James first experienced the exciting, nomadic lifestyle of the maritime industry after leaving South Africa and heading to Europe as a high school graduate. That summer, he worked on a sailboat that cruised the Med and competed in regattas, an experience that sparked his passion for yachting. After returning to South Africa, he completed a business degree at the University of Cape Town before embarking on a career in yachting. Starting as a deckhand, James worked his way up to officer, exploring the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Central America, North America’s west coast, Alaska, and French Polynesia. Outside of work, James enjoys staying active with surfing, golf, hiking, and fitness. He also has a keen interest in rugby and personal development. He favorite part of the job is experiencing new landscapes and cultures in the world’s most stunning locations.
James Platt
First Officer
Troy was born in Finland and grew up in Antigua. He has been with the program for six years and on HODOR since the build. He took over as Captain in 2021. In his spare time, Troy enjoys motorsports and fishing. In the future he would like to learn to weld.
Troy Eriksson
Captain
Growing up on a farm in South Africa, Gareth has always had a deep connection to the outdoors. He spent his youth hunting, fishing, operating farm equipment, and riding dirt bikes and horses. After school, he pursued a BSc in Agriculture, specializing in soil chemistry and plant nutrition. However, he soon realized his heart belonged to the ocean and transitioned into the yachting industry, finding it the perfect way to combine his skills with his passion for the sea. Over the past six years, he has cruised the Persian Gulf, Mediterranean, Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. He takes pride in ensuring guests feel comfortable, well cared for, and above all, safe. When not fishing, you’ll find him capturing aerial shots with his drone or gathered around a fire, cooking something fresh.
Gareth Viviers
Bosun/Chase Boat Captain
Emmanuel (Matty) completed a four-year degree in maritime study, after which he started his career on container and tanker ships. Two years later he shifted his sights on the more interesting and enjoyable environment of the yachting industry. Matty has been with the LONIAN/HODOR owner for 15 years and counting. He is very water sports oriented, including snorkeling scuba diving and wakeboarding. If there’s any watersports activities on, he won’t be far away! Matty is very friendly and enjoys a teamwork environment where everyone is working towards the same goal. Matty especially enjoys travelling to these amazing exotic places that he would normally never be able to travel to. He loves gardening, exploring and trying new activities.
Emmanuel Matalote
Bosun
Growing up on the east coast of South Africa, Brad naturally gravitated towards water sports, excelling in waterskiing at an international level during his school years. Later spending seven years cycling professionally around the globe. Despite his success on land, the ocean’s allure ultimately called him to the yachting industry. Over the years, he has had the privilege of sailing and working on various boats. Each experience not only enriched his skills as a mariner but also deepened his appreciation for the vastness of the seas. In his downtime, Brad is pursuing his Masters. He also enjoys guiding guests and friends on fishing trips. When fishing isn’t fruitful, Brad is always ready to switch gears, engaging in activities like surfing, kitesurfing, playing padel, or hiking.
Bradley Stroberg
Chief Officer
Growing up on the east coast of Australia, Will developed a love for the ocean and adventure at a young age. From being a junior lifeguard to bartending in Brisbane, Will explored various jobs before moving to London in 2022. During his time in London, he met some yacht crew who introduced him to the world of superyachts, inspiring him to embark on his own yachting journey. Having just completed his first Mediterranean summer, Will is thoroughly enjoying the experience. He is eager to explore different parts of Central America and French Polynesia. While Will is already experienced in watersports, surfing, and fishing, he’s excited to acquire new skills like scuba diving and spearfishing. In his free time, you will find Will on the beach or playing sports with friends, his favorite being basketball, rugby, and Australian football.
William Clelland
Deckhand
Growing up sailing the Greek islands with her parents, Ava always felt at home at sea. At 19, she set off to explore life as a seafarer, and her journey continues to this day. Yachting has not only fueled Ava’s passion for yoga, meditation, and holistic therapies, but also allowed her to travel the world and experience diverse cultures. One of Ava’s dreams is to own a sailing boat in Greece, where she can take guests diving while exploring the beauty of her homeland.
Ava Zotou
Stewardess
Growing up in a small coastal town in South Africa Jarred spent most of his youth in and around the ocean. After school he began working as a sailing instructor in Cape Town. Soon thereafter he found his love for scuba diving and, intrigued by the creatures of the ocean, he began working as a dive instructor in South Africa and then the Red Sea. Later he found yachting as an option to explore the world’s oceans. In the past 10 years in the yachting industry, he has traveled and dived most of the places he dreamed of as a child. He has developed a passion for underwater videography and photography and has an impressive knowledge of different creatures that call the ocean home. His hobbies include surfing, free diving, cycling, hiking, and yoga. Spending time in the water is when he is happiest.
Jarred Hodgson
Dive/Sub Officer
Ross is a 27-year-old nature lover from the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa. Originally Ross grew up surrounded by wild bush in the north of the country where he went to school. After traveling around Southeast Asia after school, Ross moved to Cape Town to study and received a degree in Strategic Brand Communications. He wasn’t quite ready for the 9 – 5 life and decided he wanted to travel more and get into the yachting industry. Ross is an avid surfer, photographer, and filmmaker and plans to document his travels and pursue multiple projects in the coming years.
Rossouw Basson
Bosun
Nick grew up on the island of Barbados. With his love of the sea, it was a natural choice to choose a career that would keep him involved with it. During his school holidays he worked on catamarans in Barbados, which led to his career as a deckhand. Six years on, he is still enjoying the yachting life. His ability to travel, interact with the owners and guests and constantly be able to learn new skills is his favorite things about the job. His travels have taken him to Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, East Coast of the USA, Central America, the Galapagos Islands, Tahiti, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his friends, spear fishing, free diving, and surfing. He has been very lucky to surf many amazing surf spots in the world.
Nicholas O'Neal
Deckhand
Price: €600,000 - €600,000 / Per Week
Length: 216' 6" Ft
Guests: N/A
Speed: 24 Knots
Cabins: 16
Build year: 2019
Crew: 17