Ben H grew up in sunny Sydney,Australia and trained as an electrician.he spent many years honing his skills before setting his sights further abroad.
Ben knew he wanted to expand on his practical knowledge and pursuing a careeer in martitime engineering was an easy transition.
ben joined the yachting industry in 2014 and has since then worked on various luxury vessels and completed many miles and crossings.
He has explored most of North America and extensively around the Caribbean, making him a seasoned sailor and well practiced engineer.
Ben has been looking after Marie’s engines for more than 2 years and is always keen to give guests a tour of the inner workings of the engine room.
When ben is not on board, he enjoys a quiet, tropical life on the beautiful Caribbean island of Grenada, with his wife and daughter. Ben enjoys watching sport, going for long walks and is always around for a chat.
Ben Hamill
Engineer
Born and raised in the seaside town of Saint-Malo in Brittany, France, Ben has always felt a deep connection to the ocean. His passion for the sea led him to pursue his studies at the prestigious French Nautical Academy of Marseille, where he earned a Master Mariner degree in Nautical Engineering Science. After completing his education, he embarked on a global adventure, starting his career aboard cargo ships and navigating the world’s vast oceans.
In 2013, Ben transitioned into the superyacht industry, bringing with him years of maritime experience. Over the years, he has worked on yachts of all sizes, from sleek motor vessels to majestic sailboats, and has had the unique opportunity to sail in some of the world’s most remote and fascinating locations, including Antarctica and along the Congo River.
When he’s not on board, Ben can be found racing his own boat or enjoying life on his 43-foot motorboat. His love for the water extends beyond his professional life, as he is always seeking new challenges and adventures. Outside of sailing, Ben enjoys a variety of hobbies, including reading, playing golf, and badminton. And, of course, his love for cheese is well-known among his friends and colleagues!
Benjamin Fetas
Engineer
Having spent much of her youth traveling the globe, Lucie has always been drawn to exploring new places and cultures. Born in Australia, raised in the UK, and now living in Italy, she happily calls each place she loves home—and has found yet another aboard SY Marie.
With a background in costume design, Lucie brings a keen eye for detail and creativity to every aspect of life onboard. She has a natural talent for creative table décor, transforming each dining experience into something special. A true people person, she thrives on making guests feel at home, ensuring they’re comfortable, cared for, and immersed in the magic of life at sea.
When she’s not at sea, you’ll find Lucie tackling DIY projects, cycling along the seafront, or sipping prosecco with friends under the Italian sun. No matter where she is, she’s always looking for new ways to create beautiful, welcoming spaces and unforgettable moments.
Lucie Mostyn
Chief steward/ess
Falyne joins us from the picturesque coastal town of Knysna, South Africa.
While studying at university, she worked on a prestigious wine farm, where she fell in love with the hospitality industry and the art of creating memorable guest experiences. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Education, she
planned to take a gap year to travel—but six years later, she’s still embracing life at sea in the Superyacht Industry. With experience aboard both motor and sailing yachts ranging from 40 to 80 meters, Falyne has called Marie home for the past two years and is excited to welcome you on board.Her warm personality and natural people’s skills
ensure that every guest feels at ease, creating a relaxed and inviting
atmosphere. A lover of culture and connection, she thrives on exploring new destinations, meeting people from all walks of life, and discovering the
unique traditions each place has to offer.
When she’s not busy experimenting with new cocktail recipes, you’ll find
Falyne reading her book on a beach, staying active with running, hiking, and Pilates, or challenging herself to learn a new skill. Beyond yachting, she
dedicates time to volunteering at schools in need and still hopes to pursue her passion for teaching.
Falyne Plotz
Chief steward/ess
Ruth is also from South Africa’s breathtaking Garden Route district, where natural beauty and fresh, vibrant ingredients are a way of life. After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, she quickly realized that her true passion lay not in the mind, but in the kitchen—bringing people joy through food. This led her to pursue a career in cheffing, a decision she has never looked back on.
With 12 years of culinary experience spanning high-end restaurants and intimate farm- to-table dining, Ruth has honed a distinctive style that blends sophistication with simplicity. She is passionate about using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create bold, flavorful dishes, often inspired by her travels through Asia. She has a special love for small plates, crafting dishes that burst with vibrant flavors and unexpected combinations, making every bite an experience. When she’s not delighting guests with her culinary creations on board, Ruth enjoys the coastal lifestyle in Knysna with her husband and their two dogs. She loves hiking, spending time at the beach, and making memories with friends and family—often around a table filled with good food and laughter.
Ruth Coates
Chef
Cloe’s love for the ocean began at an early age, sailing around the world on an expedition yacht. Over the past 13 years, she has built an impressive career aboard superyachts, gaining extensive experience in both remote and renowned destinations. Trained as a yacht chef through hands-on experience with her French mother, alongside specialized courses and workshops, Cloe has developed a refined culinary style. She specializes in fresh, vibrant Mediterranean, Thai, and global cuisine, always with a creative touch and a love for baking. Cloe
embraces a holistic approach to cooking, thoughtfully crafting menus that are not only bursting with flavor but also nourishing for the body. Her
passion for fresh, wholesome ingredients ensures that every dish is as beneficial as it is delicious. When she’s not in the galley mastering her sourdough recipe, Cloe is out chasing the next thrill—whether surfing, kiteboarding, scuba diving, hiking, or honing her craft projects. And no matter where her adventures take her, she continues to sail on the family boat, always drawn back to the sea.
Cloe Waterlot
Chef
Born and raised in Lorient, Brittany, captain Xavier developed a passion for
sailing and racing from a young age, competing on dinghies and catamarans.
While pursuing a university degree in yacht management, he raced
internationally in one-design classes before deciding in 2001 to turn his love for sailing and travel into a lifelong career. His journey began with the
America’s Cup in New Zealand, followed by a role aboard the legendary Mari- Cha III, setting the course for an exceptional career at sea.
With over 20 years of experience as a captain, Xavier has helmed some of the world’s most stunning sailing yachts, navigating the Mediterranean,
Caribbean, and South Pacific. His extensive knowledge of these waters, keen eye for detail, and dedication to delivering unforgettable experiences allow him to craft seamless itineraries—leading guests to hidden gems, breathtaking
anchorages, and the best each destination has to offer. Xavier ensures every journey aboard Marie is one to remember.
When not at sea, Xavier enjoys sailing his own boat around Mallorca with his wife and two children, embracing the same passion that has shaped his life.
When there isn't favorable wind, he takes to the scenic cycle routes of Mallorca, plays padel or enjoys cooking for his family.
Xavier Le Moël
Captain
Joan grew up by the sea on the stunning Mediterranean island of Mallorca, where his love for sailing began at an early age aboard family boats and his own little Europa dinghy. With over 15 years of experience in the nautical industry—five of which were spent teaching and skippering at a maritime school—he has honed his expertise both on and off the water.
His career has taken him through a range of roles, including serving as Chief Officer on various vessels, among them one of the largest sailing ketches in Spain. For the past two and a half years, Joan has been an integral part of Marie, ensuring safety at sea and the seamless operation of day-to-day deck activities. His passion for his craft fosters a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere on board, making every sailing experience exceptional.
When he’s not on duty, you’ll likely find Joan indulging in his love for the sea aboard his own Dufour 24, swimming in his local pool, spending quality time with his family, or skiing in the breathtaking Spanish Pyrenees.
Joan Company
First Officer
Meet Ella, originally from Kent in southeast England. Growing up on the water,
Ella’s early experiences included dinghy sailing, classic yacht racing, and Thames barge racing. It was a natural progression for her to pursue a career in yachting and has her sights set on being an officer one day. She studied Operational Yacht Science, combining her love for the sea with technical expertise. She has spent time in both Europe and most recently the Caribbean. Her favourite place she has ventured on a boat is exploring the Fjords of Norway. Ella is also skilled in videography and photography, capturing beautiful moments onboard and on her travels. In her spare time and when she is not on board, she enjoys kite surfing and wakeboarding in beautiful destinations, making her a fantastic resource for guests interested in water sports. Whether you're looking for an exciting water adventure or simply want to relax on the water, Ella’s love for her job and passion for life on the ocean ensures a memorable experience for all.
Ella Jameson
Bosun
Captain Wes hails from New Zealand, where his love for the sea began at an early age through competitive dinghy sailing. Before pursuing a career on the water, he trained as a shipwright and went on to establish his own successful boat-building business.
Wes has logged over 230,000 nautical miles of blue water cruising across some of the world's most challenging and breathtaking sailing grounds. From the rugged coasts of the Pacific to the idyllic anchorages of the Caribbean and the historic waters of the Mediterranean, his extensive experience allows him to navigate a variety of conditions with confidence and finesse. He has also served as sailmaster aboard the world’s largest triple-masted schooner, further honing his expertise in handling large, complex sailing yachts.
Since Marie’s launch in 2010, Wes has been at the helm, knowing her inside and out. His deep understanding of the yacht, combined with his keen ability to read both the wind and his guests' preferences, allows him to tailor every sailing experience to their comfort and sense of adventure.
When he’s not at sea, he loves any opportunity to refresh his helicopter pilot’s license and take to the skies or immerse himself in DIY projects on his smallholding in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.
Wes Cooper
Captain