BELLACHA Privatyacht

Danny has always loved sailing, it’s in his blood. As a small child he was inspired by his Dad. Sailing was a passion they both shared. He recalls, “I started dinghy sailing aged eight, when Dad purchased a mirror dinghy kit that we built together. We started to race together right away.” No doubt, this close bond with his Dad led to his enjoyment in having kids on board today. He says he loves their energy. “Happy kids and happy parents.”

Danny’s nautical accomplishments began early. He was a keen racer in the Enterprise dinghy class, youth division and won many events. At 14, he became the UK Youth National Champion. He went on to enjoy a naval career in the UK Merchant Navy as a Marine Engineer. He attended Leith Nautical College, Edinburgh, Scotland and UKSA in Cowes, obtaining naval engineering and sailing qualifications, respectively.

In addition to a remarkable navy career, Danny is a professionally qualified yacht captain with a commercial endorsement and 30 years of experience. He has captained private sailing yachts, catamarans and charter yachts. He was a Flotilla Captain for eight summer seasons in Turkey and Greece. The Ionian Islands are favorite cruising grounds. He’s definitely a serious sailor, but he’s also funny, enthusiastic, energetic and fun. He is a gentle instructor for those who want to learn something new, and a delightfully entertaining host.

Danny and his wife Lisa are both highly experienced in the marine industry. From 1995-2005 they operated their own charter sailing yacht, an Irwin 52, in Turkey, Greece, Montenegro and Croatia .Since 2005, they’ve worked together as professional yacht crew for private owners in the Mediterranean and the Pacific. Today, they are thrilled to host charters aboard their beautiful, Italian-built, custom-designed, 70’ sloop, BELLACHA.