CABO

Captain Kelly J. Gordon is a trailblazing Superyacht Captain known for her powerful presence on the bridge and her passionate advocacy off it. She commands a fleet of 10 vessels, including the prestigious Pershing 140—the largest of its kind—making her the only female captain in the world at its helm. From the coast of Florida to the Great Lakes to the Caribbean, Mediterranean and beyond, her navigational expertise and overall impact has far reach.

Born and raised in landlocked Indiana, Kelly’s path to the top of the yachting world is as inspiring as it is unlikely. With a background in chemistry and an unshakable determination, she charted her own course in a traditionally male-dominated industry and rose to become one of its most respected figures.
Beyond her technical mastery, Captain Kelly is the founder of Yachtie Minds Matter, a global initiative dedicated to promoting mental health within the yachting community. A sought-after mentor, content creator, keynote speaker, and industry thought leader, she’s committed to paving the way for the next generation of maritime professionals—proving to all that no dream is too distant and no goal is out of reach.
 

Shawn started boating at the age of 10, and at 15 he began working with Kings Fishing and Guide Service, where his love for the ocean began! He assisted the captain and worked onboard as mate running fishing trips on the rivers, lakes and offshore waters of Oregon.

In 2018 Shawn decided that a career in yachting was the right move. His love of the sea, fishing and watersports pushed him to move to Florida where he could join the industry. Since then he has spent years working and learning on the decks of 30-45 meter yachts, both heavy charter and private. His knowledge of running a deck team and keeping charter guests safe, happy and entertained makes him a great addition to the team here on M/Y Cabo. His ultimate goal is to become a captain, he’s currently studying for his 500 Ton Masters License through the USCG. He looks forward to moving up in the ranks and exploring more of the world, but for now the Bahamas and Caribbean on Cabo are his favorite places to be!
 

Yuleidy brings professional maritime expertise to every program. She has solid experience onboard ships, yachts, and commercial cruise vessels, with an active background in navigation, bridge support, safety management, and facilitates the coordination of drills and emergency procedures under international standards.
She has completed international passages, including Mediterranean crossings and Arctic waters, which has given me firsthand awareness of demanding environments, vessel preparation, and disciplined watchkeeping.

A key part of Yuleidy’s skill set includes LSA and FFA inspections, annual compliance checks, and documentation control, ensuring that lifesaving and firefighting equipment consistently meets regulatory standards and remains fully operational.
She is passionate about safe navigation, crew communication, and smooth operational flow, always focused on delivering organized deck operations, secure environments, and a professional atmosphere for both crew and guests.

With nearly 30 years of culinary experience, Chef Ivan Maffei has built his career through dedication, creativity, and an unwavering passion for exceptional cuisine. After more than two decades in renowned restaurants across Italy, France, and Switzerland, he brought his expertise to the world of luxury yachting, where he has served aboard some of the industry's most iconic vessels, including the legendary S/Y A and the prestigious M/Y Madsummer.

Deeply rooted in the traditions of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, Chef Ivan combines authenticity with innovation, creating refined menus that celebrate the finest seasonal ingredients and local produce. His philosophy is based on simplicity, quality, and elegant presentation, ensuring that every dish delivers both flavour and memorable experiences.

Alongside his passion for Italian gastronomy, Chef Ivan enjoys crafting Asian-inspired dishes, bringing delicate flavours, balanced techniques, and fresh ingredients to offer guests a diverse and sophisticated culinary journey. A dedicated pastry and baking enthusiast, he takes great pride in preparing handcrafted desserts, freshly baked breads, focaccia, pastries, and breakfast specialties every day on board. He believes that freshly baked products and elegant desserts are among the details that transform an excellent charter into an unforgettable one.

Every menu is individually tailored to guests' preferences, dietary requirements, and lifestyle, whether it is a relaxed family lunch, an elegant al fresco dinner, or a bespoke fine dining experience. His calm professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality ensure that every meal becomes one of the highlights of the charter. Chef Ivan's goal is simple: to create unforgettable moments through outstanding food, warm hospitality, and a passion for excellence that guests will remember long after their journey has ended.

"Hey there, l'm Obie, your mate on board!
As a lifelong Bahamian, I've spent my days sailing these stunning waters, and I'm thrilled to share that passion with you.
When I'm not dreaming up new adventures or fine-tuning the rigging, I'm soaking up the laid-back island vibes.
By day, I work as a bosun on this beautiful vessel, but sailing's more than just a job - it's my calling. I love discovering hidden coves, meeting new people, and swapping stories with fellow sea lovers. Let's make some unforgettable memories in the Caribbean!
 

My engineering career began in aviation, where I quickly distinguished myself through determination, technical aptitude, and self-directed learning. After earning my Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification through intensive self-study, I advanced rapidly within the airline industry. Within four years, I had become the lead troubleshooter for my employer, earning a reputation for diagnosing and resolving complex mechanical issues while ensuring the highest standards of safety, reliability, and operational performance.

Following the events of September 11, I transitioned from aviation to the marine industry, bringing with me the same disciplined approach to engineering and problem-solving. Beginning as a shore-based contractor, I applied my aviation maintenance expertise to high-performance yachts, quickly mastering the unique systems and technologies found aboard luxury vessels. My ability to troubleshoot sophisticated propulsion, electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems earned the trust of owners, captains, and shipyards alike.

Over time, I became widely recognized as a specialist in Italian-built yachts, developing extensive experience with some of the industry's most advanced vessels. My reputation for technical excellence, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to solve challenging engineering problems led to increasingly senior leadership opportunities. I became known not only for maintaining complex machinery but also for mentoring engineering teams, managing refit projects, and ensuring peak vessel performance under demanding conditions.

These experiences ultimately led to my appointment as Chief Engineer aboard one of the world's most remarkable high-performance yachts—the third fastest yacht in the world. Throughout my career, I have combined the precision of aviation engineering with the innovation and versatility required in the marine industry. My professional philosophy is built on technical expertise, continuous learning, decisive leadership, and an unwavering commitment to engineering excellence, safety, and operational reliability.

Tristin, an engineer with a passion for precision and a love for luxury. With an athletic background, experience as a deckhand, and a background in hospitality, he's got the perfect blend of tech-savvy skills and people magic. He is a bit of a multi-tool, whether that's fixing gear, tweaking tech, or making sure the vibe is on point - he is ready to make guests time on the water unforgettable and safe. 

Camila brings a wealth of yachting expertise to the team, with over 15 years of experience working aboard both private and charter yachts ranging from 30 to 80 meters. Throughout her career, she has traveled extensively worldwide, gaining firsthand knowledge of some of the most sought-after charter destinations, including the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Mexico, Brazil, the Mediterranean, and the United States.
With a genuine passion for hospitality and an in-depth understanding of charter operations, Camila is dedicated to assisting guests in every possible way. Her attention to detail and commitment to exceptional service ensure each charter experience is seamless, personalized, and truly unforgettable.

Caroline De Souza is an experienced stewardess with five years of Luxury Hospitality under her belt, and worked for eight years as an Executive Administrator & PA before starting in the maritime industry. Since joining yachting, Caroline has gained a comprehensive understanding of the duties as a stewardess, including how to efficiently oversee the interior of a vessel and effectively support the Chief Stewardess and other departments. She brings an open-minded and enthusiastic attitude onboard, and enjoys gaining new perspectives and approaches. When she isn’t on boats, she enjoys free time at the beach, playing sports, reading and visiting street fairs. She also loves to explore local culture and what it offers when she travels.