Johan Odendall, a South African Y4-qualified engineer, brings over a decade of hands-on engineering and refit experience across yachts ranging from 55ft to 148ft. Now serving as Chief Engineer on M/Y Josephine I, he oversaw a full yard period and 5-year class survey, including major upgrades to hydraulic, sewage, exhaust, and other technical systems. His career also includes extensive refit and maintenance projects on vessels such as M/Y Vongole, Shadow I, and Highlander, where he gained in-depth expertise across mechanical, electrical, AV/IT, and tender systems.

Known for his proactive, reliable, and solutions-oriented approach, he thrives both independently and within a team. In addition to his Y4, Johan holds qualifications in Advanced Firefighting, Medical First Aid, Yachtmaster Offshore, and CAT C18 engines, along with training in AV/IT and entertainment systems.

Outside of engineering, Johan enjoys fishing, writing, and playing music, bringing a balanced and creative spirit to life at sea.

With over 25 years in luxury yachting, including 19 as Captain and 5 as Engineer, Freddy Riot brings proven leadership and extensive technical knowledge to his role. He has cruised the Mediterranean, French Riviera, Florida, the Bahamas, Mexico, and Thailand, consistently delivering memorable guest experiences and building long-term client relationships. Freddy has worked with royalty and high-profile guests, managed busy charter programs, and overseen major refits valued at over €1.8M, ensuring vessels met the highest operational and safety standards.

A Master 500gt Commercially endorsed Captain with additional OOW and Engineering qualifications (AEC, Y4 Marine Diesel, GMDSS, ISM Officer, Advanced Firefighting, Medical Care at Sea), Freddy combines strong technical expertise with a guest-focused approach. He has also been recognized within the industry, receiving Bluewater’s Best Charter Captain (2012) and Most Enthusiastic Captain (2018) awards. Fluent in English and French, with working knowledge of Italian and German, Freddy prides himself on running professional, efficient operations while fostering a warm and welcoming onboard environment.

Beyond yachting, Freddy is a former professional skier ranked within the world’s top 60 at the Freeride World Qualifier/Tour, and today enjoys mountaineering, diving, paragliding, and real estate ventures.

Jason Ravell, a South African national, brings a strong mix of leadership, seamanship, and enthusiasm to his role as First Mate. With a Yachtmaster Offshore (commercially endorsed) and currently working toward his Officer of the Watch (OOW) qualification, he combines a solid technical foundation with hands-on experience gained aboard both private and busy charter yachts.

Jason has served on yachts up to 54m, including as First Mate on M/Y SERENO (35m Benetti), where he led watches, safety duties, and supported busy summer charters in the Med. His earlier roles on M/Y DOJO (44m Feadship and 54m Amels) built his skills in deck operations, tender driving, safety, and yard periods, strengthening his eye for compliance and maintenance.

Known for his proactive mindset and reliability, Jason thrives in dynamic charter environments where guest satisfaction and smooth operations go hand-in-hand. Fluent in English and Afrikaans, with conversational Italian, he brings cultural adaptability to international cruising programs. Holding additional qualifications including Efficient Deckhand (EDH), ECDIS, and a Law Degree (LLB), Jason balances practical seamanship with strong problem-solving and organizational skills.

Outside of yachting, he enjoys watersports, travel, and continually advancing his maritime knowledge as he works toward senior officer certification.

Madison, a British national, brings strong hospitality and service experience to her role as 2nd Stewardess. With a BA in Human Geography and over eight years working in bartending, waitressing, and childcare, she has developed excellent interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a calm, professional manner under pressure.

She began her yachting career as Junior Stewardess aboard M/Y Sereno, where she gained hands-on experience in housekeeping, laundry, and service, with particular praise for her creative and varied table decorations. Her background in leadership roles within hospitality, combined with her childcare experience, has equipped her with resilience, problem-solving abilities, and a proactive approach to teamwork.

Holding ENG1, STCW 2010, Food Safety Level 2, and RYA Powerboat Level 2 among other certifications, Madison is eager to continue building her yachting career while bringing warmth, dedication, and creativity to guest service by being a valuable asset to M/Y Josephine I.

Kristen Battersby, an Australian national, brings over nine years of yachting experience, having progressed from Junior Stewardess to Chief. She has led interior teams on yachts up to 70m, excelling in guest service, team management, and the coordination of busy private and charter programs. Her career highlights include managing demanding expeditions on M/Y Pioneer (47m), overseeing new build and refit projects, and delivering seamless guest experiences on vessels across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska, and Central America.

Her time running her own business ashore in New Zealand strengthened her leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills, which she now applies effectively onboard. Kristen is known for her proactive approach, efficiency, and ability to foster harmony within her team while maintaining impeccable standards. With professional qualifications in wine and spirits, food safety, security duties, and yacht purser training, she combines technical expertise with a warm, guest-focused service style.

Outside of yachting, Kristen enjoys fostering puppies, watersports, adventure travel, and exploring global culinary scenes.

Nicholas Hare is a British chef with extensive experience across both private and charter yachts, as well as in Michelin-recommended restaurants and his own successful culinary ventures ashore. With a Ships Cook Certificate, NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery, and advanced pastry training, he brings a refined skill set that balances classical techniques with creativity and adaptability.

Over the past several years, Nicholas has worked as Sole and Head Chef on yachts ranging from 34m to 75m, praised consistently by guests, owners, and captains for his exceptional food, versatility across global cuisines, and ability to cater to diverse dietary requirements. From designing and building a galley on a new build project to executing seamless charter service for up to 30 guests and crew, he thrives in demanding environments where precision and presentation are key.

Passionate about baking, pastry, and fresh, seasonal ingredients, Nicholas also draws inspiration from foraging and home-grown produce. Beyond his technical expertise, he is known for his calm, positive demeanor, hard-working nature, and strong communication skills, making him a valued team player on board of M/Y Josephine I.