Sean joins us from Johannesburg, where he grew up playing rugby, eventually reaching a semi-professional level playing for a well-known rugby franchise called the Golden Lions. Sean went on to study a bachelors degree of education in mathematics and was able to find a happy medium combining his two passions, teaching mathematics to school kids while also coaching the school rugby team. Sean left South Africa to become a personal trainer at a prestigious country club in Florida, and it wasn’t long before he was introduced to the concept of yachting, a world which has drawn him in since. Sean commenced his yachting career in 2015, and after 9 years of hard work and dedication, he has managed to climb the ranks and complete his chief mate 3000.

Sean Pretorius
First Officer
Gavin spent his formative years on a farm just outside of Pretoria, cultivating his passion for the outdoors. Although he engaged in various sports during his youth, he ultimately dedicated himself to academics, earning a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Pretoria. Apart from his professional pursuits, he finds solace in nature, dedicating his free time to activities like hiking, safaris, and kayaking. He has a deep affinity for the ocean which fuels his aspirations, and he dreams of embarking on an ocean crossing.

Gavin Avenant
Deckhand
Erjo is a highly experienced deckhand with two circumnavigations and over two decades in yachting. Known for his strong work ethic and keen eye for detail, he ensures the exterior of the vessel is always maintained to pristine standards, specializing in paint and varnish. Originally from Bacolod, Philippines, he studied Management at West Negros University before beginning his yachting career in 1998 at the Manila Yacht Club, later joining the legendary CHRISTINA O in 2000. In addition to his deck expertise, Erjo is a trained massage therapist, offering guests relaxing treatments such as Swedish massage, Shiatsu, and aromatherapy to enhance onboard wellness. A passionate basketball fan who enjoys cycling and 80s–90s music, he brings positive energy, professionalism, and versatility to every charter.

Erjo Junatas
Bosun | Massage Therapist
Ivan was born in Hull and joined the British Royal Navy straight from School. He completed a 4 1/2 year formal engineering apprenticeship at the Royal Navy Engineering academy before joining Trafalgar Class Nuclear Submarines. A keen sportsman Ivan represented the Royal Navy internationally at Table Tennis and has travelled extensively throughout his career. His hobbies include carpentry, reading and cycling.

Ivan Hazell
Chief engineer
Sara-Lee grew up in the windy city known as Port Elizabeth. She also grew up in town called St Francis, where her love for the ocean began. Playing by the rock pools, surfing, skiing and going on fishing trips are a few things that Sara enjoyed doing with her family. She attended a boarding school in Grahamstown where she was exposed to living with students from all around the world. Sara then moved to Stellenbosch for a year to do a business course at Stellenbosch University. A few of Sara’s interests are hiking, playing the ukelele, sports and traveling. During 2019 she found an interest in boats and was introduced to the yachting industry and what it had to offer. She has now pursued a career as a Stewardess.

Sara-Lee Keevy
Stewardess
Captain Roy is happy to welcome you aboard! He has worked onboard Laurel for over 7 years and during that time he has taken her across the Atlantic six times, cruised the Mediterranean, made four Panama Canal transits, traveled up the Pacific Coast to Mexico, cruised the Caribbean, the Bahamas and the Sea of Cortez. He is very proud of her sea-keeping ability and safety record as well. Captain Roy grew up in Kentucky and started working in the marine industry at the age of 13. He earned his first Captain’s License at 19 and has now been a Captain for 29 years. In his free-time he is a private pilot and flies a Cirrus SR-20 that he uses to travel back and forth to his home in Eleuthera, Bahamas.

Roy Hodges
Captain
Stephanie will work her magic behind the scenes, as the purser for your trip. She began working at a marina in Kentucky in high school, where she fell in love with Captain Roy, and the dock life and has been working in yachting ever since. They started out running small boats together; where she worked on deck, in the galley and as stewardess and purser. She has held her USCG 100-ton Master license for 19 years. She enjoys cycling and has completed the SMARTRide, twice (a cycle trip from Miami to Key West totaling 165 miles). She is a breast cancer survivor, a volunteer with Immerman Angels and is a notary public for the state of Florida. She has been married to Captain Roy for 27 years and they love traveling the world with their miniature schnauzer Menelao.

Stephanie Hodges
Purser
Born in Johannesburg and only every knowing the city, Monique always dreamed of living by the ocean. In 2015 she started her career in yachting, where she worked on vessels ranging between 35m and 75m. Her passion for hospitality and providing excellent guest service propelled her through her career. After years of creating remarkable table settings, she started a social media page dedicated to providing inspiration for young stewardesses to encourage their own creativity. Her talents were again showcased at the Caribbean Charter Show, winning “best cocktail”. Monique’s central focus has been delivering impeccable service and looks forward to making your stay onboard a memorable experience. In her free time, she enjoys sunshine, running, yoga and exploring the new location she’s in through food and culture.

Monique Steyn
Chief steward/ess
Geraldine was born and raised on the sunny coast of Durban, South Africa. After years of working “9 to 5” in a creative design and advertising corporate field, Geraldine decided to make a change to a more nomadic life abroad as she wanted to pursue her dreams of traveling, meeting, and experiencing the diverse cultures from around the world. Geraldine’s outgoing personality and positive disposition is a welcome asset to the crew and guest’s onboard M/Y Laurel. She thoroughly enjoys interacting with colleagues and guests alike. When not working, Geraldine enjoys all outdoor activities such as swimming, exercising, hiking, cycling and exploring towns, markets and boutiques abroad, not to mention spending quality time with family and friends.

Geraldine Stone
Senior Stewardess
James has worked on many large super yachts over the years, and is very proud to be part of Laurel crew. He always wanted to work in the hospitality industry, so he completed a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. He enjoys travelling, meeting new people, and learning from different cultures. James will always make sure to cater to guest needs so that they will have a first-rate laundry experience! In his free-time he loves hiking, playing basketball and American football. His favorite destinations are the Caribbean and the Baltic. James will do his best to ensure that guests have an outstanding sailing experience as well as excellent laundry!

James Fulgencio
Laundryman