BLUE MOON

Name: Raiden O'Reilly
Nationality: South African
Position: Bosun
Position details: Bosun
Languages: Not specified
Description: Raiden is known for his adventurous spirit, strong work ethic, and consistently respectful nature. A natural team player with a calm and grounded demeanor, he brings positive energy to every task and interaction. After taking a year-long break, he returns with renewed energy and focus, currently working towards his Officer of the Watch (OOW) certification. Passionate about innovation, Raiden excels in drone piloting and 3D printing, making him the go-to crew member for all things tech. His commitment to growth and his calm, can-do attitude makes him an indispensable asset on board.

Name: Robert Christie
Nationality: Scottish
Position: First Officer
Position details: First Officer
Languages: Not specified
Description: Known for his sharp wit & unwavering professionalism, Rob has built an impressive career at sea. Once the youngest qualified Driving Instructor in Edinburgh, he now brings over ten years of maritime experience across yachts from 40 to 60 meters. Rob is a natural leader who sets a high bar for excellence, ensuring the team operates with precision and confidence. Meticulous and dependable, he is committed to achieving flawless results and prioritizing the safety and well-being of both guests and crew. Rooted in a deep sense of dedication, Rob’s approach to leadership blends discipline with a genuine passion for life at sea.

Name: Zoe Thomas
Nationality: New Zealand
Position: Second Officer
Position details: Second Officer
Languages: Not specified
Description: With over 13 years of maritime experience, Zoe brings a strong foundation as a Chief Mate 3000, Yacht Master Unlimited 200 Ton, and certified Dive Master. She thrives in fast-paced, demanding environments and has a deep passion for diving, hiking, and motorcycle touring. Zoe’s creative eye for photography allows her to beautifully capture the unforgettable moments at sea, preserving memories for both guests and crew. Dedicated to excellence, she upholds the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and service; ensuring every moment onboard Blue Moon is safe, smooth, and truly memorable.

Name: Jade Hancke
Nationality: South African
Position: Chief steward/ess
Position details: Chief Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: As Chief Stewardess onboard Blue Moon, Jade leads the interior team with professionalism, integrity, and a refined eye for detail. With over six years in the yachting industry, she has built a strong foundation in luxury hospitality; specializing in silver service, mixology and wine pairing. Jade’s commitment to excellence and her passion for delivering the “wow factor” is evident in every aspect of her work. A natural leader, she believes a cohesive and motivated team is key to success and takes pride in fostering a positive, high-performing interior dynamic. When not onboard, you’ll likely find Jade scuba diving, horseback riding, or exploring remote corners of Africa on overland adventures.

Name: Cailin Vincent
Nationality: South African
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Cailin is an energetic South African with a diverse skill set rooted in safety, fitness, and performance. With experience in lifeguarding, personal training, helicopter rescue, and circus arts, she brings a unique blend of strength, agility, and calm under pressure. She thrives in active environments and is dedicated to delivering uplifting, memorable experiences.

Name: Timothy O'Connor
Nationality: South African
Position: Engineer
Position details: Second Engineer
Languages: Not specified
Description: Tim is a jack of all trades and Blue Moon's Johnny on the spot. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and English however, his 40 years of involvement in racing, building, and repairing sailboats are where his true fascination lies. He applies his can-do outlook with resourcefulness and conviction to uphold the utmost standard in maintaining the vessel. Tim always works to the best of his ability and will certainly brighten your day with a good conversation.

Name: Jessica De Lange - Botha
Nationality: South African
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Spa Therapist
Languages: Not specified
Description: With over 23 years in the spa and wellness industry, including the past four years onboard luxury yachts, Jessica brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for guest care. Trained in Somatology in Cape Town, she offers a full range of beauty and spa treatments , with a special focus on massage therapy and facial care. Her signature offerings include Myofascial Release and deeply exfoliating facials, each designed to leave guests feeling relaxed, restored, and radiant. Her background spans spa management, education, and high-end onboard service; all delivered with warmth, professionalism and a keen eye for detail. Jessica’s deep love for nature and adventure makes yachting a perfect match, both personally and professionally.

Name: Emilio Geldenhuys
Nationality: South African
Position: Dive Instructor
Position details: Dive Instructor / Deckhand
Languages: Not specified
Description: Emilio, an Industrial Engineering graduate from the University of Stellenbosch who left the office behind to pursue life at sea. Now a certified dive instructor, Emilio trained in the rugged waters of Mossel Bay, South Africa--an experience that deepened his love for marine life and honed in on his ability to stay calm and capable under pressure. With a strong focus on safety and a natural talent for teaching, Emilio brings patience, knowledge, and enthusiasm to every dive session. Whether he’s leading underwater adventures or assisting on deck, his easygoing nature and reliability make him a favorite among guests and crew alike. Emilio will undoubtedly provide an unforgettable ocean experience.

Name: Nicholas Kitney
Nationality: New Zealand
Position: Chief engineer
Position details: Chief Engineer
Languages: Not specified
Description: From a young age, Nick knew his path would lead to the sea. With over 15 years of engineering experience across a range of yachts worldwide, he brings a calm, methodical, and solution-driven approach to every challenge. Nick has steadily risen through the ranks, earning a reputation for his technical expertise, sharp problem- solving skills, and logical mindset. For the past five years, he has been a valued member of the Blue Moon team, ensuring the vessel operates at peak performance. Known for his inquisit ive nature and strong analytical ability, Nick excels at monitoring complex systems and swiftly troubleshooting technical issues. His dedication to precision and reliability ensures that the boat always runs smoothly and safely.

Name: Agathe Verbeurgt
Nationality: French
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Second Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: With a bright energy and a genuine love for people, Agathe, brings warmth and enthusiasm to life onboard. Originally from France and raised in the North of France, she grew up immersed in high-level sports such as gymnastics, trampoline, tumbling, and dance, which shaped her discipline, adaptability, and strong work ethic. Her life experiences—completing seasons in the Meditarranean and Carribean, living in the United States and Middle East—reflect her passion for travel, new cultures, and personal growth. Naturally motivated and approachable, she especially enjoys spending time with children and takes pride in creating a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere for guests.

Name: Jitze Esterhuizen
Nationality: South Africa
Position: Chef
Position details: Head Chef
Languages: Not specified
Description: After initially studying law, Jitze chose to follow his true passion for food and travel, enrolling in culinary school to build a career that would allow him to explore global cultures through cuisine. He went on to refine his craft in a variety of respected restaurants across New York, Dubai, and Vietnam, gaining valuable experience in diverse, high-pressure culinary environments and developing a broad, international cooking style. His love for travel and dynamic service led him to the maritime industry, where he first joined cruise ships, further strengthening his ability to cook for diverse palates at scale while maintaining consistency and high standards. Drawn by the creativity, quality and guest connection of yacht life, Jitze transitioned into the yachting industry, where he continues to thrive.

Name: Leane Heymans
Nationality: South African
Position: Chef
Position details: Crew Chef
Languages: Not specified
Description: Leane began her yachting journey in 2022 as a Stewardess onboard Blue Moon before following her true passion into the galley. With a background in Marketing and Tourism Management, she later earned a Diploma in Culinary and Patisserie Arts—blending her love for hospitality with a flair for fine cuisine. Known for her creativity and enthusiasm, Leane brings a fresh and artistic touch to every dish she prepares. Her goal is to craft delicious, beautifully presented meals that delight the crew and reflects her deep-rooted passion for cooking. Outside the galley, Leane enjoys painting and baking, and dreams of one day opening her own Café.

Name: Emile Bootsma
Nationality: South African
Position: Captain
Position details: Captain - Rotational
Languages: Not specified
Description: Emile has been Blue Moon’s Captain for the last 27 years and has Captained all 3 of the Blue Moon vessels. With the last two builds, he was heavily involved in overseeing the construction and was responsible for writing the final specifications. Born in Cape Town and educated at Stellenbosch, Emile is also a Dutch citizen and speaks fluent Dutch. His interests are wide and varied, like sailing and motorcycle racing...but ‘70’s rock on vinyl might just top it all!

Name: Josh Flanagan
Nationality: South African
Position: Deckhand
Position details: Deckhand
Languages: Not specified
Description: New to the Blue Moon team, Josh is an adventurous, water- loving soul from South Africa’s Eastern cape who joined the yachting industry with one simple goal: “to avoid being stuck in an office.” Passionate about the ocean and outdoor life, he’s eager to grow his skills on deck while bringing his energetic, easygoing personality to the team. Outside of work Josh enjoys Surfing and Golf, he has hopes to one day shape his own surfboard.

Name: Alyssa Phan
Nationality: Canadian
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Hailing from Calgary, Alyssa naturally immersed herself in the world's largest outdoor rodeo. Her work in Guest services at the Calgary Stampede, groomed Alyssa into embracing every challenge with an enthusiastic determination, to ensure she delivers exceptional top-notch service with a genuine flair.
Known for her her infectious smile and optimistic demeanor, she embraces every challenge with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to exceed expectations, eager to continue expanding her skills as a stewardess.

Name: Charlotte Cooper
Nationality: Australian
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Charlotte began her yachting career as a deckhand before
transitioning into the interior, where she discovered her passion
for delivering exceptional guest experiences. Growing up in
Australia, she was a dedicated cheerleader who traveled to the United States to compete in the World Championships, showcasing her drive, discipline, and team spirit. With a strong background in hospitality and years of hands-on experience, Charlotte brings, energy, adaptability, and a keen eye for detail to every role she
takes on. Her friendly demeanor and hardworking attitude make her a valuable addition to the Blue Moon team.

Name: Mari Carstens
Nationality: South African
Position: Deckhand
Position details: Deckhand / Yoga Instructor
Languages: Not specified
Description: Energetic, adventurous, and always up for a challenge, Mari brings a positive spirit and strong work ethic to the Blue Moon crew. With two years of yachting experience and a backround in logistics, supply chain management, and personal training, she blends efficiency with enthusiasm in everything she does. Mari
has a deep love for the outdoors and thrives on exploring new places, meeting people from different cultures, and pushing her limits—wether it’s skiing, free diving, or horse riding. She takes pride in keeping the exterior immaculate, with a sharp eye for detail and a genuine passion for presentation.