PREVIOUS YACHTS INCLUDE: MV Seawolf, MV Enigma XK, MV Big Fish, MV Star Fish (all custom expedition yachts)
WATERS CRUISED: Worldwide, including High Latitudes
To date, Winston has visited many regions and countries including Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Azores, Mediterranean, Netherlands, England, Scotland, South Africa, South America, Antarctic Peninsula, USA East/West Coasts, Central America, Costa Rica, Archipiélago de Colón (Galapagos), British Colombia, Alaska,Mexico, throughout South Pacific including Vanuatu, Solomons, Fiji, Australia, throughout South East Asia including Myanmar, Philippines Palau, Yap and Japan.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Born in South Africa, Winston is a citizen of the UK and lives in the of Washington state, USA. He has over 30 years experience captaining yachts with over 450,000 nautical miles traveled on prestigious expedition yachts. His first transatlantic experience was sailing a one-ton race boat from Cape Town, South Africa to Punta del Este, Uruguay, and then on to Fort Lauderdale. He progressed up the ranks on his first 2 yachts from first mate to engineer to relief captain and continued on to an ongoing successful career at sea.
Winston is a charming and highly experienced charter captain. He works in concert with the Heads of Department to insure safety, comfort and relaxing enjoyment throughout each cruise. For interested guests, Winston will share his astounding adventures far and wide including sailing into the infamous “Perfect Storm” off the coast of New England (detailed in Sebastian Junger’s best-selling book and blockbuster movie,“Perfect Storm” (1991).
Winston possess a wide variety of expertise - project management, refit, consulting, new build construction, warranty liaison and class and flag documentation. He is a sought after relief / delivery captain on large yachts.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATES: UK/MCA “Class IV”, 3000-ton license (Warsash Maritime Academy) Advanced Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, Class, Flag State, SMS, ISM Code Proficient, PADI Divemaster / IANTD Technical Diver Certified
WINSTON JOYCE-CLARKE
Captain
PREVIOUS YACHTS: Carpe Diem, Z, Samurai, Mia Elise II
WATERS CRUISED: Mediterranean, Bahamas, Caribbean, South America, East Coast USA, Scotland
WORK EXPERIENCE: Diaan has been in yachting since 2015 when he started out as a deckhand on a busy charter yacht. Over the years he has gained valuable experience in a variety of deck skills and watersports. Early on in his career, Diaan began working towards his Chief Mate License which he acquired in June 2022. Diaan is instrumental in ensuring that guests have a fantastic and safe holiday onboard IRON BLONDE.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Assists the Captain with all administration and safety duties, arranges and supervises safety drills. The position requires boat handling, watchkeeping and navigational skills. The Chief Officer is capable of stepping in for the Captain in his absence. Responsible for the safety and security of the vessel at all times. Responsible for oversight of all deck operations, watersports and tender operations.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATES: MCA Chief Mate CoC
LANGUAGES: Afrikaans
HOBBIES: Golfing, diving, reading, snowboarding
DIAAN PAPENFUS
First Officer
WATERS CRUISED: Mediterranean
WORK EXPERIENCE: Matthew is a welcome and enthusiastic team member. He brings a wide range of culinary expertise and experiences to IRON BLONDE having worked at exclusive venues in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, France and Italy. Matthew began his career at the highly acclaimed Chewton Glen Hotel, Hampshire (3 Rosette / 2015-2018), where he worked his way up to Chef de Partie learning classic French cuisine. During his travels, Matthew’s repertoire grew to include preparing Italian cuisine from scratch, grilling fresh seafood and Wagyu beef, and creating menus based on local ingredients, fish and seafood.
"I enjoy sharing my culinary adventures with guests who are welcome to visit the galley to share their own travels, tips and secrets!"
JOB DESCRIPTION: Executive Chef. In charge of the galley, preparation of guest meals according to individual preferences and requirements. Menu planning and inventory.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATES: Ship's Cook Certification, Level 3 Food Health and Hygiene, PSA, PDSD
EDUCATION: NVQ L3 Diploma in Hospitality, NVQ Food Service & Preparation
HOBBIES: Travel, exploring local cuisine, football, snowboarding, fishing, golf, surfing, fine dining & wine
MATTHEW JONES
Chef
PREVIOUS YACHTS: Sirocco, Odessa II, Mary Jean II, Loon, Mia Elise II
WATERS CRUISED: Caribbean, North Atlantic, Mediterranean
WORK EXPERIENCE: British by birth, Tomas was born in and grew up in Portugal. Prior to his career as a chef, he worked in Australia and Indonesia as an underwater marine biologist with a focus on shark conservation. In 2020 he decided to change careers and follow his lifelong interest in cooking. Starting as a crew chef on a 73m private yacht, Tomas moved on to busy charter yachts to progress in learning the culinary arts from talented head chefs.
JOB DESCRIPTION: To assist the Executive Chef with food service, crew meals, etc.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATES: MCA Ship's Cook Certificate, Food & Hygiene Level 3
LANGUAGES: English, Portuguese
EDUCATION: Master of Research/Marine Sciences, Bsc Bio-Veterinary Sciences (Hons) / Royal Veterinary College
HOBBIES: Scuba diving, DJ, fishing/spearfishing, sailing, gardening, rugby, golf, exploring fine dining, local cuisine/wines
TOMAS REID
Chef
PREVIOUS YACHTS: MV M2, Tatoosh, Princess Mariana, Katharine, Fortunate Sun, Lady J, Charisma
WATERS CRUISED: Atlantic, Mediterranean/Adriatic, Caribbean, Bahamas, US East/West Coasts, Panama, Mexico, Costa Rica
WORK EXPERIENCE: Donne began her career in hospitality after spending a year in London, where she gained invaluable experience in the industry. Driven by a passion for exceeding guest expectations, she returned to South Africa to pursue formal studies, setting the foundation for a career dedicated to enhancing the quality and experience of guests. After working for six years at high-end boutique hotels, cruise liners and lodges, Donne’s career took an exciting turn when a guest, staying at North Island in the Seychelles, invited her to join their 78-meter superyacht. A lover of the ocean and travel, this opportunity marked the beginning of Donne’s yachting career. She spent 12 years working on both private and charter vessels, gaining diverse experience as she sailed around the world. Throughout her yachting career, Donne honed her skills in delivering exceptional guest services and building meaningful relationships with people from all over the globe. This wealth of knowledge and expertise in guest relations has since allowed her to pivot into a new phase of her career.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATES: Crowd & Crisis Management, Food & Hygiene Level 2, WSET Wine Courses
EDUCATION: Advanced Diploma / Nutrition and Dietetics and Hospitality Management
LANGUAGE: English, Afrikaans
HOBBIES: Foiling, fishing, running, diving, cycling, cooking, traveling / different cultures
PREVIOUS YACHTS: Elsea, Addiction, Mia Elise II
WATERS CRUISED: Caribbean, Mediterranean
WORK EXPERIENCE: Growing up on the beautiful beaches of South Africa and working as a professional lifeguard, Savanna developed a passion and respect for the ocean. Over 2 years ago she decided on a full time position in the yachting industry and worked on both busy private and charter boats. Savanna is always prepared to assist guests aboard IRON BLONDE in order to enjoy their yacht vacation to the fullest!
JOB DESCRIPTION: Head of Housekeeping, guest service and cocktail service.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATES: STCW, Superyacht Interior Course, Food and Hygiene Level 2
LANGUAGES: Afrikaans
HOBBIES: The outdoors, watersports, snow skiing, fishing, photography, wine exploration, experiencing different cultures and cuisines
SAVANNA O'BRIEN
Chief steward/ess
REVIOUS YACHTS: Callisto, Odessa II, Mia Elise II
WATERS CRUISED: Caribbean, Mediterranean
WORK EXPERIENCE: Georgia has working in the yachting industry for over a year on both private and charter yachts and is keen to excel in her position and work her way up the yachting ladder!
JOB DESCRIPTION: Guest service, cocktail service and housekeeping.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATES: STCW, Food & Hygiene Level 2
EDUCATION: L3 & 4 Diploma in Buying & Merchandising / Fashion Retail Academy FRA/ London
HOBBIES: Skiing, exploring new countries, fitness, learning Portuguese, local cuisine and culture
GEORGIA COLLINS
Stewardess
PREVIOUS YACHTS: Next Chapter, Mia Elise II
WATERS CRUISED: Bahamas, Florida, Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Costa Rica
WORK EXPERIENCE: Natasha worked in the hospitality industry for 5 years during university and also enjoyed her avocation of horse riding and training horses. Following university, Natasha embarked on her dream of travel and was introduced to the yachting industry. She worked on a busy charter yacht cruising from the Bahamas to Central America.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Housekeeping, laundry and guest service.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATES: IAMI GUEST Stewardess Training
LANGUAGES: Afrikaans
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Commerce / Business Management
HOBBIES: Running, horse riding, soccer, hockey
Natasha Rothman
Stewardess
WATERS CRUISED: SE USA
WORK EXPERIENCE: Originally from the stunning landscapes of South Africa, Kaelyn moved to the states after finishing school to work as an au pair, caring for three young children for a year and a half. Eager for new adventures, Kaelyn transitioned into the yachting industry, where she is now pursuing a dynamic and rewarding career.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Housekeeping, laundry, and guest service
LICENSES/CERTIFICATES: STCW / ENG1
HOBBIES: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, working out, spending time at the beach, hiking, photography/videography and video editing
KAELYN WESSELS
Stewardess
PREVIOUS YACHTS: Addiction, Cloud 9
WATERS CRUISED: Mediterranean, USA, Caribbean, Bahamas
WORK EXPERIENCE: Olly joins IRON BLONDE with over 5 years of experience in the yachting industry. Olly was born and raised in the UK and comes from a background in construction. He is skilled and knowledgeable when it comes to the maintenance side of his position as bosun. Olly enjoys living and working at sea as yachting brings exciting opportunities for travel and exposure to different cultures.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Maintaining the exterior of the yacht and water toys. Ensuring a safe and fun time for guests on water sports equipment. Proficiency in tender driving.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATES: Yachtmaster, AEC, Yacht Rating, PWC
EDUCATION: Wymondham College, Reading, CA (Welding)
HOBBIES: Fitness, skiing, football, watersports, the outdoors, soccer, meeting new people
OLLY VERRELL
Bosun