Michael Ingram |Captain | British
Captain Mike hails from Southampton, UK—one of the world’s most storied maritime hubs—where his lifelong passion for the sea was sparked. With over 17 years in the yachting industry, Mike has captained a variety of prestigious superyachts across the Mediterranean, the U.S., and beyond, earning a reputation for his professionalism, leadership, and unwavering commitment to safety.
Known for his calm demeanor and sharp navigational expertise, Mike ensures every voyage is smooth, secure, and enjoyable for both guests and crew. His attention to detail and dedication to delivering world-class service make him a standout captain, whether he's guiding a tranquil coastal cruise or navigating a high-energy charter itinerary.
Off the water, Mike is just as adventurous. An avid snowboarder and skier, he spends his downtime in the mountains when not at sea. Most recently, he completed a personal milestone—designing and building his family’s home from the ground up, showcasing his creativity, discipline, and hands-on skill.
With Mike at the helm, guests can relax knowing they’re in experienced and capable hands, ready to enjoy every moment aboard Yacht CUPCAKE.
Daniel Abbott |First Officer | British
Hailing from Yorkshire, England, Dan Abbott brings a unique blend of maritime skill and musical talent to the yachting world. Growing up, he split his time between playing basketball and diving deep into music—mastering guitar, bass, and drums, with piano now in the mix. He also has a remarkable singing voice that adds a special touch to any guest experience.
Before entering yachting, Dan was a professional musician, performing with Paolo Nutini and playing major festivals like Glastonbury, Leeds, and Reading. Inspired by his Chief Officer father, Dan decided to take a break from touring and pursue a new path at sea. What he found was the perfect blend of both worlds—using his talents to entertain guests while exploring breathtaking destinations.
Dan has sailed aboard renowned vessels including *Stella Maris*, *The Wellesley*, *Illusion*, *Nero*, and *Aquarius*. His favorite cruising grounds are the Dalmatian and Balearic Islands, where the scenery is as inspiring as the music he loves to share. If you're lucky, you might just catch him performing an impromptu set on deck—an unforgettable highlight of any charter.
Johan Pretorius | Chef| South African
Johan grew up in a small town in South Africa, where cooking was a family affair and his passion for food was born. After studying Culinary Arts, he found his calling in the galley, combining his love for travel with his talent for creating unforgettable meals.
With over five years of experience in yachting—and a background on cruise ships—Johan brings global flavors to the table, using the freshest local ingredients and influences from Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. Whether it’s a guest favorite or a bold new creation, he tailors every dish to exceed expectations.
Meticulous, hardworking, and endlessly creative, Johan cooks from the heart. His greatest reward is knowing his food adds to the joy of the journey—one bite at a time.
JO JO DADSON | Chief Engineer | Ghanan
Born and raised in the coastal city of Tema, Ghana, Jo Jo's passion for the maritime world began early and has never wavered. With a strong background in engineering, he’s known for his precision, reliability, and hands-on approach to every task.
Jojo has worked on numerous commercial vessels before transitioning into the yachting industry, where he’s spent the past few years honing his craft. His dedication to excellence and commitment to keeping all systems running smoothly ensure that every journey is safe, seamless, and efficient.
Driven, focused, and detail-oriented, Jo Jo doesn’t stop until the job is done—and done right.
Rebecca Nash | Chief Stewardess | American
Hailing from a charming beach town on Lake Michigan, known for its singing sands and stunning sunsets, Rebecca’s love for Great Lakes boating and freshwater fishing began early. Her adventurous spirit, sunny disposition, and drive for excellence naturally led her to a career in yachting. With a strong background in hospitality and a track record of exceptional service, she quickly rose to the role of Chief Stewardess.
Rebecca's charismatic personality, keen intuition, and flair for themed events and creative tablescapes ensure every moment on board is memorable. Off duty, she loves exploring the outdoors, road-tripping, attending music festivals, and camping with her son, Ayden.
She’s thrilled to welcome you aboard Motor Yacht Cupcake, where you can relax and indulge while she delivers a truly unforgettable yachting experience.
Grace Bellavia | Second Stewardess |American
Originally from just outside Chicago and most recently based in landlocked Nebraska, Grace didn’t let geography stop her from chasing the sea. Inspired by her sister’s journey, she set her sights on a yachting career and never looked back.
With a background in dental studies and experience as a nanny, Grace brings a natural warmth and attentiveness to every guest interaction. Her radiant smile and calm, caring nature help create a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere aboard CUPCAKE.
When she's not designing elegant tablescapes, Grace enjoys running, yoga, and meditation—bringing the same balance and positive energy to her role on board.
DIAN RAUTENBACH | Deckhand | South African
Hailing from Cape Town, South Africa, Dian is the youngest crew member on Cupcake. He enjoys taking on new challenges and learning new skills, as he works towards his goal of becoming a yacht engineer one day. His dedication, enthusiasm and eagerness to contribute to the team has made him a crew favorite! Dian has a passion for fishing and motorsports, and he always gives his best in everything he does.
