Richard is a seasoned chef with a rich culinary background spanning both land and sea. Before entering the yachting industry in 2010, he spent over 15 years perfecting his skills in boutique hotels and upscale restaurants. Since stepping aboard his first yacht, he has embraced the dynamic world of cooking at sea, working on an array of prestigious sailing and motor yachts across the Mediterranean, Europe, Asia, Australia, Indonesia, Florida, and the Bahamas.
With a passion for creating unforgettable dining experiences, Richard expertly blends traditional and contemporary flavours, crafting bespoke menus tailored to the guest's preferences. He takes pride in sourcing the freshest local ingredients whenever possible and preparing food from scratch—including artisanal breads, pastries, ice creams, and sorbets. His expertise also extends to catering for large-scale events.
Having worked on renowned charter yachts such as M/Y Northern Sun, M/Y Hospitality, and M/Y MARALA—which he has now rejoined— Richard’s expertise and passion ensure every meal is a highlight of the guest experience.
Richard Eldon
Chef
Hailing from the Philippines, Rodrigo is a dedicated professional who brings skill, precision, and a commitment to excellence to his role. He ensures the highest standard of onboard service for guests, delivering an exceptional experience with professionalism and attention to detail.
Rodrigo Vocales Jr
Laundry Steward
Eddy was born and raised in Falmouth, Cornwall in the UK. Before Eddy was employed onboard M/Y MARALA he worked in Pendennis Shipyard for 2 years earning some valuable skills about boat maintenance. Eddy brings his practical knowledge & knows M/Y MARALA very well as he was present during the yacht being refitted. Eddy enjoys traveling & exploring new places, fitness & boxing.
Eddy Ward
Third Engineer
Travis is proud to serve as the 4th engineer aboard MARALA. Hailing from sunny South Africa, he’s now in his fourth season in the yachting industry, bringing a strong technical background and a deep passion for the ocean. Travis is always ready to tackle any challenge and keep everything running smoothly for both guests and crew.
Beyond engineering, he is an adventurer at heart. A qualified dangerous game guide and avid photographer, Travis also loves water sports like slalom skiing and wakeboarding.
Travis Johnson
Fourth Engineer
Nicole, a former teacher from South Africa, seamlessly transitioned into yachting with her calm and adaptable nature. She thrives in dynamic environments, driven by a sense of adventure, a passion for helping others, and a positive outlook on life.
Nicole Bezuidenhoudt
Stewardess
Theodora is a maritime professional with a master’s degree and has been thriving in the yachting industry for nearly two years. Passionate about the sea and exploration, she brings a bubbly, outgoing personality, effortlessly connecting with diverse people and excelling in dynamic environments.
Theodora Greceanu
Stewardess
Solange, born and raised in Mozambique, is a multilingual professional, fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. With years of experience in hospitality and yachting, she takes pride in delivering exceptional service, creating unforgettable experiences, and ensuring that every guest feels truly cared for.
Solange Neto
Second Stewardess
Originally from South Africa, Magdalena—also known as Mags—is a seasoned chef with 18 years of experience, including over five years in the yachting industry. A true dessert enthusiast, she has a special love for working with chocolate and crafting indulgent sweet treats. Dedicated to keeping the crew well-fed and happy, Mags is always eager to expand her culinary skills, exploring fine cuisine and creating exquisite meals for owners and guests. When she's not in the galley, you’ll find her embracing adventure, whether it’s skiing, skateboarding, or diving.
Magdalena (Mags) Van Dyke
Sous / Crew Chef
Marvin was Born in the Philippines and studied Business of Administration & Major in Management at Mountain View college, Valencia, Bukidnon. He joined the yachting industry in 2010 in Phuket, Thailand & has been working on board M/Y MARALA since 2017 and enjoys traveling & music.
Marvin Golina
Lead Deckhand
With over 9 years’ experience in the luxury yacht industry Romel is passionate on pursuing his career with the M/Y MARALA team. Working on a selection of sailing yachts and motor yachts such as S/Y Azzura and S/Y Dalinghoo to M/Y Tanvas, across many locations like the South China Sea, Caribbean, South Pacific and Hong Kong, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the decks of M/Y MARALA.
Romel Tamares
Deckhand