Captain Stephan is a South African-born American who moved to the United States at the age of eight. He is a natural "waterman," with a passion for fishing and spearfishing, who can freedive to depths of up to 130 feet. Before starting his yachting career, Stephan was a competitive swimmer at North Carolina State University, who set the 200m backstroke record for the Atlantic Coast Conference; he also represented South Africa in the Swimming World Championships. His journey into yachting began when he delivered a yacht from North Carolina to Newport, Rhode Island, which ignited his passion for his professional career.
Stephan is known for his leadership qualities, which include strong communication skills, responsibility, and the ability to inspire and uplift his team. As the Captain of Sweet Emocean, he leads a team of six crew members with a focus on maintaining an industry-leading program that prioritizes safety, professionalism, and enjoyment. His leadership style is characterized by a happy, positive personality that fosters a supportive and collaborative environment on board. Stephan's deep love for boating and the ocean is evident in his commitment to his career, ensuring that his natural passion is at the forefront of his responsibilities.

Stephan joined the charter program in September 2022. Originally born in Washington State, Stephen found his passion for cooking when he was knee high to a grasshopper. Since then, he has been aspiring to create and experience food on the highest level. After high school Stephen studied culinary arts at Johnson and Wales before beginning his professional career in the most exclusive restaurants in Florida. In 2013, he discovered yachting. As an avid fisherman and diver, he knew he had found his calling. Stephen's passion for different cuisines mixed with his culinary style, natural talent and warm personality are the perfect combination for a world class charter Chef who never fails to impress.

Renee grew up in Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa, where she honed her hospitality skills at her family-owned guesthouse for 7 years. Now well established in her yacht career, she brings extensive experience from working on yachts ranging from 30-50m. Renee is dedicated to providing exceptional service and unforgettable experiences. She loves traveling, hiking, cycling, and exploring good food.

Caity is a 26-year-old South African woman with a deep-rooted passion for the ocean and travel. Her bubbly, free-spirited nature and down-to-earth personality make her an ideal addition to the crew of Sweet Emocean effortlessly fitting in with those around her. Confident in her work and drama-free, Caity is easy-going and thrives in collaborative environments. When she's not exploring new destinations or working, she enjoys practicing yoga and swimming, embracing both the mental and physical balance these activities bring to her life. Whether she's on a new adventure or simply enjoying the waves, Caity approaches life with a positive and carefree attitude.

EJ is a highly skilled first mate with extensive maritime experience, including being a captain and owner of a 40-foot sailing catamaran. Growing up in Ocean City, Maryland, he developed a strong connection to the sea and refined his expertise in sailing, navigation, and boat handling. A skilled fisherman, spear fisherman, and freediver, EJ brings a wealth of knowledge in marine life and water-based activities, offering guests unique experiences. His calm leadership and deep passion for the ocean make him an invaluable asset to our amazing crew.

HJ has been part of the Sweet Emocean crew for six months. With a deep love for fishing and hunting, he thrives in the great outdoors, embracing every opportunity to explore nature's wonders. His enthusiasm for these activities fuels his pursuits and inspires fellow crew members to connect over shared interests. An avid socializer, he enjoys meeting new people and forging bonds within the Sweet Emocean community. Whether swapping fishing tales or discussing the best hunting spots, his warm demeanor and engaging stories make him a beloved presence among the crew. Always ready to lend a helping hand or share a laugh, he contributes to the camaraderie that defines Sweet Emocean, ensuring that every outing is a memorable adventure.

Captain Frank originally embarked on his maritime journey as an Engineer. Learning the intricate systems and maintenance requirements onboard luxury yachts laid the foundation for his successful career advancement from Engineer to Mate, Mate/Engineer, and ultimately Captain. Frank is now in his fourth year on Sweet Emocean, where he has served in all of the aforementioned positions and took over as Captain in June 2023.
An enthusiastic outdoorsman from Shreveport, Louisiana, Frank is known for his ability to keep the crew energized and positively motivated with a natural sense of humor and energetic persona, matched with a high level of safety awareness and professionalism. His favorite days aboard Sweet Emocean involve engaging with guests and delivering exceptional service.
Frank's passion for the water began in his youth, skiing and fishing on the lakes of Louisiana. He pursued a degree in Business Administration from Southeastern Louisiana University, during which he gained valuable management experience in the hospitality industry. Seeking new adventures, Frank evolved from the service industry to the yachting world. His charismatic personality and innate sense of responsibility, leadership, and fun has continued to provide our charter guests with "best in a lifetime" experiences.