Previous Yachts
M/Y HONEY (50m)
Interests:
Yoga, beach days, swimming, loves animals
Karla is from a small town near San Antonio Texas. She studied biochemistry at the University of Texas at Austin but decided to pursue a career in yachting. She loves traveling to new destinations and providing one-of-a-kind experiences for guests. Prior to yachting she worked with children as a dance teacher, gymnastics instructor, and lifeguard. In her spare time, she loves to go the beach or visit her cat.
Karla Walsemann
Stewardess
Previous Yachts
M/Y MERCY (37m)
M/Y LA TACHE (31m)
M/Y OLYMPUS (55m)
M/Y OCEAN ALEXANDER (30m)
Interests:
Snorkeling, videography, photography, golf, working out
Born in Durban, South Africa, Matthew developed a deep connection to the ocean from a young age. With a strong background in sports, Matt chose to take an unconventional path and pursue a career at sea—one that led him into the world of yachting.
With just under two years of experience in the industry, he has traveled extensively between the Caribbean and as far north as New York, which has quickly become a favorite yachting destination. Passionate about meeting new people and exploring new places, Matt thrives in the dynamic and ever-changing yachting environment.
Outside of yachting, Matthew enjoys golf, staying active, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. More recently, he has discovered a love for videography, using it as a creative outlet to capture life at sea. Mat] is enthusiastic about the adventures ahead and the opportunities the future holds.
Matthew Klusener
Deckhand
Previous Yachts
M/Y MAYAN QUEEN IV (97m)
M/Y DOUBLE DOWN (65m)
M/Y CAIPIRINHA (60m)
M/Y ADDICTION (55m)
M/Y VICTORIA DEL MAR (50m)
M/Y MOSAIQUE (50m)
Interests:
Fitness, skiing, all things water sports
James grew up in Cheshire, UK. He found his passion for the ocean at a young age sailing on his family’s yacht, until he began solo sailing at the age of 9 years old. His talent on the water was first spotted at 11 years old when he was scouted into British Sailing Team. He competed in various classes up to Olympic level, until at the age of 18 he began his career as a Deck Officer trainee with Windstar Cruises.
After 9 years of professional experience in the yachting industry he was promoted to Captain in 2023. He has travelled extensively during his career working on all 7 continents and over 110 countries, before settling in Fort Lauderdale in 2022.
James enjoys spending his spare time travelling, skiing or walking his 2 Golden Doodles along the beach.
James Purcell
Captain
Previous Yachts
M/Y MARY A (55m)
M/Y NAUATILUS (73m)
M/Y AMBITION (56m)
M/Y SEA OWL (63m)
M/Y LAZY Z (51m)
Interests:
Golf, scuba diving, hiking, camping and playing board games
Francois was born and raised in the stunning landscapes of South-Africa; a place he still proudly calls home. After completing his B.Com in Business Management and a postgraduate qualification in Financial Planning, he quickly realized that life behind a desk wasn’t for him. In 2016, he embarked on his first Atlantic crossing and as they say, the rest is history.
Passionate about adventure and deeply inspired by the opportunity to explore the world, Francois has found a fulfilling career that combines both. His love for untouched nature was solidified after spending two summers in Alaska, a place that captured his heart and continues to draw him back.
Known for his open-mindedness and “can-do” spirit, Francois has taken on a variety of challenges from half Ironman races and open water swims to mountain biking, kitesurfing, and skiing. He’s always eager to try something new, though skydiving and bungee jumping is not a risk he's willing to take. When he's not at sea, you’ll find him tackling DIY projects, staying active, and spending quality time with friends and family. Francois is excited for the next chapter onboard and is committed to making each journey unforgettable for every guest.
Francois Loubser
First Officer
Previous Yachts
M/Y CHOPPI CHOPPI (80m)
M/Y CLOUD 9 (90m)
M/Y MYSTIC (47m)
Interests:
Photography, archery, music
Erin comes from an Afrikaans family of seven and grew up on a citrus farm in the small town of Patensie, South Africa. After high school she went on to study education at the University of Stellenbosch and graduated as a middle school teacher. As with most yacht crew, that degree went unused as Erin soon left South Africa to pursue her dream career in yachting and begin to travel the world, as she had never had the chance to do so before. In her spare time, you will find Erin enjoying archery or fishing, indulging in her love for music by playing the guitar and singing. She also has a very keen eye for photography - don’t be shy to ask Erin to snap some Instagram worthy shots of your holiday!
Erin Zaayman
Chief steward/ess
Previous Yachts
M/Y COPPI CHOPPI (80m)
M/Y MYSTIC (47m)
Interests:
Archery, hunting, fishing, golf
Hailing from South Africa, Rikus grew up in the coastal town of Port Elizabeth which borders the rugged wild coast of the Transkei. As a young active teen, all Rikus knew was sport - mainly cricket and sports fishing. He competed in cricket on a national level representing South Africa at a youth level up until early adulthood, all whilst assisting in his family's security company. Rikus is what most normal people would call ‘obsessed’ with fishing and archery hunting and admits this more of an addiction than a hobby for him. He is especially interested in sharks on research and conservational levels and travels the coast of South Africa fishing for these incredible creatures, an animal he has an extreme amount of love & respect for. Rikus has been in the yachting industry for almost 5 years and says he hasn’t looked back. He loves that it provides him the opportunity to fuel his passion by being out at sea, surrounded by marine life and of course - fishing. If you are looking to cast a line off the back of Muchos Mas - Rikus is your man!
Dylan Marais
Bosun
Previous Yachts
M/Y SEAWOLF X (43m)
M/Y FLEUR (35m)
M/Y B3 (57m)
M/Y KISMET (122m)
M/Y MOSAIQUE (50m)
Interests/Languages
Playing football, golf, cycling, travelling
Originally from Newcastle in the northeast of England. Dominic got his start in the marine world close to home, studying Marine Engineering at South Shields Marine School. After qualifying, he spent several years working on LNG tankers and cruise ships, gaining solid experience in large-scale marine operations before deciding to make the switch to yachting.
Five years later, Dominic hasn’t looked back. He enjoys the variety and pace of life onboard yachts, along with the challenges that come with keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Whether it's troubleshooting technical issues or maintaining the vessel's systems, he takes pride in staying calm under pressure and getting the job done right.
When he’s off the boat, Dominic is usually keeping active—playing football, hitting the golf course, or out cycling. He also loves to travel and is always on the lookout for new places to explore. Friendly and down-to-earth, Dominic is a team player who brings a steady, reliable presence to any crew.
Francis Loubser
Chief engineer
Previous Yachts
M/Y WERE DREAMS (52m)
M/Y RASHA (47m)
Musha Cay Resort – Executive Chef
Emilio’s SXM – Executive Chef
THE Mount Nevis Hotel – Executive Chef
Interests:
Following new trends in pastry and conventional cooking, expanding new tastes horizons, reading cookbooks
Liam started working in kitchens from the age of 15 whilst attending his apprenticeship. These included the 5 star royal bath as well as other prestigious award winning establishments in his hometown Bournemouth UK. 5 years in London in a 5 star hotel then moving to a kitchen which held a Michelin star for food. Liam started his overseas work when he went to 5 star hotel in Saint Lucia, then to Dubai, and to Saint Martin in 2019 before 2022 opening a 50 bedroom 5 star hotel in Nevis in the capacity of chef director, Liam enjoys all pastry, and bakery having furthered his experience training under a master chef of great Briton in the subject.
Liam Haddow
Chef
Previous Yachts
M/Y FLEUR (36m)
Interests:
Music, learning to dj, going to the gym
Sally is from a town in the Northeast of England and holds a degree in Human Resource Management from Northumbria University. She spent several years working as an HR Advisor within the NHS before transitioning into yachting, where she began her stewardess training aboard a small luxury cruise ship operating in the scenic Scottish Highlands. Sally enjoys travelling to new places and experiencing new cultures. She is enthusiastic about continuing to explore more of the world while working in the yachting industry.
Sally Travers
Stewardess