Captain – Johan Harris – South African / American
Working professionally across the globe and logging over 100,000 nautical miles, Johan’s experience spans everything from sailboats to superyachts. His upbringing in Mossel Bay, South Africa culminated his love for the ocean, and he has progressively turned this passion for the sea into an established career. When away from the helm Johan enjoys reading, home renovations, and collecting beautiful classic cars. His knowledge, extensive experience, patience and calm personality create a unique atmosphere on the yacht that encourages you to feel relaxed and make the most out of your holiday.
Chief Officer – Dan Baker – British
With over twenty years’ experience as a seafarer, Dan maintains a strong affection for the sea and all things nautical. His interests onboard lie particularly in navigation and meteorology, and off the boat you will likely find him outdoors enjoying nature. His resourceful range of skills and interests include literature, dog training, fishing, cycling, golf and property renovation. Dan would like to share with you the splendours of our magnificent seas and welcomes you onboard.
Second Officer – Rob Butcher – British
Rob has spent more than a decade working on boats and is a dependable asset to our program. He completed his studies in Nautical Sciences at the Warsash Maritime Academy and aims to continue his nautical education by working towards achieving his Master Marina credentials. He is a professional who prioritizes the safety and comfort of our guests onboard.
Bosun – Russell Ross – South African / British
Coming from Cape Town, South Africa, Russell grew up on the beach surfing, diving and fishing. It comes as no surprise that after a successful corporate career in London he decided to return to his roots and establish a life on the water. With an accomplished background in leadership, Russell guides our Deck department with skill, confidence and fun. Russell promises to surpass all of your vacation expectations and provide a memorable experience that will last a lifetime.
Lead Deckhand – Zaniel Visser – South African
Zaniel proudly claims the title of “water extremist” and possesses a love of the water both above and below the surface. His many infatuations include wakeboarding, trick ski, jump ski, water skiing, jet skiing and fishing. He enjoys living an active, healthy lifestyle, and is sure to provide our guests with a laugh. Zaniels enthusiasm for exploring new activities will ensure an exciting trip onboard!
Deckhand – Hamish Hathorn - South African
Hamish has been in the industry for almost three years. He comes from South Africa but has travelled the globe extensively. Due to his adventurous spirit and range of experience, he confidently adapts to the exciting challenges of yachting. Hamish’s enthusiastic attitude and positive mind-set are infectious, and he looks forward to sharing the energy with you onboard.
Deckhand – Philip Roodt – South African
Philip grew up in Durban on the South Coast of South Africa where he got involved in the maritime industry. He joined the yachting industry after completing high school in 2018. After building up experience and crossing the Atlantic multiple times he certainly knew that this was the right decision and choice of career.
Deckhand – Dean Bowman – South African
Dean was born in Stutterheim, South Africa. Straight after school he decided to leave home and began working on yachts at a young age. Growing up on a farm, Dean has a natural love for the outdoors. He enjoys diving, running and water sports in his free time.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On-Board Chefs
Head Chef – Dennis Maroudas – South African
Dennis’ passion for cooking has taken him all over the world, exploring and working in incredible places and gaining inspiration from the exciting people he’s met along the way. Dennis loves to travel and discover new places, especially ones less travelled. If there’s wind or waves, Dennis will more than likely be kitesurfing or surfing and loves to share his passion for outdoor activities and extreme sports with others. Dennis is a family man and the very proud father of a beautiful little girl!
Sous Chef – Rezuan Rashid – Malaysian
Raised in Kuala Lumpur – the heart of Malaysia – Rezuan trained professionally as a Chef through the International Management Institute of Switzerland, receiving his diploma in 2005. His 15-year career within the hospitality industry has allowed him to pursue his passion for food and, through this, has helped develop his knowledge and appreciation of regional cuisines. His worldwide work experience includes luxury hotels and restaurants, cruise liners, and super yachts. In his free time, Rezuan enjoys playing sports such as football, skiing and scuba diving.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interior Department
Purser – Maria Karabova – Slovakian
Maria was born and raised in Slovakia. Upon completion of her Masters in Marketing and Management, she worked and travelled around the United States before relocating to London. Maria has circumnavigated the world and toured destinations such as Norway, Galapagos, Central America, South Pacific, Caribbean, Australasia, and Europe. She has eight years experience working on yachts, a profound love of travel, and possesses a natural talent for destination management. Maria puts all of her energy into researching local entertainment and organizing activities for our guests. Her main focus is to ensure you receive an experience to remember.
Chief Stewardess – Kait Barkai – South African / Israeli
Kait grew up in Cape Town, South Africa where her childhood revolved around her passion, horse riding. She rode competitively until she graduated from high school, where she switched the saddle for books at University. After completing an Undergraduate Degree, Kait had a brief stint in Marketing before deciding to leave home and join the yachting industry five years ago. Her experience so far has led her all over the Mediterranean, across the Atlantic Ocean and amongst the Caribbean Islands. In her spare time Kait loves to ride, dive, hike and experience new cuisine in the different countries she travels to.
2nd Stewardess – Louise Collier – South African
Coming from a large matriarchal family background in a quieter part of South Africa, Louise grew spent her childhood sailing and rowing competitively on weekends. She’s since called Bahrain, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth home in different roles before joining the yachting industry in 2014. Louise most enjoys the ability to get creative at work and appreciates the exposure yachting offers to aesthetics, art, and fine interior decorating - a skill she hopes to pick up and pursue as a career post-yachting.
3rd Stewardess – Michelle Waugh – British
Originally born in Johannesburg, South Africa Michelle was drawn to her family’s heritage and moved to the UK. After working at a high-end hotel as a senior spa therapist for a few years, Michelle decided to travel the USA and shortly after, started her yachting career. Michelle will soon be laying roots back down in her Scottish heritage and buying her first home where her aspiration for a horse farm will become a reality in years to follow.
Stewardess – Victoria Boards – British
Victoria studied graphic design in school and enjoys that working on yachts fits together with her interest in interiors. Victoria enjoys reading, writing, and morning walks with a good cup of tea. She is passionate about her career and strives to deliver a high level of service, helping to ensure the guests have the most pleasurable time on
Stewardess – Rebecca Smith – British
Rebecca is from North Wales, where she resides with her family. Her brother introduced her to the world of yachting in 2020, when she quickly took to a life at sea. Rebecca has cruised Italy, France, and Croatia, and hopes to visit many new places in the future. Using her varied land-based hospitality work experience, Rebecca hopes to build a successful career within yachting over the next few years, before potentially pursuing her childhood dream of becoming a Police Officer in her post-stewardess life ashore.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Engineering Department
Rotational Chief Engineer – Greg Hinks – British
Greg hails from Poole, South of England. At the age of 16, he started a 4-year marine engineering apprenticeship constructing and testing various yachts. His knowledge and 12 years of experience in marine engineering make Greg a valuable member onboard. He leads the Engineering department to ensure systems and critical equipment are running smoothly.
Rotational Chief Engineer – Georgi Kostadinov – Bulgarian
From a very young age Georgi developed a profound enthusiasm for vessels of all sorts. The son of a Chief Officer on a large bulk vessel, Georgi first stepped on to a ship at the age of four. He has since spent almost the entirety of his life working at sea, where he feels most fulfilled. Since completing his studies in Marine Engineering and Navigation, Georgi has devoted over 20 years to the maritime industry.
Rotational Second Engineer – Alex Stones – British
Alex began his career on boats after completing a marine engineering cadetship through a commercial shipping company. After working for five years in commercial shipping, he made the transition to yachts and hasn’t looked back. Alex loves all sports but mainly football, rugby and golf. He lives in his hometown of Newport in Southern Wales, where he enjoys spending time with his two-year-old daughter and his partner.
Rotational Second Engineer –Brendan Ferec – French
Brendan was born in Brittany in France. For generations his family has worked in the merchant navy, so it was natural for him to pursue a career as a marine engineer. For the past ten years he has worked on various yachts, obtaining his Y3 license and continuing to progress in the industry. In his spare time Brendan enjoys exploring new places and cultivating his interests in language and photography.
Assistant Engineer – Jessica Rosenfels – South African
Jessica grew up on a beautiful farm in Zimbabwe. She has always possessed an adventurous spirit and completed her master’s degree studying onboard a vessel in the Southern Ocean. This experience discovering Antarctica inspired Jessica so explore a life at sea, ultimately leading her into the engineering department as Assistant Engineer. She has a great character and provides a presence on the yacht that keeps everyone at ease.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electro-Technical & AV / IT Specialist – Mike Aston-Smith - British
Originally joining the yachting industry as a deckhand, Mike found himself drawn more towards the AV/IT side of things after consistently solving technical issues onboard. He then took some time away from boats to focus on his qualifications and experience as an AV & Networking Installation Engineer before returning to the industry to pursue that side of things. Mike is easily approachable, outgoing, extremely driven and eager to accomplish any challenge he encounters. An avid F1 enthusiast, he also enjoys rugby, scuba diving, snowboarding and surfing. Mike takes great pride in maintaining a smooth-running tech system onboard for our guests.
