scuba-doo

Hazel was born in Medellin Colombia and shortly after his family moved to the coastal Caribbean town of Capurgana, where his love for the ocean and the environment was curated. He spent his days freediving, spearfishing and spending time with the local fishermen.

He was homeschooled by his mother, and after studied statistics at the University. After two years at the University his economical conditions changed and he had to return to his coastal town. This was the point at which he started perusing his maritime career. From this moment he knew he was going to leave Colombia and travel the world.

He started working with local tourism, taking guests on day charters. He did this for three years, saving every penny to be able to apply for his passport and prepare for leaving the country.

He soon found a couple of cruisers who were sailing from his town across to Panama. With no concrete plan he jumped onboard and went to Panama looking for his next opportunity.

In Panama he found his first job, initially helping in the yard. Later moving on to the role of deckhand and chef. During this time he was able to get his 200T Yacht Captain license in Panama.

Covid hit and the industry abruptly closed, forcing Hazel to seek another opportunity. This was when he started working for Sea Shepard conservation society. During his three years there he participated in many campaigns protecting marine life and doing scientific research around the west coast of Mexico. As well as multiple yard periods, strengthening his maintenance skills.

After almost three years at Sea Shepard Hazel decided he needed a change of scenery and travelled to the Caribbean to pursue his career in Chartering. He has spent the last two seasons in the Caribbean as a Captain building experience and fine-tuning his charter skills.

During this time Hazel & Yah Yah met working for the same charter company and bonded over the fact that they are both very thorough and hard workers. Their relationship blossomed and they soon started working on the same vessel. During their first vacation together they travelled to 12 countries in order to complete their Yacht Master Offshore and Dive masters together.

Yah Yah was born and raised on a self sustaining farm in the beautiful region of Cape Town, South Africa. She practically grew up in the kitchen with her nanny by her side giving the much needed supervision.

From making cheeses to processing meat, from pickles to preserves there is nothing that Yah Yah can’t make from scratch. Selling baked goods from the age of 6 at the local farmers market, cooking has been apart of her life since the very start.

Her love for the ocean was certainly sparked by the fact that their family farm bordered the coast. She was able to harvest fresh seafood directly from their property and spend her days on the beach cooking her harvest on the fire.



Captain Hazel Ochoa

MARINE QUALIFICATIONS:
PADI DIVEMASTER
RYA YACHTMASTER OFFSHORE WITH COMMERCIAL ENDORSEMENT
STCW 95 – 2020
ENG1 – EXP JAN 2026

Chef Jacolet (Yah Yah) Van Eeden

QUALIFICATIONS:
STCW 95 – 2022
ENG1 – EXP AUG 2024
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore with Commercial Endorsement
PADI Dive Master
FOOD SAFETY AND HYGIENE II


Crew fully vaccinated