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.
Johan Odendall
Chief engineer
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.
Madison Walmsley Stevenson
Chief steward/ess
Captain Yann de Oliveira is a highly experienced yacht captain with a strong background in vessel management, engineering, and luxury hospitality. With a career spanning shipyard new-build projects, engineering positions, and multiple captain roles on both private and charter yachts up to 37m, he brings a well-rounded operational skill set and a practical, hands-on leadership approach.
Having successfully managed new-build deliveries, extensive Mediterranean cruising programs, crew recruitment, financial administration, maintenance planning, and regulatory compliance, Yann is known for his organized management style and commitment to delivering seamless experiences for owners and guests. His technical foundation as both an electronic technician and chief engineer provides him with exceptional insight into yacht systems, preventative maintenance, warranty works, and refit coordination.
Beyond his maritime experience, Yann also brings over 15 years in hospitality, including time within five-star hotels in Japan, giving him a strong understanding of luxury service standards and guest expectations. Calm, approachable, and solutions-driven, he leads by example and places great emphasis on professionalism, crew development, safety, and operational excellence. His combination of technical expertise, yacht management experience, and hospitality knowledge makes him a valuable asset to the crew of M/Y JOSEPHINE I.
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.
Chef Jonathan is a highly accomplished yacht chef with over 16 years of experience in the yachting industry and an extensive background in Michelin-starred restaurants, fine dining establishments, and luxury hospitality worldwide. He began his culinary career in London at the age of 15, training under renowned chef Marco Pierre White, before expanding his expertise internationally in Australia, working alongside leading chefs including Tetsuya Wakuda and Shannon Bennett. His career has been further enriched through stagiaire placements at world-famous restaurants such as The Fat Duck, The Ledbury, and Noma.
Throughout his yachting career, Jonathan has worked on vessels ranging from 43m to 115m, serving both private and charter programs for high-profile owners and VIP guests. His experience includes global itineraries, from extensive Mediterranean seasons to a full circumnavigation aboard expedition yacht M/V Itasca, visiting destinations across Europe, the Americas, Antarctica, and beyond. He has held Head and Executive Chef roles on prestigious yachts and luxury resorts, managing large galley teams, delivering high-end degustation menus, and overseeing operations during busy charters, shipyard periods, and large-scale events.
Known for his refined yet versatile culinary style, Jonathan creates bespoke menus tailored to each guest, combining technical precision with creativity and global influence. His strong leadership, organisational skills, and calm, professional approach ensure seamless galley operations and an exceptional dining experience on board. Passionate about quality ingredients and continuous learning, he is dedicated to delivering outstanding cuisine and memorable moments for each guest onboard M/Y JOSEPHINE I.
Calum Forrest is a motivated and enthusiastic yachting professional with a lifelong passion for the sea, having grown up in a family of sailors. Despite being at the start of his career, he has already gained valuable experience across private and charter yachts, shipyard periods, and offshore sailing deliveries throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and Australia.
A commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Ocean, Calum has developed strong skills in seamanship, watchkeeping, tender operations, anchoring, watersports, and exterior maintenance. His calm approach, attention to detail, and willingness to learn have enabled him to quickly adapt to demanding yacht operations while maintaining high standards on deck.
Outside of yachting, Calum represented Great Britain at the U19 European Rowing Championships, earning a silver medal, an achievement that reflects his discipline, resilience, and team-oriented mindset. Combined with his positive attitude and strong work ethic, he is a valuable addition to the professional yacht crew of M/Y JOSEPHINE I.
Jamie Laubscher is a dedicated and enthusiastic stewardess with a genuine passion for hospitality and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Having grown up on a family-owned holiday resort in South Africa, she developed a strong service mindset from an early age, which she has successfully transferred into the yachting industry through experience aboard private and charter yachts.
With experience across interior service, housekeeping, laundry, provisioning, guest care, and supporting deck operations, Jamie is a versatile crew member who thrives in dynamic environments. Her background in hospitality and bartending has further strengthened her communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to provide warm, professional service while remaining calm under pressure.
Known for her positive attitude, adaptability, and strong work ethic, Jamie enjoys working as part of a close-knit team and takes pride in maintaining the highest standards throughout every aspect of the guest experience. Her commitment to continuous learning and passion for luxury hospitality make her a valuable addition to the crew of M/Y JOSEPHINE I.
Jamie Laubscher
Stewardess