Maya is from Slovakia but, after she finished her studies of Legal Administration, she moved to the South of France to make her dream come true. She lived there for 10 years, and worked in different jobs from housekeeping in villas and hotels to administration positions in restaurants or vineyards. Then she decided to start in the yachting industry. She loves her job and always does her best so the guests have an amazing, unforgettable time on board. Maya loves walking, exploring, various sports, diving, reading and learning new things, especially foreign languages. But her biggest passion is travelling; she has visited 85 countries and still has a lot on her bucket list.

Maya Jakubasekova
Chief steward/ess
Captain Erno Badenhorst brings over a decade of international yachting experience, commanding private and charter motor yachts up to 55m worldwide. Originally from South Africa, his passion for the ocean began at a young age through boating and sport fishing. Erno has captained yachts across the Mediterranean and on global voyages through destinations including the Arctic Circle, Asia, the Red Sea, and the Northwest Passage. His strong navigational expertise and attention to operational detail ensure every voyage runs smoothly, safely, and seamlessly. Known for his approachable leadership style, Erno works closely with his crew to create personalized charter experiences, helping guests discover the best of each destination—from hidden anchorages to unforgettable fishing trips. In his free time, he enjoys sport fishing and golf, interests he often shares with guests onboard.

Erno Badenhorst
Captain
Katie was born and grew up in the UK just outside of London. She has worked in hospitality for seven years, and after graduating from university, she began her yachting career. She loves to travel, see new places, and meet new people. She is hardworking, reliable, positive, and excited to assist guests with whatever they may need.

Katie Hornette
Stewardess
Zoe comes from the wild South Island of New Zealand. Adventure and curiosity of the world led her to a life at sea; where she discovered the joys of learning, teaching and working on the water. Zoe has been in the yachting industry for over 7 years, in many parts of the world, both on sailing and motor yachts. Water sports and outdoor activities take up most of Zoe’s free time; although she also enjoys cooking, art, travelling the world and meeting new people. Zoe owns a 38 foot long keel sailing boat which she currently has moored in Mexico.

Zoe Degas
First Officer
Born and raised in South Africa, Matthew brings to Fifty a youthful energy, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for the outdoors. At just 21, he’s already packed with hands-on experience in fishing, water-sports, and adventure activities that make him a natural fit for life at sea. A true adrenaline junkie, Matthew’s love for 4x4 off-roading and safaris speaks to his sense of exploration and confidence navigating both land and water. He’s also a serious foodie—always up for trying new dishes and sharing stories around the table. Friendly, easy-going, and always eager to learn, Matthew is a valuable team member with a great sense of humour and a calm presence under pressure.

Matthew Gallagher
Bosun
Originally from the Philippines and now based in Italy, Blesita brings several years of yachting experience to the interior team. She has worked on motor yachts between 33m and 59m in both private and charter environments, gaining experience in guest service, housekeeping, and laundry. Fluent in English, Italian, and Tagalog, Blesita enjoys creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for guests on board. In her free time she enjoys cooking and mixology, interests she loves incorporating into the onboard guest experience.

Blesita Mactal
Stewardess
Chef Phil began his career in Shropshire, England. At the age of 12, he worked as a part-time dishwasher after school. By the time he was 15, he was hired as a Sous Chef of a two Rosette restaurant. After training in England, Phil became a citizen of the world to explore different cultures and broaden his culinary knowledge and skills. After finally settling in Copenhagen Denmark, he was retained at the famous Café Victor, where he cooked for Royalty and celebrities daily. For two years, he worked as the Head Chef of a renowned Danish restaurant. Eventually, while working in Denmark, he discovered the world of yachting and was on his way to his first yacht in Malta. Yachting has taken him all over the world. He has an immense passion for baking and desserts. He thrives to make every dining experience one to remember.

Philip Browning
Chef
Lloyd is Cornish born and bred, lover of the outdoors and a sailor at heart. His apprenticeship at Princess yachts led him to our industry, he has sailed all his life and even Skippered professionally all over the world, and in his spare time cruises the South of England in his own unique catamaran. But his technical mind changed the course of his career at sea and is what makes him an excellent engineer, he knows Fifty better than anyone as was involved with the project even at the build. You're in safe hands. In his spare time he can be found searching for the best surf in his classic Land Rover 88.

Lloyd Kyte-Knight
Chief engineer
A vibrant and reliable team player, Kim brings both energy and dedication to every voyage. At He is a proud husband and father of two, balancing his strong family values with a passion for the sea. His love for water-sports keeps him agile and adventurous, while his karaoke and dancing skills make him the life of any social event. Whether he’s grilling up a storm at a beachside BBQ or leading a jet-ski tour, Kim thrives on creating memorable experiences for guests and crew alike. Always upbeat, approachable, and ready to lend a hand, Kim turns a trip into a story worth telling.

Neil 'Kim' Castro
Deckhand
Samuel grew up in London, where early exposure to the city’s diverse food culture sparked a lifelong passion for cooking and high-quality ingredients. At the age of 20 he gained his Yachtmaster Offshore qualification and spent several years sailing and exploring the Mediterranean. Living for extended periods in the Mallorcan countryside, he developed a strong connection to Mediterranean cuisine, local markets and seasonal produce.
He later relocated to Dartmoor in the United Kingdom, where he trained at the Ashburton Cookery School before joining Mediterranean restaurant Emilia as Senior Chef. Working closely with local farmers and producers refined his ingredient-led approach and deepened his commitment to seasonal, farm-to-table cooking.
Samuel’s style is rooted in Mediterranean cuisine, drawing on Italian, Spanish, French and Greek traditions while incorporating Middle Eastern and Asian influences, creating vibrant, balanced dishes that highlight exceptional ingredients and local producehas worked for more than ten years, travelling the world. He looks forward to providing excellent cuisine to the most discerning guests.

Samuel Weeks
Chef