Catamaran Mistral

Chef Jean-Richard Knipe

Jean-Richard's passion for the hospitality industry began at a young age, growing up in the west coast of South Africa, where his father ran a business in the hospitality sector. This early exposure to the industry inspired Jean-Richard to pursue a career in hospitality, with the ultimate goal of becoming a yacht chef. After completing his culinary arts qualification at the Francois Ferreira Academy in 2013, Jean-Richard began working in fine dining and upmarket kitchens in Cape Town. During this time, he focused on expanding his culinary knowledge and experience, developing his skills in creating high-end, gourmet cuisine using the freshest possible ingredients.

In 2019, Jean-Richard transitioned into becoming a private chef, honing his skills in creating bespoke culinary experiences for discerning guests. As a private chef, he learned the importance of tailoring his offerings to meet the unique needs and preferences of each guest, while still maintaining the highest standards of quality and luxury. Jean-Richard's love for seafood is likely to be reflected in his culinary creations, as South Africa's west coast is known for its abundance of fresh seafood. With over a decade of experience in the industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to his role as a yacht chef, ensuring that guests on-board can expect an elite culinary experience that caters to their every need.

Deckhand/ Divemaster Herman Bester

First Mate Herman Bester hails from a small town on the west coast of South Africa called Saldanha. Herman has always had a love for the ocean as he grew up practically right next to the beach where he always found himself snorkeling, fishing, surfing and everything in between. He has a degree in Sports science but then found a new passion for scuba diving. His diving qualifications were done during the winter in South Africa so you might hear him joking about literally sweating while diving in the Caribbean’s beautiful warm waters. Ensuring that the guests are safe, happy and comfortable throughout all stages of a dive is something that he always strives for. With an eye for detail and a love for upkeep Herman takes great pride in the appearance of any vessel he works on. His experience in hospitality assures that he always leaves guests with a smile on their faces and a lasting memory to go along with it.