LADY ELAINE

Rachel Ryan

Chief Stewardess

Rachel Ryan grew up in Wellington, New Zealand. Her older sister introduced her to the yachting industry as they are both alike and enjoy traveling to explore new places. Rachel was excited to go and explore the world and was hired by one her most favorite companies. She worked onboard Disney cruise line as a ‘fairy godmother’ creating magical moments for young children in the “Bibiddi Bobbidi Boutique". Rachel has many years working as a stewardess onboard yachts. She has worked on both private and charter yachts in many different locations around the world. She has seen parts of the Mediterranean the beautiful beaches in the Caribbean and the Bahamas. One of Rachel’s favorite spots to explore was the Fjords in Norway as it was off the beaten track, peaceful and breathtakingly still.

Candice Preston

Stewardess

Candice was born and grew up in the Coastal South African city of Durban. After graduating high school, she decided to pursue her career as a stewardess onboard a yacht, and thus earned her stew qualification in September of 2021, making her way to Fort Lauderdale. A lover of the great outdoors, Candice is often going camping, and in her free time she also enjoys Equestrian show jumping, waterskiing, golfing and is also a talented artist. Candice has a good sense of humor and always enjoys a good joke. She is always ready and willing to help with any request.

Mieke Roux

Stewardess

Mieke grew up in Franschhoek, a charming town in the heart of South Africa’s Cape Winelands, surrounded by vineyards, mountains, and world-class culinary culture. After building a strong foundation in her career as a food technologist, she felt inspired to take a break, explore the world, and pursue a new adventure. In 2022, she headed to Europe to begin her yachting journey, where she quickly discovered a passion for the fast-paced, service-driven lifestyle onboard.Mieke has a deep love for travel and discovering new cultures, especially through international cuisine. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her underwater scuba diving, exploring local markets, or unwinding with a gripping crime novel. With her warm personality, curiosity, and diverse skill set, she brings both enthusiasm and professionalism to the interior team.

Daniel Cohen

Bosun

Daniel Cohen was born and raised in Los Angeles, California where his family has enjoyed boating to Catalina Island. He began driving tenders at the age of 5 and by age 13 was docking 50’ boats. He graduated the University of Maryland with a degree in Public Health Science and a focus in Pre-medicine. After college he decided to take break from school and pursue his passion for yachts and began his yachting career. He plans to eventually go back to school and become an orthopedic surgeon. When not at work you will find him back home in California visiting family, and friends, playing with his dog, surfing, skiing, hiking, scuba diving, fishing, mountain biking, golfing, or watching movies.

Cornellius Van Dyk

Deckhand

Neill was born and raised in the scenic coastal town of Hermanus, just outside Cape Town, South Africa. Growing up by the ocean sparked his early fascination with the maritime world and nurtured a natural affinity for outdoor adventure. After finishing high school, Neill committed fully to pursuing a career in yachting, completing all required deckhand certifications and gaining valuable hands-on experience in the industry. Known for his strong work ethic, enthusiasm, and consistently positive attitude. His passion for sports and the outdoors has shaped his energetic and active lifestyle, qualities that translate seamlessly into his role on board.

Benjamin Hodkinson

Engineer (Rotational)

From the age of 8, Ben has been immersed in the world of sailing, racing competitively and exploring the depths of the sea. Ben has been working on yachts for twenty years predominantly, as a Chief Engineer. Engineering has always been a fascination from tinkering with cars to rebuilding a mini at an early age. His passion for the water extends beyond sailing, encompassing windsurfing and the technical challenges of tech diving. He brings this diverse blend of expertise and enthusiasm to both his work and hobbies.

Fanie Oosthuizen

Engineer (Rotational)

Fanie was born in Zimbabwe but grew up in the small town of Nelspruit that borders the Kruger National Park in South Africa. He was working as an equipment analyst in a paper mill when, in 2000, an engineer friend introduced him to the yachting industry. Fanie has worked as an engineer on a number of yachts and has extensively sailed the Mediterranean, Bahamas & Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and Asia. He currently holds the Y3 engineering qualification and plans to progress up the ranks to obtain his Y2 certificate. When Fanie is not sweating it out in the engine room, he is an avid fresh and saltwater fisherman, diver, and golfer.