Captain - Charles Dugas-Standish
Nationality: American
Languages: English
Captain Charles boasts an illustrious maritime career that spans over three decades, embarking on a journey that commenced in 1986 as a Water Safety Law Enforcement officer at the Harbor Patrol in Santa Barbara. During this tenure, he not only obtained certifications as a Police Officer, Emergency Medical Technician, Fireman, Rescue Boat Captain, and Administrator but also earned a degree in Commercial Diving from the local college. In 1989, driven by a passion for yachting, he set sail for Italy to join his inaugural motor yacht during the Mediterranean season.
A pivotal moment in his career came in 1990 when he pursued higher education at Texas A&M Maritime College, securing a BS in Marine Transportation after four dedicated years. Following this academic milestone, Captain Charles reentered the yachting realm, dedicating over 17 continuous years as a charter captain in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. His extensive maritime endeavors include an impressive 47 transatlantic journeys, four transpacific crossings, navigating across the international dateline, equator, and arctic circle, and helming vessels ranging from 13 to 813 feet.
Notably, Captain Charles temporarily departed from yachting for 1.5 years to delve into the intricate world of tugboats, further diversifying his maritime expertise. His recent position on board the motor yacht Lady E saw him navigating through the Mediterranean, Asia, and Australia, adding another chapter to his rich seafaring narrative.
Beyond his professional achievements, Captain Charles indulges in his hobbies, including diving, a passion he developed during his early years, along with an appreciation for movies and spending time at the gun range. His diverse skill set and dedication to the yachting world make Captain Charles an invaluable asset to any charter experience.
Chief Officer - James Stanier
Nationality: England
Languages: English
James is 29 year old Chief Officer and was born and raised in Cheshire, England. After high school James joined the Royal Marines Commandos. After completing eight and a half months of intense military training James later specialized as a landing craft coxswain. This has given him a unique insight and ability to ensure the safety of the guests, whilst still striving for the highest standards to create the best possible bespoke charter experiences on board. Constantly surpassing the expectations of guests, he has a passion for water sports and scuba diving. James is a PADI Divemaster and has also completed his Jet ski instructors. Sports and being active is a big part of James’s life but he also enjoys fishing and is passionate about boxing and exploring new cultures. He now holds his Chief mate <3000gt ticket and is working towards his Master <3000gt License.
Hobbies: Traveling, Fishing and Boxing
Chef - Ronn Sczesny
Nationality: German
Languages: English, German
Ron's culinary journey is a tale of international flavors and entrepreneurial spirit. Born in Germany, Ron's family charted a new course to Australia when he was just 11. Entrenched in the hospitality industry from the start, his family owned a Bar/Restaurant, with both his mother and sister emerged as accomplished Chefs.
Following his schooling, Ron dove headfirst into the culinary world, initiating his apprenticeship. In 1996, driven by an entrepreneurial fire, he embarked on a three-year part-time course, laying the foundation for his own business ventures. In the heart of North Sydney, Australia, Ron birthed Altitude, a Juice bar that he nurtured from a $25,000 inception to a $250,000 success story within two years.
The yachting world beckoned Ron in 2007, offering a new horizon to showcase his culinary prowess. His culinary philosophy centers on fresh and light creations, and he takes pride in crafting dishes from scratch. Ron's culinary repertoire spans a fusion of modern American, Italian, Thai, and Japanese styles, showcasing his versatility and appreciation for diverse flavors.
Beyond the galley, Ron finds solace at home with his family and two majestic Great Danes. When he's not tantalizing taste buds on board, he dedicates time to swimming, maintaining his fitness, and indulging in the cinematic world.
Ron's culinary journey is a testament to his passion, from the humble beginnings of a family-owned restaurant to the high seas of yachting, where he continues to redefine the art of gastronomy with every dish he creates.
Chief Stewardess - Kate Hobson
Nationality: South African
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Kate's journey unfolds against the picturesque backdrop of the Eastern Cape in South Africa, where she was not just born but also nurtured her early aspirations. Fueled by a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, Kate set her course by studying Events Management and Wedding Planning in the enchanting town of Stellenbosch.
From a tender age, Kate found herself drawn to the world of hospitality, and her ambitions soon extended beyond the borders of her homeland. In 2010, she embarked on a transformative journey to England, where she lent her talents to a private members club nestled in the idyllic town of Henley on the Thames. This stint not only broadened her horizons but also laid the foundation for her entry into the world of luxury yachting.
In 2011, Kate set sail into the realm of yachting, and her seafaring adventures have since unfurled across captivating locales such as the Bahamas, Florida, Caribbean, Palma, Central America, and the South Pacific. Kate's yachting odyssey reflects not just a career but a relentless pursuit of knowledge, travel, and the art of curating unforgettable moments.
Kate's unique blend of a keen eye for detail and a contagiously bubbly personality creates an ambiance aboard M/Y South that transcends the ordinary. Beyond her role, Kate finds joy in organizing events that leave an indelible mark, mirroring her passion for crafting seamless experiences. Her love for travel serves as a testament to her adventurous spirit, and when not charting the seas, Kate dedicates time to the rejuvenating practice of Pilates.
In essence, Kate is not just a crew member; she is a curator of moments, a navigator of seas, and a purveyor of hospitality, ensuring that each journey aboard M/Y South is nothing short of extraordinary.
Second Stew - Justine Lombard
Nationality: South African
Languages: English
Justine was born and raised in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. She grew up close to the sea, a water loving person. Justine was a life saver on the beach, swam and played water polo for her province. After her schooling, she studied Somatology (skin and health care). After completing her studies, she worked in various spas and salons which included managing her own Salon. Justine started her yachting career in 2016 in the spa and has worked her way up through different roles to be a well-rounded stewardess. Justine enjoys being creative and takes pride in everything that she does.
Hobbies: Hiking, Kayaking, Fishing, yoga, Pilates
Third Stew - Cherize Botha
Nationality: South African
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Cherize was born and raised in Pretoria the Capital of South Africa. She has a passion for hospitality and completed her degree in Tourism Management. After graduating, she discovered yachting in 2021 and found an even bigger love for the yachting community. Since joining the industry she’s had the privilege of working for one of the largest yachts in the world and traveled the Mediterranean Sea. Cherize always strives to make others laugh, she loves being around people and enjoys any type of sport activity.
Hobbies: Photography, Dancing, Traveling
Stew - Kate Potter
Nationality: England
Languages: English
Kate, our esteemed in-house Spa Therapist and Stewardess, hails from the charming British coastal town of Brighton. With an innate sense of adventure and a rich background in spa therapy, Kate found her calling in yachting five years ago, drawn to its dynamic atmosphere and unparalleled experiences. Since then, she has graced the decks of prestigious charter yachts with demanding itineraries that have whisked her away to every corner of the globe, including the remote and captivating landscapes of Antarctica.
A certified rescue scuba diver, Kate's affinity for the ocean extends beyond her professional duties, as she finds solace and joy in exploring its depths during her leisure time. Alongside her passion for scuba diving, Kate finds balance through the practice of yoga and indulges her wanderlust by traversing the globe, immersing herself in diverse cultures and landscapes.
With her unwavering dedication to service and her vibrant spirit of adventure, Kate enriches the onboard experience for guests and crew alike, ensuring that every moment at sea is infused with relaxation, rejuvenation, and unmatched luxury.
Stew - Paige S
Nationality: South African
Languages: English
Paige was born and raised in East London, South Africa. She was a competitive swimmer and loves exercising and keeping healthy which sparked her interest in personal training. After completing her personal training year course Paige went to Stellenbosch and became a Hairdresser. Paige is a people’s person and loves a good laugh. She always knew that she wanted to be in the yachting industry surrounded by amazing individuals whilst learning and experiencing so much.
Hobbies: Swimming, Baking, Traveling
Chief Engineer - Marco Opiasa
Nationality: Filipino
Languages: English, Filipino
Marco used to work on tanker ships for 6 years then he found out about yachting from friends, so he tried to apply and got accepted on his 1st yacht which was 61 meters based in Singapore with the rank of 2nd engineer. He’s been in the yachting industry for 11 years already. Yachting to him, is very exciting and interesting. He gets to meet different lovely people and some celebrities. He loves traveling and exploring new places since he is an islander, it really amazes him to discover beautiful new spots of nice pristine beaches. He loves to listen to reggae music and also plays drums and his favorite sport is Soccer. People call him “Ninjaneer” because he’s like a ninja who tries to fix things in an instant, of course, if given the perfect span of time. He is very patient, resilient, and with good vibes all around. Cheerio! He always believes that there is always a solution for every problem.
Hobbies: music, movies, and soccer
Chief Engineer - Bill Mims
Nationality: American
Languages: English
Bill has been in the marine industry for more than 30 years. He has worked on commercial ships, oil field vessels, and yachts. Bill enjoys traveling in an RV with my wife and dog during his off time. Bill and his wife are currently looking into buying a home around the north-central Florida area.
Hobbies: Camping and Fishing
Second Officer - Isaac Stephen Bobcat Brown
Nationality: England
Languages: English
Isaac, a dynamic individual whose athletic prowess transcends boundaries. From a young age, Isaac showcased his sporting talent on the national stage, representing his country in not just one, but two disciplines. At the tender age of 16, he wielded his bow with precision, clinching a national championship in archery. His aerial exploits took flight in the realm of skydiving, where he soared to victory, claiming two national championships as his own.
A true adventurer at heart, Isaac's passion for sports knows no bounds. With a repertoire that spans across a multitude of disciplines, he has embraced every athletic endeavor with gusto, mastering each with unparalleled dedication. As a natural-born instructor, Isaac finds joy in imparting his wealth of knowledge and experience to eager learners, making him the go-to expert for all things water sports onboard.
Isaac's journey into the world of yachting was sparked over six years ago by the inspiring tales of his aunt and uncle, intrepid sailors who traversed the globe. Eager to join in their seafaring exploits, Isaac leaped at the chance to accompany them on crossings and charters, igniting his passion for life at sea. From humble beginnings as a deckhand, Isaac's unwavering commitment and leadership qualities propelled him to the helm, where he now serves as a chief officer on M/Y SOUTH.
Beyond his maritime pursuits, Isaac's adventurous spirit extends to every facet of his life. Whether he's soaring through the skies, delving into the depths of the ocean, or conquering mountain peaks, Isaac's thirst for adventure knows no bounds. With a zest for life that's as boundless as the horizon, Isaac infuses every moment with excitement, vitality, and a sense of boundless possibility.
Deckhand - DJ Franklin-Smith
Nationality: American
Languages: English
Meet DJ, our vibrant Deckhand and former D1 collegiate wrestler hailing from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Fuelled by a thirst for adventure, DJ's journey into the yachting realm two years ago marked a dynamic shift towards an exhilarating lifestyle on the high seas. His spirited and spontaneous nature infuses every aspect of his work, ensuring every moment onboard is filled with excitement and energy.
With a passion for exploration deeply ingrained in his soul, DJ thrives in the midst of thrilling escapades. Whether it's navigating the intricacies of yacht life or indulging in adrenaline-pumping activities, his boundless enthusiasm knows no bounds.
When he's not on deck, DJ can be found channeling his athleticism into a myriad of pursuits, from football to wrestling, and volleyball. His zest for life and love for adventure make him an invaluable asset to our team, ensuring every journey is marked by unforgettable moments and excitement.
Deck / Engineer - Edier Megio Jr.
Nationality: Filipino
Languages: English, Tagalog
Edier has been in the maritime industry for more than 8 years. He spent his first 5 years in ultra large container ships cruising around the world until he heard about the yachting industry in 2019. He found his first job as an engineer on a 41m catamaran that was based in Italy. He has also worked on a 70m Lurssen as a 3rd engineer. Edier has been in the yachting industry for more than 3 years now. He finds yachting challenging yet fun. Edier believes in the saying ‘Knowledge is just part of understanding, genuine understanding comes from hands-on experience’
Hobbies: Hiking, Travelling
Deckhand - Boris Bubanja
Nationality: Montenegrin
Languages: English, Montenegrin, Croatian
Introducing Boris, a seasoned professional with an illustrious background as both a basketball player and coach, where the courts served as his early stomping ground and first love. From the tender age of childhood, Boris's affinity for basketball was palpable, shaping his journey and instilling in him a deep-rooted passion for the sport.
Venturing across the seas to the USA at the age of 27, Boris's initial visit to Georgia unfolded as a serendipitous encounter with his second family. Inspired by his sister's footsteps in the yachting industry, Boris embarked on a new adventure as a deckhand, immersing himself in the maritime world with unwavering zeal. Since then, he has found solace and fulfillment amidst the vast expanse of the ocean, relishing every moment spent at sea.
With an insatiable thirst for adventure, Boris finds himself drawn to all facets of yachting, from traversing the globe to indulging in the tranquil art of fishing, the invigorating rush of swimming, and the mesmerizing depths of diving. When he's not basking in the beauty of the ocean, Boris can be found honing his skills on the basketball court or engaging in spirited games of volleyball, his competitive spirit driving him to excel in every endeavor.
With a heart that beats for exploration and a spirit that knows no bounds, Boris enriches our crew with his infectious energy and unwavering enthusiasm, ensuring that each charter is imbued with excitement, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.
