C A P T A I N | Alexander Howell
C H E F | Cara Trubenbach
S T E W | Giselle Azueta
M A T E | Dane Dalzell

Captain Zander grew up as an only child in the UK and Spain. After being raised on sailboats for many years, entering the yachting industry was a natural decision to make. He now has close to nine years of experience sailing the Baltic and North Sea, the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.
Captain Zander’s objective is to ensure all guests’ needs and wishes are met. He strives to provide a remarkable tour, anchoring in the most beautiful destinations. Captain has created a welcoming atmosphere on board MY PURA VIDA, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing guest experience.

When he is not facilitating a remarkable charter, you can find captain snorkeling, reading, camping, or exploring remote places.



Chef – Cara Trubenbach
Language spoken: English, German, Dutch

Cara, hails from Namibia; Africa. She has been in the yachting industry for several years now. She started as a stewardess, working on a variety of yachts, before realized that she had a passion and talent in the culinary arts. She studied at Ashburton cookery school in the UK and gained her culinary diploma in 2019.
Cara specializes in Asian Fusion, Mediterranean and French cuisine. Having cruised in both Mediterranean and Caribbean waters, she is well used to creating locally inspired dishes from both sides of the pond.

She is confident in adapting her abilities to everyone needs and ensures an enjoyable culinary experience for the guests. Outside of yachting, Cara loves the countryside, enjoying hiking and skiing.



Stew- Giselle Azueta
Certifications/Education: Degree in Education, STCW, ENG1, Course in “Hospitality for Superyachts”
Languages: English, Spanish
Nationality: Mexican

Giselle was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, where she participated in a variety of activities such as tennis, golf, water skiing, ice skating, and basketball. After spending a summer in Florida, Giselle decided to enter the yachting industry for the thrill of adventure and meeting new people from around the world. Prior to entering yachting Giselle was a teacher for children with special needs for six years.
Giselle is constantly going the extra mile to provide exceptional service for guests. She is known as the positive one in the group, radiating good energy to whomever she is around. Themed meals and tablescapes are Giselle’s specialty, working hand in hand with the chef offering a unique dining experience for guests.
In her spare time, you can find Giselle swimming in the ocean or learning something new.



Mate- Dane Dalzell
Certifications/Education: Diploma in Business Management, PWC, AGC1, VHF, Yacht Master Theory, Day Skipper
Languages: English/Afrikaans
Nationality: South African

Dane is from a small coastal town in South Africa called Plettenberg Bay. He attended university and got a degree in business management before pursuing a career in yachting. He has now been in the yachting industry for 4 years, traveling the Mediterranean extensively, and is currently completing his first season in the Caribbean. Dane brings the fun on board and encourages his motto, “live each day like it’s your last”, helping to provide guests with the experience of a lifetime. One day he hopes to become Captain before starting his own business back in South Africa.

His hobbies include watersports, hockey, tennis, golf, traveling and fishing – so if you’re looking for him, he’s most likely at the back of the boat with a fishing line in the water.