Rotational Captain: Jonathan Barrett
Nationality: South African
Languages: English, Afrikaans

Description:

Education/Certifications: Marshall Islands 350GT Masters License / OOW 500GT; STCW 10 – PSSR, PST, Fire Fighting, First Aid; STCW 10 – Maritime Security Awareness; ENG 1 Medical Certificate; SDI/TDI Open Water Dive Certificate; USCG Bridge Resource Management (BRM); Diploma in Hotel Management

Jonathan Barrett was born in South Africa and grew up in Durban where he spent most of his youth living aboard his parents’ sport fisher in Durban Harbor. This is where he learned how to sail, surf, skateboard, and wakeboard at a young age, and where his passion for the ocean started.

Passionate about yachting since childhood, he began his professional career in the industry in 2013 as a mate and is now a rotational Captain of M/Y NO BAD IDEAS. He is also working toward his 500GT Masters License at this time.

Captain Jon’s pastimes include golf, playing guitar, discovering new restaurants, and surfing, especially exploring new places with secret surfing spots. Of all the destinations he’s traveled to, the natural beauty of Panama has captured his heart, and he plans to open a surfing camp there when he retires from yachting.



Rotational Captain: Karel du Toit
Nationality: South African
Languages: English, Afrikaans

Description:

Education/Certifications: Panama unLMT Oceans 500tn Master, MCA Chief mate 3000tn, Marshall Islands 350tn, UnLMT Oceans Master, MCA Y.M Unlimited Oceans 200tn Master, AEC (Advance Engineering Course, PADI Open Water Diver, ENG1

Karel grew up as one of three siblings in the coastal town of Durbanville, north of Cape Town, South Africa. He spent many holidays on the ocean, fishing and diving along the cold Benguela Coast. In his early years he attended an agricultural boarding school and represented South Africa in horse jousting. At 22 y.o., he felt a strong calling to leave South Africa and pursue a formal yachting career, that started in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It made the most sense to him, given his love and familiarity of water.

He’s been involved in chartering since then and worked on yachts including: M/Y SYCARA (Deckhand), M/Y AMORAZUR II (Deckhand), M/Y LA DOLCE VITA (Mate), M/Y SWEET ESCAPE (Mate), M/Y WAKU (1st Officer), M/Y VAIVEN (Captain), M/Y KAOS (Captain), M/Y BAD ROMANCE IV (Captain), M/Y BAD ROMANCE V (Captain) and currently onboard M/Y NO BAD IDEAS as a rotational Captain.

As a Captain he is know to have a stable personality and strong leadership capabilities, such as making clear headed decisions under pressure, staying calm and making sure his team stays focused and confident. He’s also skilled at foreseeing needs, organizing complex operations and always finding a way to make things happen quickly and reliably. He believes maintaining a good work environment where crew can thrive individually is the root where the most successful charters develop. Karel loves deep sea trolling, jigging, bottom fishing, free diving, spearfishing, and rigging, which makes him the ideal guide for guests wanting an unforgettable fishing experience.

Over the years he navigated through the Americas, the Bahamas, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, but his favorite charter destination is the Bahamas & British Virgin Islands, because of the natural beauty and privacy.
His favorite place on earth is Africa, because of the wildlife, the landscapes and the immersive cultural experiences that reset and ground you in a way that a few other places can. He would like to one day return to South Africa.

In his spare time, Captain Karel enjoys golf, fishing, water sports, traveling, staying fit and most of all, spending time with family.

His personal motto is “Love what you do and you will never work a day in your life.”



Rotational Chef: Richard "Dicky" Leather
Nationality: British
Languages: English, French, German, Croatian

Description:

Education/Certifications: NVQ, 1,2,3 Food Technology, Dive Master, Thai Food Course, Ayurveda Indian Course, English teacher

Richard grew up in the outskirts of Manchester, England. He played tennis and rugby on a country level all over England and later went to Austria to train downhill and slalom skiing, he won many awards at a junior and at a senior level.

Before working on charters, he used to be an Investigator for Her Majesty's Custom and Excise Drug Target Team and an Intelligence Officer for the Serious Organized Crime Agency in the UK.

He says sailing is in his blood as his grandfather and father were both seafarers. His own journey with yachting began when he sailed around the Scottish Isles in 1998 and later in 2011 when he joined a cruise ship as a CDP. Since then he's worked on various charters based in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, such as M/Y LADY SOPHIA, M/Y BLUE MAGIC, M/Y LIFE SAGA, M/Y CALLIOPE, M/Y MILESTONE, M/Y OMAHA and currently on M/Y NO BAD IDEAS.

He's sailed all over the world and seen beautiful and interesting places, but his favorites are Costa Rica and Turkey. His wish is to cruise to Alaska.

He prepares healthy, nutritious and tasty food, and especially loves to cook Asian and Mediterranean cooking and can accommodate all dietary requirements. As part of the crew he strongly believes in teamwork makes the dreamwork and leaving egos behind.

Outside of yachting he enjoys anything to do with sports, but specifically playing football, skiing, scuba diving, riding motorbikes, playing the drums, guitar, saxophone and being with his family.

His personal motto is "Where there is a will, there is a way."



Rotational Chef: Tzu-Liang "Jay" Kao
Nationality: South African
Languages: English, Mandarin

Description:

Education/Certifications: Diploma - Professional Cookery and Kitchen Management NQF LV 6, Hospitality Diploma, Cayman Ship Cook Certificate, French Cooking and Pastry Course, STCW 10, ENG1, Cayman Island Ship Cook Certificate, Food Hygiene Level 2, Designated Security Duties, Security Training for Seafarer.

Born in Taipei and raised in South Africa, Jay brings an international perspective and dynamic culinary flair to every meal he creates. His culinary journey began at The International Hotel School, where he earned his diploma and gained valuable experience working in various hotel restaurants. Eager to expand his skills and refine his craft, Jay joined the yachting industry in 2011, drawn by the opportunity to explore diverse cuisines and cultures.

Jay’s greatest strength lies in his ability to perform under pressure while maintaining calm and focus. He believes strong communication is the key to delivering a seamless, high-end experience for guests—and aims for his dishes to be the highlight of every charter. His modern international approach means no two menus are the same: from fine dining to themed dinners, he tailors every meal to guest preferences and requests. Over the years, he has executed everything from gluten-free and vegan menus to themed nights inspired by Mexican, Greek, and Asian cuisines.

As Jay puts it, a yacht chef should be a “jack of all trades, master of none,” capable of creating exceptional dishes across many culinary styles to satisfy a wide variety of tastes.

When he’s not in the galley, Jay enjoys relaxing on the beach, hiking, scuba diving, and skydiving. He loves traveling to new countries and discovering local flavors to help fuel his inspiration.



Chief engineer: Paul Johannes Malherbe
Nationality: South Africa
Languages: English, Afrikaans

Description:

Education/Certifications: Marketing, N6, Yacht Masters, MEOL

Paul is one of three brothers, who grew up together on a farm outside of Cape Town, they had the best life exploring nature and playing sports.

In his earlier years he first had a career as a rugby player, a farmer and later he worked with the South African National Antarctic Expedition, where he worked in extreme conditions aboard the SA AGULHAS II, handling critical maintenance and cargo operations. He has also worked in heavy equipment maintenance, granite production management, and agricultural operations, giving him a rare range of knowledge in the mechanical and technical filed. While traveling to Antarctica by boats, he fell in love with the ocean and decided to pursue his yachting path.

Paul is highly skilled and a dependable engineer with over 9 years of experience in the yachting industry and a strong background in mechanical systems, heavy machinery, and technical operations. He is currently serving as Engineer aboard M/Y NO BAD IDEAS, where his special set of expertise, problem solving mind, proactive approach, and calm presence make him an invaluable part of the engineering team. His best asset is his ability and willingness to help out in different departments and keep everyone happy by fixing things - he just wants the crew and guests to have the best time possible.

His favorite destination for charters is the Bahamas, but his personal favorite in the world in Antarctica, as it is a completely different world wit not a lot of people.

Outside of yachting he's an avid outdoorsman who enjoys scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, hunting, spear fishing, rugby, and keeping active.

His personal motto "Live every day as if it's going to be your last."



Chief Stewardess: Robyn "Robs" Forte
Nationality: South Africa
Languages: English, Afrikaans

Description:

Education/Certifications: BSc Honours Degree in Architecture, Pursers Certificate

Robyn grew up with two younger brothers in Swaziland and a very close knit family. She loved to get involved with everything possible - horse riding, gymnastics, judo, swimming, art, hockey, dancing and she partook in a charity club "Save the rhino", which involved raising funds to save the rhinos from poaching . She graduated high school on the 10% in the country in academics.

Her plan was to be an architect, but after a gap year in 2022, spent yachting, she completely fell in love with the industry and her passion only grew stronger since. Robyn adores what she does, especially taking care of people and making them happy - for her it's more of a passion rather than just a job.

Best charter destination she's been to is Turkey, as it's filled with culture and breathtaking views, but her personal favorite place is still her home, South Africa - "From the beach to the bush, there's just nothing quite like it."

Robyn's goal is to become a purser and to contribute to the yachting industry in whatever way she can. As a stewardess she tries to do everything with a purpose and a 110%. She prepares little surprises for guest to make them feel special and for their charter to standout.

In her free time, she spend time doing water color paintings, yoga and tries to learn many new things - currently she's teaching herself how to play the piano.

Her personal motto is "If there's no team in teamwork, then it's just work."



Stewardess: Suné Vos
Nationality: South Africa
Languages: English, Afrikaans

Description:

Education/Certifications: STCW, ENG1 Medical, Food & Hygiene Level II, Green to Gold Stewardess Course, Isa Carstens Beauty Training, Digital Marketing & Management

Suné grew up on a farm in the quaint town of Hazyview, where her family cultivates macadamia nuts and manages a game reserve. With the nature of the family business, Suné always had an undeniable love for the outdoors.

Her fascination with the yachting industry began at the age of 16, captivated by the prospect of traveling the world and doing what she loves while earning an honest living. Prior to pursuing her dreams, Suné studied at Isa Carstens, a renowned beauty academy in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, where she graduated with a diploma in beauty therapy and massage. Her passion for continuous learning led her to further her studies in Business and Supply Chain Management in 2023.

Suné is dedicated to creating unforgettable luxury experiences for guests. She is always willing to go above and beyond, handling every detail with efficiency and ease. Always prioritizing honesty, Suné remains a valuable asset to the crew.

In her spare time, Suné enjoys hiking, exploring new destinations, jogging, going to the gym, shopping, and writing. She believes in living each day to the fullest, a philosophy that fuels her passion for life. Friends describe her as loyal, soft-hearted, and fun-loving.

Suné is excited to bring her enthusiasm and dedication to creating exceptional experiences for guests aboard NO BAD IDEAS.



Stewardess: Andria Weppenaar
Nationality: South Africa
Languages: English, Afrikaans

Description:

Andria was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2021 she started sailing weekly at the Royal Yacht Club in Cape Town and loved the experience so much she started to pursue a career in yachting, and aims to gain experience while working towards becoming a Chief Stewardess.

Prior to yachting, she earned her BA Degree in Psychology and plans to utilize it by providing counselling. Andria considers herself an amateur photographer and has a collection of antique film cameras which are her pride and joy.

Outside of yachting she plans on investing in Real Estate that she can Rent or Airbnb. She enjoys Running, CrossFit training, Hiking, Camping and Off- Roading.

Andria is a wonderful asset to the team and will happily help make your stay on board one to remember. Andria will make sure your time onboard is enjoyable and she is happy to give assistance with a big smile.



Bosun: Dylan "Duck" Wells
Nationality: South Africa
Languages: English

Description:

Education/Certifications: Bachelors in Marketing and Advertising, PADI open water diving, Yachtmaster 2000gt, Nav & Radar, PSCRB, HELM Management

Dylan grew up with a sister and a brother in a little close knit community beach town in Umdloti, South Africa. He spent his days playing rugby, tennis, golf, squash, water polo, running and water surfing. He was player of the season both in rugby and water polo.

Before yachting he worked in his family business - Gerald Wells Hair, they have 26 stores across South Africa. His yachting path began as a gap year in 2014, as a way to travel after studying. He fell in love with it and came back to it later in life.

He's worked on boats like M/Y RADIANT, M/Y QUEEN MIRI, M/Y AL RAYA, M/Y OCTOPUS, M/Y TRIPLE SEVEN and currently onboard as a bosun on M/Y NO BAD IDEAS. He wants the guests to have a fun, memorable time - a trip where they really want to come back.

Dylan's favorite charter destination has been Antarctica - "Its a place you need to experience and understand it you just can't describe it." And his favorite place in the world is still home, where friends and family are.

In his free time he enjoys surfing, padle, surfing, watersports, golfing, carpentry, painting and getting involved in anything he can.

His personal motto in life is "Tomorrow's not promised to you."



Deckhand: Zachary Ruffels
Nationality: South Africa
Languages: English, Afrikaans

Description:

Education/Certifications: STCW 95, RYA Powerboat 2, ENG 1

Zac is an ambitious deckhand whose love for the sea was cultivated amidst the coastal beauty of Cape Town, South Africa. With a father who served in the navy, Zac was always inspired to work on boats which led to his gravitation
towards a career in yachting.

As a dedicated deckhand, Zac takes great pride in ensuring the yacht remains in pristine condition at all times. From meticulously maintaining the exterior to anticipating the needs of guests, he goes above and beyond to ensure that
every aspect of their stay is unforgettable. Zac's warm and friendly personality makes him a favorite among guests and crew alike. His patience and energetic demeanor make him a pleasure to be around, while his genuine happiness
radiates throughout the vessel. When he's not hard at work on deck, Zac can be found indulging in his favorite hobbies.

Whether he's hitting the gym for a rigorous workout, taking a refreshing swim, or exploring the great outdoors through hiking, Zac always finds a way to keep busy. And when he's not pursuing his own adventures, you'll often find
him building cars with his old man. With unwavering determination and a keen eye for detail, Zac is dedicated to honing his skills and mastering every aspect yachting has to offer.



Deckhand: Jack Severs
Nationality: South Africa
Languages: English, Afrikaans

Description:

Jack hails from a small town along the dolphin coast called Ballito just outside of Durban, South Africa making him no stranger to the ocean. He grew up with a younger brother and they were both sporty. Jack participated in a lot of sporting clubs, rugby, cricket, running, soccer, and swimming and captained his teams in rugby, cricket, and soccer, represented his district in both rugby and cricket.

Jack started in the yachting industry just over 2½ years ago, He always wanted to travel, so to have the option to travel while doing something that you love just made sense for him. He previously worked a year on a 1929 classic where he learned how to varnish, paint, fairing, caulking, sika work splicing and whipping. Jack's goal in yachting is to become a captain and make this a career, build up a property portfolio and retire.

He enjoys being active, playing rugby, soccer or cricket. In his spare time you’ll find him either in the gym, on the sports field or having down time with friends.