Lara, our third stew and Pilates instructor on board grew up on the beaches of the east coast and has always had a connection to the ocean. She offers a passion for quality service and a holistic approach to health/wellness and lives by an “attitude of gratitude”.
Her gentle and creative nature translates through her love for working with people and makes her fully committed to the guests and crew we have on KING BENJI.
Lara Bipp
Stewardess
Hailing from a background rich in adventure and hospitality, Brandon brings energy, enthusiasm, and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences. A true sports lover and adrenaline seeker, he thrives in any environment that keeps him active—whether it’s on the water, in the mountains, or on the field. His diverse background has shaped his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, ensuring that every guest feels welcome and engaged.
Brandon is always ready to dive into an adventure, whether it’s wakeboarding, snorkelling, or organizing a beachside workout, he’s the go-to crew member for guests looking to stay active and have fun. If you’re up for a challenge and don’t mind getting a little sweaty, he’s your guy! With his infectious energy, dedication to top-tier service, and passion for adventure, Brandon is here to make sure every moment on board is one to remember.
Brandon Mackay
Deckhand
Lara grew up in the vibrant city of Cape Town, where living on the doorstep of the ocean and beneath the iconic Table Mountain nurtured her love for outdoor adventures and nature.
After competing as a student athlete for many years and finishing her Masters in Neuromarketing she decided it was time for a greater adventure! The industry allowed her to follow her passion for travel, food, adventure and connecting with people. Her vivacious energy helps create a welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel right at home.
Josh was born in East London, a town on the East Coast of South Africa. A dedicated sportsman, he initially pursued a professional Rugby career but in 2014, inspired by his travel to the USA he decided to begin a career in yachting.
Now having expanded his experience to Europe, Josh has continued to excel in the yachting industry and looks forward to continuing his professional growth while embarking on new adventures and challenges.
Alongside his passion for rugby, Josh is also a keen golfer, padel player, and is an accomplished triathlete. Since joining the industry, he has also picked up fishing as a hobby and is keen to sink his teeth into more watersports going forward.
Josh Van Rooyen
First Officer
Sean comes from a small town on the south coast of South Africa called George and has always had a love for cooking and the desire to perfect a craft. Now his second position in yachting, Sean loves the opportunity to work with relatively few guests and make a personalised experience with his impressive culinary skills.
Sean creates delicious and visually stunning meals, curated for the taste of the guests onboard. He loves the intimate nature of the galley on KING BENJI and how it allows him to form strong relationships with guests to ensure the best culinary experience possible. Sean's phenomenal sense of humour makes him and his galley a delightful place to eat and relax.
Sean believes that laughter is the best way to connect with others. Both Sean's laughter and passion for food are contagious; no charter is complete without his company.
Sean Connolly
Chef
Growing up on the coast of Durban, South Africa, Grant found himself partaking in watersports and boat driving from a very young age. He competed in the South African lifesaving championships and later became a qualified Divemaster.
Grant found his way into the yachting world in 2012, he has travelled throughout the waters of the Mediterranean, Pacific West Coast, Canada, Mexico, Atlantic US East Coast as well as the Caribbean, Bahamas & Norway. Grant's inbuilt lust for adventure led him to a solo trek through the wilderness mountains of the Pyrenees, spanning 1000km from coast to coast. Grant feels its important to see how far he can push his body and mind.
Grant’s broad maritime experience, strong work ethic & positive attitude will ensure your voyage aboard KING BENJI will be both exciting and memorable.
Grant Du Preez
Captain
Marguerite grew up on the sunny south coast of South Africa. After completing her honours degree in advertising, she traded in her books for flip flops and decided to travel the world, starting with teaching English in Vietnam. After that she worked in social media in a beautiful beach town called Ballito along the east of South Africa.
Being an adventurer, she decided to join the yachting industry and has never looked back! Marguerite, also known as Marge or Moo on board, is passionate about getting to know the people around her, food, wellness and making sure our charter guests are always smiling with a drink in hand!
Marguerite Synman
Chief steward/ess
Edgar is from Tampico, Mexico - famous for UFO sightings, and as the legend says, an alien base 40 km from the city’s, beaches deep underwater. He loved the sea since he was a child, so when it was time to choose his career, he decided to attend the Maritime Academy, and he became an Engineer.
Before moving to yachting, Edgar worked on bulk carriers and offshore vessels in Mexico, Singapore and Egypt, where his dream to travel the world started to come alive. As a brand new boat, Edgar has delighted in working with some of the latest high-tech equipment on board KING BENJI and was instrumental in preparing hers for delivery. Very few people know what makes KING BENJI tick better than Edgar.
In his free time, he loves diving, sandboarding, and camping, and he drives off-road vehicles.
Edgar Fajardo
Chief engineer
Reece was born and raised in Durban, South Africa. Because he grew up along the coast of Durban, he has always had a natural tendency to gravitate towards the ocean. Reece started yachting in the beginning of 2022 and has since developed a passion for the industry and all that comes with it. Prior to yachting, Reece was a real estate agent in Cape Town for 3 years after he concluded his studies in Stellenbosch and Cape Town.
He decided to pursue yachting due to his interest and desire to travel the world and subsequently found himself loving the industry. Reece has a deep passion for surfing, and enjoys scuba diving, football and anything sports related.
Reece McHardy
Bosun