KING OF FUN

Name: Antoinette Strydom
Nationality: South African
Position: Chef
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Antoinette was born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa, where she developed a love for cooking and culinary arts at a young age while learning alongside her grandmother in the kitchen. Her passion for food eventually led her to pursue formal culinary training at the Ashburton School of Cookery and Leith’s Culinary School in the UK, further refining her skills and broadening her culinary expertise.

She finds great joy in creating unique and delicious dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world and sharing them with others. Aside from her passion for cooking, she has a deep love for sailing and traveling. Married to Captain Darrell, she has been able to combine all the loves of her life into a rewarding career in yachting.

In her free time, Antoinette enjoys bird watching, diving, and seeking out opportunities to experience new cuisines and flavors from different cultures. As a chef, she looks forward to providing her guests with a culinary experience that is both delicious and memorable.

Name: Darrell Strydom
Nationality: South African
Position: Captain
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Darrell was born in Cape Town, South Africa. He initially spent 7 years in electronics and product development, before venturing on to a distinguished career in Yachting. His yachting journey has been marked by remarkable achievements, with a standout moment being the triumphant sailing of four different 40ft sailing boats across the Atlantic Ocean, clinching victory in the race from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro. Darrell holds a certification as a dive master and loves to travel in his spare time. He is also a big classical car and motorcycle enthusiast. With his easy-going and fun-loving demeanor, he is dedicated to ensuring that your stay on KING OF FUN becomes the most memorable vacation experience you've ever had.

Name: Phil Russel
Nationality: South African
Position: Engineer
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Originally from the windy city of Cape Town, South Africa, Phil is a hands-on engineer with a passion for speed, precision, and technical performance. His background in 4x4 adventures, motocross, and building turbocharged cars naturally steered him toward the yachting industry. Before joining King of Fun, he refined his expertise aboard M/Y M’brace, Michael Jordan’s private yacht, where he learned the art of high-pressure, high-standard maintenance. In the engine room, Phil is all about sharp focus and keeping systems running at peak performance. Whether he’s elbow-deep in an engine or lending a hand outside his department, Phil brings just the right mix of serious craftsmanship and good-humoured spirit to The King of Fun.

Name: Tyler Vorster
Nationality: South African
Position: Mate
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: First Mate Tyler grew up on the sunny shores of Durban, South Africa. Sea Scouts and a love of the ocean sparked his passion for fishing, freediving, and bodyboarding, which he pursued professionally, competing across the globe. He began his yachting career after school and has experience on both charter and private yachts, steadily progressing through the deck department to his current role as First Mate.
Tyler is known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and calm, safety-focused approach on deck, taking pride in maintaining high standards across all operations. With a steady and dependable presence, he contributes to the smooth running of the yacht and a positive onboard atmosphere. His natural connection to the water and disciplined mindset support a safe, seamless, and enjoyable experience for both guests and crew.

PAST BOATS - M/Y Starfire, 55m, M/Y Azteca (75m), M/Y LOON, (55m)

Name: Abi Oliver
Nationality: South African
Position: Deckhand
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Abi was raised in the coastal South African town of George, where she developed a passion for the ocean from a young age. After working as a rescue swimmer with Sea Rescue, she began her yachting journey in 2024, driven by a desire to explore, learn, and grow within the industry. Over time, she has gained solid deck experience, embracing yachting as both a profession and a source of enjoyment.
Calm, proactive, and perceptive, Abi thrives in fast-paced environments and takes pride in ensuring the yacht operates safely and seamlessly. She has a particular strength in watersports, maintenance, and the more practical, hands-on aspects of deck work. Outside of work, she enjoys surfing and ocean-based activities, which keep her grounded and energised. Her positive attitude, attention to detail, and caring nature contribute to a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere on board, enhancing the experience for both guests and crew alike.

Past Boats: M/Y Driftwood, M/Y True North

Name: Giselle Allan
Nationality: Barbadian
Position:
Position details: Deckhand or Stewardess as needed
Languages: Not specified
Description: Giselle grew up on the island of Barbados, where her love for the ocean and an active, outdoor lifestyle naturally took shape. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from Oxford Brookes University in the UK, followed by experience in a luxury hotel in Knightsbridge, where she refined her standards of service and professionalism before transitioning into yachting in 2025.
Since joining the industry, Giselle has embraced the dynamic nature of the deck/stew role, enjoying the balance between deck operations and guest-facing service. Fun, outgoing, and highly personable, she brings positive energy to the team and thrives in fast-paced environments. An avid surfer, she loves travelling, meeting new people, and exploring new places. Giselle’s strong service foundation, adaptability, and natural warmth ensure guests feel relaxed, well cared for, and leave with lasting memories of their time onboard.

Name: Henriette Jansen van Vuuren
Nationality: South African
Position: Chief steward/ess
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Henriëtte was raised on a farm in the Free State Province of South Africa. She has a background rooted in Consumer Sciences, earning both a degree and honors degree. In her professional journey she has pursued diverse roles, from visual merchandising and fashion design to floristry and the intricacies of the wedding scene. Making a seamless transition into the yachting industry, Henriëtte has navigated the Caribbean and East Coast waters, bringing her unique touch to the world of luxury hospitality. A skilled florist, Henriëtte has a natural flair for curating inviting and aesthetically pleasing tablescapes enhancing the overall dining experience. Beyond her maritime endeavors, she indulges in haute couture dress design and social media branding. Henriëtte's welcoming smile, coupled with her meticulous attention to detail, ensures that guests can unwind and relish in a distinctive and enjoyable experience.

Name: Tayla Barnard
Nationality: South African
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Second Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Tayla grew up in the heart of the Free State, South Africa, before moving to the city to study digital marketing and photography. She combined her creative passions by launching a successful wedding and corporate videography business, building a strong foundation in storytelling, attention to detail, and working with people. Her passion for hospitality, adventure, and connecting with others led her into the yachting industry.
Onboard, Tayla brings positive energy, creativity, and a keen eye for detail, contributing to a well-presented and welcoming interior environment. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, diving, snowboarding, and exploring the outdoors, embracing every opportunity for adventure both on and off the water. Her warm and engaging nature helps create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere on board.

Past Boats: M/Y Jacqpot & M/Y Arcadia & M/Y Second Love