Growing up on an organic wine farm near the southern tip of Africa gave Stephaan a hands-on upbringing and a close relationship with nature. After completing a five-year diesel mechanic apprenticeship, he honed his skills with engines and machines—making his transition into the yachting world both natural and exciting.
Stephaan recently joined M/Y Sheergold and brings with him a deep appreciation for anything ocean-related. Whether diving, fishing, or just enjoying the sea breeze, he feels at home with saltwater in his hair. With his practical skills, calm demeanour, and curiosity for the maritime lifestyle, Stephaan is ready to take on every challenge and help guests make the most of their experience on board.

Stephaan .
Engineer
Jacquelyn is a people-person at heart. Whether through her experience in wellness, sales, customer service, or housekeeping, she’s always loved creating positive experiences for others. As a certified massage therapist, she understands how to make people feel at ease and brings a nurturing presence to her work aboard M/Y Sheergold.
This is Jacquelyn’s first step into the maritime world, and she’s embraced it wholeheartedly. Drawn to the adventure, culture, and connection that come with life at sea, she brings her energetic, warm spirit to every day onboard. A proud mother of two, Jacquelyn is inspired by her children to live fully and pursue new experiences. She’s passionate about staying active, exploring new places, and making every moment count—values she infuses into her role.

Jacquelyn .
Stewardess
Maarten lives in Curaçao but is originally from Holland. He initially studied criminal and economic law but discovered his true passion for cooking.
He actually studied criminal and economical law but found his real passion was cooking and so he changed direction and went to school in Amsterdam for 4 years, also completing his teachers certificate so he can teach students in cooking as well. Maarten soon started his career in restaurants in Holland, worked his way up through the ranks and moved to Curacao where he became the head chef of Karakter Restaurant. Maarten has cooked on board Bagheera, Sherakhan, Legend & Thandeka over the years. In his spare time he enjoys playing tennis and he volunteers as a park ranger in Curacao national park where he measures coral, teach children about the nature and does guided tours.

Maarten .
Chef
Originally from the Netherlands, Ruby worked at Feaship before deciding to work at sea.
She is an enthusiastic and hardworking stewardess with a strong passion for hospitality. She loves creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere on board and making sure guests feel completely cared for.
What she enjoys most about yachting is the teamwork, the variety in the job, and the chance to work in beautiful destinations.

Ruby .
Stewardess
Born in the Netherlands and raised on the coast of Portugal, Sam has been connected to the ocean his entire life. After studying at a maritime university, he gained experience in both commercial shipping and large motor yachts before fully committing to the yachting industry, where seamanship and hospitality come together.
Growing up in a family rooted in watersports and hospitality, Sam developed a natural understanding of guest service from an early age. This background shaped his approach as a captain: calm, service-minded, and focused on creating a welcoming, safe, and enjoyable environment for owners and charter guests.
Sam has captained a 37-metre sailing yacht on a full circumnavigation, managing both private and charter operations while exploring remote destinations around the world. He is currently Captain on M/Y Sheergold and S/Y Thandeka, where he combines strong technical competence with a personable, guest-focused leadership style. His goal is simple: to deliver smooth operations, memorable experiences, and the highest standards of hospitality on every voyage.

Sam Koetsier
Captain
Laura’s story begins with curiosity—a fascination with life at sea that led her to maritime university and, ultimately, to a career filled with global adventures. Much of her experience lies in the striking yet unpredictable Arctic and Antarctic regions, where she learned not only how to navigate extreme conditions but also how to stay resilient, calm, and collaborative under pressure.
Now returning to the warmer waters of yachting, Laura brings with her a profound appreciation for the ocean’s dynamic beauty and the constant learning that comes with life onboard. She’s recently joined the Sheergold fleet as Chief Officer and is focused on safety, seamless operations, and making sure every guest’s journey is smooth and spectacular. For Laura, each voyage is an opportunity to grow, connect, and share her passion for the sea with others.

Laura .
First Officer
Diana was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and grew up surrounded by the world of restaurants and hospitality through her family’s business. With an educational background in fine, visual, performing, and culinary arts, creativity is her signature trait.
In 2019, she became a seafarer and joined Silversea’s ultra-luxury expedition cruise line, traveling to some of the most remote regions on Earth—from the North Pole to the South Pole. After the pandemic, she transitioned into the yachting industry, where she continues to thrive.
Today, she is proud to serve as the Chief Stewardess aboard M/Y Sheergold, delighted to welcome guests and create unforgettable experiences throughout their charter journeys.

Diana .
Chief steward/ess
Paul has spent the last decade working on a variety of vessels—from rugged tugboats to elegant luxury yachts—and he’s developed an impressive skillset along the way. His deep understanding of seamanship, safety protocols, and guest care makes him an essential part of the Sheergold crew.
He approaches every charter with pride and dedication, always focused on creating a secure, enjoyable experience for guests. Off the yacht, Paul enjoys a quieter life tending to his farm, with a particular love for beekeeping. This balance of hardworking seaman and grounded country soul gives him a calm and approachable demeanour, which guests and crew alike deeply appreciate.

Paul .
Deckhand