Captain: Sean Hartel

SEAN HARTEL |Captain | American
Sean grew up living on a fishing boat in New Jersey and his passion for all things maritime has
never faded. He has planned and executed voyages through countless countries and several oceans,
navigating ice fields at glacier faces to reefs of the tropics. Sean is wildly energetic and enthusiastic
about sharing an experience of a lifetime with everyone who steps aboard. With over 200,000
nautical miles logged as a professional captain, he knows how to make that happen. Sean now
resides in Panama, where he runs his own sportfishing charter operation and is currently building an
off-grid resort.

CALVIN VAN WYGAARD |First Officer | South African
With extensive experience in the maritime industry, particularly in the Mediterranean and Caribbean,
Calvin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every charter. Holding a BSc in Sport Science
from Stellenbosch University, he offers a unique perspective on maintaining physical health and
wellness at sea. Originally from South Africa and raised in the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay,
Calvin is a passionate waterman with a deep love for outdoor sports. His interests include mountain
biking, surfing, water sports, and snowboarding. Committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of
guests, Calvin guarantees a memorable and enjoyable experience aboard MY Cupcake.

DIAN RAUTENBACH | Deckhand | South African
Hailing from Cape Town, South Africa, Dian is the youngest crew member on Cupcake. He enjoys taking on new challenges and learning new skills, as he works towards his goal of becoming a yacht engineer one day. His dedication, enthusiasm and eagerness to contribute to the team has made him a crew favorite! Dian has a passion for fishing and motorsports, and he always gives his best in everything he does.

JO JO DADSON | Chief Engineer | Ghanan
Jojo was born and grew up in a coastal city called tema-ghana.
His love for the maritime industry (engineering) kept increasing right from childhood, and it's still unwavering!! His passion and dexterity for project execution and manning of his equipment is a top notch. He has worked on several commercial vessels and delved into yachting barely a year now and still loving it. He will never stop until a task is well accomplished.

SARAH MASON | Chief Stewardess | British
Sarah, raised in a quaint English town, found her love for the water as a competitive swimmer. After a period working for a Parkinson’s charity in London left her seeking new direction, she was inspired to pursue yachting after watching Below Deck, combining her love for the water with the excitement of travel. Since her bold decision, Sarah has traversed the azure expanses of the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, navigating busy seasons and tranquil crossings with equal poise. With guests at the forefront of her priorities, she crafts unforgettable experiences, infusing each voyage with her signature blend of British humor, endearing herself to all who come aboard.

LEONIE ELBERTSE | Second Stewardess | South African
Leonie was born in the Netherlands before moving to South Africa at a young age. Leonie went to university to study Graphic Design and begun working in the field before her love of travel drove her towards yachting, Leonie’s creative flair shines through in everything she does, from designing stunning tablescapes to crafting signature welcome drinks, her energy and passion for hospitality ensure that every guest experience is memorable and unique.

KAYLA TOMLINSON | Third Stewardess | South African
Kayla is originally from Durban, South Africa. Her love for travel is what brought her to the yachting industry, which she transitioned into after her studies in education. Kayla enjoys being outdoors and has a passion for fitness, horse riding and diving. She values the opportunity to connect with diverse groups of people and experience different lifestyles.

ERIC DAVIS | Chef| American
Hailing from central Michigan and born with a flair for creating, Eric was part of a two-year Food Service Program for the Area Tech Center in Mt Pleasant graduating high school in 1992, which pretty much sealed the deal for all things culinary.
In May of 1992, he received a Scholarship to Johnson and Wales University, where he decided to further his culinary skills in college. Eric attained an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts in Charleston, South Carolina during 1992-1994 and pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Entrepreneurship in Providence, Rhode Island during 1994-1996. In 1996, Eric moved back to Michigan to further his studies in Business Administration at Central Michigan University, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
He has hung his chef toque in such places as Miami Dolphin Stadium Miami, Florida; Fahrenheit-Chicago, Illinois--Jake's and River Front Oyster Bar Miami, Florida. Chef Eric brings 30 years as an accomplished Executive Chef. Eric entered yachting approximately 12 years ago working as an Chef on both Charter yachts, private and even cruise ships, but his experience and talents do not end there…..he has had the honor of cooking for several high profile celebrities, and if you weren’t already impressed with that…. In May 2010, he was filmed on the TLC (The Learning Channel) “Four Weddings” Season 3 episode 8, “And a Smoking Cocktail, Miami, Florida. In August, 2011 he was interviewed on Chat Chow TV and has also been a part of several events with the Food Network at the Sobe Food Network food and Wine Festival, Miami Beach, Florida. Chef Eric has received such honors and awards:
2015 Antigua Charter Boat Show Concourse du Chef--2nd Place Winner of up to 125ft.
2016 Antigua Charter Boat Show Concourse du Chef--1st Place Winner of 125-164ft.
2018 Best Yacht Chef Wine Enthusiast Magazine FLIBS