Alex was born in Namibia, Africa, where he spent his early years developing a love for nature; both ocean and desert life became engraved in his character. He spent many weekends exploring the Atlantic coastline on foot and became an avid fisherman by the time he was five-years-old.
The next step was to head out onto the ocean and he was fortunate enough to have a family who encouraged him to get his Hobby Cat and Laser sailing licenses before he’d even finished primary school. He completed these courses while experiencing the waters off the East coast of Africa, the Indian Ocean.
He moved to South Africa for his high school and university years where he found a passion for diving in his free time. He never faltered on his love for sailing though and enjoyed family sailing trips all over the world. By the time he left school, he’d sailed a few more seas - the Caribbean, the Pacific and the Mediterranean...read more
When he finished up at the University of Stellenbosch (where he learnt a lot about wine, naturally), he headed to sailing school in Cape Town and eventually made his way up to France where his yachting adventures took him on an epic journey through the Mediterranean, across the Atlantic and finally onto Brazil.
Once Alex had completed his Yacht-master, he permanently moved into the yachting industry where he worked his way up the ranks eventually making it to Captain at the age of 23. He spent 3 years moving between the Caribbean and Mediterranean seasons and
completed his Divemaster in Panama in 2016.
Alex loves cooking and is known as the Braai (BBQ) Master” where his skills range from Argentinian tenderloin to hand-caught lobster. His German sense of humor (no laughing matter), sailing experience and humble nature all lend a hand towards a great Captain whose crew and guests alike will tell you that a trip with Alex is absolutely the best”.
CHEF: Marcelle LIRON
South African/Bristish
RYA Powerboat level 2 – PADI rescue Diver – STCW 95
Yacht Cookery Course – Food Hygiene level 2
Languages: English
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, the last thing Marcelle ever saw herself doing was actually getting to live the dream and sail the world.
She started dancing at the age of three and immediately developed into a confident stage-presence who is always the life of the party. Hosting and entertaining come naturally to Marcelle; a look through her guest testimonials will show a mature, organized Chef and Hostess who is also able to initiate a karaoke sing-off or create an unforgettable atmosphere at an impromptu Caribbean beach party.
Marcelle’s love affair with food began early and she often reminisces about learning tricks and family secrets from her mother, an influence which is clearly visible in her repertoire.
She takes pride in not only delivering spectacular meals with interesting and varied flavor-bombs” but also creating a special twist on every day dishes. She has been in the yachting industry for over 4 years and has made her way around the world making sure to pick up flavor combinations and recipes along the way. Tasting the influences from all over the globe, you’d think she ate her way through each of the 35+countries she has visited.
After spending time learning from an ex-yacht chef in Palma de Mallorca last year, Marcelle decided to head to Germany to learn a bit about the Bavarian cuisine. She worked in the kitchen of a reputable hotel in Munich where she was taught a variety of cooking, preparation and time management skills and gained invaluable experience.
Having spent the major part of the last 4 years extensively sailing the Caribbean Sea, she has developed an avid love for the ocean; scuba diving and snorkeling are some of Marcelle’s favorite past times and she loves taking her guests on unforgettable reef tours to discovery some of the ocean’s animal life.
DECK-STEW: Chad SIMS-HANDCOCK
German - South African
STCW 10 – RYA PWCand Pwer boat level 2 – CMAS Open Water Diver
Languages: English
Born and raised in a small town in South Africa, Chad kept himself busy by exploring the great outdoors with friends; cycling through forests and the countryside just about every weekend. Growing up in an English-speaking family and having had access to a good education ensures that he is well mannered and well spoken.
His love for the ocean started with family vacations to the coast of South Africa where he filled his days with fishing, snorkelling, surfing and scuba diving with his older brother.
Chad has always been inquisitive and his genuine interest in the world meant that when the opportunity to travel arose, he jumped! He began his yachting career last summer in Palma de Mallorca where he learnt the ropes during temporary work aboard yachts of all sizes.
Chad travelled into the mountains of France during the winter to work at a private 5-star chalet where he mastered all housekeeping roles as well as maintaining a mature, professional hosting manner. He prides himself on his high standard of service. During
this time, he also tried his hand at snowboarding, keeping in line with his active and adventurous lifestyle.
Chad loves reading and has a pleasant demeanour which, along with his witty humour, makes him a great conversationalist. His young and energetic personality make him a great asset to Christina Too.
