Crew Profiles

Captain Francisco d Paiva
Captain Francisco is from Free State, South Africa. He is a leader with extensive experience commanding yachts such as M/Y Calliope (108 ft), M/Y Island Cowboy (118 ft), M/Y Claire (105 ft), and M/Y Galilee (106 ft) with cruising experience on the East-& West Coast USA, Bahamas, Caribbean and Baja Mexico. With a proven track record of delivering exceptional charter experiences, he is known for his professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to create memorable journeys for guests as he enjoys taking guests on excursions; he is an avid diver, loves being in the water and he has a big love for motorcycles. Francisco is a hands-on captain who thrives on crafting personalized itineraries, ensuring smooth sailing, and maintaining a cohesive, guest-forward crew. Whether navigating the turquoise waters of the Bahamas or providing unforgettable water-sports adventures, his commitment to guest satisfaction is unmatched. With a background as a paramedic and rescue diver, Francisco prioritizes safety while ensuring fun and excitement onboard as well as keeping the vessel in perfect maintenance with his engineering knowledge and experience. His approachable demeanor, dynamic leadership, and passion for the sea make him the perfect choice for luxury charters seeking extraordinary experiences.


Mate Leonel Acuna
Leonel is from Mazatlán, Mexico, and holds a 200-ton Captain’s License. He is married to a nurse and they have a 13 year old son. Prior to yachting he went to military school in Tampico, Tamaulipas in Mexico for 5 years where he also gained engineering knowledge. Leonel and Captain Franky previously worked together onboard motor yacht Calliope, conducting charter operations in the Bahamas as well as private trips throughout Florida. Leonel has experience working aboard yachts in the Caribbean cruising extensively in Puerto Rico, Dominion Republic, St. Marten, St. Barth, Anguila, Curacao, BVI’s, Bonaire, including East Coast Florida, Bahamas and the Mediterranean. He was a seasonal Captain on a 25m cruising the South- of Spain and France, Monaco, Corsega, Serdenia, North-East of Sicily and Bicerte Tunnisia. He has some diving and fishing experience and he also enjoys to snorkel. He is Captain Franky’s right hand during navigational watch keeping and he has extensive tender driving experience. Nonetheless, Leonel makes mouth watering ceviche and enjoys making cocktails as well. Leonel strongly believes in teamwork as the key to delivering exceptional guest experiences. In his free time, he enjoys running, swimming, and working out.


Chief Stewardess Simoné Nel
Simoné (Sim-oh-nay) is from South Africa and obtained a bachelors degree in human life sciences and psychology at Stellenbosch University. She is a highly skilled and experienced chief stewardess, specializing in providing exceptional service aboard luxury charter yachts. She developed a passion for hospitality and gained extensive experience working for an events company in Stellenbosch as a Maitre’d. She has worked aboard prestigious yachts such as M/Y Calliope (108 ft), M/Y Island Cowboy (118 ft), M/Y Claire (105 ft), and M/Y Galilee (106 ft) with cruising experience on the East-& West Coast USA, Bahamas, Caribbean and Baja Mexico; ensuring each guest enjoys an unforgettable charter experience and enjoys making signature cocktails. Simoné excels in creating tailor-made guest experiences, from elegant themed dinners and cocktail parties to special celebrations such as surprise birthdays, engagements, and weddings. Her ability to transform any event into a memorable occasion is unmatched. She believes in team-work and helps on deck with crane operations and anchoring. She is caring and ensures that both guest and crew are happy. With a reputation for attention to detail, a positive attitude, strong leadership qualities, Simoné maintains an exceptional standard of service and her ultimate goal is to add memories to your life.

Stewardess Zané Esterhuizen
Zané (Zah-nay) was born in South Africa and raised in Windhoek, Namibia. She is a caring, loving, and hardworking person who values kindness and putting genuine effort into everything she does. She takes pride in supporting the people around her and staying committed to her goals, even in challenging times. She loves adventure and being outside as well as creating friendships wherever she goes. Prior to yachting Zané worked as a waitress at a restaurant in Windhoek ensuring that her clients got top notch service and well taken care of. She has also worked at a laundromat where she gained valuable skills on how to care for different types of fabrics. Zané started her yachting career in the Mediterranean as a junior Stewardess where she worked on M/Y Blue Devil and cruised South of France and Italy. Zané is fairly new to yachting, yet she is a quick learner and shows great potential. Zané has a positive demeanor and is a strong team player, she’s working along side Chief Stewardess Simoné. Being a goal orientated individual, Zané will ensure that both her fellow crew and guests are well taken care of. In Zané’s free time she enjoys to spend time outdoors, explore and working out.


Deckhand Wian van Schalkwyk
Wian is a South African Deckhand who recently joined the yachting industry and brings a positive attitude and strong work ethic to the deck team. He previously had the opportunity to work with Captain Franky on another yacht and has since gained hands on experience across various vessels. While continuing to build his yachting experience, Wian has been involved in maintenance duties, detailed cleaning, and learning the correct techniques and products required to keep the yacht in pristine condition. He is always willing to step in where needed and approaches each task with enthusiasm and a desire to learn. Prior to yachting, Wian played hockey and served as an assistant coach for an under-14 team, demonstrating leadership and teamwork skills. He enjoys snorkeling, e-foiling as well as fishing and would ensure that you have the perfect equipment for your excursions. Wian has a keen eye to capture a moment on his GoPro or drone. In his spare time, he enjoys working out, playing golf and explore new destinations on his skateboard. He looks forward to traveling to new destinations while continuing to grow and gain experience within the yachting industry.


Chef Tanya Rosenberg
Chef Tanya Rosenberg began her yachting career in 2010 in Bar Harbor, Maine, working freelance onboard yachts. Since then, she has enjoyed a diverse career across sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor yachts, gaining extensive experience in a wide range of cruising grounds. Tanya has traveled and cooked throughout the USA, the Bahamas, Turkey, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Croatia, drawing inspiration from global cuisines and fresh, local ingredients. She has a passion for creating a wide variety of dishes and takes great pride in accommodating all dietary requirements, including vegan and gluten-free diets, food allergies, and specific guest preferences and her pastries are remarkable. In addition to her culinary expertise, Tanya is a certified PADI Open Water Diver and a qualified Yoga Instructor. She holds professional culinary certifications and is always willing to assist in any capacity onboard, making her a flexible and valuable member of the crew. Chef Tanya looks forward to delivering memorable dining experiences tailored to each guest’s tastes while contributing to a positive and well-rounded onboard atmosphere.