Mark grew up by the sea on the south coast of England, in and around the bustling maritime industry of the Solent. Having watched ships sailing in and out of Southampton his whole life, he decided to make the sea his career. He trained on container ships for 3 years, gaining his commercial OOW license in 2017.
Soon after, he moved to the yachting world and never looked back. Since going to sea, Mark has worked on several high-profile 100m+ yachts and sailed worldwide, from the South China Sea to the Caribbean, from Iceland to Australia, and many places in between.
Mark enjoys camping and hiking with his Siberian Husky in his spare time, reading copious amounts of books, and skiing in the winter.
MARK SAMUDA
Second Officer
Ian was born and raised in a small seaside town in Northern Ireland, where he spent his childhood surrounded by the sea. From a young age, he developed a passion for water sports, engaging in activities such as sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, powerboating and swimming. His interest in boats eventually led him to pursue a career in superyachts. In addition to water-based activities, Ian also enjoys adventure sports such as mountain biking, rock climbing, archery, and hiking. His primary hobby is the driving and building of cars and motorbikes and restoration of parts. The meticulous attention to detail acquired through these activities has proven invaluable in his work. Ian has been inn the yachting industry since 2011 accumulating extensive experience and knowledge in the field.
IAN CORMACK
Bosun
Rhys was born in the far away country of New Zealand, originally a house builder by trade he wanted to experience more of the world and in 2020 set off to begin his yachting career. He then spent the next 5 years pursuing knowledge about the industry and utilizing his hands on experience to bring himself where he is today. Spending his career on the larger yachts ranging from 107-140m he enjoys living life to the max with his time off heading to the mountains for snowboarding or being in the water any type of water sports.
With a passion for all activities, he jumps at any chance to be active including frequenting the padel courts.
RHYS MANTON
Deckhand
Damian hails from the picturesque Seychelles islands. He grew up with his father, a 30-plus-year seafarer, who ignited his passion for the yachting industry early in his career. Since 2021, Damian has worked on various yachts throughout Europe.
In his free time, he enjoys watching movies, fishing, following football, and playing video games.
DAMIEN PIERRE
Deckhand
Born and raised in Cape Town, Natasha began her career in entertainment marketing before moving into real estate and eventually transitioning into yachting.
With 6 years in the industry and experience on vessels from 55m to 109m, she has cruised the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Mediterranean, excelling in roles such as Head of Service and Head of House. Known for her warm, personable approach, Natasha is passionate about creating memorable guest experiences. Her love for travel, people, and lifelong learning keeps her energy high. Off duty, she enjoys yoga, great conversations, and a good laugh.
NATASHA DU TOIT
INTERIOR – LEAD SERVICE
South African at heart, Zelné was born and raised on the coast of East London, Eastern Cape. To embrace her love for the ocean, she spends most of her time at beaches, snorkeling or collecting seashells, one of her favorite hobbies. Zelné has always had a strong passion for beauty, leading her to obtain international qualifications for numerous beauty treatments. Following in her dad's footsteps, her dream was to see the world and tell the stories he had told her about the wonders of countries he explored. Joining the yachting industry allowed her to live her dream and pursue her passion for beauty.
ZELNE DOUBELL
INTERIOR – SPA / HOUSEKEEPER
Kelsey Scott is a 28 year old South African with a rich and diverse background rooted in both education and global experience. She holds a degree in Business Commerce, majoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship, from Stellenbosch University. Kelsey has spent time as an au pair in Madrid, Spain, teaching English to local children, and later served as an assistant teacher at an all-boys school in Durban. A certified yoga instructor and service stewardess, she has spent the past four years working in the yachting industry aboard vessels ranging from 45m to 107m. A welcoming and bubbly individual, Kelsey is passionate about people, service, and cultural exploration. She is an avid traveler and sports enthusiast who strives to live a well-balanced life - spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally.
KELSEY SCOTT
Stewardess
Captain Johan grew up in the beautiful Côte d'Azur in Nice, France and has been sailing nearly all his life, feeling most at home when he is at sea. His younger years were spent on the water with his Uncle, and ever since then, he knew he wanted to be a Captain one day!
Eight years ago, Captain Johan discovered the Super yachting industry and fell in love with it; the combination of the navigation and luxury hospitality standards is something he thrives on delivering to his guests.
Before working onboard Superyachts, Johan became qualified with the French Navy and has worked on various vessels, including cruise ships, ferries and tankers. Johan is passionate about creating the best experience for his guests; he believes, "in the end, nothing is worth more than the smile and happiness of our guests when they are on board with us.“
In his downtime, he enjoys scuba diving, free diving and sailing. He also enjoys days out on his Motorbike, exploring and travelling to new places, and of course he is happiest when surrounded by his family and friends in the South of France.
Johan DUYCK
Captain
Eva grew up on the coast of Baltic sea and inspired by her Father who is also a Seafarer she knew - one day she will step behind the ships wheel. She started to work on her dream to become an Officer more than 10 year ago - in 2014, when joined Maritime Academy. After almost 5 years of full-time studies and cadetship on Commercial cargo vessels, in January 2019 she obtained her Officer's License and a professional BSc degree in Maritime Transport. In 2020 with excellent deck and bridge knowledge, commercial ship and yachting experience she became a confident and competent Officer. Yachting is a career for Eva and she is looking forwards for a busy season ahead!
When Eva is not on board, she is diving, playing padel, tennis or golf.
EVELINA MELNIKOVA
Second Officer
Tayla grew up along the azure blue waters of Benguerra Island, just off the coast of Mozambique; thus, the ocean has been a part of her life from the first steps she took. Tayla studied digital design, where she pursued her love for photography and brand building, equipping her with planning and content creation skills. After 5 years in the industry, and with a heart as big as the ocean and a knack for making everyone feel at home, she can't wait to make your journey with us oneforthebooks! You can find her staying updated with the latest skincare procedures or soaking up the sun in her free time.
TAYLA FLEMING
Stewardess