KASHMIR

David Laird “Dave” | Captain
Education/Certifications: Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Accounting; USCG 500T; PADI Divemaster and NAUI Dive Instructor
Languages Spoken: English and Spanish

Captain Dave was born in Clear Lake, Texas, close to Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. After graduating from college and working in accounting for eight years, the ocean was calling to him so he cashed in his retirement plan and moved to Florida. His love of yachting started in 1998 and over the past two decades, he has worked on charter yachts on the east and west coasts of Canada and the U.S., the Caribbean, Mexico, the Bahamas, and Central America. You may remember Captain David from the 157′ Big Sky, Lady Sara, Liberty and the 130′ Westport Milk Money. From these yachts, David gained extensive cruising experience in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and North and Central America. David’s charter reputation is simple: listen to the guest, offer suggestions, and give the guest what they want. In addition to being a successful charter yacht captain, David is also a certified NAUI Dive Instructor.

Kimberleigh-May van Jaarsveld | First Officer
Certifications/Education: Advanced Diver, Master of yachts 200 ton
Languages: English, Afrikaans

Kim grew up in a small town in the midlands in South Africa. She spent a lot of time around the water being on the dam, river, or ocean. Sports was a huge part of Kim’s life as she played field hockey, track and field, cross country, cricket, squash, and tennis. She won many awards during her time at high school including “Sports Woman of the Year” twice. Kim also holds several records in her name on the athletics field. She is now a qualified field hockey coach and umpire. After finishing high school, Kim wasn’t sure what she wanted to study. With her grandparents owning yacht training facilities currently located in South Africa and the USA, Kim has always been familiar with the industry. She decided to join yachting as a gap year and six years later, she’s still here. Kim has now been working on charter boats for four years. She carries with her a bubbly personality that gravitates towards guests. On board she loves to take care of the photography to capture the guests’ finest moments. Aside from 133’ KASHMIR, Kim has also worked on vessels such as M/Y NITA K M/Y FORE ACES, and M/Y ISLAND HEIRESS. She is currently striving to become a Captain before the age of 30.

In her spare time, Kim loves practicing yoga, photography, playing water sports, travelling, diving, and hiking. She can’t wait to provide guests with an unforgettable time that is filled with lots of memories to share with loved ones.

Ainsworth Ferguson | Chef
Certifications/Education: STCW10, ENG1, Security Awareness, Level 2 Food Hygiene
Languages: English, Spanish, Italian, French

Ainsworth was born on a beautiful Mother’s Day, in his grandmother’s kitchen in the town of Trelawny, Jamaica. At a young age he found his passion for cooking through helping his Aunt Daphne prepare traditional family recipes in her restaurant. In his formative years Ainsworth was raised in Connecticut. He received his culinary training at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and received extensive hands on training through working with world renowned Chefs like “Jean George, Michel Nischan” and others. He has worked privately with many celebrities throughout his 20+ years of culinary experience. As he is a U.S. passport holder, Ainsworth also loves to travel the world and found fulfillment in connecting his passion for food and travel though yachting. He gained his STCW10 / Eng1 and found his forte working with the yachting industry. Ainsworth has also worked onboard M/Y COCKTAILS, M/Y BIG SKY, M/Y LADY J and M/Y ALTER EGO. Chef Ainsworth aims for excellence when tantalizing the palates of our private guest as they explore the seas ready for a VIP experience.

Off charter, he loves to play tennis, basketball, run, swim, surf, and jet ski for exercise and fun. He resides in New York and enjoys spending quality time with his family.

Harriet Robinson | Chief Stew
Certifications/Education: Sports Masseuse, Yoga Instructor
Languages: English

Harriet grew up with her four sisters in Hastings, a town on England’s southeast coast. During her childhood she competed in horse riding events and loved going to the gym, running, and yoga. Harriet entered the yachting industry back in 2012, so she could travel the world with like-minded people. Before entering yachting, Harriet was a yoga teacher and sports masseuse. Since being in the industry, Harriet has cruised the waters of the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, and Florida. She strives to create a family style environment filled with lots of laughter. She is dedicated to bringing forth every guest desire and is committed to providing quality service that is unmatched. Theme nights are a favorite for Harriet to enhance the guest experience. It’s safe to say that there is never a dull moment onboard 133’ KASHMIR. Harriet has also worked onboard M/Y ZENOBIA, M/Y ICON, and M/Y MY SEANNA.

In her spare time, Harriet likes to get back to her roots and practice yoga and sports massage meditation. Harriet proudly welcomes guests on board KASHMIR for a once in a lifetime charter experience.

Second Stew: Coming soon!

Oscar Olivares Hernandez | Engineer
Certifications/Education: Second Engineer, Unlimited Chief Engineer up to 3000KW propulsion power, STCW 2010 Security Awareness, Medical Care
Languages: English, Spanish

Oscar was born in Acapulco, Guerrero in México. It is a very popular and touristic place surrounded with beaches on the pacific side. He grew up with his two sisters in a traditional family environment. Oscar went to a private school where he played basketball, swimming and regattas in small sailing boats. It was here that his passion for sailing and the sea was born. After a long commercial background on big cargo ships, he started in the yachting industry in 2017. Prior to yachting, he was second engineer on supply vessels in the Gulf of Mexico for petroleum platforms. Aside from M/Y KASHMIR, Oscar has also worked on board vessels such as M/Y MARIALE IV, M/Y PERLA, and M/Y ALEGRÍA. Oscar is always there to ensure a safe and pleasant charter broth the guests and crew. Oscar is dedicated to his work in the yachting industry as he loves all of the opportunities it provides and the different people he is able to meet.

In his spare time, Oscar loves reading, and playing sports, videogames, and chess. Oscar is excited to welcome guests onboard KASHMIR for a sweet escape.

Gene-Kelli Van Der Merwe | Deckhand
Certifications/Education: STCW 10, PDSD, Power Boat level 2, Padi Open water
Languages: English, Afrikaans

Gene grew up on the coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Ever since she was a child, she spent most of her time at the beach indulging in hobbies such as diving, surfing, snorkeling, and fishing. It was through these interests that she was led to start her dream job in the yachting industry in 2018. She now likes to use these skills in creating a memorable experience for all of the guests that come on board. Prior to yachting, Gene was a skin therapist and cosmetic salesman for three years. Gene has worked on multiple yachts ranging from 130ft to 250ft including 116’ UNBRIDLED and 128’ OCULUS. Gene has a consistent positive vibe that is infectious amongst the guests and crew. Focusing on the exterior of the vessel, guests are sure to have an amazing experience participating in watersport activities with Gene. With a long-term goal of becoming Captain, one of Gene’s greatest assets is her willingness and efficiency to maintain top notch service at all times.

When Gene is not busy creating the experience of a lifetime, you can find her surfing, skating, working out, diving, reading, or mixing music. Gene’s hope is that guests come on board KASHMIR and let go of all stress to enjoy a wonderful charter experience.