SWAN Yacht Charter Catamaran

Meet Our Crew
Skipper Profile: Andre Patterson

Andre grew up in Grenada, which is referred to as the “Isle of Spice”, namely because it is a true nature island that also grows large amounts of nutmeg and cocoa for export. He spent many lazy days on the beach as a kid so snorkeling and swimming came naturally to him, and he still has the same passion for the sea today.

Andre attended the Presentation Boys College in Grenada and graduated with degrees in Geography, English, History and English Literature.
As a young teen, he became a member of the local yacht club and took up sailing Mirror Dinghies and Lasers. He was also a keen spear fisher. In his early twenties, he worked for 5 years as a PADI Divemaster working with local dive shops, taking tourists on recreational dives. Andre went on to qualify as a PADI Medic First Aid as well as a PADI Rescue Diver.

After working as a Divemaster, he moved to live in St. Maarten where he started working on day charter catamarans which eventually led Andre to obtaining a sailing endorsement Yacht Master license to work on private yachts and eventually running boats as skipper, launching his career into charter yachts.

Andre has been a seasoned professional skipper for over 25 years now, having logged more than 40,000 nautical miles of bluewater sailing, working on several well-known charter yachts, covering the Caribbean Islands, East Coast of America, and many places in Europe. Andre is dedicated to providing safe, enjoyable, and memorable experiences at sea. His strong leadership, deep respect for the ocean, and commitment to safety ensure that guests are always in capable hands.

Andre’s sailing journey began in 1992, and he has since developed a flexible, adaptable approach that allows him to offer tailored experiences to different groups of guests. He brings extensive experience across private and charter yachts, both sail and motor, and has been a key member of competitive race teams, including serving as helmsman in the prestigious Newport Bucket Regatta in 2012 and the Heineken Regatta in St Maarten .

Andre is a family man and enjoys spending quality time with his wife (they worked together on charter yachts) and their son and daughter. In his spare time he loves to cook, play tennis, go for hikes as well as bike rides in the country, snorkeling and scuba diving to experience the beauty and colors of the world of nature under the sea.

Andre’s friends describe him as honest, straight forward, and considerate. His own motto in life is to be respectful and kind. Andre takes great pride in his work and constantly strives to exceed guest expectations, making each voyage under his command truly exceptional.

During your cruise, Andre will be seconded by a professional crew-host who will look after your comfort and freshly cooked meal matching your preferences and dietary requirements.
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Chef Stewardess: Georgina Woodford (also known as "Gigi")

Chef Stewardess Georgina Woodford brings a passion for food, travel, and creating unforgettable experiences to every charter. Growing up in a family that celebrated culinary exploration and adventure, she is dedicated to crafting menus tailored to guests' personal preferences, ensuring that their time on board is both memorable and exciting.

With extensive travel and living experience across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, Georgina draws inspiration from a diverse range of cultures. Her menus are vibrant and creative, showcasing exotic flavors and unique combinations designed to delight every palate. Her strong background in hospitality ensures that every detail of the onboard experience is thoughtfully managed, creating a seamless and relaxing atmosphere for guests.

Living aboard her own boat and sailing extensively throughout the Caribbean, Georgina has developed an intimate knowledge of Grenada and its surrounding islands. Her maritime experience includes crewing for yacht deliveries across the Caribbean and completing an Atlantic crossing in 2021, where she gained extensive sailing skills while serving as the onboard chef. She has also worked as a private chef in luxury villas in Carriacou, tailoring exquisite dining experiences to suit any occasion.

Known for her keen eye for detail, warm personality, and dedication to exceptional service, Georgina ensures that every guest enjoys an unforgettable journey filled with lifelong memories.