Captain: Luis Ortiz

Luis hails from Valencia, Venezuela, and was immersed in the maritime world from a young age, thanks to his father, a submarine commander. Following high school, Luis pursued his passion by attending The Maritime University of the Caribbean in Venezuela, where he joined the Merchant Marine and embarked on a career at sea, spanning the globe.

Having collaborated closely with the USCG and Marine Surveyors, Luis is well-versed in international maritime law, ensuring the safety of crews and ships ranging from 190' to 295'. Subsequently, he transitioned into yachting as a full-time career, successfully captaining both private and charter yachts ranging from 40' to 110'.

In his leisure time, Luis indulges in activities such as swimming, diving, mountain biking, hiking, and playing tennis. He is a dedicated and experienced leader, and his diverse skills and unwavering commitment make him a valued captain of INCEPTION.

Mate: Juan Meléndez

Juan was born in Tamaulipas, Mexico. He grew up working in his father's business, where he gained valuable experience dealing with people on passage boats. This early exposure to maritime life sparked his interest in pursuing a career in the field.

Juan decided to further his education by attending marine merchant school, where he studied for four years to become a mechanical engineer. During his studies, he excelled academically, consistently achieving some of the highest grades in his class.

After completing his education, Juan worked on merchant oil vessels approximately 189 meters in length, adhering to important maritime conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, and STCW. His dedication and expertise eventually led him to transition into the yachting industry, where he has worked full-time on private and charter yachts, including a 118-foot vessel.

In his free time, Juan enjoys fishing with his parents and kayaking. He is committed to staying updated with the latest information and courses related to his career. Known for his optimism, realism, and constant smile, Juan is a valued crew member of INCEPTION.

Stewardess: Madison (“Madi”) Yuille

Madison (“Madi”) Yuille, hailing from the laid-back surf haven of Ballito, truly embodies the coastal lifestyle. With the ocean as her playground, she spent her formative years mastering the waves through lifeguarding and honing her skills in professional swimming and recreational wakeboarding. Madi also spent years in London’s luxury hospitality scene, where she served high-profile guests such as Harry Styles and Gwyneth Paltrow.

In her downtime, you'll often find Madi engaging in water sports, discovering the best cliffs for jumping, and curating a selection of the finest wines from around the world. Professionally, she excels as a stewardess, seamlessly blending her love for the sea and dedication to service. Madi also shares her passion as a lifeguard, imparting her deep knowledge of the underwater world to others.

Her life is a testament to her unwavering connection to the ocean and her commitment to sharing its wonders with those around her. Madi is determined to bring nothing but positive energy to every service interaction with guests.

Chef: Zach Seals (Freelance)

Born and raised in Chicago with Puerto Rican roots, Chef Zach, enjoys adding a Latin flare to his dishes. He is a creator and an enthusiastic artist when it comes to his food. He fell in love with cooking, while watching his mother and grandma cook with amazing combinations of flavors. He attended Washburne culinary school, while working at high volume restaurants. With his 15 years of experience in kitchens, he has learned to choose ingredients, that when combined, create a merengue of savory flavors to tantalize the taste buds. He truly enjoys cooking healthy, delicious, and beautifully plated food that creates an experience that will forever be engraved in your memory. After all, what did one taste bud say to the other? Let’s have a savory affair!