Crew Profiles

NEW LIFE Team has been working together and onboard since Dec 2022.

Captain FC Lubbe (44) South African

Having parents that are avid deep-sea anglers, the ocean has never been a stranger to him. He received his provincial fishing colours at the age of 13. He gained his Skippers license at age 18 and skippered his father's ski boats over weekends for fishing tournaments and family days. He studied Business Management at Richtec College in Richard's Bay. Since then, he has built a stable international maritime career.
He started his maritime career onboard an MSC Cruise Ship in the Mediterranean at 19. Then, staying in touch with his fishing passion, he took up a Fishing guide position for five years in Dubai, where he often travelled to Muscat, Oman and The Maldives. During his time in Dubai, he discovered the yachting industry. FC did his Yacht Master License and started a seven-year-long career in 2010 with the Impulsive Group yachts onboard Impulsive Too, an 82-ft Sunseeker, and Impulsive, a 126-ft Norship. The yachts travelled to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and The Bahamas. FC discovered The Bahamas in 2012 onboard Impulsive Too, where he immediately fell in love with the Bahamian archipelago, culture and friendly nature of the Bahamian people.
He enjoys fishing, reading up on history and playing golf in his spare time.
FC's experience and ability will make your time onboard NEW LIFE safe and enjoyable.

Stewardess: Teodora "Teo" Niculescu (37) Romanian | American
Teodora is a yacht stewardess with a passion for hospitality and a love for the ocean. Born and raised in Romania until the age of 11, she immigrated to Los Angeles, where she eventually pursued a career in hospitality management. With a wealth of experience working for top luxury brands in the restaurant and nightlife industries, Teodora made her way to the Bahamas, where she worked in resort management.

After the initial Covid era and some travelling, Teodora discovered her love for yachting, where she could combine her hospitality strengths with her passion for the ocean. She enjoys travelling to new and exotic locations and is always up for a thrilling adventure. For Teodora, there is nothing better than being surrounded by the beauty of the ocean and the excitement of never having the same day twice.

With her expertise in hospitality management and her love for the ocean, Teodora is the perfect addition to any yacht crew. Her warm and welcoming personality, coupled with her attention to detail, ensures that every guest on board is treated like royalty. Whether she is serving a gourmet meal or organising an unforgettable excursion, Teodora's dedication to her craft is second to none.

Deckhand: Paul Botha (27) South Africa
With a passion for the maritime industry, Paul Botha embarked on his yachting journey in 2018, driven by a desire to excel in every aspect of his role. Born on January 1, 1998, Paul brings youthful enthusiasm and dedication to the NEW LIFE Team.

Paul's mission is to continually enhance his deck-hand skills, deepen his understanding of equipment and procedures, and broaden his knowledge of hospitality within the maritime context. His commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience makes him a valuable addition to any team of like-minded professionals. With a keen eye for detail and a strong work ethic, Paul Botha is poised to contribute significantly to the success of any yacht charter, ensuring smooth operations and unparalleled service.

Cook Stew : Diandra van der Walt (23) South African
Onboard since 2024
Languages: English & Afrikaans

Born and raised in Rustenburg, South Africa, Dee brings warmth, versatility, and a hands-on approach to life onboard. Before joining the yachting world, she worked in a variety of roles including horse care and rehabilitation, hoof trimming and shoeing, farm and lodge management, and hospitality—all of which shaped her strong work ethic and love for serving others.

Her unexpected journey into yachting began in December 2023, when she flew to the Bahamas to visit her boyfriend. She fell in love with the industry and quickly jumped in, freelancing aboard yachts such as M/Y Oculus, M/Y Unbridled, S/Y Dream Beauty, M/Y Dream On, and M/Y Julianne. After gaining a solid year of hands-on experience, she secured a full-time position—on the same boat as her now-fiancé.

Dee holds certifications in STCW, ENG1, Food Handling, and Food & Health Safety. Her culinary style is down-to-earth and guest-focused, blending comfort with creativity to deliver delicious meals that fuel unforgettable memories. “I want guests to be able to fully relax,” she says. “If they leave wanting to come back every year, I’ve done my job right.”

Outdoorsy and practical by nature, Dee loves animals, building things by hand, and any activity that connects her to nature. Her favorite cruising destination is Compass Cay, a hidden gem in the Bahamas known for its pristine waters and peaceful vibe.

Motto: “Be the change in the world that you want to see.”