Dan was born in Johannesburg, grew up in Knysna and Port Elizabeth, and now lives in Cape Town. He began his yachting career as the sole chef on a 32-metre sailing yacht, which he found both fun and challenging. He later moved to Abu Dhabi, where he worked on a “floating villa” — and that’s where he met his wife! The two went on to work together for four amazing years on their last two vessels and had the best time. In his spare time, he loves cooking (no surprise there), going to the beach, and spending time with his family.

Dan Hirschberg
Head Chef
Chief Engineer, Zeljko Botica was born and raised in Split, Croatia. He is a licensed marine engineer with extensive sea going experience with diploma Bachelor’s degree in marine engineering. After more than 20 years working on various commercial vessels and offshore sector, he started to work on luxury yachts. As he comes from town Split which is located on the Adriatic Sea in Mediterranean coast he was always connected to sea through fishing, diving and running the boats from his early days. He is proud owner of Merry fisher 795 boat which he uses for relaxation whenever he is at home. Zeljko’s hobby is cooking, fishing and enjoying time with family and friends on the boat.

Zeljko Botica
Chief engineer
Coming from the coastal town of Eastbourne, England, he was introduced to the yachting industry through family friends in Mallorca who helped guide his first steps into the profession. He works onboard as a deckhand and carpenter, bringing strong practical skills gained from studying carpentry and working as a professional boat builder. Growing up by the sea naturally shaped his interests. Outside of work, he enjoys surfing, sailing, snowboarding, skateboarding, and rock climbing. He is hands-on, motivated, and enjoys problem-solving, taking pride in contributing positively to both the team and the vessel.

Oakley Ward
Deckhand
Josh is from Winchester, a historic town in the South of England. He studied Wildlife Conservation in Bristol and has pursued his passion for the natural world through travelling for work and scientific research. Working as a Scuba diving instructor, he has been fortunate to live in the Caribbean, Iceland and Australia. Previous experience skippering and crewing dive boats, has led to his recent transition into the yachting industry, previously working on a busy private/charter 72metre. Outside of work you will find him trail hiking, travelling, kitesurfing, surfing and trying every new sport he can.

Josh Bailey
Deckhand
Hamish is from Aberdeenshire in the north-east of Scotland, UK. Having attained a Master’s degree in Music before residing in Brazil during a cultural study, he worked as part of the drilling team onboard an offshore Oil and Gas installation. In 2017 he joined the yachting industry and has since worked in various roles within the engineering department. He is currently studying toward his next engineering license. His interests in linguistics and the arts have presented many opportunities over the years for travel and academic study. He is comfortable speaking in a number of foreign languages and enjoys football, tennis and screenwriting.

Hamish Massier
Engineer
Juan was born and raised in Tampico, a beautiful city in Mexico. Since the age of 11, he has dreamt of sailing around the world. From 2016 to 2020, he studied engineering at the Nautical Merchant School and, after this, undertook his year onboard vessels as an engine cadet In 2022, Juan obtained his Engineering Officer of the Watch licence and, as good luck would have it, entered the yachting industry at the beginning of 2023. He gained contracts as sole engineer and as a third engineer, until finally joining Whisper, where all his experiences have been wonderful. In his time off, he loves to spend time with his girlfriend and family.

Juan Wolf
Engineer
Rich is originally from North Yorkshire but travelled as a child growing up both in Saudi Arabia and across the UK. He now calls Newquay, the British water sports Capital, home. Inspired by his father who worked at sea in the Royal Navy, he began his career at age 18 studying as a cadet with Princess Cruises. After five years aboard cruise ships, he transitioned to the yachting sector, where he has thrived for the past 13 years. He most enjoys world-traveling yachts, offering both adventure and sports-based experiences. Outside of work, he has a passion for travel, motor sports, adventure sports, and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Richard Craven
Captain
Sam was born in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand and grew up on a kiwi fruit orchard. Aged 10, his family relocated to Melbourne, Australia where he completed his education. His interest in sport and health led him to pursue exercise and sports science, majoring in Physical Education, and later transitioning into teaching. With an interest in travel, Sam embraced the opportunity to venture into the yachting industry in 2017. Over the past six years, he has traversed the expansive waters of the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and the Bahamas, accumulating invaluable maritime experiences.

Sam Breekveldt
First Officer
Jordan hails from the seaside town of Blackpool in North West England. With over a decade of experience at sea, he began his career at 18 as an Electrical Technical Officer (ETO). Initially working in the offshore sector, Jordan transitioned to the yachting industry, where he continues to thrive. His expertise in electrical systems and passion for technology and engineering make him a highly skilled and reliable professional. Jordan's commitment to safety ensures smooth vessel operations. Outside work, he is an avid car enthusiast and Formula 1 fan, valuing quality time with his partner, family, and friends. His dedication makes him a respected individual in his community.

Jordan Denney
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO)
Kyle Bentley, comes from the landlocked state of Kentucky. With a culinary science degree his path led him to the ultra-modern Restaurant of Alinea, in Chicago and Carbone, NYC. Kyle’s extensive restaurant experience in the States and in Norway has provided him with a vast array of knowledge which has been invaluable since making the transition to yachting in 2017. Kyle has an infectious smile and thrives off creating delicious cuisines from all over the globe for his guests. Kyle is a keen cyclist and if he isn’t on his bike, you will probably find him on the golf course.

Kyle Bentley
Head Chef