Francois Theunissen is a hands-on and highly versatile Bosun on M/Y Provocateur, known for his strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to take on any challenge onboard. With a solid background across both deck and engineering roles on expedition and charter vessels, he brings valuable experience in tender operations, guest support, exterior maintenance, and complex shipyard projects, including engine replacements and refits. His practical skillset spans mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work, making him a reliable and proactive problem solver who contributes across departments to ensure smooth yacht operations and a high standard of presentation. Francois also holds key certifications including AEC 1 & 2, STCW, ENG1, and RYA Powerboat Level 2, supporting his well-rounded operational capabilities.

Francois Theunissen
Bosun
Denys Zykin is a highly experienced Chief Engineer with over 21 years in the maritime industry, bringing a calm, reliable presence and a strong team-oriented approach to onboard operations. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and proactive mindset, he ensures seamless yacht performance through expert maintenance, troubleshooting, and efficient management of all technical systems, while also supporting deck operations and water toy readiness for an enhanced guest experience. His background spans both commercial vessels and luxury yachts, including extensive experience overseeing refits, dry docks, and maintaining optimal efficiency across all engineering departments. A motivated professional with a genuine interest in modern technologies, Denys enjoys staying active through hiking and cycling and values a balanced lifestyle, contributing to a positive and stable onboard environment.

Denys Zykin
Chief engineer
William is a French Chef whose passion for gastronomy has been evident since an early age. In 2018, he earned his professional French Baccalaureate in Culinary Arts, before further honing his craft at the prestigious Institut Paul Bocuse. Following his formal training, William gained valuable experience in several renowned Michelin-starred restaurants, where he developed a strong foundation in precision, creativity, and refined technique. His culinary journey has also taken him across the globe, allowing him to explore diverse cultures, discover exceptional ingredients, and continuously refine his approach by drawing inspiration from the world’s finest cuisines. William began his yachting career in 2022, bringing with him a dynamic, enthusiastic, and highly motivated mindset. His ability to blend classical French training with international influences enables him to create sophisticated, tailored dining experiences on board. Beyond the galley, William maintains an active lifestyle and enjoys water sports and football, reflecting his energetic and well-rounded character.

William Deguara
Chef
Theneal Brits is a confident and detail-driven 2nd Stewardess with strong experience on busy private and charter yachts up to 58m, where she has proven herself as a reliable right hand to the Chief Stewardess. She excels in high-pressure charter environments, managing seamless turnarounds, delivering polished silver service, and maintaining exceptional interior standards, while also taking initiative in training junior crew and leading housekeeping. Known for her calm, adaptable nature and discreet professionalism, Theneal brings a positive, solutions-focused approach that enhances both guest experience and team dynamics onboard. Her well-rounded skill set across service, provisioning, and interior organisation makes her a valuable asset to any charter program.

Theneal Brits
Stewardess
Zane Ford is a versatile and technically adept 2nd Engineer & Deckhand aboard M/Y Provocateur, bringing over six years of hands-on experience across electrical, mechanical, and marine systems. With a strong background in automation, fault finding, and system installations, he has contributed to everything from engine room restorations to full-scale electrical and control system projects, ensuring reliable and efficient onboard operations. His proactive, solution-driven mindset and ability to seamlessly support both engineering and deck departments make him a valuable asset in maintaining smooth day-to-day running and charter readiness. Zane also holds key certifications including STCW, ENG1, RYA Powerboat Level 2, RIB Master, and an MCA Yacht Rating Certificate.

Zane Ford
Engineer
Wesley Walker is a dual Spanish and South African Captain with nearly 24 years of experience in the yachting industry, holding a Master 500 Yachts licence (Belgium CoC 500) with Malta, Cayman Islands, and Marshall Islands endorsements. Having commanded both private and charter yachts up to 50m, he brings extensive experience in class and flag surveys, refits, shipyard periods, and vessel transactions, alongside strong operational and financial management skills. Wesley fosters motivated crews and consistently delivers seamless, high-level experiences for owners and charter guests. As a big sports enthusiast, he brings the same energy and discipline onboard that he applies ashore through cycling, cricket, motorsports, and maintaining a highly active lifestyle.

Wesley Walker
Captain
Katie Cartmill is an enthusiastic and service-driven stewardess with a strong background in high-end hospitality, having worked in fast-paced front-of-house roles including collaboration with a Michelin-starred chef and VIP event catering. A natural team player and former competitive netball athlete and team captain, she brings strong discipline, communication, and a highly proactive, guest-focused approach, complemented by a genuine passion for the ocean and an active watersports lifestyle. She recently completed intensive superyacht interior training at UKSA and additional British Butler Institute training, transitioning into yachting with a strong foundation in 7-star service standards.

Katie Cartmill
Stewardess
Eliza Meldraja is an accomplished Chief Stewardess with over 10 years’ experience on busy private and charter yachts ranging from 30m to 70m, including high-profile events such as the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco F1 Grand Prix. Known for her hands-on leadership and strong team management, she excels in training interior crews, executing full yacht set-ups, and maintaining exceptional service standards for UHNW guests in fast-paced, high-demand environments. Creative and detail-driven, she has a strong passion for elegant table styling and curating refined onboard atmospheres that elevate the guest experience. Elizas strengths include delivering exceptional guest experience, organisation, and executing seamless, high-energy charters aboard M/Y Provocateur.

Eliza Meldraja
Chief steward/ess
Ruhan Grobler is an accomplished First Officer with over eight years of experience on both private and charter yachts, bringing a strong balance of technical expertise and calm, confident leadership to high-performing teams. Having operated across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Atlantic, and Baltic regions, he is highly adept in managing busy charter programs, overseeing bridge operations, crew, and guest logistics while consistently maintaining charter-ready standards. Known for his composed approach under pressure and strong communication skills, Ruhan fosters a positive onboard culture while ensuring smooth, safe, and efficient operations. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active through hiking and fitness, as well as diving and travel, reflecting his energetic and adaptable nature.

Ruhan Grobler
First Officer
Thibault is a versatile and energetic Deckhand with strong hands-on experience in deck operations, tender driving, and chase boat handling on yachts up to 43m, making him well suited to fast-paced charter environments. He is confident in watersports support, watchkeeping, maintenance, and general deck upkeep, with a proactive and adaptable approach developed through both yachting and hospitality exposure. Known for his reliability, technical ability, and positive, team-focused attitude, he contributes effectively to smooth guest operations and high-standard yacht presentation. Thibault also brings additional versatility through a background in culinary arts, further strengthening his understanding of guest-facing service on board M/Y Provocateur.

Thibault Bernier
Deckhand