Crew Profiles

Captain Darrell Strydom
Darrell was born in Cape Town, South-Africa. After 7 years of initially working in electronics and product development he then ventured off to pursue his career in Yachting. Darrell has sailed 4 yachts across the ocean, with one winning a race from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro. He is also a certified divemaster and in his spare time he loves to travel. He has a tremendous amount of love for classic cars and motorcycles. Darrell is easy going, fun loving and will give his utmost to ensure that your stay on Inevitable will be the best vacation you’ve had.


Mate Ewald van der Merwe
As a South African Ewald is proud of his heritage which he feels gives him a unique perspective on culture and diversity that sparked a passion to travel and explore the world. Ewald completed an 18-month Cadetship program with Meridian Adventure Sail that led him to working on KING OF FUN where he gained all-around experience onboard, both in the interior and on deck. He is eager to gain knowledge and experience through hard work in hopes of one day achieving his goal of Master in Command.


Chief Stewardess Henriette Jansen van Vuuren
Henriëtte was raised on a farm in the Free State Province of South Africa. She has a background rooted in Consumer Sciences, earning both a degree and honors degree. In her professional journey she has pursued diverse roles, from visual merchandising and fashion design to floristry and the intricacies of the wedding scene. Making a seamless transition into the yachting industry, Henriëtte has navigated the Caribbean and East Coast waters, bringing her unique touch to the world of luxury hospitality. A skilled florist, Henriëtte has a natural flair for curating inviting and aesthetically pleasing tablescapes enhancing the overall dining experience. Beyond her maritime endeavors, she indulges in haute couture dress design and social media branding. Henriëtte's welcoming smile, coupled with her meticulous attention to detail, ensures that guests can unwind and relish in a distinctive and enjoyable experience.


Second Stewardess Leané Mulder
Leané is a South African from the city of Johannesburg. She obtained a BSc degree in Consumer Sciences and worked as an account manager in Category Management and Merchandising before the seas beckoned her to embark on her career in yachting resulting in extensive East Coast and Bahamas itineraries. Being a qualified florist and seamstress, she has a background in hospitality where she specialized in dried wedding florals and tablescapes. When Leané is not working she likes keeping active and fuelling her wanderlust by exploring new places. She also indulges in Haute Couture dressmaking and designs, leaning into the digital world of social media marketing. She aims to bring the highest quality service onboard- catering and anticipating all guests' needs to ensure a memorable stay onboard KOF.


Chef Antoinette Strydom
Antoinette was born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa. She developed a love for cooking and culinary arts at a young age by learning to cook alongside her grandmother. She finds great joy in creating unique and delicious dishes from around the world and sharing them with others. Aside from her passion for cooking, she has a deep love for sailing and traveling. Married to Captain Darrell, she has been able to mesh all the loves of her life with a career in yachting. In her free time she enjoys bird watching, diving and seeking out opportunities to experience new cuisines and flavors from different cultures. As a chef, Antoinette looks forward to providing her guests with a culinary experience that is both delicious and memorable.


Engineer Phil Russel
Originally from the windy city of Cape Town, South Africa, Phil is a hands-on engineer with a passion for speed, precision, and technical performance. His background in 4x4 adventures, motocross, and building turbocharged cars naturally steered him toward the yachting industry. Before joining King of Fun, he refined his expertise aboard M/Y M’brace, Michael Jordan’s private yacht, where he learned the art of high-pressure, high-standard maintenance. In the engine room, Phil is all about sharp focus and keeping systems running at peak performance. Whether he’s elbow-deep in an engine or lending a hand outside his department, Phil brings just the right mix of serious craftsmanship and good-humoured spirit to The King of Fun.


Deckhand-Engineer Luke Kelly
Luke is from Durban, South Africa, where his deep connection to the ocean. began at a young age. Growing up with a passion for marine life and learning to fish early on led him to become a professional sports fishing guide. For the past two years, he has guided enthusiastic fisherman in some of the world's most stunning locations. Although he recently transitioned to yachting, he is eager to grow within the industry and learn from the best around him. His fishing expertise brings valuable knowledge to the team. Onboard he serves between the deck and engineering departments, contributing his skills and enthusiasm to enhance the overall experience.


Deckhand Sev Oosthuizen
Sev grew up in Bethlehem and spent a lot of time in South-African waters and at the coast. Where his love for water-based activities such as, water-skiing, fishing, and free- and lobster diving developed. A proactive individual, Sev chose to venture into the Yachting industry post-schooling, where his exposure to yacht life further deepened his appreciation for outdoor pursuits and the thrill of exploring new horizons.Beyond the seas, Sev is extremely passionate about dirt bikes and driving them up into the mountains to discover new places. He also loves sports and is especially fond of Rugby. During your stay on Inevitable Sev is committed to wholeheartedly assisting with any requests, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.


Deckhand/Stewardess Tatum Schwedhelm
Tatum hails from the coastal town of Gonubie, South Africa. With a background in Early Childhood Education, she developed strong organizational and mentoring skills that now translate seamlessly into yachting. Since starting her career at sea in June 2023, Tatum has shown adaptability and a proactive approach, bringing energy and reliability to both deck and interior duties.Active and competitive, she thrives in a variety of sports and brings the same determination to life onboard. She is passionate about community upliftment, having volunteered at schools, animal shelters, and charity events. Known for her playful and caring nature, she is excellent at anticipating guest needs—and is also a true “fruit bat,” with a love for fresh fruit and fun. Tatum’s dedication to service, versatility, and attention to detail ensure that every guest’s experience is both seamless and memorable.