C A P T A I N | Brad Needham
C H E F | Zoe Gahan

Meet the resident crew onboard PurelyBlu!

Captain Brad Needham
As a North Carolina native, one of Brad’s earliest memories is going sailing with his father in the Pamlico Sound on the family boat, a 12’ O’day Widgeon. Learning to sail the family boat single handedly by ten, and then attending summer sailing camp every year until old enough to begin working on sailing staff by age 16. Working as a sailing instructor there and at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Brad loves to share his passion for sailing with others by educating people to sail themselves. Having graduated from N.C. State University with a degree in mechanical engineering, he also has a keen awareness of the inner workings of many vessel systems. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, Brad worked in both front and back of house positions in numerous hotels, restaurants and bars.

Working as an engineer for a private company in Homer, Alaska Brad traveled throughout the U.S. and as far as Turkmenistan doing border security installations but soon was soon reacquainted with his need to be on the water after taking a vacation cruising around Florida on a friend’s 28’ Cape Dory. He then restarted his career working on charter fishing boats in Alaska and subsequently got his captain’s license leading to multiple Inside Passage boat deliveries. He now has over 40,000 NM under his belt and enjoys sharing his experience with others.

Chef Zoe Gahan
Growing up in Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes, Zoe has never been far from the water, andgrew up enjoying trips up north for fishing and water sports, canoeing in the Boundary Waters, and surfing in California with her father. She believes her love for fine foods began with her first ever bite of solid food: a taste of fresh focaccia from her aunt and uncle’s Italian restaurant. Zoe learned to embrace creativity in the
kitchen from her mother, and growing up with extended family in the restaurant industry gave her a behind-the-scenes view of fine dining and a love for hospitality.

Zoe was raised closely involved in her parents’ business, a community newspaper, and held many roles, eventually managing the company alongside her mother and father. The experience gave her a foundation in customer service, management and organization that she carries into her work as mate and chef on Purely Blu. Earning a fine arts degree further elevated her culinary artistry, and she draws on her lifelong
love of cooking and art to produce not only delicious, but colorful and inviting meal presentations. Zoe’s international travels, including backpacking in South America and time in Italy and France, have always focused on discovering the best local cuisines. With the community newspaper industry facing decline, Zoe decided to forge a new path, and drove to Alaska sight unseen. After her first day working on a charter fishing boat, she knew wanted to make a career on the ocean. Having recently earned her captain’s license after logging over 10,000 NM, she enjoys continually learning aboard every vessel she works on.

Brad and Zoe met in Alaska (for a fun story, ask how!) and have worked on charter boats independently and together for over seven years. They are happiest on the water, whether that be fishing or sharing good food and laughter with new and old friends alike.

Captain Brad Qualifications:
USCG 100 ton
STCW
Marine Radio Operator
First Aid and CPR certified

Chef Zoe Qualifications:
USCG 100 ton
STCW
First Aid and CPR certified