Captain (Rotational)

Brian Skally

Cork, Ireland

From the financial service industry to super-yachting, Captain Brian is equipped with a broad understanding of the requirements to be a well-rounded Captain. Now having 19 years of super-yachting experience, he’s as passionate as ever about the industry and the incredible places he visits.
Brian has sailed around the globe, crossing the Atlantic many times and is particularly familiar with the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas.
In his spare time, Brian is an avid sailor and keen mountain biker, as well as a patriotic Irishman.

Captain (Rotational)

Lawrence Keith

Dundee, South Africa

Growing up in South Africa set a strong foundation for Lawrence’s love of water and travel. Over his career Lawrence has sailed extensively, circumnavigating the globe. This has allowed him to develop an extensive knowledge of the ocean, which he enjoys sharing with guests. Lawrence enjoys an active lifestyle of fishing, cycling, rugby and flying. His passion for the water and outdoors ripples into the Joy team.

Chief Officer (Rotational)

Graham Baines

Plymouth, United Kingdom

Graham completed his cadetship as a deck officer in the Merchant Navy, transitioning to super-yachting in 2016 and joining M/Y Joy. Since his first summer onboard, Graham has progressed up the ranks to Chief Officer continually working towards his Master 3000GT ticket which he obtained in 2022. Graham is a qualified Padi Divemaster and holds his RYA powerboat and PWC instructor licences. In his spare time, he is a keen hiker, loves skiing, kayaking, travelling and motorcycling.

Chief Officer (Rotational)

Richard Dashwood-Simpson

Devon, United Kingdom

Richard joined the super-yacht industry in 2009 and at the age of 26 he obtained his Chief Mate certificates. Being an experienced seafarer, he has a wealth of knowledge on destination planning and management. A water sports enthusiasts, an all-round entertainer, as well as constantly being on the lookout for the next adrenaline rush. Richard enjoys heli skiing, free diving and general exercise to maintain his active lifestyle. A passionate saxophonist and pianist, he will be sure that you’re always entertained.

2nd Officer (Rotational)

Toby Robinson

Cotswolds, United Kingdom

Having spent over a year in the UAE setting up and managing water sports centres as an instructor, Toby has an array of water activity skills to share. He brings this knowledge and high standard in instructing and leadership to Joy. Water sports have taken Toby all over the world, teaching windsurfing, sailing, wake-boarding and water-skiing at all levels. As well as his love for water sports, Toby has a deep love for the mountains, and in his time off you’ll find him hiking, camping or snowboarding. With over 5 years on yachts, and almost 3 of them being on Joy, Toby continues to expand his strong skillset to the team.

2nd Officer (Rotational)

James Burrows

Plymouth, United Kingdom

James was brought up in the coastal city of Plymouth where he played golf and football at a high level. At the tender age of 16, he carried out an apprenticeship in boat building and maintenance. After following this career for 9 years he decided to join the yachting industry, working as a carpenter on classic motor yachts, one of which dated back to 1930. Having furthered his skill set, James passed his OOW exam in 2019 and is now working towards his Master’s ticket. In his downtime, you will find him keeping fit, on the golf course or travelling.

2nd Officer (Rotational)

Aiken Dercksen

Durban, South Africa

Aiken was born in Windhoek, Namibia but moved to South Africa where he learnt English at the age of 10. He’s incredibly passionate about tennis and represented his province in the sport. Aiken started on Joy as a deckhand but after a year decided to progress in his career and worked towards his OOW. After two years he returned to the Joy family, ticket in hand! In his spare time, you’ll find him cycling or partaking in water sports. Aiken has been yachting for 7 years and was fortunate enough to visit the Baltic, Norway, Russia and even went as far north as 81 56.45N (490NM away from the North Pole) on his first boat, which broke the record for the highest latitude of any yacht.

Deckhand / Carpenter

Andrew Malone

Sydney, Australia

Hailing from Sydney, Andrew has joined Joy straight from the Royal Australian Navy. At the mere age of 16, he put his creative side to work and started a carpentry apprenticeship, later obtaining his degree. Andy enjoys a day at the beach, loves to wakeboard and is a definite ‘yes man’ when it comes to adventure. Growing up in a big family, Andy enjoys being social, loves to try new restaurants and experience different cuisines while travelling.

Deckhand / Personal Trainer

Jaryd Robertson

Cape Town, South Africa

Jaryd grew up in the beautiful city of Cape Town. Living in South Africa, Jaryd has had an active lifestyle, spending time on the beach, playing sport and socialising with friends. Jaryd attended the university of Stellenbosch, where he graduated with honours in Sports Science. During his time at university, Jaryd was a personal trainer and CrossFit coach. Jaryd joined the yachting industry early in 2022, and is excited to travel the world and meet new people, keeping them fit and healthy.

Deckhand

Milo McWilliams

Cornwall, United Kingdom

From the beautiful seaside town of Cornwall, Milo has always been drawn to the ocean as well as the outdoors. A keen learner, Milo achieved his Yacht Masters at the young age of 18 after completing 3 A levels. Milo hopes to progress in his career and become a Captain. His hobbies include music, surfing, squash and water sports.

Deckhand

Samantha Stewart

Johannesburg, South Africa

Sam is a happy-go-lucky lover of life, our planet and all its beauties. She smiles and laughs her way through each day. Her yachting career began in 2017 when she decided to venture out of her hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa and fly off to France. Since then she has had experience working in different parts of the world as a deckhand and as a stewardess and is currently working towards obtaining her OOW. Being passionate about nature and conservation, she’s built her diving qualifications up to that of PADI Divemaster and enjoys getting involved in environmental projects. Sam loves being in and around the water and is always keen for a swim and an adventure.

Deckhand

Brandon Reimers

Johannesburg, South Africa

Born and raised in Johannesburg, Brandon studied Business and IT but soon after realised the standard 9-5 wasn’t for him and jumped to the seas to embrace a career in the superyacht industry. Brandon is a spontaneous individual, always looking for an adventure whether it be an outdoor activity or a team-building session. He enjoys gaining new skills and seizing opportunities with his forever fun and cheerful persona.

Deckhand

Marie-Claire Agertoft

Devon, United Kingdom

Growing up in the countryside in South West England, Marie-Claire developed a fantastic sense of adventure. She found her way to yachting in 2019 after working in Australia as a dive instructor. Always having had a passion for travel, she has taken on many solo adventures to various parts of the world. It is through her travels that Marie-Claire started capturing her memories through the lens. Not only does she enjoy life on and under the water, but also up in the mountains skiing and hiking. Yachting and diving alike have allowed her to carry on exploring while working.

 

Chief Stewardess (Rotational)

Lesley Deinum

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Born and raised below sea level, Lesley has always felt a strong connection with the sea and upon graduating university in Leisure Management, she decided to get her head above water and join the ever-exciting yachting industry. Within a short two years, she progressed into the role of Chief Stewardess on large yachts ranging from 70-147m. When she is not on the high seas, Lesley loves to travel to distant countries or take to the slopes on her snowboard. Lesley leads her team with passion, is always full of energy and loves to make those around her happy by always going the extra mile. Her excellent rapport with guests and crew alike will ensure that your time on board is a very happy one in which all your needs are met!

Chief Stewardess (Rotational)

Melissa Schultheiss

Overberg, South Africa

Melissa grew up on an apple and pear farm in the Elgin Valley, South Africa, establishing her love for the outdoors, mountain biking and hiking. She studied Somatology in the Winelands of Stellenbosch, which sparked her curiosity for wine and the service industry. Having joined yachting in 2013, Melissa has completed two new builds and worked on yachts ranging from 45-91m. Throughout her career, Melissa has always strived to run the most welcoming and fluid Interior team. Her creative flare and passion for creating impactful memories will ensure your trip is an unforgettable one.

2nd Stewardess

Alexandra Skipp

Hereford, United Kingdom

Growing up in the countryside near Wales, Alex leapt out of her comforts and headed for the cruise ship industry, promptly becoming Head Spa Therapist. After two years, she took to the skies, working as cabin crew for Virgin Atlantic, but there was something about the ocean which drew her back and in 2020 she joined Joy as a massage therapist. After 18 months Alex progressed into the Second Stewardess position. Alex is passionate about travelling and exploring as well as enjoying the finer things in life, like chocolate. Alex has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience from the hospitality industry and fully enjoys being in customer care and the service industry.

Stewardess

Rebecca Cligg

Devon, United Kingdom

Becky grew up in Devon being the eldest of four girls. She has always had a caring and mature nature, leading her to work as an au pair in the South of France and later as a chalet host in the French Alps. In 2019 she started her career in yachting allowing her to combine her interest in travelling and geography. Becky is currently studying for a BSC degree in Geography and Environmental Sciences. She is passionate about dance, running and yoga, as well as providing excellent and seamless service.

Stewardess / Spa Therapist

Kelly Fischer

Cape Town, South Africa

From glorious Cape Town, Kelly has been a spa therapist for over 8 years. She specialises in advanced facial and body machinery and is equally as trained to perform a multitude of treatments such as mani’s, pedi’s, waxing, massages, hammam treatments, tinting, and much more.
When Kelly is not pampering her clients in the Spa, you can typically find her at a cosy coffee shop, at the gym, or soaking up some sun at the beach. Kelly loves to live a balanced lifestyle, finding calm in digital drawing, and adventure in water sports and her recent hobby, rollerskating.

Stewardess / Spa Therapist

Sarie Erlank

Pretoria, South Africa

Sarie was born and raised in the beautiful countryside of South Africa. From a young age, she’s dreamt of working overseas and in 2021 that dream finally came true. After graduating with flying colours in Somatology at the Potchefstroom Academy, she joined her first 70m private yacht where she could combine her passion for beauty, aesthetics and travel. Sarie has an upbeat personality, is hard-working and always keen for a challenge. The spa on JOY is her second home, where she loves treating guests to a multitude of beauty treatments such as Swedish, Hotstone and Deep Tissue/Sport massages, as well as facials, waxing, tinting, manicures and pedicures.

Stewardess / Yoga Instructor

Madeleine Thomason

Cumbria, United Kingdom

Growing up in Southend-On-Sea, Maddie has been a keen sailor since young. Her passion for hospitality, the service industry and the sea combined when she started working at the Yacht Club in her local town. At 18, Maddie began her Superyacht training on the Isle of Wight and soon after started her career, travelling around the Mediterranean and through to South-East Asia. In her leisure time, Maddie maintains a healthy lifestyle through a daily practise of yoga, meditation and good nutrition. After spending two months in Bali practising yoga, she obtained her 200hr YTT. Maddie completed a ski season in the French Alps as a chalet host, is an eager traveller, enjoys tasting local delicacies and experiencing different cultures.

Chief Engineer (Rotational)

Christian Rasmussen

Aalborg, Denmark

Christian was born and raised in Denmark but now resides in beautiful Lima, Peru. Christian has held various positions including five years as a Marine Engineer, and nine years working on offshore oil rigs as a Maintenance Supervisor before finally moving into the yachting industry. When not in the engine room, you will find him unearthing jewels to add to his collection of wristwatches and Lotus cars. His hobbies include exploring nature and working on his home construction and renovations.

Chief Engineer (Rotational)

Andrew Ellaway

Fareham, United Kingdom

Andrew was born and raised in the West Midlands and joined The Royal Navy at 20 years old, where he served 23 years as a Marine Engineer. After completing his training and degree in Engineering Systems, he served on Frigates and Destroyers. Andrew left The Royal Navy as a Warrant Officer 1 First Class. Since leaving Andrew has transitioned to yachting via LNG Cargo ships to obtain his Chief Engineer CoC. Away from work he enjoys the gym, kart racing, playing tennis and spending time with his family.

2nd Engineer (Rotational)

Alex Smith

Beverley, United Kingdom

Following his education, Alex chose to study Marine Engineering at Warsash Maritime College in Southampton. It is there that he gained his CoC and HnD. After studying Alex considered joining the Royal Navy, However, the adventurous life of yachting proved to be his first choice. Alex has worked on board numerous sailing yachts, both in the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas, and has completed multiple Atlantic crossings. Alex plans to stay in the yachting industry long term and has ambitions to become Chief Engineer. Outside of work he enjoys listening to music and playing instruments, especially the guitar.

2nd Engineer (Rotational)

Mark Baptiste

Watford, United Kingdom

At the mere age of 19, Mark joined the Armed Forces. Following his training at the Royal Navy Engineering college, he served an impressive 18 years on nuclear submarines. Since then Mark has relocated himself above sea level and into the yachting industry, where he’s been for the past five years. He has a love for travelling, riding his motorbike and walking in Dartmoor National Park. Marc has a keen interest in Astronomy and building up his wristwatch collection, which he’s had now for several years.

Head Chef (Rotational)

Lee Easdon

Cornwall, United Kingdom

Lee started his training at the famous Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, Cornwall where he worked for 5 years. Thereafter he moved on to work at 1 and 2 starred Michelin restaurants. Lee has a wide repertoire, which has been expanded through travelling and working in restaurants around the world including Australia, Japan and South East Asia. This was where he developed his passion for Japanese and BBQ food. His hobbies include surfing, photography and paper origami.

Head Chef (Rotational)

Nick Street-Brown

Manchester, United Kingdom

Nick has over 20 years of chef experience in restaurants, yachting and the private sector. He began learning his craft in his hometown of Manchester. Since then, he has worked around the globe; from a 3 Michelin star restaurant in New York and a boutique château in France to opening a one-hat restaurant in Australia. In between these ventures, Nick has worked in numerous kitchens internationally gaining experience in a multitude of cuisines. Nick enjoys going on adventures with his kids, making sure they have good taste in music, playing sports, and of course discovering amazing food.

Sous Chef

Patrick O’Toole

Dublin, Ireland

Patrick began his culinary career 7 years ago in Dublin. He also spent two years cooking in Spain, furthering his understanding of modern European cuisine and improving his conversational Spanish. Patrick loves creative cooking and making people happy through his food. Outside of the galley, Patrick is an ardent football fan and supports Arsenal football club. He enjoys road cycling and has taken part in charity races to raise funds for Dublin’s Children’s Charity. Patrick is also a qualified carpenter and a keen photographer.