MEMENTO VIVERE

Name: Marthinus (Marnus) Van Der Berg
Nationality: South Africa
Position: First Officer
Position details: First Officer
Languages: Not specified
Description: Meet Marnus, MV’s First Mate - part maritime expert and part morale booster. Hailing from Senekal, South Africa, he swapped the bushveld for the open ocean in 2020, thanks to a captain from his hometown who wisely saw his potential (or just needed a really good deckhand). But don’t let the polished uniform fool you—before yachting, he was shaping young minds as an English teacher in South Korea and Vietnam, and as an au pair in Texas (because even cowboys need life lessons).

Armed with a B.Comm in Sports and Recreation Management, a Yachtmaster 200GT, and a stack of certifications that prove he knows his port from his starboard, Marnus isn’t just about keeping the ship in top shape - he’s about creating an onboard experience you won’t forget.

Off duty, you’ll find him behind a camera, testing out new cuisines, perfecting his golf swing, or grilling up a storm with family and friends - because if there’s one thing he loves as much as the sea, it’s a proper South African “braai.” With plans to captain 70-100 foot yachts and retire at 45 (preferably with a real estate empire), he lives by the motto: “Upwards and onwards.”

Name: Vicky Feofilaktova
Nationality: Russian
Position: Chief steward/ess
Position details: Chief Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Vicky was born in Russia (as that may frighten some of you, I can assure you that she is the bubbliest Russian of them all). She has always worked extremely hard to reach her goals. After her graduation at Civil aviation college in 2016, she wanted to become a flight attendant but soon discovered the yachting industry and immediately knew that would be a better fit for her, and since has brought the highest level of service to the interior team.

Expertly organized, Vicky works well under pressure and truly enjoys a good challenge. One of Vicky’s favorite parts of charter trips are themed parties, always excited to show off her creative side with superb table décor and seeing guests creating lasting memories onboard. She keeps a close knit team with her loud and infectious laugh, so bring ear plugs.

Vicky has found her niche in the yachting industry, anticipating guests needs with ease while performing her duties with a perpetual smile and a passion for efficient service.

Name: Lia Winterbach
Nationality: South African
Position: Chief steward/ess
Position details: (Rotational)
Languages: Not specified
Description: Lia was born and raised in Stellenbosch, the wine capital of South Africa. After school, she studied Financial Accounting at Stellenbosch University. However - it wasn’t long after graduating that she realized that she was missing a sense of adventure.

Her first opportunity to work abroad was as an English teacher in Thailand where she fell in love with the culture, natural beauty and food, but she moved on after a year.

With a background in hospitality working at some the Winelands’ most prestigious establishments, she quickly transferred her skills to the maritime industry. She has since worked on sailing and motor yachts ranging from 60ft - 200ft and travelled around the world.

Lia is motivated to provide the ultimate guest experience that will provide everlasting memories for her guests and looks forward to welcome you on board with the assistance of the 2nd stewardess.

Name: Ryno de Koker
Nationality: South African
Position: Chef
Position details: (Rotational)
Languages: Not specified
Description: Ryno is a 27-year-old South African chef from a small farming town, where his love for food began early and grew into a lasting passion.

Over the past few years working on yachts, he has honed his skills and developed a cooking style that is distinctive, creative, and highly artistic. He enjoys experimenting with flavors and presentation and takes great pride in creating memorable dishes for both guests and crew.

Outside of the galley, he enjoys reading, staying active, and getting competitive over board games and word searches. Deeply passionate about his craft, he is always eager to continue learning and evolving as a chef.

Name: Jamey Fourie
Nationality: South African
Position: Deckhand
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Hailing from the stunning coastline of South Africa, Jamey combines a natural love for the ocean with a calm, professional approach. With one year of hands-on experience in the yachting industry and a background as a certified dive instructor, Jamey plays a key role in ensuring both the vessel and guests are in great hands.

Known for being friendly, caring, and highly safety-oriented, Jamey thrives in guest-facing roles and is always ready to assist with water activities, tender operations, and deck duties. His calm presence and passion for the ocean helps to create a welcoming atmosphere onboard, whether guests are diving beneath the waves or relaxing above them.

With a strong work ethic and a genuine love for life at sea, Jamey is a valued part of any crew—dedicated to delivering memorable and secure charter experiences.

Name: Sean Staine
Nationality: South African
Position: Captain
Position details: (Rotational)
Languages: Not specified
Description: Hailing from the coastal town of Hermanus, South Africa, Sean’s love for the ocean began early and quickly turned into a lifelong career. He launched into yachting in 2012 with an unforgettable two-month voyage, sailing a 44-foot catamaran from Cape Town to Fort Lauderdale. Since then, Sean has worked aboard a wide range of private and charter yachts between 80 to 200 feet, bringing a wealth of experience and an unshakable passion for life at sea.
Sean has cruised extensively across the globe, including the Bahamas, South Pacific, Alaska, New England, the Caribbean, and throughout the U.S. No matter the location, Sean brings a steady hand, a sharp eye for detail, and a deep commitment to the safety and comfort of his crew and guests.

A true team player, Sean prides himself on his strong work ethic and seamless collaboration with his crew. He’s devoted to ensuring that every guest aboard Memento Vivere enjoys not just a smooth voyage, but a truly unforgettable experience—where expectations aren’t just met, but exceeded.

When he’s not navigating the open ocean, Sean is usually chasing yellowfin tuna off the coast of Cape Town, exploring underwater worlds through diving, piloting helicopters, cycling, or hitting rugged trails in his 4x4. Whether on land, in the air, or at sea, Sean brings energy, expertise, and a spirit of adventure to everything he does.

Name: Chandre (Chani) Anker
Nationality: South African
Position: Stewardess
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Chani brings warmth, professionalism, and a touch of South African charm to the interior team. Originally from South Africa, she speaks Afrikaans and English fluently and takes great pride in creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere onboard.

Before joining the yachting industry, Chani studied BCom Law, which refined her attention to detail, organization, and professionalism. With over a year of experience at sea, she has developed a strong eye for presentation and a genuine passion for delivering exceptional guest service.

Chani has a friendly demeanor and calm, can-do attitude. When she’s not onboard, Chandré loves spending time with animals, relaxing at the beach, and discovering new restaurants wherever she travels. With her sights set on becoming a Chief Stewardess one day, she continues to grow and refine her skills with dedication and enthusiasm.

Name: James Marais
Nationality: South African
Position: Engineer
Position details: (Rotational)
Languages: Not specified
Description: Bio coming soon!