ESCAPE Yacht Charter

Captain: David Meyer

Captain - David Meyer
Nationality: American
Languages: English

Education/Certifications: USCG 200 / 500 Ton ITC Master (Power), USCG 100 Ton Master (Sail) STCW 2010 Basic, Advanced Firefighting, Lifeboatman, EDCIS, Radar Observer Unlimited, Medical Care Provider, Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties, FCC Radio Operator
Nationality: American
Languages: English

Captain David grew up in rural Central Illinois but spent much of his childhood on the water, from the lakes and rivers of the Midwest to the Gulf waters of Southwest Florida. His passion for boating started early, driving his family’s boat at age 8 and mastering teak deck maintenance by 9. By high school, he was already captaining boats for marina customers and family friends.

Fascinated by naval history, David taught himself navigation at 12, successfully plotting a course for the Florida Keys. His love for the sea led him to an eight-year career in the U.S. Navy, spending five years in the Pacific. After serving as a Private Military Contractor and later working in Silicon Valley’s tech industry, he realized that work no longer felt fulfilling. Choosing passion over profession, he transitioned to yachting full-time and has never looked back.

As captain, David prioritizes safety, respect, and teamwork, providing his crew with the support they need to excel while fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and protected. This emphasis on his crew ensures that guests receive the highest level of service, allowing them to leave their worries behind and fully embrace every moment on board. You may step on board as strangers, but you’ll surely leave as lifelong friends.

When Captain David is not captaining exceptional he experiences, he loves exploring the world with my wife, spending time with family, or catching a Tampa Bay Lightning game.


Chef - Arlene Meyer
Nationality: Filipino
Language: English, Filipino

Education/Certifications: STCW, VPDSD, Associates Degree in Culinary Science - Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Associates Degree in Business Administration - University of Maryland (Japan), B.S. in Business Administration, Major in International Business - Old Dominion University
Nationality: Filipino
Languages: English, Tagalog, Spanish (conversational), Japanese (conversational)

Chef Arlene grew up in the Pacific Islands of the Philippines and Japan, where she developed a deep appreciation for Asian and island cuisine, seafood, and tropical ingredients. Coming from a military family, her travels across the U.S. introduced her to Mexican and Southern flavors, further enriching her culinary expertise.

She refined her skills at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, where she worked alongside Disney chefs at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. With experience in commercial catering, fine dining, and yacht clubs, Arlene eventually found her true passion aboard yachts—creating customized, intimate dining experiences.

During her tine onboard, she has been delighting guests with her expertly crafted menus, specializing in Asian/Island, Mediterranean, and seafood cuisine, while happily accommodating any guest preferences. To Arlene, food is made with love, and seeing guests enjoy her dishes is the ultimate reward. Many return, insisting: "She’s the best!"

A world traveler who has explored 33 countries and 35 U.S. states, Arlene brings global inspiration to her cooking. When she’s not in the galley, she enjoys skiing, gardening, and singing.


Chief Stewardess - Genevieve Spence
Nationality: American
Language: English

Education/Certifications: STCW, 200-hour Yoga Certification, GIS Training (Geographic Information Systems), B.S. in Environmental Science - University of Delaware

Genevieve grew up in the suburbs of Delaware, but her passion for travel, cultural exchange, and the ocean has led her to a dynamic career in yachting. With a background in boutique hospitality, luxury retail, tourism, and vessel maintenance, she brings a well-rounded and professional approach to guest care, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience onboard.

Her greatest asset is her adaptability and meticulous attention to detail. Whether working on deck or in the interior, Genevieve ensures that every element of service is executed with precision, allowing guests to fully relax and enjoy their time onboard. With formal training in the fine arts, she has a keen eye for design and aesthetics, adding a thoughtful touch to every experience she curates.

For Genevieve, yachting is more than just a job—it’s a way to combine her love for hospitality, teamwork, and eco-tourism while continuing her nomadic lifestyle. She believes that travel is the best form of education and strives to provide guests with an experience that is both seamless and enriching. Her goal is to create an atmosphere where everything flows effortlessly, offering guests peace of mind and the freedom to fully immerse themselves in their journey.
Outside of work, Genevieve is passionate about yoga, which she has practiced for over a decade, as well as surfing, herbalism, and gardening. Working with nature keeps her grounded and deepens her appreciation for sustainable living and natural wellness.


Engineer - Nick Overbeek
Nationality: American
Language: English

Education/Certifications: Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI), Yamaha Certified Technician, Suzuki Certified Technician, Mercury Certified Technician, MC2 gyrostabilizer certified, STCW, Kohler University, Westerbeke University

Born and raised on the north side of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Nick has been surrounded by the ocean his entire life. His love for boating started early with his family owning a 17’ Boston Whaler. Growing up on a small island, he watched yachts come and go, always wondering what life was like onboard. That curiosity eventually led him to pursue a career in yachting, turning a lifelong passion into a profession.

Before stepping into the yachting world, Nick built an impressive skill set across multiple industries, including owning and operating a landscaping company, working in construction, commercial fishing, and mastering both diesel and marine mechanics. After attending technical school for marine mechanics, he steadily worked his way up to larger vessels and has now been a key part of M/Y ESCAPE for over seven years.

As First Officer, Nick is known for his problem-solving skills, reliability, strong communication, and ability to perform under pressure—all with a positive attitude. He strives to ensure guests have the best possible experience onboard, helping them create lasting memories while enjoying everything the yacht and the ocean have to offer.

In his spare time, Nick enjoys working out, going to the beach, fishing, free diving, and spending time with loved ones.


Deckhand - Arthur Colaljo
Nationality: Filipino
Languages: English, Cebuano

Education/Certifications: Electrical Engineering with ETO (Electrical-Techno Officer) License

Growing up in rural Cebu beside the sea, Arthur spent most of his childhood mornings on the beach. His deep connection to the ocean and love for adventure naturally led him to a maritime career spanning over 25 years.

Starting as a marine engineer and ETO, Arthur spent two decades traveling the world aboard merchant ships before making the successful transition to yachting. Having known many people in the industry—including his current Captain—for over 20 years, the shift felt like a natural next step. Now, as a dedicated deckhand, he brings a wealth of experience, a strong work ethic, and a passion for exceptional service.

Arthur thrives on creating unforgettable experiences for guests, ensuring they can fully immerse themselves in the moment, enjoy breathtaking destinations, and make lasting memories with the people around them. Life is already complicated—his goal is to make time onboard feel effortless, luxurious, and extraordinary.

In his free time, you’ll find Arthur on the basketball court, listening to music, or taking on the challenge of fixing things that "can’t be fixed." Whether it's fine-tuning yacht operations or enhancing a guest's experience, he’s always up for making things better.