Captain: Gerrit Cloete
Gerrit grew up in Bethlehem, South-Africa and at age 22 decided to pursue a career at sea, far from the farm life he was raised on. His yachting career began in 2005 where he took his first job as a deckhand. Gerrit’s hard work and dedication saw him quickly move up the ranks and in 2007, he obtained his First Officer license. During his career, he has worked on many private and charter yachts throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, USA, Bahamas, Africa and Panama. Gerrit has extensive cruising and local knowledge and has contacts in each of these regions. In 2018, he obtained his MCA Master 3000 license and immediately took his first Captain’s position aboard M/Y Skyfall, cruising the Bahamas then crossing the Atlantic from Florida to Monaco.
Outside of yachting, Gerrit’s entrepreneurship has involved a Life Saving App, the establishment of a lion breeding farm and real estate, in South-Africa. Gerrit is a dedicated, hardworking professional who motivates and leads a professional and fun-loving crew. He strives to always ensure the safety of his crew, guests and the vessel. His hobbies are golf, rugby and entrepreneurship.
Previous yachts: Inspiration, Daybreak, Domani, De Ja Vu, Huntress, Skyfall, Rhino, Top Five
First Mate: Remmert De Beer
Remmert grew up in a small town inland of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, called Aberdeen. He left South Africa to work in London with a few friends where he first heard of yachting. He started his career on the high seas back in 2010 and hasn’t looked back since! He has been lucky enough to sail the UAE, Mediterranean, East Coast of USA, all the way to Chicago and then onto the Great Lakes. Remmert’s passion for the water and years of experience in yachting ensure a fun and memorable time onboard.
In his spare time, Remmert loves a game of golf, rugby or fishing! He also enjoys taking on the role of chef as the ‘braai master’ as South African’s say – he braai’s a good steak!
Previous Yachts: Rockit, Rhino
Chief Engineer: Stephanus du Plessis
Born in the small-town farming community of Heilbron, South Africa, Steph grew up working closely with the land. An avid animal lover, he had always imagined himself to become a vet. However, as time passed, he began to work with various machinery on the farm and found that it was the engines that truly intrigued him. Before long, he was consumed by the engineering world and his passion and drive to pursue it as a full-time career outgrew farm life. He travelled across the world to the United States where he obtained his Y3 chief engineer’s license allowing him to travel while pursuing his passion. Steph has a calm and collected nature, which allows him to thrive in high-pressure situations.
During your time aboard, you’ll most likely find him in the engine room, ensuring everything is in perfect working order. Steph offers a wealth of
knowledge as well as engine room tours, don’t hesitate to request one! When not at sea, Steph lives in sunny West Palm with his wife and his four dogs.
Previous Yachts: Paramour, Deep Blue, Sink or Swim, Unbridled, Top Five
Chef: Gary Goslin
As a South African native, Gary’s passion for diverse cuisines started early as he was exposed to numerous cultures. Gaining professional experience at the Institute for Hospitality Education, Gary’s career quickly brought him to London where he worked in the oldest restaurant and under celebrity chef John Torode. From London, Gary travelled across Africa learning traditional dishes and eventually landed in the Caribbean and USA. He has spent the last 7 years working on motor yachts. He continues to challenge himself with new dishes and wants nothing more than for his guests to have the ultimate culinary experience.
His hobbies are golf, fishing, and spending time with his new wife and their two Labradors.
Previous Yachts: Beach Front, Unforgettable, Amarula Sun, Excellence, Rhino
Chief Stewardess: Sian McGrady
Sian was born in Johannesburg South Africa and spent her teenage years in Zimbabwe, where she completed her schooling. She then went on to complete a two-year diploma in Health and Beauty therapy. As part of her gap year, she went and worked as a camp counselor/lifeguard in Minnesota before deciding to follow her dreams of further travel around the world. She spent three years working on various cruise liners and ended her cruise ship career doing a world cruise onboard Cunard QM2. For the last 12 years, Sian has been working onboard Private and heavy charter yachts ranging from 45-82m. A few years ago, she completed an intense internationally recognized Butler Course at the British Butler Institute in London. Sian looks forward to welcoming you onboard MI AMORE.
In her spare time Sian loves to read, socialize with friends and try new restaurants
Previous Yachts: Alpha Nero, Azteca, Golden Eagle, MySky, Apricity, One More Toy
Second Stewardess: Jenna Riley
Jenna was born in Durban, South Africa. From a young age, Jenna absolutely loved the ocean and spending time outdoors. During her time in school, Jenna found a love for tourism, travel and people, so she carried this on after school and completed a degree in tourism. After completing her degree, she could hardly wait to travel and meet new people. So, what better way to do this other than in yachting? Jenna loves exploring new places and she has sailed in the Mediterranean and Caribbean so far in her career.
In her spare time, Jenna loves being outdoors and enjoys going for long walks and runs or lounging on a beautiful beach.
Previous Yachts: Malandrino, Living the Dream, Skyfall
Third Stewardess: Siena Jones
Siena was born in Southampton England and lived in Mallorca Spain. She then moved to South Africa where she lived out her teenage years. Siena grew up sailing and competing on dinghies and she has achieved first girl at laser nationals. Siena comes from a yachting background with her dad being a yacht Captain and Is excited to follow in his steps.
In her spare time, she likes sailing and any water sports, horse-riding and is a big fan of formula 1.
Previous Yachts: Rum Jungle
Bosun: Albert Van Zyl
Albert, also known as Albie, was born in Pretoria, South Africa and spent his childhood growing up in the heart of the bush, the wild countryside. Following the completion of his degree in Industrial Sociology, Albie immigrated to the States 3 years ago and has fallen in love with his new country. Albie dreams of becoming a captain in the future. He currently holds an Approved Engine Course and a 200 ton Captains license, and is working towards his Officer Of the Watch certification.
A love for travelling, the ocean and interacting with guests has led Albie to his dream job! In his free time, he loves experiencing new cigars and collecting his favorites as well as a keen interest in watches. On the weekends, he enjoys watching and playing soccer.
Previous Yachts: Top Five
Deckhand: Stephan Venter
Stephan is from a small town in the Eastern Cape of South Africa called Graaf Reinet. He loves the outdoors and found his love for the Ocean from a young age.
He has been working in the hotel Industry for eight years in Qatar, France and West Africa. Having been in the hospitality sector for quite some time, it has been an easy transition into the yachting industry. Stephan is friendly and always has a big smile on his face.
When not on the golf course Stephan keeps himself occupied with a variety of activities, his favorites being fishing, watching rugby and socializing with friends around a good old South African Braai.
He ultimately wants to become a Captain and Mi Amore is his home to start his journey towards his goal.
His hobbies are golf, fishing and watching rugby.
Previous yachts: Mi Amore
