Elite
- 28m | Sunseeker | 2016 (2020)
Having spent much of his childhood growing up in and exploring the vast waters of the Bahamas, Captain Gustavo Bolanos is a seasoned adventurer through and through.
With more than 16 years' experience under his belt, Captain Gustavo has worked on board a huge range of both motor and sailing yachts, and now passionately leads his crew of four on board MY Elite, a 28m Sunseeker that promises to charm you the moment you step on board.
"The crew is the best thing about working aboard MY Elite', says Captain Gustavo. 'Each of us has lived in the Caribbean for more than a decade. We love what we do and it shows!'
What's it like to charter the 28m Sunseeker MY Elite? Just ask Captain Gustavo Bolanos.
Originally from Ft. Lauderdale, Captain Gustavo stepped on board Elite in June 2020 and he hasn't looked back. Today, he guides guests on the most incredible charter experiences through the US and the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, St. Barths, Anguilla, Antigua, and Barbuda.
Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got into yachting?
Born in Fort Lauderdale, I spent much of my childhood in the Bahamas. While there, I found a deep love and interest in boats and the ocean. I started working on merchant ships at 18 and found myself yachting soon after - cruising the US, Canada, Bahamas, Caribbean, Central America, South America, South Pacific, and Patagonia.
How long have you been a captain and what are some of the yachts you’ve worked on?
I have been a captain for 16 years and I've worked aboard Lady Gail Marie, Mim, expedition yacht Marcato, Cheers 46, Seascape, and the sailing yacht Tondeleyo to name a few. I joined the Elite crew in June 2020.
How would you describe the owner’s vision for the yacht?
The owners wanted the perfect platform for family enjoyment and entertaining, which they found in Elite.
How would you describe the style and personality of the yacht?
Elite is sleek and sporty, yet spacious. She has modern lines, with a beautiful, spacious interior.
How would you describe the ambiance on board?
Relaxed, modern, peaceful.
What’s your personal style as captain?
I love to get my guests excited about the day’s activities and our beautiful surroundings.
What’s the best thing about working on this yacht?
The crew is the best thing about working aboard Elite. Each of us has lived in the Caribbean for more than a decade. We love what we do and it shows!
What are some of the standout features of the yacht?
The shaded, submersible, swim platform creates an amazing beach club. The hot tub is perfect to unwind, after a fun day of water sports and shoreside activities. Our lowering sea balcony opens the view and space in the salon.
Which areas of the yacht do guests most tend to gather on board?
Guests love the sun deck. It offers unbelievable 360 degree views of our tropical surroundings, a hot tub, teak dining table, bar, ample seating, and a large sun pad forward.
Which types of clients are most attracted to charter?
We attract families with kids, as well as groups of couples and friends. Two of our staterooms can convert from a large queen configuration, into a three single bed configuration, utilizing a Pullman bed ideal for kids.
What types of experience can you offer charter guests?
Off-the-beaten-path itineraries for groups looking for something different on charter. We cater to those looking for secluded bays and lush coral reefs in Barbuda, or New Year’s Eve in St. Barths in the middle of the action.
How would you describe the style and approach of the crew?
We are maritime and culinary professionals, who take great pride in our work and in the presentation of our product.
Can you share some examples where you and your crew have gone above and beyond to make the guest experience as special as possible?
We recently had a guest celebrating a birthday while on charter. The chef and I planned a surprise private beach brunch for her and her boyfriend on one of St. John’s beaches, only accessible by boat. We told her boyfriend, but she had no idea so the tender ride to the beach was a complete surprise. The crew and I provisioned a gourmet breakfast with mimosas, beach games, and snorkelling with sea turtles, all planned and executed perfectly. At the end of the trip, the guest told the crew it was the best birthday she had ever had, which meant a great deal to us.
Are there some interesting personalities or talents among the crew?
MY Elite's first officer and engineer, Jonathan, has won several mixology contests and can make an outstanding cocktail. Michael, the executive chef, is an excellent surfer and all-round waterman, who loves to share his passion for the ocean with our guests.
How are the yacht and the crew prepared to accommodate children and teenagers on charter?
We love hosting children and teenagers aboard MY Elite. Our chef is always able to please the most discerning young pallets. We have beach toys, tubes, skis, wakeboards, sea scooters, and a Raddin jet board for their enjoyment. The hot tub also doubles as a great freshwater pool for kids.
How would you describe the cuisine on board?
Chef Michael Lombardi has worked in many fine-dining restaurants in New York as well as the Caribbean, including the Ritz Carlton on St. Thomas. He has a wide range of expertise. Chef Lombardi loves Asian cuisine and is an accomplished sushi chef. His vast experience in fine-dining restaurants allows him to create amazing dishes for our guests. Chef Lombardi has formed many relationships with local farmers and fishermen throughout the Leeward Islands, enabling him to source the freshest vegetables and proteins available.
Tell us about the toys and tenders – which toys are the most popular with guests?
We have a 16 foot Highfield tender which is perfect for pulling tubes, skis, and wakeboards; as well as getting into tucked-away snorkel spots. Guests love the sea scooters, Raddin jet board, and golf green with “fish food” golf balls.
What are your usual cruising grounds?
Our usual cruising grounds include the U.S. and the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, St. Barths, Anguilla, Antigua, and Barbuda.
Which destinations and your personal favourites and why?
I love the British Virgin Islands, both privately and professionally. There are so many different experiences to be had throughout the island chain - you can fly fish in the conch flats of Anegada one day, and be on one of the most beautiful white sand beaches the next in White Bay on Jost Van Dyke.
What have been some of the highlights of your favorite memories as captain of Elite?
Our itinerary takes us to some of the most amazing destinations throughout the Caribbean. One of my favorite memories is watching the perfect sunset with guests in Barbuda and seeing an enormous green flash.
Another was on an outing with the sea scooters in Brewers Bay, St. Thomas. While cruising around the bay, a dolphin and her calf joined us for a 30 minute play session. It was one of the most amazing experiences I have had on the water.