CREW

CAPTAIN  DAVID  ABRAMSKI

David took a unique path to yachting, starting as a deckhand on a purse-seiner in Southeast Alaska.  He spent the next six years fishing multiple species and seasons commercially in Alaska, acquiring a working knowledge of diesel engines, boat handling and navigational skills.  His university studies covered Fisheries Biology and Chinese Language and Literature.

David made the transition into yachting aboard motor yachts in the Mediterranean, but quickly realized his true passion is sailing.  Over the next few years he polished his sailing skills doing deliveries, including two trans-Atlantic crossings.   

In the spring of 1999 he joined S/Y Phoenix as first mate gaining insight into onboard systems and yachting protocol.  His first captain’s position was aboard S/Y Maribe II in the Great Lakes followed by captaining S/Y Integrity, cruising between the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, Bahamas and Caribbean.  To gain more blue-water experience, David and his partner Jennifer Goodson made two deliveries spanning the Pacific.   Captain Abramski holds a USCG 100 Ton Master’s license and MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Sailing license, both with Sailing Endorsements.  He is STCW Certified and is a PADI Certified Advanced Open Water diver. 

Chef Katharine Gilbert, British, 33

Katharine is a versatile chef with a flair for creative international cuisine. Having spent the last three years chartering in both the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, she has an interesting and varied menu, incorporating culinary ideas and skills from around the world.

Brought up in the English seafaring cities of Portsmouth and Plymouth, it is no surprise that Katharine began sailing at a very young age.  Now, she is a qualified Day Skipper, has sailed the Atlantic and has over 10,000 nautical miles in her log book.

Her educational qualifications culminated in a BA in Leisure & Business Management, followed by her obtaining a diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Prior to working in the sailing industry, Katharine worked as a marketing manager at the University of Plymouth in Devon.  She has excellent communication and people skills.  Her most recent accomplishment is becoming a certified massage therapist.

Katharine is a keen all round sports enthusiast with a love for sailing, wind-surfing, wake-boarding, swimming, tennis and squash. She is a qualified PADI Advanced Diver and enjoys both scuba and free diving.

Her additional hobbies include travelling, underwater photography and dancing. She is keen on playing board or card games and will challenge anyone to a game of backgammon, UNO, cribbage or hearts!

Children are most welcome on board Bandera.  A special children's menu will be prepared upon request and babysitting is available.