Dean was born in Cape Town, South Africa surrounded by ocean and enjoying an abundance of wind. This started his ambition for sailing at the young age of six. He raced in a wide variety of South African Dinghies, winning both State and National Championships in various classes. From the age of sixteen, he started sailing and racing keelboats, competing in premier regattas around South Africa.
After completing school, Dean completed his National Service in the South African Defence Force and went on to study Graphic Design. After five years in his media role, he had become more technically inclined and took over the Apple IT position of the company that he worked in. He was then offered a trimming position for the Cape to Rio Transatlantic race and has been in the yachting industry ever since. Dean is very happy to help with any questions you have during your stay onboard.
Dean Pollard
Chief engineer
Nadine is from a small surfer’s paradise, Jeffrey’s Bay, a coastal town in South Africa known for its stunning beaches and laid-back vibe. Nadine is passionate about becoming a midwife, as she has always been drawn to supporting and empowering others during life’s most meaningful moments.
In her free time, Nadine enjoys scuba diving, listening to podcasts, reading, and experimenting in the kitchen. As a big foodie, Nadine loves exploring new restaurants and cuisines, always on the hunt for her next favorite dish. Nadine’s favorite travel destination so far has been Croatia, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich culture, but she is always dreaming of her next adventure.
Nadine looks forward to welcoming you aboard and is committed to ensuring that every guest feels renewed and enriched by their experience at sea.
Nadine Du Toit
Stewardess
Hebe grew up on a farm in a small rural town in England. Growing up with her grandmother living in Spain, she spent her summers soaking up the Spanish culture. Hebe spent years working in high end hospitality and has thrived working in a family-oriented environment, this seemed like a natural transition into the yachting industry.
Hebe looks forward to travelling to new destinations and meeting new people as she continues her yachting career.
Hebe Sutherland
Stewardess
Paul is an avid watersports lover from the west coast of South Africa. As a certified divemaster, Paul’s deep love for the ocean has taken him on incredible journeys across the globe. He is passionate about sharing his extensive knowledge of marine life with all guests interested in exploring the underwater world.
Safety is always Paul's top priority, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for everyone. He is dedicated to creating unforgettable and adventurous holidays, making sure each guest has the time of their life.
Paul Kellerman
Deckhand
Cam was born and raised in South Africa, and currently lives in a small coastal surfing town on the East Coast, Salt Rock. After years of competing in professional motocross, he commenced in his studies to start his professional career in the Yachting Industry.
12 years on, he is a qualified Chief officer and is there to not only ensure your safety, but to ensure that your experience is a complete unique one on Arkadia!
Cam prides himself in being an Insightful right-hand man to the captain. He has an energetic approach towards his team and is most happy when those around him are happy!
In his free time he cannot keep himself indoors and enjoys to spend his time playing golf, surfing, diving, spearfishing, road running and cycling.
He has cruised extensively through the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Indian oceans and has acquired invaluable local knowledge of all local waters you will be cruising on Arkadia, Cam is there to entertain, keep you busy on your trip, and keep you safe.
Cam Baker
First Officer
James joins Arkadia from Falmouth, Cornwall. From an early age, James was drawn to the water. He started sailing at the age of 6 and got into dinghy and then offshore racing. He studied Yacht design & Boatbuilding at college and has had many marine based jobs such as Yacht Broker, Chandlery & Yacht Rigging before joining the Police and setting up a marine crime unit, he was also a member of the Falmouth RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institute) an emergency service saving lives at sea.
Since joining the superyacht industry in 2008 as a Captain he has operated various sailing yachts also taking part in annual Superyacht regattas in the Med and Caribbean as well as operating many motor charter yachts. James also has a passion for technical mixed gas diving and enjoys discovering un-dived wrecks in his spare time.
Holding the MCA Master 3000gt James prides himself on maintaining the highest level of standards and service on board, delivering an experience not to be forgotten. James looks forward to welcoming you onboard.
James Box
Captain
Stephen, from Durban, South Africa, is a water enthusiast through and through. Whether it’s bodyboarding, surfing, or any watersport, he feels most at home in the ocean. A former South African Bodyboarding Champion, Stephen’s passion for the sport began early, he would even skip school to catch the perfect wave.
When he’s not in the water, Stephen loves experimenting with new recipes to grill his catch of the day, often enjoying a BBQ with friends and family. A lover of the outdoors, he dreams of opening his own bodyboarding school in South Africa to teach kids the sport that shaped his life and share his love for the ocean.
Stephen Du Preez
Bosun
Originally from Lancashire in the northwest of England, Jake found a passion for cooking at a young age and left school and moved to London, to work for Tom Aikens at his eponymous 1 Michelin star restaurant. After receiving intense training, Jake moved onto work for Marcus Wareing at his restaurant in The Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge. After four years Jake worked his way up to head chef, maintaining 2 Michelin stars and 5 AA rosettes. Since then, Jake has worked as a hospitality consultant, run a food truck and pop up restaurant in Dorset and London, and worked in private service in India, France, Scotland, and the Cotswolds. Outside of the kitchen, Jake’s passions include camping, trying to surf and philosophy.
Jake White
Chef
Born in the northeastern part of Ukraine, Nadiia has always had an adventurous spirit and a passion for traveling. After completing her university degree, she embarked on a journey into the yachting industry. It didn't take long for her to fall in love with the vibrant lifestyle at sea, leading her to fully dedicate herself to a career in yachting.
Before stepping into yachting world, Nadiia honed her creativity as a florist, where she learned the art of crafting beautiful arrangements that bring joy to others. Nadiia has been in the industry since 2014 and it has allowed her to combine love for service with her artistic skills, creating memorable experiences for guests. Her attention to detail and commitment to service ensure that every moment on board is exceptional.
In her free time, Nadiia enjoys diving, exploring new places, and hiking the great outdoors.
Nadiia is thrilled to welcome new guests on board and looks forward to making your journey unforgettable!
Nadiia Sirakaya
Chief steward/ess
Callum hails from the rugged and remote Shetland Islands, nestled between Scotland and Norway—a place where the sea is a way of life and seafaring is in the blood. Surrounded by ocean from a young age, it was only natural that he pursued a career in Marine Engineering, beginning his journey at just 17 years old with the Merchant Navy.
Over the past 13 years, Callum has travelled the globe aboard large bulk carrier ships and has spent the last 10 years serving as Chief Engineer on a wide range of vessels. His diverse experience spans Dive support vessels for the Navy, Ferries, Tugboats, Heavy-lift crane platforms, and now luxury yachts. This is his third Heesen yacht, and his familiarity with these vessels brings a deep understanding of their systems and performance.
Recently earning his Chief Engineer 9000kW, 3000GT license, Callum continues to advance in his career. He has a genuine passion for engineering and finds great satisfaction in problem-solving and keeping everything running smoothly. With an unwavering focus on functionality and safety, he ensures the yacht always operates at peak performance.
Callum Williamson
Chief engineer