SeaQuest

Name: Francisco de Paiva
Nationality: South African
Position: Captain
Position details: Captain
Languages: Not specified
Description: Captain Francisco is from Free State, South Africa. He is a leader with extensive experience commanding yachts such as M/Y Calliope (108 ft), M/Y Island Cowboy (118 ft), M/Y Claire (105 ft), and M/Y Galilee (106 ft) with cruising experience on the East-& West Coast USA, Bahamas, Caribbean and Baja Mexico. With a proven track record of delivering exceptional charter experiences, he is known for his professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to create memorable journeys for guests as he enjoys taking guests on excursions; he is an avid diver, loves being in the water and he has a big love for motorcycles. Francisco is a hands-on captain who thrives on crafting personalized itineraries, ensuring smooth sailing, and maintaining a cohesive, guest-forward crew. Whether navigating the turquoise waters of the Bahamas or providing unforgettable water-sports adventures, his commitment to guest satisfaction is unmatched. With a background as a paramedic and rescue diver, Francisco prioritizes safety while ensuring fun and excitement onboard as well as keeping the vessel in perfect maintenance with his engineering knowledge and experience. His approachable demeanor, dynamic leadership, and passion for the sea make him the perfect choice for luxury charters seeking extraordinary experiences.

Name: Simoné Nel
Nationality: South African
Position: Chief steward/ess
Position details: Chief Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Simoné (sim-oh-nay) is from South Africa and obtained a bachelors degree in human life sciences and psychology at Stellenbosch University. She is a highly skilled and experienced chief stewardess, specializing in providing exceptional service aboard luxury charter yachts. She developed a passion for hospitality and gained extensive experience working for an events company in Stellenbosch as a Maitre’d. She has worked aboard prestigious yachts such as M/Y Calliope (108 ft), M/Y Island Cowboy (118 ft), M/Y Claire (105 ft), and M/Y Galilee (106 ft) with cruising experience on the East-& West Coast USA, Bahamas, Caribbean and Baja Mexico; ensuring each guest enjoys an unforgettable charter experience and enjoys making signature cocktails. Simoné excels in creating tailor-made guest experiences, from elegant themed dinners and cocktail parties to special celebrations such as surprise birthdays, engagements, and weddings. Her ability to transform any event into a memorable occasion is unmatched. She believes in team-work and helps on deck with crane operations and anchoring. She is caring and ensures that both guest and crew are happy. With a reputation for attention to detail, a positive attitude, strong leadership qualities, Simoné maintains an exceptional standard of service and her ultimate goal is to add memories to your life.

Name: Amoré Van Dyk
Nationality: South African
Position: Chef
Position details: Chef
Languages: Not specified
Description: Amoré (a-moh-ray) is a passionate South African Chef, born and raised in South Africa and her husband is an experienced Restaurant Manager. Her love for food began at home since a young age and grew into a career shaped by dedication, creativity, and continuous learning. After graduating with distinction from The Culinary Academy, she went on to work at celebrated establishments including The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, Hartford House and FABER Restaurant. Her talent earned her titles such as Baking Masters Professionals 2014 and Unilever Junior Chef of the Year 2014, as well as recognition in the global S.Pellegrino Young Chef Awards. Amoré has a younger sister and prouds herself as a loving aunt and she is a big animal lover. Amoré is extremely talented and her favorite cuisines to prepare are Italian, Mediterranean and of course something sweet. She dedicates herself to ensure she meets each guests preferences and she is well experienced to accommodate any dietary restrictions. Outside the kitchen, Amoré enjoys traveling, discovering new restaurants, yoga, and spending time outdoors; be it swimming, camping, motorbiking, going on long walks or BBQ.

Name: Zané Esterhuizen
Nationality: South African
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Zané (zah-nay) was born in South Africa and raised in Windhoek, Namibia. She is a caring, loving, and hardworking person who values kindness and putting genuine effort into everything she does. She takes pride in supporting the people around her and staying committed to her goals, even in challenging times. She loves adventure and being outside as well as creating friendships wherever she goes. Prior to yachting Zané worked as a waitress at a restaurant in Windhoek ensuring that her clients got top notch service and well taken care of. She has also worked at a laundromat where she gained valuable skills on how to care for different types of fabrics. Zané started her yachting career in the Mediterranean as a junior Stewardess where she worked on M/Y Blue Devil and cruised South of France and Italy. Zané is fairly new to yachting, yet she is a quick learner and shows great potential. Zané has a positive demeanor and is a strong team player, she’s working along side Chief Stewardess Simoné. Being a goal orientated individual, Zané will ensure that both her fellow crew and guests are well taken care of. In Zané’s free time she enjoys to spend time outdoors, explore and working out.

Name: Benjamin Grobbelaar
Nationality: South African
Position: Mate
Position details: Mate
Languages: Not specified
Description: Ben was born in Namibia and raised in Betty’s Bay, South Africa. Whilst in school Ben enjoyed sports such as Rugby and Soccer. Ben’s family is in South Africa and he is a very proud uncle. Ben also graduated in Economics and Investment Management. Initially he worked in the corporate world and rented a house with another gentleman who was in the Yachting Industry, who told him more about the industry and convinced him to join Yachting. In 2019 he started as a Deckhand and he now holds a 200-Ton RYA Yachtmaster Ocean and has spent the last 6 years cruising from Florida to the Bahamas and Caribbean. In his free time he enjoys to workout, hike and spend time outdoors. Ben coordinates all our on-water activities. Whether you want to learn to wake-board, explore the best local reefs, or relax on a tender ride to a private beach, he ensures every excursion is safe and unforgettable. He is a certified wake-board instructor and guarantees he can get you up and riding the wake in under 10 minutes!

Name: Sharn Paul de Paiva
Nationality: South African
Position: Deckhand
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Sharn Paul (SP) is a proud born and raised South African. Whilst in school he participated in sports such as Rugby and Hockey. He is a committed and always gives his best. After graduating from high school he successfully completed all the necessary certifications to become a Deckhand in Yachting. He does not shy away from challenges or hard work and he brings energy, integrity, and a strong work ethic. He typically enjoys working in a team, learning new skills and making complex tasks simple in order to the job completed with success. He remains calm under pressure and uses his problem-solving skills to find practical solutions quickly when issues arise. Over the years he has learned the value of teamwork, discipline and respect. Outside of work he likes to be active with water-sports, rugby, golf, motorsport, paddle tennis, hunting, target shooting as well as time outdoors with family and friends. He is excited to keep growing, learning and improving in the industry, gain more experience, and make the most of every opportunity.