Jacob grew up on the New England coast where he was first introduced to sailing. A graduate of Maine Maritime Academy; he was first introduced to Meteor in Newport after her maiden crossing in 2007. Psyched to have a chance to work on such a modern classic; Jacob joined the boat full time in March 2009 after a handful of trans-atlantics and deliveries. He is truly thankful to work beside such a professional crew, including the fulfilled organized professional Bas Van Hees .
Bas was born and bred in Holland. He completed his University study at Deltin College in conjunction with an apprentiship at Royal Huisman shipyard. After a four year intensive study working fulltime at the shipyard he reached the highest level of carpentry skills. Bas started his sailing career doing refits on a couple of yachts and joined Meteor in March 2008. He is an organized professional and finds working on Meteor fulfilling. Bas is thrilled to work with such a professional crew, including his lifelong mentor Jacob Dinces.
T H E C R E W
Chef -
DARREN THOMPSON
- Australia
Chef Thompson comes to Meteor with a wealth of gastronomic experience, bringing together exotic and traditional flavors from year of cooking and travels from countries as diverse as Asia, South America and Europe. Darren completed his formal Chef training in Melbourne Australia, a culinary melting pot of different ethnic cultures and cuisines. With life on board Meteor he enjoys the daily challenges it brings in an environment where he can combine his professional skills for fine food and his passion for adventure and world travel.
Engineer - ROGER NORTON
- South Africa
Roger grew up sailing the South African coast. He has been on Meteor since December 2007 rotating between Engineering and Deck. He enjoys sunsets, long walks on beaches and flower pressing.
Jodi Griffin grew up in South Florida where she was first was introduced to yachting. She got a degree from Florida State University and returned to yachting for her passion of travel and adventure. She has been in the industry for three years and enjoys all aspects of this very versatile career.
Laura Cubie first became interested sailing during summer season with a British sailing holiday company. After university in 2007, Laura pursued her sailing interest, which took her into the yachting industry. Laura has been sailing on Meteor since November 2008. Laura enjoys snowboarding, running and speed scrabble.
Bosun
-
LOUISE CHASEMORE
-Tasmania
Thrilled to be a part of such a great team, Louise joined the boat in May 2008. She was born and bred in Hobart, Tasmania. After overseas travel, she moved to Cairns, Queensland to begin a career working on various yachts in the capacity of cook initially, which allowed her the privilege of free scuba training. As soon as she was able and qualified, she began working as a scuba instructor aboard sail and motor yachts cruising the waters and islands of the Great Barrier Reef marine park. This then progressed to a wonderful career in yachting. Lou looks forward to many more adventures aboard Meteor and lots of great sailing.
Captain - DEAN
MAGGIO - USA
With more than 30 years of sailing experience, Dean, has spent
almost his entire life on the water living aboard various boats since age 4
and crewing in the family’s charter business which operates the gaff
rigged schooner William H. Albury in the Bahamas. Graduating from Maine
Maritime Academy with an unlimited merchant marine ticket his life has been
a constant adventure since then. The past 20 years have been spent racing on
world-class sailing yachts, piloting planes and helicopters, and building
and captaining a series of highly successful charter yachts and most
recently the S/Y Meteor. Dean was the build captain for Meteor from
inception in 2005 overseeing all aspects of the Dutch built vessel until her
launch in 2007. Since that time Dean and his amazing crew have sailed and
raced in the Mediterranean, the UK, The Caribbean, New England and the
Bahamas. When he’s not on the high seas Dean lives in Sarasota, FL with his
wife Susan and 3 year-old son Jaden. And when he’s not chasing around his
high-energy son, Dean enjoys skiing, golfing and relaxing by the pool
sipping Pina Coladas.
First Officer -
STEVE PREES
- United Kingdom
After completing a degree in Ancient History and Archaeology in 1992 Steve
realized a childhood ambition to sail aboard a traditional square rigged
sailing vessel and has been sailing ever since. He has a wide variety of
experience having sailed on various types of vessel from a 360ft Clipper
ship to a modern racing Volvo 60, he has logged over 150,000 miles at sea
including 10 Atlantic crossings. Steve has a very professional approach to
his job and his calm quiet manner ensures a happy and well run boat.
