Meet Ruan, the steward you never knew you needed on board! Ruan left behind the bustling hospitality world for the call of the open sea, and he hasn’t looked back since. With an eye for detail that rivals a jeweler’s, he’s mastered the art of creating spotless, inviting spaces that make every guest feel right at home—especially on board the luxurious King Baby. With a professional yet quirky touch, Ruan’s your go-to for seamless service and those thoughtful details that make all the difference. Whether it’s ensuring fresh linens, keeping the interior sparkling, or making sure every guest has exactly what they need, he brings a level of care that turns routine tasks into luxury experiences. And his humor? It’s the kind that’ll have you smiling before your morning coffee even hits the table.
When he’s not on board, Ruan is out embracing farm life, finding joy in the simplicity of nature and the hard work that comes with it. He’s a lifelong learner, always seeking new skills and adventures—whether it’s exploring new culinary techniques or venturing out on a hiking trail. With his warm South African smile and adventurous spirit, he’s here to make your yachting experience unforgettable.

Nationality: South African
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Interest: farm life, hiking and camping, gardening, planting new ideas and watching them grow into something un-be-leaf-able, photography

Deckhand by day, bagpipe enthusiast by night—Originally from Zimbabwe, Matthew has swapped the savanna for the seas, and he’s loving every minute of it. Working on the open waters allows him to combine his passion for hard work, adventure, and the great people he meets along the way. With a keen eye for detail, he makes sure everything’s in tip top shape whether it’s on deck or off. When he’s not out at sea, you’ll find him at the gym, conquering hiking trails, or working on his golf swing (still a work in progress!). Known for his fun-loving attitude and strong work ethic, Matthew always brings a bit of humor to the crew, and if you ever hear bagpipes in the distance, that’s probably him adding some extra flair to the adventure. Life’s an adventure, and he’s here for it!

Nationality: Zimbabwean
Languages Spoken: English
Interests: Golf, gym and Hiking

Meet our 2nd stew, Kylee! Whether she’s sprinting down a trail, rallying on the tennis court, or flying over jumps in a show jumping arena, Kylee keeps life fast-paced and full of adventure. Kylee is a proud native of South Africa, raised in the vibrant heart of Johannesburg. She earned her Bachelor’s in Education with a focus on Human Movement Sciences and Sports Management—but instead of heading straight to the classroom, she swapped chalkboards for boarding passes and joined Qatar Airways as a flight attendant. Eventually, she traded cruising altitudes for cruising coastlines, launching into the yachting world, where her love for travel found a new home.
When she’s not hard at work keeping the Yacht’s interior in pristine condition or photographing wildlife in the bushveld, you’ll find Kylee styling inspired tablescapes—because even adventure needs a touch of elegance.

Nationality: South African
Languages Spoken: English
Interests: Trail running, Field hockey, Show jumping, Tennis
Previous Yachts: M/Y Moon Sand, M/Y Just Enough, M/Y Dona Lola

Hailing from the sunny shores of Durban, South Africa, Dane traded boardrooms for boat decks and never looked back. Armed with a Business degree and a healthy disdain for fluorescent lighting, he set sail into the Superyacht world in 2012—and has been chasing sunsets and swells ever since. Armed with years of experience and a practical mind, Dane serves as a strong navigational officer and safety officer. You can feel safe and sound knowing Dane has ensured the guests safety needs and enjoyment are paramount. With a passion for adventure and a knack for making guests feel right at home on the high seas, Dane sees life aboard as the perfect blend of work, wanderlust, and water. Whether it’s managing the deck or swapping travel tales, he brings energy, charm, and a steady hand to every journey. When he's not on board, you'll likely find Dane catching waves, casting a line, playing tennis, or pitching a tent somewhere off-grid—always chasing the next adventure, one horizon at a time.

Nationality: South African
Languages Spoken: English
Interests: Camping, Kite Surfing, Fishing, Tennis
Previous Yachts: M/Y Moon Sand, M/Y Just Enough, M/Y Dona Lola

When one thinks of the type of Captain Shaun might have chosen to be, the image of a heavy-sea navigating pirate immediately springs to mind. However, aboard King Baby, being a pirate doesn't mean emulating the notorious 'Jack Sparrows' of lore. Instead, it refers to a sharply dressed, eloquent, and quick-witted professional. Captain Shaun boasts a diverse and robust career, one that has uniquely shaped his journey to life aboard a motor yacht. His prior expertise in legal practice, fused with his exceptional organizational skills and leadership, has transformed King Baby into one of the best yacht programs there is.
From the far reaches of glacier mountains in Alaska, remote islands of Fiji and French Polynesia to the sun kissed white sands of the Bahamas, Shaun has navigated the globes oceans. His unique experiences has given him the skills and aptitude to provide 7-star service at sea while always being in the safest of hands. When not steering King Baby's course, he's likely to be immersed in a travel adventure with his cherished family or engrossed in a DIY project at his residence.

Nationality: South African
Languages Spoken: English & Afrikaans
Interests: Skiing, Family, Keeping his wife happy
Previous Yachts: M/Y Triton, M/Y Lady S




The tentative plan we have in place for Shaun’s time onboard are the following months starting 2024: January 8-February 5 | April 1-Mar. 25 | May 27-July 15 | September 9-November 4. Obviously things can change by a few days depending on trips and both captains agree they are flexible to move some things around if either needs but this is the idea what KING BABY has in mind.

Meet Captain Jarred, our proficient helmsman, sailing with a twinkle in his eye and a splash of humor in his wake. His journey began far from the seas, growing up on a farm in the highlands of South Africa, embracing the rustic life. With 14 years spent navigating the globe under his epaulettes, Jarred is part yacht captain, part ocean philosopher. Whether decoding ancient maritime mysteries or hiking a rugged trail, he’s as comfortable with a compass as he is with a set of dive gear. Captain Jarred is a consummate professional who combines a passion for the sea with a dedication to providing unparalleled luxury yacht experiences on board King Baby. With a strong emphasis on safety, water sports, and guest satisfaction, he consistently delivers unforgettable voyages that exceeds the expectations of all clients. When is not navigating the high seas, you can find Captain Jarred belting out sea shanties at the karaoke, or partaking in some costume dress ups that would make Davy Jones jealous – if you lucky enough you will get to experience both while enjoying everything King Baby has to offer.


Jarred schedule: Feb. 5-March 30, 2024

Previous Yachts: Emina, Club M, Carpe Diem
Interests: Reading, Staying fit, spending time with friends and family, trying to marry a Texan so he can wear a Rodeo belt buckle

Michelle is the reigning Chief Stew on board King Baby, and boy, does she wear that crown with pride! Hailing from Michigan, this yachting sensation swapped out spring break for salty air during her college years, and she hasn't looked back since. Charm? She's got it in spades. Michelle's charismatic aura, coupled with her love for mingling and globe- troting, makes her a gem in the King Baby dynasty. Prepare to be pampered with her top-notch service and those meticulous litle touches that leave guests hooked and wanting more. And that smile of hers? It's infectious! Before you know it, you'll be grinning from ear to ear, caught up in her carefree whirlwind. Off the yacht, Michelle's a restless adventurer at heart. From squash courts and golf courses to rugged hiking trails and adrenaline-packed dirt biking, she’s all about soaking up new experiences. If there's a horizon, trust Michelle to be on her way to explore it!

Nationality: American
Languages Spoken: English Interests: Squash, Golf, Hiking, Dirt Biking and Exploration
Previous Yachts: M/Y Avalon, M/Y Amarula Sun, M/Y Usher

Abbey hails from a suburb of Chicago and it’s no surprise that the Windy City’s vibrant energy inspired her to dive headfirst into event management, hospitality, and tourism. She soon found herself studying abroad in Palma De Mallorca, Spain — where she not only fell in love with tapas, sunshine, and siestas but also discovered the high-flying, champagne-sipping world of yachting. For the past five years, Abbey has spent her time traveling, learning the ropes, and soaking in the luxury and excitement of life on the water. Each new adventure brought its own set of rewards, but now, Abbey is especially excited to return to one of her favorite vessels, M/Y King Baby. There’s something about the energy of that yacht and the crew that feels like home, and Abbey can’t wait to set sail once again with a fresh perspective and renewed passion. A sweet soul with a mischievous streak, Abbey is always up for a good prank, a laugh, and keeping things lighthearted — whether it's playing tricks on the crew or showing you the best secret spots around the world. When she’s not steering the ship (literally and figuratively), Abbey’s off exploring new places, sampling local delicacies and staying active. Looking for some humor into your day? Abbey’s your go-to — guaranteed to lift your spirits with a cheeky grin and a witty remark!

Nationality: American
Languages: English
Interests: Hiking, Napping, Beaching, Reading, Lounging, Margaritas
Previous Yachts: Mystic, King Baby, Lucky Lady

Where to kick off with King Baby's resident Sensei, Kennan? Perhaps with a "wax on, wax off" reference, but that might be too on the nose. Wearing the triple crown as our chief engineer, design guru, and ship's very own Mr. Miyagi, Kennan's talents stretch far and wide. Boasting a third Dan black belt in karate, he's not just our mechanical genius, but also the guy you want on your side in a (friendly) bar brawl. Originally from the sandy beaches of Cape Town, South Africa, it's rumored Kennan's first word was "waves." His coastal upbringing led him to a life on the high seas. While he might often be hidden in the engine room, his role is the unsung heartbeat of King Baby's success. Ever curious about how something works aboard? Give Kennan a shout. But fair warning: if you're not careful, you might just get a karate lesson in the process! When the tools are packed away. Kennan is found designing business ideas and constantly creating new things.

Nationality / Language : South Africa / English
Previous Yachts : M/Y Big Fish , M/Y Triton , M/Y Bella
Interests : Karate , Photography , Tools , Fixing things , His Fiancee

Meet Josh, the ocean-loving, car-obsessed, boat-fixing pro who’s all about making your time on board unforgettable! Growing up with his dad owning a boat shop, Josh was practically raised on the water. But it’s not just boats that get his heart racing—he’s got a serious passion for cars too. Whether it’s fine-tuning an engine or swapping out parts, Josh knows his way around a garage as well as he does the open sea. Friendly and charismatic, Josh is the guy who’s always ready to lend a hand. His love for teamwork means he’s got a knack for creating a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere on board—whether it’s helping with a mechanical issue or just sharing a laugh. He’s the kind of person who makes you feel like family from the moment you step on board, all while ensuring everything runs as smoothly as a well-oiled engine. When he’s not out on the water or tinkering with boats, you’ll find him in his garage, getting his hands dirty and working on the latest car project. With Josh, you’re in good hands—his passion for both the sea and cars is only matched by his enthusiasm for making your charter experience one to remember.

Nationality: New Zealand
Languages: English
Interests: Cars, Golf, Wake boarding
Previous Boats: Driftwood, Ad-Vantage, Lucky Lady