FRANK LOPRESTE
Frank Lo Preste is a captain and owner of the Royal Polaris. Born in 1943, he began working as a deckhand at the age of eight years old, earning three dollars per day. He worked as a deckhand on the Clemente, San Mateo, Frontier and Sea Raider. He earned his captain’s license at the age of 21, and ran his first vessel in 1965. In all, he has run ten vessels, including the Sport (1965-66), Sea Horse (1967), Fury (1967), Patrician (1968-70), Webfoot (1971), Prowler (1971), Searcher 1 (1971-74), Nova (1975-76), Cape Polaris (1974-77), and Royal Polaris (1978-present).
Frank is the proud father of three children, Danielle, Gina, and Tony, and grandfather to five wonderful grandchildren. He is married to Kathy Rounds LoPreste. He enjoys fishing and relaxing with his wife and kids. He has a degree from St. Mary’s College, where he graduated in 1965.
JONATHAN YAMATE
Jonathan Yamate is a captain and owner of the Royal Polaris. He grew up fishing with his dad and grandfather and according to his family he could fish before he could walk. Jonathan began working on the Royal Polaris in 2002 and worked on the boat during the summers while he was in high school and college. After he graduated from the University of California Irvine in 2009 he began working full time.
Jonathan enjoys flyfishing, skiing, hunting, hiking, running, reading, cooking, his black lab Rowdy and spending time with his family.
His work ethic, fishiness, leadership, calm demeanor and sense of humor are all traits people enjoy when being on the boat with Jonathan.
TREVON JESTER
Trevon is a captain aboard the Royal Polaris and started working on the Royal Polaris in 2019. I enjoy being of service every day and fishing hard. It’s important to me to be learning every day I’m out here. When I’m off the boat I’m most likely out fishing and exploring elsewhere. The Royal Polaris has become a huge part of my life and I’m proud to be a part of this operation.
EDDIE FALARCA
Eddie was born in the Philippines and came to the U.S. when he was 8 years old. Eddie started working on the Morning Star in 1994. He came to the Royal Polaris in 2000 and except fo a 6 month hiatus to fish commercial albacore has made the R.P. his home.
Eddie is extremely well liked by all of our passengers and his fishing skills are amazing. When we are on the fishing grounds you will find Eddie on top of the wheelhouse or in the crows nest always looking for bird schools, breezers or flat spots. He has amazing eyes and is very fishy.
DOUG MCCONNAUGHEY
Doug started with the Royal Polaris in 2014 and earned his USCG Ocean Operators License in 2017.Doug spent many years as a cabinet maker and also loved working with machinery he now services as one our engineers and he can also double up and be one of our chiefs as he as always enjoyed creating great dishes. He is an excellent fisherman and often spends his time off fishing on the Shogun.
ANDY LLOYD
I am a native San Diegan who was raised enjoying the beach, lakes, mountains, and the ocean. My soul was captured by the ocean at a young age, starting with surfing and fishing Crystal pier almost daily for many hours. From the pier my sights grew further out to the open ocean. Eventually, this led to the only place I wanted to ever be, pin heading on the San Diego or New Seaforth. From there life led me to Humboldt State for a year. Being in a “funk” away from fishing I knew only deck handing could pull me out of this situation. I have worked for a few of the greats in the industry; Captain David Ikeda on the Endeavor, and Norm Kagawa and Bruce Smith on the Shogun and now Frank Lo Preste on the Royal Polaris. I acquired my hundred-ton captains license in June 2012 and worked some lobster fishing seasons with David. I got to experience a season of commercial albacore fishing with John, which was a four-month experience one could never imagine nor forget. With fishing being my lifelong pursuit, and what I love doing, I have had some other interests. When I can I enjoy gardening, mainly growing vegetables and fruits, yoga, camping, hiking, biking, snowboarding, concerts, and working on and fishing on my own boat. I took some welding classes and found that it gave me a great feeling of accomplishment. I ended up with enough skill to work for my older brother, who has his own welding business. I have many interests, but number one is my love for the ocean and fishing. There’s always an opportunity to learn, have fun, and get excited!!
GREG BROWN
Greg Brown also known as "GB" began fishing at an early age and by the age of 23 was a commercial fisherman in the San Francisco Bay Area. Greg started his Sport Fishing career in Northern California on the Berkeley K Dock in 2000. For most of his career he was a solo deck hand working with as many as 40 passengers, helping people catch Halibut, Striped Bass, Salmon, Rockfish & Ling Cod and Albacore. Very animated and social, Greg made a lot of friends with many passengers and most of the Tackle shops in his area, with his positive and often funny fishing stories. His positive energy, willingness to learn, friendly smile and hard work ethic have got him to this point of his career, a deckhand with a captain's license aboard the Royal Polaris.
CHRIS GARCIA
Chris Garcia is a deckhand aboard the Royal Polaris. Born and raised in Dana Point, California, he began working on sportsboats in Dana Point Harbor at the age of 12. At 20, he obtained his captain’s license and was chief engineer and part-time captain aboard the long-range sportfisher, the Royal Star.
Chris has a degree in mechanical engineering, and owns an electrical company, Earth First Lighting. He enjoys nature, traveling the world, and living life well.
TOMMY MILES
Also known as “Gunny” is a San Diego native. Tommie began his sport fishing career in 2002 after serving 21 years in the United States Marine Corps. Retired as a Gunnery Sergeant and having a love for fishing began working on the 3/4 day boat “ San Diego “ for four years. During which he acquired his 100 ton Master License and spent the next six years working long range on the “Shogun”.
Tommie then joined the Polaris Supreme which he spent the next five years working. Tommie joined the Royal Polaris in the spring of 2017. With his expert skills, knowledge and excellent customer service he is a great addition to the Royal Polaris. On his time off he enjoys camping, hunting, shooting, bowling and of course fishing.
FRANK TELLES
I am Frank Telles, the Executive Chef on board the legendary Royal Polaris. It is a great pleasure to be here. I grew up in Oceanside California. I have a wonderful wife and 2 daughters so far. I enjoy fishing and I love to cook but my main hobbies are Bodyboarding, and training Brazillian Jiu Jitsu. I help to coach at Alliance Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in my hometown. Cooking has brought me to many places in life so that I may continue my hobbies. I absolutely love riding waves and being in the water. The adventures this boat takes me on are memories I will never forget. I am proud to be the Executive Chef on the world class Royal Polaris.
DAVID CONDE
David Conde was born and raised in San Diego. I liked watching my mother cook when it as young, so I decided I would give it a try. Turns out I can cook a little bit. I've been fishing my whole life so working on the RP is the right fit for me. I'm happy to be a part of a great team and looking forward to getting on the water with them every trip. Biter!
DAMON CRUZ
Damon Cruz is a chef aboard the Royal Polaris.
Born and raised in Point Loma, California, he began working in local restaurants at the age of 16 years old. Before that Damon enjoyed cooking with his parents and grandparents. He has taken part in many restaurant openings and has enjoyed catering work for Crown Point and the French Gourmet. Damon loves the ocean, nature, traveling and living a simple life with his wife and family.
MONICA ADAMS
Monica has been a part of the Royal Polaris team since 2012. As Office Manager, she handles all things reservations, check-in, bookkeeping, HR and making sure you catch lots of fish (jk- she can do a lot, but that’s our captain’s job). When she’s not at work, you can find her practicing yoga at the beach, trying out new recipes or out and about with her Black lab, Bodhi.