Troy Birch is a motivated deckhand with dual Irish and South African nationality, bringing hands-on experience across vessels from 18m to 63m, including Bon Vivant and Lucky Lady. Skilled in teak maintenance, detailing, painting, tender care, and water sports operations, he has also logged over 50 offshore trips in South Africa and crewed sailing yachts in Zanzibar, building strong seamanship from a young age. With STCW ’10, RYA Powerboat Level 2, and RYA PW certifications, Troy combines practical deck skills with a sharp technical background from his previous career in software development. Adaptable, hardworking, and calm under pressure, he brings strong teamwork and problem-solving abilities to his role onboard CHARADE.

Troy Birch
Deckhand
Leonard is a skilled and dedicated yacht chef with over five years of experience on yachts, specialising in delivering high-quality dining experiences. Since 2019, he has successfully completed multiple seasons in the Mediterranean and Caribbean as a sole chef on vessels up to 42m. Leonard excels in creating diverse, gourmet menus tailored to guest preferences, maintaining galley hygiene, and efficient provisioning. His culinary expertise spans French, Italian, Mexican, and molecular gastronomy, alongside artisanal baking and dietary-specific dishes.

Leonard Van Zwell
Chef
Volodymyr is a highly experienced Chief Engineer who brings both reliability and a calm, can-do attitude to life on board. Originally from Odessa, he has built an impressive career across both commercial vessels and luxury yachts, recently working on private 50m yacht LATONA. Known for his organised approach and strong problem-solving skills, Volodymyr takes pride in maintaining a seamless onboard experience, ensuring everything works perfectly behind the scenes. Despite working in a highly technical role, Volodymyr is approachable, friendly, and always happy to assist guests whenever needed. He has extensive experience working in international crews and speaks multiple languages, making him adaptable and easy to get along with.

Volodymyr Kozlov
Chief engineer
Lucille graduated from Stellenbosch University with a degree in Agriculture, which gives her a fresh perspective and a deep appreciation for nature. Lucille enjoys working in a team and worked as a hostess at a five-star guest house before transferring her skills to yachting. In her spare time, Lucille enjoys playing netball, hiking, drawing, and volunteering.

Lucille Marx
Stewardess
Tom has been a Chief Officer for 5 years. He has worked on motor yachts ranging from 32m to 50m.
Throughout his career, Tom has cruised extensively in the Mediterranean. Among all the destinations he has visited, Croatia stands out as his favorite. He particularly enjoys the serene beauty and secluded privacy offered by the region’s coves and bays. Sailing is Tom’s passion, both on and off duty. In his leisure time, he enjoys instructing others on small sailing yachts in the United Kingdom, his home country. Sharing his skills and enthusiasm for sailing with others is one of his greatest joys.

Tom Sharp
First Officer
Crystal strives to attain ultimate perfection and has a keen eye for detail. She has previously worked as Chief Stewardess and Sole Stew on yachts ranging from 25m to 46m. Crystal enjoys adapting and learning with each guest's personal preferences and her passion for luxury hospitality ensures she thrives to give guests the best possible experience onboard CHARADE.
In her spare time, Crystal is very musical and has reached grade 5 piano, grade 4 trumpet, and grade 3 singing. She also enjoys Tai Chi, hockey, and football.

Crystal-Rose Landon
Chief steward/ess
With over a decade of experience, Jade’s maritime career started as a Deckhand before quickly progressing to Chief Officer and now to Captain. Jade brings extensive expertise in navigation, safety, and crew management, ensuring efficient and profitable vessel operations.
Jade is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of performance and client satisfaction. He has previously worked on yachts ranging from 25m to 60m. Jade has much experience navigating passages throughout the Mediterranean Sea, Irish Sea, North Sea, English Channel, and Atlantic Ocean.
Jade has an outgoing personality with a positive outlook on life. Outside of work, he enjoys going to the gym, skiing, snowboarding, running, riding bikes, and wakeboarding.

Jade Smith
Captain