Aqua Life

CAPTAIN ADRIAN

I started yachting 15 years ago after working in the fishing industry for a period of time, but the calling of the ocean started when I was still learning to walk. My father was a commander in the South African Navy and in his days as a little boy could be found jumping from boat to boat, wreaking havoc in the navy yard with a small platoon of men and women chasing after me!
I have been very fortunate to have traveled to some incredible and remote places in my career with the likes of the Maldives, South East Asia, and the Galapagos archipelago. I am a marine engineer by trade but a few years ago decided that I could do a better job of running a yacht, so I went off and got my Captain’s license. I have successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, South China Sea and Pacific Ocean multiple times. I was awarded the charter captain of the year in 2019 whilst I was Captain onboard a large, beautiful, extreme watersports-based charter catamaran called Cartouche. I also raced inflatable power boats and was world champion in 2008.
I am a diver, surfer and a kite surf instructor. In my spare time I enjoy reading and making up excuses to not go on early morning runs with Chanelle.

CHEF CHANELLE

As the person ultimately responsible for all yummy things onboard and for providing superior hospitality service to meet the owner’s and guests’ expectations, I also play the role of deckhand, entertainer, and professional dolphin spotter.
Unlike my famous screenwriter’s namesake, the leading character will not be killed off in this story. I am a culinary-trained galley wizard being able to whip up anything from delicious eggs Benedict to delectable desserts with everything in between!
I grew up on a wine farm in South Africa and I’m one of three girls, being the Tomboy of the family, I
never shied away from hard, honest, and dirty work helping my father. My family comes from a farming background, mostly sheep farmers. I have the eyes of a hawk when it comes to detail and pride myself on time management and attentiveness. I am forever learning and pushing myself and have a never-say-never attitude. My hobbies are sheep wrestling, discovering new recipes and dishes and my latest vice is dragging Adi on torturous early morning runs. I’m a fitness addict!!

MATE GIDEON

From as far back as I can remember, my heart has always belonged to the ocean. Growing up around boats and spending countless weekends fishing instilled in me a deep love for maritime life. For the past five years, I’ve poured my soul into racing offshore Thundercats—a pursuit that ignites my spirit like no other. When I’m not tearing through waves on my race boat, you’ll find me casting lines on a fishing vessel, soaking in every moment of the sea’s embrace.
Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to work on yachts, diving headfirst into the world I’ve always dreamed of. Those months were transformative, shaping me and deepening my understanding of yacht operations. The experience I gained was priceless, fueling my determination to pursue a career where the sea is my office and the horizon my playground. With each adventure, I’m one step closer to living out my maritime dreams.

STEWARDESS KLARESE