is around. Themed meals and tablescapes are Giselle’s specialty, working hand in hand with the chef offering a unique dining experience for guests.
In her spare time, you can find Giselle swimming in the ocean or learning something new.



Mate- Dane Dalzell
Certifications/Education: Diploma in Business Management, PWC, AGC1, VHF, Yacht Master Theory, Day Skipper
Languages: English/Afrikaans
Nationality: South African

Dane is from a small coastal town in South Africa called Plettenberg Bay. He attended university and got a degree in business management before pursuing a career in yachting. He has now been in the yachting industry for 4 years, traveling the Mediterranean extensively, and is currently completing his first season in the Caribbean. Dane brings the fun on board and encourages his motto, “live each day like it's your last”, helping to provide guests with the experience of a lifetime. One day he hopes to become Captain before starting his own business back in South Africa.

His hobbies include watersports, hockey, tennis, golf, traveling and fishing - so if you're looking for him, he’s most likely at the back of the boat with a fishing line in the water.

Sample Menu

Pura Vida sample menu

Breakfast

[All breakfasts served with coffee& teas, fruit juices, cereals, yoghurts, a fresh local fruit platter, and warm pastries or freshly baked muffins]

Huevos rancheros – traditional Mexican ranch breakfast of flavoursome smoky tomato base topped with fresh guacamole and eggs

Vanilla berry chia parfait

Avocado toasts – multi-grain toast topped with fresh smashed avocado, cracked black pepper and a poached egg

Mushroom, feta and pea breakfast frittata

Smoked salmon served with lemon wedges, chives and delux scrambled eggs

Lunches

Greek platter of sundried tomato humus, toasted pitta, traditional Greek salad, and spanakopita

Jamaican Jerk beef burgers in a brioche bun with lime & chilli mayo, Caribbean coleslaw and spicy sweet potato wedges

Homemade Italian style pizza served with a crispy green salad and Italian dressing

Mahi-mahi ceviche served alongside quinoa stuffed avocado halves and a Peruvian salad

Smoky chicken tortillas with homemade refried beans, guacamole and pico da gallo

Appetizer

Scallops on a bed of pea & mint puree

Vietnamese vegetable spring rolls accompanied by homemade sweet chilli sauce

Greek orange salad dressed with an olive oil& cinnamon vinaigrette

Thai spiced butternut squash soup with crusty bread rolls

Coconut crusted shrimp skewers served with a ginger dipping sauce

Entrée

Tender grilled lobster tail with chilli-herb butter and grilled lemon served with asparagus & whipped sweet potato

Old Dehli style butter chicken with fruity pilau rice and oven baked crispy okra

Seared teriyaki tuna with miso baked aubergine

Grilled ribeye steak with red Thai curry and steamed green beans

Pan fried red snapper with harissa & rose, and Eastern spiced roast cauliflower

Desserts

Fresh mango crème brulee

Decadent sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice-cream

Dark chocolate brownie served with rum glazed pineapple

Ginger and lime cheesecake topped with whipped fresh cream

Indian spiced rice pudding with aromatic poached pear