KATHY PENNINGTON

CAPTAIN

A Captain for over a decade, Kathy’s career in Superyachts has taken her a long way from her original home in Cape Town, South Africa.

Her most recent role was as Skipper on the 36 metre sailing ketch “Tiziana”, a well known Med-based charter yacht with a great reputation which cruised all over the Mediterranean during her time on board.

Immensely proud to be amongst the few female superyacht captains, Kathy learned her trade at a very early age. Her father has been huge influence in her life and his passion for sailing surrounded and inspired her formative years when they sailed together in Cape Town and on the Vaal dam in Johannesburg.

Soon realizing sailing as her first love, Kathy sought to make it her chosen profession. Following the completion of her qualifications Kathy trained and worked as a full-time scuba diving instructor, gaining further valuable experience restoring boats and undertaking Yacht deliveries on her journey to achieving Captain status.

Kathy and her dedicated hands-on team are delighted to welcome you on board Twilight, and together they will work hard to make your time on Twilight a truly unforgettable and wonderful experience.

LOUIS BELL

CAPTAIN

A true sea lover, Louis was born and raised in the seaside town of Howth, Ireland and has had the honour of cruising vessels from 30’ to 196’ in length. Having joined Twilight in 2018 he has been wowed by her shear beauty, elegance and performance. Louis coupled with his first class crew endeavours to make your experience onboard as unforgettable as possible.

Having sailed from the age of 7 on all sorts of dinghies, Louis solidified his love for sailing when he and his father took on the restoration of a small sail yacht based in Ireland where she is currently berthed.

When not onboard Twilight Louis occupies his time by sailing one of his two sailing vessels exploring future cruising grounds, Sailing Vessel Lady A has become his home from Twilight.

While sailing is Louis’ number one passion he is also greatly fond of photography, diving, wakeboarding and all things active.

PAULA LEAVY

CHEF

Born and raised in Dublin, Ireland – Paula began her career in Dublin’s Four Seasons Hotel, while studying for her apprenticeship with Fáilte Ireland.

Her great passion for local artisanal producers and season led cooking began after moving to London where she resided for several years.

Most of Paula’s career has been spent working in Michelin starred restaurants in both London and Dublin, including internationally renowned restaurants such as Gordon Ramsay’s Maze and Ross Lewis’ Chapter One.

She was a finalist and runner-up in Ireland’s Eurotoques Young Chef of the Year competition in 2013. She has previously worked on charter and private motor yachts as Head Chef, cooking for high profile UHNW international clients.

Her menus are product led and seasonal, incorporating sustainable products from local artisan producers as much as possible. She enjoys interacting with guests and strives to create tailor made menus to suit their tastes and exceed their expectations. Working on yachts has allowed Paula to combine her two biggest passions, cooking and travel.

STEFAN KUTZNER

ENGINEER

Stefan was born in Saxony Anhalt, Germany. It was here, that at the young age of 18 that Stefan’s fascination with the marine world began and developed while he worked for a large power boat dealer.

Stefan studied a bachelors degree in engineering and this allowed Stefan to enter on the ground floor of a prospective Volkswagen Marine.

Stefan, over a 12 year period, was tasked with a wide variety of challenges within VW marine, including but by no means limited to trouble shooting strategies, conception and execution of expert training, engine parameter tests for new customer care specifically relating to the marine application of VW engines and after sale services for marine installations on bespoke super yachts.

It was Stefan’s time within the bespoke yacht projects that convinced him to become completely enthralled by the super yachting industry. Stefan seized every opportunity that was available for him to gain the necessary sea time and develop a network of colleagues to advance quickly within the super yacht world.

Stefan has many interests within his field however he is also an avid motor bike enthusiast and finds the appeal in almost all water activities. Stefan is an exceptional asset to SY Twilight and he vows to insure your time onboard goes without fail and will offer a hand in all departments.

LUCAS CAETANO

FIRST MATE

Irish and Brazilian and growing up on a sailing boat, Lucas has spent all his childhood and adult life sailing. After living on a 36ft sailing boat for +15 years Lucas decided to make of the sea his workspace.

Lucas studied Naval Architectural Engineering for 4 years in Spain, and then decided to further pursue his passion for the sea by becoming a navigational officer in the Irish navy.

Realising there is nothing like home, Lucas is once again onboard sailing yachts, and this time on board the best, SY Twilight.

When not on board, Lucas can be found under the water scuba diving or above water surfing and wakeboarding. When not on the water at all, as a true Brazilian, Lucas is also a Capoeira teacher.

DIANE MCQUADE

CHIEF STEWARDESS

Diane’s passion for travel, meeting new people and experiencing different cultures, have taken her hospitality career all over the world. Running busy bars and restaurants in incredible locations such as Queenstown NZ, Andorra and Barcelona she always ensures the best memories are made under her care.

Be sure to sample some of her killer cocktails, with speakeasy inspirations all the way from the US, spirits crafted with dedication and care and the finest wines, all served with good old fashioned Scottish hospitality!

Diane wants all guests to feel pampered and spoiled on their sailing holiday and will ensure all the stops are pulled out to make your stay unforgettable.

Diane is a keen snowboarder, horse rider and anything in the water enthusiast! A recent wakeboarder she looks forward to honing her skills and trying some diving too!

GEORGIE BETHWAITE

DECK/STEWARDESS

Georgie grew up spending her summers on the north coast of Cornwall, accompanying her dad sailing his original build Laser, water skiing at every possible moment when the tide allowed her and filling the rest of her time wave hunting.

Living with this rhythm of the tides made her a true water baby, making it the priority wherever she travelled to. The one landlocked exception where she has spent a lot of time exploring another passion is where you will find her on a horse in the remote pampas of Argentina, herding cattle and living the simple life. She has also set off on solitary adventures exploring Patagonia, summiting peaks, traversing glaciers and making friends for life.

Her close friends always said they would struggle to see her in an office 5 days a week, therefore a job where she is surrounded by people with their best interests at heart, at the same time as sailing the globe, see’s the perfect match.

She hopes to make your time on board Twilight seamless, sharing a passion for the sea, getting the best out of every day and always game for teaching any keen water-skiers!