CAPTAIN: Brett Droste - South African
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Joined 2015
Captain Brett hails from South Africa, where growing up on his family’s farm evoked a true appreciation for the outdoors. Having worked his way up the ladder over a period of 12 years, by the time Brett joined MOONRAKER II he already had a vast knowledge of the yachting industry, and had extensive cruising experience not only in the Med, but also in Greece & Croatia as well as the US East Coast and the Bahamas.
Brett has a vibrant, energetic and determined nature and has worked hard to attain industry qualifications to include the Master 200 ton Offshore Limited OOW 500 ton license, G.M.D.S.S General Operator’s Certificate, Advanced Sea Survival, GSK (General ships knowledge), ISM safety officer, AEC approved engine course, Caterpillar 3500B/C diesel engine service training course, Jet Ski license, MCA yacht rating, Power boat level 2, VHF License, STCW95 and a PADI open water diving certificate, not to mention a certification in Sports Science specializing in sports coaching and administration and exercise physiology!
Brett likes to maintain a healthy lifestyle, so his spare time is generally dedicated to a great number of sports, both on land and sea.
Summer 2020 will be Brett’s 4th year on board M/Y Moonraker II and he looks forward to leading his longstanding crew, to provide charter guests with an amazing experience and lasting memories.
Previous Yachts: M/Y TRUSTFUND (45m), M/Y LARISA (45m) M/Y FAMILY DAY (65m) M/Y MAO (40m).
CHEF: Marthinus Van Der Merwe - South African
Languages: English
Joined Spring 2017
Marthinus found his love for cooking at the age of 13 years old, so upon completion of his apprenticeship, he set out to gain experience in the kitchens of five-star luxury establishments all over South Africa.
He joined the yachting industry in 2017 and immediately discovered that his versatile style, his knowledge of international cuisine and his capacity to adapt dishes to suit a vast array of dietary requirements thrilled his discerning charter guests.
His personality focuses on professionalism which allows him to work independently, while being a vital team player. Marthinus is open minded and caring and welcomes the opportunity to discuss menu plans while entertaining his guests with local and diverse cuisine.
When he isn’t tied to the galley – Marthinus enjoys activities to include, scuba diving, kits surfing and fishing.
Chief Stewardess - TBC
Position to be filled Spring 2020
1ST MATE: Joshua Harrison - New Zealander
Languages: English
Joined Spring 2020
Josh hails from New Zealand and like most “Kiwis” grew up with a passion for the water and the great outdoors in his blood.
Joining S/Y Montigne in 2009, his first taste of the yachting industry suited him well, and Josh knew that this would be his lasting career path. He moved gradually up the ladder, taking the necessary yachting examinations as he went along and at the same time gaining valuable navigation experience. Extensive cruising in the Mediterranean and the crossing of both the Atlantic and Indian oceans helped Josh understand that his positive attitude and being a strong team member was a real bonus.
Josh keeps his spare time busy too and never misses an opportunity to go scuba or free diving, wakeboarding or hiking!
Previous Yachts: M/Y Georgia (37m), S/Y Twizzle (60m), S/Y Blue Papillon (43m)
CHIEF ENGINEER: Willie Viljoen - South African
Languages: English
Joined Spring 2020
Passionate about electronic systems, programming and engines, Willie is constantly hungry for knowledge of the latest technologies and trends in the world of engineering! He confesses to excel with practical work and cope well under pressure and with his advanced computer network skills, his ability with audio/visual equipment, not to mention his experience in hospitality, Willie is a very “useful” asset to the crew of Moonraker II.
Since joining the yachting industry in 2012, Willie has accrued valuable experience on board different yachts, while cruising the Mediterranean, Greece, Egypt and Israel. In general, Willie’s engineer duties, keep him very busy, but when he is faced with free time – he loves to keep up with his hobbies of diving, underwater photography, hiking and canyoning… given a rainy day he puts his mind to computer programming, and electronic circuit design!
Previous Yachts: S/Y Better place (50m) S/Y Papillion (43M) M/Y taTii (41m)
