CAPTAIN – STEVEN FRENCH
Certificates/Education: Marketing Degree, Master 500, Chief Mate 3000
Languages: English
Steven aka “Frenchie” grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. He spent most of his late teenage years playing professional rugby for the Natal Sharks in Durban and enjoying water sports with family and friends. Steven has a deep passion for hospitality and turned his focus to the yachting industry in 2007 where he started his career as a junior deckhand on large Superyacht, 235’ KOGO in the Mediterranean. Steven spent eight years on this vessel and traveled the world while systemically working his way up to Chief Officer. Steven has also worked onboard 269’ ALPHA NERO, 153’ DAYBREAK, 126’ T-ZERO, and more. Steven is now focused on running his own program as Captain. He has a wealth of Maritime experience in building a strong foundation and guiding daily activities of the vessel to ensure the ultimate enjoyment and safety onboard. Steven has a relaxed but firm attitude and is confident with guests so they have the best experience while upholding the vision and goals set forth by the owner and charter guests, forging transparent and honest relationships with the crew, owners, clients, and management. Steven has a passion for fitness and healthy lifestyles.
CHIEF STEWARDESS – FRANCESCA BUCKLEY
Certificates: Diploma in English Writing & English literature, Wset Level 2 Award in Wines, Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training 200hour and Advanced Vinyasa 500hr Yoga teacher Training
Languages: English, Spanish
Francesca grew up by the ocean on the south east of England in a small fishing town. Francesca first stepped into the yachting scene eight years ago after working in hospitality since the age of 13. Between her love for the service industry and being by the water, yachting seemed like the perfect fit. Francesca’s strong passion for her job means she aIways carries a smile on her face completing service with such detail and care. Francesca has also worked on 220’ VERTIGO, 214’ DOUBLE DOWN, 170’ LIGHTNING, 124’ MONACO, and more. Additionally, she worked onboard a world traveling charter yacht where she did two years around the world cruising destinations such as Europe, Asia, America, South Pacific, South America, Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Bahamas, Seychelles and many more. Her favorite charter destination has always been the Bahamas due to its diversity and ability to meet every guest’s needs.
Francesca enjoys yoga, hiking, running and anything to do with the ocean. She can’t wait to give guests an unforgettable experience onboard 130’ SWEET ESCAPE.
SECOND STEWARDESS – BRITTANY WILLIAMSON
Languages: English, Conversational American Sign Language
Brittany was born in Fort Brag, North Carolina but grew up in Southern Ohio with her two younger sisters. Her passion for the ocean started from taking frequent trips to Sanibel Island, FL while growing up. Brittany started boating four years ago due to the curiosity that arose after talking to a friend in the industry. Prior to entering yachting, she worked as a scribe in the Emergency Department in different hospitals throughout Ohio and Florida. For many years, Brittany also worked as a server and bartender and has also done administrative assistant work. Brittany carries with her an uncanny ability to see the bigger picture and execute calmly and professionally. She assures a smooth and enjoyable trip every time she’s aboard a vessel. Aside from 130’ SWEET ESCAPE, Brittany has also worked onboard 105’ OUTTA TOUCH, 82’ WINKY ONE, 72’ ALMOST DONE and others.
In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, exploring the outdoors, fishing, snorkeling and spending time at the beach. Brittany would like the charter guests to get out of their experience everything they had hoped, expected, and envisioned. As she likes to say, “It is not my intention to satisfy or please my guests, it is my intention to amaze them.”
THIRD STEW / Dive Master: HAILEY ALBURY
BAHAMAS
Hailey was born and raised in the Bahamas and has a passion for the sea. She is a qualified marine engineer as well as a highly experienced PADI Dive Instructor. Her passion for diving and all things underwater is coupled with a love of fishing and traveling. Having lived in and worked in the yachting industry all her life she is an adept yachtie with a can-do attitude. With Hailey active both on-deck and in the interior, her charming smile quickly becomes a welcome familiarity with our guests. Her long-term goal is to become a yacht captain.
CHEF- WARREN CARNEY
COMING SOON!
FIRST MATE - LEE COUVE
Education/Certificates: 3 Year International Marketing Management, Yacht Master 200 ton
Languages: English, Zulu
Lee grew up on a farm near the coast in Durban, South Africa. He used to bass fish and hunt on the windy days, and on better days spent his time surfing and fishing on the warm Indian Ocean. Before joining the yachting industry in 2013, he studied full time and worked a few small side jobs doing promotions and barmen. Onboard Lee ensures the safety of guests and crew, maintenance of decks and safety gear, watersports, and navigation. He has sailed the whole east coast of the States from Canada to Belize as well as the Mediterranean. Lee has mainly worked on busy charter/private motor yachts including 190’ SEAWOLF, 164’ OCEAN CLUB, 149’ AMORAZUR 2 130’ PLAN A, and others.
In his spare time Lee enjoys surfing, fishing, working out, and working on modules to get his Marshall Island 350 license. Lee can’t wait to welcome you aboard 130’ SWEET ESCAPE for a life changing experience.
ENGINEER – KYLE
Education/Certificates: Skippers Ticket, Divemaster, AEC1&2, Class B Captains License
Languages: English, Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans
Kyle grew up in a small town called Margate on the east coast of South Africa. He lived on a farm with a beach that was just three short minutes away. He has a twin sister and four other siblings. Growing up so close to the beach he learned to surf and dive at a young age, which is where his love for the ocean began. At 18, Kyle acquired his Skippers ticket. From there he worked on Disney's private island in the Bahamas. He first worked as a life guard and soon after as a boat captain for a little over three years. After this, he moved into yachting where his interest in the engineering department blossomed. Kyle has an unmatched work ethic which compliments the fantastic crew onboard that is committed to doing whatever it takes to make memories and dreams come true. He is able to teach snorkeling, jet skiing, and many other water activities to guests who are trying for the first time. Aside from 130’ SWEET ESCAPE, Kyle has also worked onboard 262’ EXCELLENCE, 208’ MOCA, 182’ AXIS, 144’ MIM, and more.
In his spare time Kyle enjoys watersports such as shark diving, surfing, and spear fishing. He is ready to provide an experience of a lifetime that keeps guests coming right back for more.
DECKHAND – GUSTAV VON MANSBERG
Education: Tender Opps, Deckhand Course, PWC, Radar, Radio and Powerboat level 2
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Gustav aka “Goose,” grew up in a town called Vanderbjilpark in Gauteng, South Africa with his three siblings. Prior to joining the yachting industry, he was doing draughtsman work for his uncles' company starting at the early age of 16. He has since been in yachting for just over two years after taking his cousins advice that it wasn’t worth studying something that he would never enjoy. Gustav is responsible for making sure all charter guests are safe while enjoying every moment outside. If there is a water toy requested, Gustav will have it in working order. He has also worked on 164’ CHASING DAYLIGHT and 108’ BAD ROMANCE and hopes to become an Officer on a motor yacht one day.
When you can’t find Gustav on the exterior of the boat, you can find him working out, skating, longboarding, exploring new places, doing videography and photography or watersports. Gustav wants guests to fully enjoy the whole experience of the exterior, providing an adventure like no other.
