Growing up on the East Coast of South Africa, Matt developed a deep connection to the ocean from an early age. Surfing quickly became a way of life, shaping his love for the water and eventually guiding him into the yachting industry.

Although he holds a degree in Finance, Matt chose to pursue a life of Adventure, combining his passion for the Sea with his love for travel and exploration.

His commitment to health and fitness complements his energetic, outdoor lifestyle, and he brings that same drive and positivity to life onboard.

Friendly, approachable, and easy-going, Matt Thrives in team environments and enjoys building strong working relationships with Crew and guests alike.

He dreams big, works hard, and lives with purpose – constantly moving toward a future where passion and profession meet.

Growing up between the sun-soaked shores of the French Riviera and a small island on the Swedish west coast, Emelie has always felt at home by the sea. After graduating with a degree in economics and entrepreneurship from McGill University, she joined the yachting industry in 2021, where she found the perfect way to combine her love of adventure, the ocean and exceptional hospitality. 

Fluent in four languages, Emelie enjoys connecting with people from all over the world and discovering new cultures along the way. When she is not on board, she enjoys discovering memorable culinary experiences and hidden gems around the world. She is passionate about Pilates and wellness and cherishes quality time with family and friends. Friendly, organised and highly detail-oriented, Emelie is known for her warm personality, discretion and strong work ethic. She takes great pride in creating a welcoming atmosphere and delivering thoughtful, attentive service to ensure every guest enjoys a seamless and unforgettable experience onboard SeaLion.

Born and raised in the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay, South Africa,
Sabrina developed a natural love for the ocean and an active outdoor
lifestyle from a young age. Energetic and enthusiastic, she enjoys
running, hiking, and padel, bringing a vibrant and positive energy to
everything she does.
With a strong background in hospitality, Sabrina has a natural flair for
service and an intuitive ability to anticipate guest needs. Over the past
four years in the yachting industry, she has gained well-rounded onboard
experience, earning a reputation for her reliability, strong work ethic, and
team-oriented approach.
Known for her bubbly personality and genuine passion for working with
people, Sabrina creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests.
She thrives in fast-paced environments and takes pride in maintaining the highest standards while
contributing positively to crew morale.
Driven and career-focused, Sabrina is committed to continuous growth within the industry, with aspirations
to progress into senior interior roles and further develop her leadership and service expertise.

Born and raised in a small farming town in South Africa, Diaan
developed a strong work ethic, humility, and a deep appreciation for
teamwork from an early age. While his upbringing was far from the
ocean, his passion for the water eventually led him to pursue a career
at sea.
Diaan joined the yachting industry in 2015 and quickly found his footing
aboard busy charter yachts, where he built a solid reputation for his
professionalism and guest-focused approach. Over the years, he has
gained extensive experience cruising a wide range of destinations,
including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, and the Indian
Ocean, as well as completing notable passages such as the Panama
Canal and the Caledonian Canal.

A certified Divemaster, Diaan has explored some of the world’s most renowned dive locations, including
Mexico, Indonesia, and French Polynesia. He is passionate about sharing these experiences with guests,
whether guiding snorkelling trips, assisting with diving, or coordinating water sports activities, always
ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment onboard.
Now serving as Chief Officer, Diaan brings a calm, capable presence to the bridge and deck team. He
works closely with the Captain to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the vessel while maintaining the
highest standards of guest service. With a positive attitude and a strong sense of responsibility, Diaan
continues to grow within the industry, driven by his passion for the ocean and dedication to excellence.

Eva, a vibrant Australian soul aboard the majestic Sea Lion, infuses every journey with boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm, embodying the spirit of exploration with her love for the sea and passion for adventure.
As a dedicated member of the crew, Eva thrives on creating unforgettable experiences for guests, ensuring each moment aboard Sea Lion is brimming with excitement and joy. Her playful nature and zest for life shine through in every interaction, making her a beloved presence among both crew and guests alike.
When she’s not busy sailing the open waters, Eva can be found indulging in her love for being active, whether it’s hiking, snorkelling, or riding jet skis. Her adventurous spirit knows no bounds, and she is always eager to share her passion for water sports with fellow enthusiasts.
With her magnetic personality and unwavering dedication to fun and adventure, Eva ensures that every voyage aboard the Sea Lion is an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, excitement, and cherished memories. 

Calvin is a 25-year-old ocean-driven professional from Ballito, South Africa. Raised along the North Coast, his connection to the sea began through competitive surfing, where he developed discipline, resilience, and a deep respect for the ocean’s power.                                                                                       After transitioning from professional surfing into the superyacht industry, Calvin has spent the past four years building a strong career at sea. He has worked aboard luxury yachts ranging from 50 to 90 meters, gaining valuable experience in deck operations, vessel maintenance, guest services, and onboard safety. Known for his calm demeanour, strong work ethic, and attention to detail, he thrives in high-pressure environments where teamwork and precision are essential.    Life on the water is more than a career for Calvin—it’s a lifestyle. When off rotation, he returns to Ballito to surf familiar breaks, fish in crystal-clear waters, or refine his golf game. Driven by ambition and a passion for adventure, he continues to seek opportunities that challenge him and allow him to grow within the yachting industry.

Josh grew up on a farm near Johannesburg, South Africa, where he spent his days with the thrill of riding horses, dirt bikes, and enjoying an active outdoor lifestyle. Eight years ago, he traded tracks and trails for waves and wakeboards. He has brought that same sense of high energy and enthusiasm with him every day since joining the yachting industry. During this time, Josh has worked on yachts ranging from 40m to 90m, cruising extensively all over the world. Focused on building a successful career in yachting, he is currently working towards completing his Officer of the Watch ticket. 

Josh is always ready for a fun chat, a great story, or a good laugh. Th thrives on connecting with people and brings an upbeat, positive energy to the vessel, and an enjoyable atmosphere for both guests and crew. In his free time, you can find him at the beach, reading a book, paddle boarding or playing golf.

Joselle was born and raised in a small Kalahari town in South Africa, she grew up with a deep appreciation for community, simplicity and the natural world. After completing a diploma in Culinary Arts, she spent three and a half years running her own coffee shop, where she refined her skills, creativity and understanding of hospitality.

Her introduction to yachting came through friends and family who recognised her calm nature, strong work ethic, and talent in the kitchen. Inspired by the opportunity to combine travel, adventure and her passion for cuisine, she transitioned into the industry where she has worked as a dedicated sous chef for over a year now. 

Known for her composure under pressure, adaptability and genuine love for creating memorable culinary experiences, she brings a grounded yet innovative presence to every galley she steps into. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, exploring new places and hiking – interests that continue to fuel her curiosity and creativity both on and off the yacht. 

Traveena was born in Auckland, New Zealand and grew up walking distance from the beach, which is where she spends much of her time to this day. Before discovering the yachting industry in 2012, she spent several years alternating between working in the finance industry, working with horses and travelling. Traveena has many great memories at sea, and finds that working on yachts perfectly combines her love of diverse experiences and travel. One of her career highlights was being part of the winning service team at the Barcelona yacht show in 2019. Traveena loves her role as chief stewardess, she enjoys being creative, coming up with fun and exciting events and themes and finding new cocktail recipes for guests! In her spare time, Traveena loves horse riding, swimming and going on adventures. She has a huge passion for animals and has volunteered with several wildlife organisations around the world. Traveena is looking forward to welcoming you on board and providing an unforgettable experience.

Joshua grew up in Durban, South Africa, where his love for the ocean first took root. From a young age, he knew the sea would play a big part in his life, and after finishing school at Maritzburg College in 2021—where he represented his school in top-level rugby and water polo—he decided to follow that passion into yachting.

Over the past three years, Joshua has worked on both private and charter yachts, building experience and discovering that his love for the industry grows stronger every day. He enjoys the active, hands-on nature of life on board and takes pride in keeping the yacht looking its best while ensuring guests feel welcome and cared for.

When Joshua isn’t at sea, you’ll most likely find him traveling—he’s always excited to explore new countries, cultures, and cuisines. He also has a creative streak and loves DJing whenever he gets the chance, as well as keeping active by playing football with friends.

Friendly, hardworking, and adventurous, Joshua is happiest when he’s near the water and is always ready with a smile to make guests feel at home.

Born and raised in the culinary heartland of Australia’s Yarra Valley, Jessie began her career at just 14, cutting her teeth at the renowned winery Yering Station. There, her foundations in classical French cuisine and wine pairing were laid—skills that would define her global culinary journey.

After completing her apprenticeship, Jessie refined her craft at Melbourne’s acclaimed 2-hat restaurant Ezard, mastering the fusion of Asian flavours with traditional French techniques. In 2009, she made the leap to London, working under Jamie Oliver at Fifteen before being drawn to private cheffing in the French Alps, where she catered for luxury ski clientele in Val d’Isère.

Her passion for adventure and fine food soon led her to the world of yachting. Jessie quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Head Chef aboard M/Y Unbridled at just 20. For three years, she travelled extensively with an American family, cooking her way through the Caribbean, South Pacific, South America, the Mediterranean, and the U.S. West Coast. She later held the sole chef position on M/Y Harle, running intense charter seasons that sharpened her leadership, creativity, and time management.

In 2015, Jessie returned home to bring a long-held dream to life—founding Locavore Catering, a bespoke events company based in the Yarra Valley. Since then, she’s opened multiple commercial kitchens, two cafés, and a gourmet food store. Her flagship café earned a spot in Melbourne’s Top 30, and today she leads a team of over 50, including 11 chefs and three event coordinators.

Now back at sea aboard M/Y Sealion, Jessie brings with her a global perspective, a deep respect for produce, and a cooking style that’s vibrant, elegant, and rooted in connection. Whether it’s a casual lunch on deck or a refined multi-course tasting menu, every meal she creates is crafted with intention and joy.

Kegan was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa and grew up on his family owned farm in Eastern Cape on the foot of the Drakensberg mountain range. With a great passion for Agriculture, he hopes to be the 4th generation of his family to farm this land. Kegan spent most of his childhood playing sports or working on the farm, where his family grows cabbage, potatoes,beans and corn, as well as raising cattle. He decided to combine his affinity for mechanics and travelling and joined the yachting industry in 2013, where he began working on Deck. He quickly realized that his passion lies within the Engineering side and quickly managed to move departments. In his free time Kegan enjoys archery , spearfishing, yoga, and traveling; so far he  has been to 20 states in America and 19 countries. He is excited to be part of the Sealion family and looks forward to making sure everything runs smoothly on board. 

Engineering has always been Andries’ passion, shaping both his personal and professional life. Andries grew up in South Africa and began sailing competitively at the age of 10, which sparked a lifelong connection to the ocean and ultimately led to a 15+ year career in the marine engineering industry. Some of his earliest and most formative experiences on the water came from sailing trips with his family—those shared adventures not only deepened his love for the sea but also instilled in me a strong sense of teamwork and problem-solving under pressure. Over the years, his connection to the ocean has only grown stronger. Andries is an avid diver and finds immense joy in exploring the underwater world—there’s something profoundly calming and invigorating about being submerged in an environment that demands both respect and curiosity. Whether he is diving, sailing, or simply swimming, being in the water is where Andries feels most at peace. Alongside his marine career, Andries has always had a deep fascination with cars and technology. Before moving fully into marine engineering, he worked as an automotive technician, where he honed his mechanical skills and further developed his understanding of complex systems. This hands-on experience laid a solid foundation for the transition into marine systems and has continued to influence how he approaches engineering challenges today. Outside of engineering, he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and snowboarding—anything that keeps him active and connected to nature. Whether on land or at sea, Andries is driven by a desire to explore, build, and understand the world around him.

Lucinda aka Lucy, is a South African who has been in the yachting industry for over 5 years. She is deeply passionate about health, fitness and wellness and is a qualified personal trainer. Recently, she completed an advanced Stew Masseuse Course specializing in Swedish massage, hot Stone Therapy and Aroma Therapy. Lucy lives in the beautiful picturesque coastal town of Hermanus, with her fiancé and their beloved fur- baby, a Pomeranian. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, reading and listening to true crime podcasts. With a degree in marketing and sales management, as well as diploma in importing and exporting, Lucy brings a diverse skill set to her work and personal pursuits.

Born and raised in the coastal town of Cape St Francis, South Africa, Wesley grew up immersed in a world of fishing, surfing, and diving alongside his sea-loving family. His passion for the ocean led him to participate in numerous surfing competitions, where he proudly represented the Eastern Cape at the Nationals twice. After finishing school, Wesley pursued his Private Pilot License, but it didn’t take long for him to realize that his true calling lay in the maritime industry. With a strong desire to build a career on the water, he joined the yachting world in December 2013. Today, Wesley holds his Chief Mate 3000gt, bringing a wealth of experience and a commitment to safety and teamwork on board. His enthusiasm for adventure and active lifestyle continues to define him. With a calm demeanour under pressure and a positive work ethic, Wesley is always eager to learn and share his knowledge with others as he works towards his Master 3000gt license.

Suné Marais is a dynamic 30-year-old from South Africa, with a BA degree in Communication Design. Alongside her professional career as a photographer, she has spent the past three years working in the yachting industry. Suné embarked on her yachting journey to immerse herself in new experiences, discover diverse cultures, and expand her photography portfolio. Suné’s adventurous spirit is evident in her love for the outdoors and various activities such as horse riding, diving, hiking, and yoga. Her outgoing and fun-loving nature allows her to connect effortlessly with people from all walks of life, making her an invaluable crew member. Her exceptional photography skills shine on every trip, as she captures the raw and unforgettable moments of guests, ensuring their memories are preserved in the most authentic and artistic way. Suné’s ability to blend her creative talents with her passion for exploration enriches the yachting experiece for all guests onboard. She is passionate about fine dining, high levels of service and mixology, with old fashioned and espresso martini being her all-time favorites.