Captain: Nic Edmonds

Captain Nic Edmonds:
Nic grew up in New Zealand, also known as the “Land of the long white cloud” or “Aotearoa” to the locals. Since his early childhood Nic was determined to pursue a career on the ocean as Captain. At the age of 17 he moved to the Balearic Islands to begin his career in yachting. In the intervening ten years Nic has worked on a variety of yachts ranging in size from 20m (65ft) to 72m (236ft) learning his craft and working his way up to Captain. He has travelled many of the world’s waters during this time including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas and North America. Nic enjoys fishing, surfing and diving as well as golf when he is ashore. Nic warmly welcomes you on board Dona Lola and is looking forward to ensuring your time is spent safely and enjoyably. Please ask him for anything you may require. Kia Ora and Nau Mai! (Hello and Welcome)


Engineer Lance Howden:
Lance grew up on a farm just outside a small town in South Africa. He spent a large portion of his childhood fishing or riding motorbikes with his elder brother and father. He was brought up in a very family orientated household. Lance attended a private all boys boarding school. He then went on to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape of South Africa. He graduated in 2015 with honours after 4 years of studying and immediately decided that he wanted to pursue a career as an engineer on board super yachts. Lance holds his Y4 and is a qualified Mechanical Engineer. He has various interests and hobbies including fishing, wakeboarding, motorbike riding, scuba diving and golf when he gets ashore. Lance has worked on various yachts in the Bahamas, Caribbean and the Mediterranean and is now happy to welcome you onboard Motor Yacht Dona Lola. Feel free to ask him for any assistance at any time.


Chef John McGarry:
John was born just outside of London and started working in his first professional kitchen at just 15, going on to complete a 3 year culinary qualification. At 22 John began traveling with his job as a chef and has since worked all around the world gaining experience in 5* Hotels and fine dining restaurants in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, on a remote island in the Philippines and as a private chef aboard super yachts and luxury ski chalets.
With his wealth of knowledge in all things food, be assured that every meal you have onboard will be memorable and tailored to your unique requirements.


Chief Stewardess Agnese Bolsevica:
Agnese (Aga) was born in a small town in Latvia called Sigulda, a town known for forestry and outdoor activities. She left Latvia at the age of 20 to work in an establishment which helped teenagers and adults who were facing social and professional issues. She soon moved on to pursue a career in the hotel industry at the 5* ‘Claridges’ in London, where she worked for the following four years in the VIP service team. In 2011 Aga was given an opportunity to work on a yacht in Germany. Within the past six years, Aga has served on yachts ranging from 25m to 80m. In this time she has worked in a range of positions working her way up to Chief Stewardess on a 55m yacht. When Aga is not working, you will find her trekking through foreign countries exploring the roads less travelled. She speaks English, Latvian, and Russian.


Stewardess: Amber Simard
Amber was raised in Boston, spending her summers along the coastline of New England she realized her love for the ocean. She always had a strong desire to travel and learn about other cultures, leading her to live in Ireland for 3 years. She naturally gravitated towards yachting 2 years ago and has sailed throughout the East Coast of the USA, Caribbean and the Bahamas. In her spare time she adores horseback riding, yoga, and reading. Amber hopes you enjoy your time onboard, please feel free to ask for any assistance you may require.


First Mate: Gareth Hunt
Gareth was born in a small surfing village called Ballito in South Africa. Growing up surfing, diving and fishing, Gareth gravitated seamlessly to the yachting industry at the age of 21 and is working towards captaining his own yacht in the future. Gareth is a PADI diving instructor and enjoys spending time teaching others the joys of the underwater world. He also has an affinity for any outdoors activities and being immersed in the natural world. He has a passion for photography, diving, free diving, fishing and spearfishing. A natural under or above the ocean’s surface, Gareth would like to warmly welcome you on board Dona Lola and hopes you enjoy your time. Please feel free to ask him for any assistance you may require.


Deckhand/Dive Instructor: Johnny Bruce
Johnny was born on the West Coast of the USA in Long Beach California. The abundant beaches and many harbors of the coast line of California naturally inspired Johnny to pursue a life on the water. Johnny is a certified PADI Free dive instructor and open water diver with a passion for teaching others about life underwater. He warmly welcomes you to Dona Lola and hopes you have a pleasant time onboard. Feel free to ask him for any help you may require.