TELEOST

Name: Michael Woudenberg
Nationality: Dutch
Position:
Position details: Captain (rotational)
Languages: Not specified
Description: Michael (50, Dutch) comes from a town under the shadow of Amsterdam but now lives with his family on the beautiful island Florianopolis in Brazil where he enjoys his passion for kitesurfing and cycling.

Twenty years ago, Michael decided to join the yachting industry after a career in the Royal Netherlands Navy followed by a period of being an entrepreneur. Describing himself as an allround professional always fulfilling his duties with enthusiasm and commitment.

His loyalty and leadership have been proven on previous yachts. As a Captain Michael was employed on 45m M/Y Flying Dragon where he cruised summer seasons in the Western Mediterranean, focusing on the Balearics, Sardinia and the Amalfi Coast. He then moved on to 60m M/Y Samurai which was a popular charter yacht in both Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

In 2021 Michael stepped onboard the 68m M/Y ICON and has taken her to the Bahama’s, the Western and Central Mediterranean.

Since the beginning of 2024 Michael is one of the Captains of TELEOST. Interesting enough this was not the first time that he stepped on board because until 2016 Michael had been working on TELEOST for 6 years as the First Officer. It feels great to be back on board again and together with his strong team the aim is to give guests the most enjoyable time on board TELEOST.

Name: Graham Paull
Nationality: Brittish
Position: Captain
Position details: Captain (rotational)
Languages: Not specified
Description: Graham (47, British) has been in command of TELEOST since March 2008.

Born and raised next to the sea in Cornwall, in the south west of England, Graham gained a degree in Business Administration at the University of the West of England before starting his career in yachting as a deckhand in 1998.

For the next ten years he served on prestigious yachts such as M/Y Dream, and M/Y Chamar, as he progressed through the ranks to captain.

The local knowledge and experience Graham has gained in years of working aboard both private and charter yachts in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, ensures you will have the trip of a lifetime, whilst being sure of the very highest standards of safety.

Outside of yachting Graham enjoys mountain biking, skiing and scuba diving as well as having a keen interest in computers. He and his wife Victoria, their daughter Willow and son Callum, live in British Columbia, Canada.

Name: Sam Salway
Nationality: British
Position: Chef
Position details: Executive Chef
Languages: Not specified
Description: Encouraged to cook from a very young age, Sam (38, British) spent time with his grandmother making and baking his own culinary creations, before beginning his professional career at the Blue Ball Inn, a renowned gastro pub in the heart of Somerset which won numerous awards including a place in the Michelin Guide.

Sam’s love of cooking and his open inquisitive nature to embrace different cuisines led him to Paris, where he worked alongside chef Mattieu Toucas whose interest in nutrition, use of spices, herbs and pulses created vibrant, healthy dishes.

The 20eme Art was a very popular spot for local Parisians.
Moving to the chic and elegant Café qui Parle, situated on the famous Rue Lepic, Montmartre, Sam spent three years working under Chef-Patron
Damien Moeuf, who earned his Michelin star at the Maison Danemark on the Champs-Élysées. With a Michelin level à la carte menu the establishment attracted many renowned individuals.

After eight years of being immersed in classic French dining, Sam left the city and relocated to the South of France where he was introduced to some of the finest Gascony producers and cuisine, and worked exclusively at a private Chateau before returning to England to start his own fine dining food company.

Sam is now keen to bring his culinary flare and passion to you whilst on board Teleost, where he will enjoy discussing your personal preferences to ensure a truly memorable dining experience to be had by all.

Name: Arinia Meyer
Nationality: South African
Position: Chief steward/ess
Position details: Chief Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Arina (34, South African) is from Limpopo, South Africa where she grew up on a sub-tropical farm.

She graduated at Durban University of Technology in Interior Design and Architecture working in the industry for a couple of years, before making a career change to yachting where she has been for the last 10 years.

Arina enjoys being around her family and close friends and she is grateful to have the opportunity to work on luxury yachts and travel to different destinations over the world.

She enjoys everything about the fashion world and travelling as well as all kinds of adventure sports and meeting new people.

Name: Wilma Yttersted
Nationality: Swedish
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Second Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Wilma (28) joined Teleost as third stewardess in May 2023.

She grew up in Sweden, and her father and grandfather were both seamen.
After working in the IT industry her great sense of adventure led her into yachting.

Before joining Teleost, Wilma served another busy charter vessel and is excited to continue her yachting career.

Outside work she has a passion for Muay Thai Boxing, digging into history or playing board games with loved ones. But most likely you will find her travelling around the globe exploring.

Wilma is also a qualified Swedish Classical Massage Therapist.

Name: Mandi Crafford
Nationality: South African
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Third Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Mandi (20, South African) grew up in Cape Town.

She loves being active, and excelled at sports, winning awards in her senior school field hockey two years in a row.

She has a great love for the ocean particularly surfing. Her other hobbies include singing, running and being outside in nature every chance that she gets!

Mandi joined Teleost in May 2024 as third stewardess and is very excited for the journey ahead.

Name: Wade Barton
Nationality: South African
Position: First Officer
Position details: First Officer
Languages: Not specified
Description: Wade (33, South African) grew up in a little Fishing Village on the West Coast of South Africa called Saldanha Bay where he quickly developed a love for the sea, spending a lot of time fishing and sailing.

His passion for the sea led to a Diploma in Maritime Studies, and he now holds his Master Mariners unlimited captain’s license.

Wade worked for Maersk Container Lines for 12 years as chief officer on some of the biggest container ships around the world, before joining the yachting industry.

He firmly believes in having an active lifestyle, he spends his free time fishing and enjoying the outdoors. When at home he competes in park runs and other fun runs.

Wade Has a love for old cars and is currently restoring an MG A 1961 model.

Name: Michael McCarthy
Nationality: South African
Position: Bosun
Position details: Bosun
Languages: Not specified
Description: Michael (36, South African) grew up in a city called Richards Bay, KwaZulu - Natal. Richards Bay also has the deepest natural harbor on the African continent.

Here he developed his passion for the ocean as a surfer and sailor. He also competed for his province for surfing and was part of the judging pannel as well.

His passion for the sea led to achieving his Yacht masters 200 tonnes and is currently busy with his celestial navigation to further his studies.

Michael firmly believes in a healthy active lifestyle. He spends his free time surfing, snorkeling and generally being outdoors. When at home he spends time in wildlife game reserves with his family and enjoys photography, particularly birding and keeping track of different species.

Name: Tomothy Bennett
Nationality: British
Position: Engineer
Position details: Chief Engineer (rotational)
Languages: Not specified
Description: Tim (42, British) has a passion for the ocean, travel and all things mechanical, and eventually found his calling as an engineer onboard yachts almost 16 years ago.

Tim is an energetic and colorful character with plenty of stories to tell; he now resides in the South of France with his French fiancée and he is almost fluent in the local language.

Tim also has an interest in motorcycles and scuba diving and holds his PADI Rescue Diver certificate, but most of all he has a genuine affection for engineering.

Whether it’s an iPad or an engine, Tim will do his upmost to make it work.

Name: Ian Barber
Nationality: Canadian
Position: Engineer
Position details: Chief Engineer (rotational)
Languages: Not specified
Description: Ian (45, Canadian) grew up in Ontario and spent his youth sailing and exploring Georgian Bay and it’s 30,000 islands.

Following university Ian rebuilt a sailboat and sailed single-handed from Toronto to the Bahamas. During which time he amassed enough knowledge and experience to obtain his yachting tickets and transfer his engineering knowledge into a career.

He has now worked as an engineer on yachts for over 16 years, spending the last 6 as Chief Engineer on classic Feadship yachts.

Ian is a meticulous and thorough engineer with an easy-going personality. Although his interests may travel as far afield as he has, he remains most
at home in the engine room.

Name: Shaurya Prakash
Nationality: British
Position: Engineer
Position details: Second Engineer
Languages: Not specified
Description: Shaurya (23, British) is the 2nd Engineering Officer on Teleost.

Growing up in Oxford, Shaurya has had a long-standing interest in engineering and the maritime industry. He completed his cadetship at Warsash Maritime School in Southampton, gaining experience on board cruise ships before transitioning to yachts.

During his time at sea, he has developed a solid understanding of marine engineering operations and the demands of working in both commercial and private sectors. He values teamwork, precision, and professionalism in his role on board.

In his spare time, Shaurya enjoys staying active and has a strong interest in health and fitness. He also follows a range of sports and enjoys being part of an active crew environment.

Name: Jackson Vanada
Nationality: American
Position: Deckhand
Position details: Deckhand
Languages: Not specified
Description: Jackson (26, American) grew up in a small town in Minnesota. Here he developed his love for the water as Minnesota has over 10,000 lakes. In the summers he would spend his time wake boarding, water skiing, wake surfing and fishing.

His passion for the water and for adventure led him to yachting in 2020. Since then, Jackson has worked around the world gathering skills on other charter boat and has gained his Yacht Masters 200 tonnes. Jackson took a couple years break from yachting to go and obtain his PADI Instructors certification in Roatan, Honduras. Here, Jackson led over 1,100 dives and has certified over 200 people. He has also been involved in coral reef restoration work and enjoys all marine life from fish to corals.

For fun Jackson now finds himself enjoying Technical diving and exploring new dive sites through his travels. He also enjoys the outdoors and being active in hiking, rock climbing, and exploring the country on his motorcycle.

Weather you seek adventure above or below the ocean, Jackson is ready to provide an unforgettable, world-class experience.