BELUGA

Name: Josh Hunter
Position: Captain
Nationality: New Zealand
Description: Josh has harnessed his passion into a profession, earning a reputation among superyachts in Tropical North Queensland thanks to his extensive knowledge and expertise. Originally from New Zealand, Josh combines years of engineering, boat and fishing experience to deliver a bespoke charter experience as Captain of M.Y. Beluga, and previously M.Y. Flying Fish. Whether it’s river fishing, reef bottom fishing, or trolling for Tropical North Queensland’s iconic game fish, Josh ensures every adventure is as rewarding as it is memorable. Alongside managing the safe and efficient operation of BELUGA, he also serves as an expert fishing guide, helping guests achieve the catch of a lifetime or source fresh, locally caught seafood for bespoke dining on board. Between fishing excursions, Josh leads guests to explore secluded islands and pristine sandy beaches, creating unforgettable journeys tailored to every charter.

Name: Jarrod Concollato
Position: First Mate
Nationality: Australian
Description: Originally from the coastal town of Cape Paterson in Victoria, Jarrod brings both technical skill and a deep passion for the ocean to his role as First Mate aboard M.Y. Beluga. With over six years of experience in the maritime industry, Jarrod is responsible for the vessel’s general maintenance as well as the safe operation of onboard systems and equipment. Jarrod’s journey began with studies in marine biology at university in Townsville, which led to his first sea-time aboard a prawn trawler in the Coral Sea. He went on to work aboard a 113-metre mining transfer vessel for P&O Maritime, operating cranes, heavy machinery, and a 30-metre hydraulic boom. At just 19, he purchased and refitted his own 12-metre 1977 sloop, Pelagicus, which sparked his connection to the maritime community. Since then, he has completed delivery work on vessels such as M.Y. True Blue and M.Y. New Journey, including international voyages and a remote stay in Papua New Guinea, where he lived with a local family, spearfishing and living from the sea.


Name: Jess Thackray
Position: Chief Stewardess
Nationality: Australian
Description: Originally from Cairns, Jess grew up immersed in marine life and the Great Barrier Reef. With a captain for a father and parents who ran a scuba diving business, life on the water came naturally, shaping her deep love for the ocean from a young age.
Before stepping into the world of yachting, she built a strong background in marine tourism along the Great Barrier Reef, working aboard reef vessels and charter boats throughout North Queensland. After years of eyeing down the superyachts in the marina, it was only a matter of time before she stepped onboard one and turned it into a rewarding career. Jess thrives on creating memorable, personalised experiences for charter guests. She has a passion for dive-focused charters and tropical cruising, particularly around the east coast of Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the South Pacific, where engaging with local communities and village life adds something truly special to each trip. Her love for the ocean extends beyond work. Off duty, Jess enjoys scuba diving, yoga, hiking, and just about any outdoor adventure that keeps her close to nature.

Name: Acacia Ott
Position: Stewardess
Nationality: American
Description: Acacia brings a passion for adventure and hospitality both above and below the waterline. As a Master Reef Guide, dive instructor, and snorkel guide, she ensures guests experience the Great Barrier Reef with knowledge. Originally from Utah, Acacia has called Australia home since the age of 18, moving to Port Douglas with a dream of working on boats on the Great Barrier Reef. Acacia’s work experience spans dive boats, sailing yachts, and motor vessels— finding her in unique locations including the Whitsundays and Ribbon Reefs on board vessels including Mike Ball, Argo, and now, M.Y. Beluga. Her background in tourism and hospitality allows her to deliver enhanced guest experiences. Acacia’s hobbies, from snowboarding to underwater photography, reflect her adventurous spirit. Passionate about marine conservation, she dedicates her free time to volunteering with organizations like Marine Rescue, Surf Life Saving, Great Barrier Reef Legacy, and Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, contributing to the preservation of marine ecosystems.

Name: Christopher George
Position: Chief Engineer
Nationality: Australian
Description: Born and raised on the Sunshine Coast, QLD, Chris was found in the garage at 12 months old grasping a tyre iron and attempting to get it to the wheel of the car. Chris pursued an early career in the marine industry and has worked on a variety of vessels and industry sectors globally, ranging from commercial harvest diving to Master and engineer on passenger ferries and tugboats, to international superyacht crew on both sailing and motor yachts. He holds an ‘IYT Master of yachts 200tn’ certification, Australian ‘Master, class 5’, MED 2 and a Y3 Chief engineer certification. He has been in the superyacht industry for over 15 years, during which time he has acted as deck crew, Chief engineer and 2nd Engineer on a number of notable motor and sailing yachts including Pumula, Dragonfly, Jack’s Sin, Koo, Qing, Aquamarina, BaBa’s, Nero, Lunasea Heus and currently M.Y Beluga. Chris has a keen interest in flying sports, aviation, water sports and motor sports, and is regularly found skydiving, paragliding, surfing, sailing, motorbike riding and kiteboarding. Chris has a diverse home life exploring the world in his camper van or sailing yacht when not working onboard.