Sean was born and raised in Leeds, where he has lived most of his life. His marine engineering career began at just 16 when he left home to start a cadetship in the commercial sector, completing three years of study in Newcastle. After earning his Engineering Officer of the Watch qualification, Sean transitioned to the yachting industry in 2020. His ambition is to become Chief Engineer on a vessel like TREEHOUSE, where he can lead and mentor an engine room team. A passionate sports enthusiast, Sean plays for a local five-a-side football team and stays active through regular gym sessions. He is a devoted Leeds United supporter and maintains a strong interest in combat sports, following boxing and MMA closely. His early years playing rugby for Castleford Tigers left him with a lasting passion for the game, and he remains a loyal supporter of his hometown team.
Sean Banks
Engineer
Nadia grew up in Mtunzini, a serene coastal town in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, a name which means “a place in the shade.” She began her yachting career in 2015, captivated by the ever-changing beauty of life at sea, and has embraced it wholeheartedly ever since. Grateful to work in some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations, Nadia finds balance by immersing herself in nature, enjoying activities such as skiing in the mountains, scuba diving among vibrant marine life, or simply exploring the outdoors. She also has a deep passion for interior design and architecture, which allows her to blend creativity with her love for beautiful spaces. Joining us in early 2025, Nadia will be a wonderful addition to the TREEHOUSE family. With her warmth, professionalism, and adventurous spirit, she is an incredible asset to any team.
Nadia Webster
Stewardess
Captain Leigh Yeoman’s career is deeply rooted in his love for the ocean, nurtured in the scenic waters of Tauranga, New Zealand. Growing up with the family yacht, ‘Estella,’ summer cruises became a cherished tradition. Leigh’s passion for maritime activities led him to participate in sailing camps and surfing competitions during his youth, achieving notable success as part of the New Zealand team in 1994. Leigh earned a Bachelor’s degree from Otago University before relocating to Sydney, Australia. There, his affinity for sailing blossomed into a professional vocation. He has commanded a diverse array of vessels and has overseen global yacht programmes, predominantly in the Pacific region, while also navigating challenging routes such as the Northwest Passage and exploring Patagonia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean. Leigh’s leadership style is characterized by inclusivity, progressiveness, and a friendly approach aimed at maximising crew potential. He continues to combine his deep-seated dedication to yachting with extensive maritime expertise, delivering unparalleled experiences for both crew and guests alike on his voyages across the world’s oceans.
Leigh Yeoman
Captain
Kate grew up in Leeds, in the north of England. Her lifelong love for animals led her to study Zoology at university, followed by a Master’s in Marine Consultancy. During her studies, she earned qualifications in scuba diving and powerboating, which supported her fieldwork and long-term goal of working at sea. Since entering the yachting industry, she has obtained her Dive Master certification and hopes to become a Dive Instructor in the future. Grateful for the chance to combine her career with her passions, Kate embraces the travel opportunities that yachting provides, exploring new destinations and never looking back. Outside of work, she stays active through fitness, sports, and socialising with friends and family. Her hobbies include hockey, running, skiing, hiking, and CrossFit, and she never misses a chance to join a class wherever she travels.
Kate Robinson
Deckhand
Nadea comes from Hartbeespoort Dam in South Africa. Prior to yachting, she studied Human Resources at university and holds a Bachelor of Science. Her background in people management, combined with a sincere, caring nature and a sharp attention to detail, defines her professional approach. Friendly and warm-hearted, Nadea is ready to be of service wherever needed and is a true team player. In her downtime, Nadea strives to learn new skills, enjoys keeping fit, and has a keen interest in health and nutrition. Working in this industry has given her wonderful opportunities to meet new people and visit beautiful places. She relishes the chance to experience and learn about different cultures and is committed to collecting a fridge magnet from every port she visits. In years to come, these magnets will serve as reminders of precious growth experiences and all her yachting adventures.
Nadea Lombard
Stewardess
Savannah is from Hillcrest, South Africa, a small town outside Durban, where she grew up sailing on her gran’s small boat, hiking, and spending time at the beach. Her love for the ocean and the outdoors led her naturally into yachting. She holds a BA in Fashion and Business from Fedisa in Cape Town and has gained two years of experience on yachts up to 96m, rotating through housekeeping, laundry, and service. Her experience includes cruising the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and U.S. East Coast, as well as completing an ocean crossing between the BVI and Fort Lauderdale. Savannah is detail-oriented and brings a calm, hands-on work ethic to the team. She enjoys being active, hiking, and spending time outdoors and is currently working towards her PADI Open Water certification as she continues to grow within the industry.
Savannah Mathews
Stewardess
Jenna grew up on the border of Kruger National Park in South Africa. Since graduating from high school, she has been travelling while working in various roles, including as an au pair in the USA, a restaurant manager in Cape Town, and as a yacht crew member since beginning her career in 2017. Jenna loves to be busy and active; she enjoys all sports and has recently pursued her passion for Pilates by completing her Advanced Matwork and Reformer teacher training courses. Jenna and Bryce, our Second Officer, spend their free time renovating their properties, surfing, playing tennis, and catching up with family. Jenna has a calm and friendly demeanour, and she looks forward to making guests' time on board a memorable experience.
Jenna Van Der Linde
Stewardess
Luke hails from the small English town of Farnborough, renowned for its private airport and aviation heritage. From a young age, he developed a passion for sailing on local lakes and deep-sea fishing with his family in Lyme Regis. After completing his studies, Luke worked as an estate agent while travelling extensively through Sri Lanka and Thailand. Eventually, he decided to combine his love of sailing and travel by pursuing a career at sea. With five years of industry experience, Luke is now working towards his Officer of the Watch certification. Known for his kind, easy-going nature, he takes pride in creating memorable experiences for guests. During his downtime, Luke enjoys long hikes exploring new destinations, skiing in the Alps, or simply relaxing by the sea. A true watersports enthusiast, he is always eager to try new activities and share these experiences with others.
Luke Harris
Deckhand
Espe grew up in Hartbeespoort, a small town in South Africa, and joined TREEHOUSE this year with five years of industry experience, having learned the ropes from the ground up. Hardworking and forward-thinking, he brings strong expertise that ensures the smooth operation of the deck team. Beyond his well-honed boat-handling skills, Espe holds a Bachelor of Laws degree and previously worked as a general practice lawyer before transitioning to yachting. A talented musician, he plays several instruments, with the violin being his favourite. Like many South Africans, he is a passionate sports enthusiast and particularly enjoys rugby. In his spare time, you will often find him on the golf course, enjoying nature and perfecting his swing.
Espe Lombard
Deckhand
Elizabeth grew up in Devon but now calls Cornwall home. After studying Applied Marine Sciences and Engineering at university, she embarked on a career in high-end hospitality, a path that led her to the yachting world, which she embraced wholeheartedly. She spent nearly 12 years on vessels up to 142m before joining TREEHOUSE in 2022. A veteran of fast-paced environments, she has sailed the Pacific, Mediterranean, and Caribbean, gaining unparalleled expertise in yacht builds, shows, and transatlantic crossings. Renowned for her leadership, Elizabeth excels at managing and motivating interior teams to deliver consistent guest satisfaction. Beyond yachting, she is an accomplished equestrian, competing in cross-country and show jumping. She is also a passionate scuba diver, having earned her Divemaster certification in Thailand, where she met her partner, our Captain Danny.
Elizabeth Blanchard
Chief steward/ess