Your Crew
CJ Head Captain
Crew Profile
Meet Captain CJCaptain CJ grew up in Langebaan, a picturesque town on the west coast of South Africa known for its stunning coastline and abundance of water activities. From a very young age, he was drawn to the ocean, spending his days fishing, diving, surfing, and sailing with his father and family friends along the west coast and around Cape Town.
His deep connection to the sea began early and has remained a lifelong passion. Although he was awarded a rugby scholarship and moved inland to pursue a professional sporting career, the onset of COVID-19 led him to shift course. Unsure of what path to follow, CJ returned to the one thing that always brought him joy—life on the water.
Since entering the yachting industry in 2021, Captain CJ has gained a wealth of experience and knowledge across various roles. He has a natural gift for hosting guests, sharing his enthusiasm for the ocean, and creating unforgettable experiences on the water.
Meet Chef Iona
Chef Iona was born and raised in England and spent many of her summers in Lake Como, where her love for food and cooking first took root. She later refined her culinary skills at both the Ashburton and Orchards Cookery Schools in the U.K.
Iona has worked extensively as a private chef, particularly during summers in the Algarve, Portugal, where she delivered exceptional meals in the comfort of luxury villas. In the winter seasons, she honed her talents in the French Alps, running and catering high-end chalets to an impeccable standard.
With a flair for Mediterranean cuisine, Iona brings a creative and versatile approach to her cooking, drawing inspiration from both land and sea. She began her first yacht season in Mallorca, where she met Stella while working aboard a 55ft catamaran sailing through the Balearic Islands.
Meet First Mate Tilley
Tilley hails from Portsmouth, a waterfront city in the UK, where her love for the sea developed early. Her weekends were often spent sailing with her father aboard his small sailboat, exploring the waters around the city and crossing to the nearby Isle of Wight. As she grew older, she expanded her connection to the ocean through kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water sports.
Tilley's passion for hospitality was also influenced by her mother, a talented chef, who instilled in her a love for cooking. She frequently cooks for friends and family, sharing the diverse flavours and recipes she has discovered on her travels.
Before joining the yachting world, Tilley worked as a travel agent, curating luxurious and tailored itineraries for high-end clients. Her background in creating seamless guest experiences, combined with her seafaring skills and warm personality, make her an exceptional mate and host on board.
