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Meet the Crew

your unforgettable journey starts here

John Butler

Captain

Captain John Butler holds a USCG Master license and has spent thirty five years at sea, in waters ranging from the Bearing Sea to the Mediterranean, which included Hawaiian and Atlantic passages. In his last nine years aboard Panache he has extensively cruised the west coast of Mexico, Sea of Cortez and California. His many years of training and experience in different waters have made him a respected figure in the maritime industry. With guest satisfaction and safety as Captain John’s top priorities, partnered with his willingness to please, your stay aboard Panache is sure to be unforgettable.

John’s Credentials Include:

  • USCG Master’s license 1600GT/3000 ITC upon oceans
  • USCG Master of sail 100GT upon Oceans
  • PADI Open Water Diver

Peter Horner

Rotation Captain

Born and raised in Baltimore, Peter decided at a very young age to experience life where the waves take him. In college, he spent a semester at sea studying onboard a vessel that visited various ports around the world. If that wasn’t enough to quench his thirst for travel, he spent another semester interning onboard a large sailing yacht which ultimately fueled his pursuit of a longterm career in the yachting industry. Since graduating from Lynchburg College in Virginia, he has worked on private sailing yachts including S/Y Woodwind and S/Y Kaori cruising to remote places around the world. He is an experienced fly fisherman, sailor and can make a mean sandwich.

Peter’s Credentials Include:

  • MCA Master of Yachts 200GT upon oceans
  • USCG Master’s License 100GT Near Coastal
  • PADI Rescue diver

Marco Martinez

Rotation Chef

Chef Marcos’ culinary aspirations began at the age of 15 while living in the Caribbean, where he often found himself taking the helm of the barbeque after a long day at the beach with friends. His interest in the culinary arts continued to develop, and in 1990, he embarked on the beginning of his formal training at the Culinary Hospitality Institute of Chicago. He remained in Chicago for the next decade, further developing his culinary abilities while working for a prominent restaurant corporation specializing in international cuisine.

His expertise in the culinary industry continued to flourish as he mastered the art of fine dining when he was appointed Executive Chef for Major League Baseball, and later, for the prestigious fivestar
resort, Paradise Point, in San Diego. From the clubhouse to the high profile events, Chef Marco utilized his diverse culinary training to redefine high profile dining, creating a unique culinary experience for those lucky enough to experience his talent. After fifteen years as an Executive Chef, Marco admits that he truly believes his place is in
the galley where he enjoys sharing his culinary techniques and recipes with guests on board. He believes in using only the freshest ingredients and is dedicated to providing an excellent personal culinary experience for each of his guests, earning him plenty of praise for his talent and technique.