HQ2

Crew Profile

Capt. Dylan Paynter
I was born and raised on a game farm in Botswana. My fondest memories being the barbel run in the Okavango Delta, tiger fishing in Shakawe and river cruising on the Chobe River.
My younger years were spent operating tractors, TLB’s, loaders and excavators as well taking guests on game drives, 4x4 and quad tours.
My passion for driving and operating equipment grew from there and now I am calm, comfortable and extremely competent when operating our 75ft sailing catamaran, HQ2.
My love for sailing grew when I started racing a L26 monohull whilst studying my BCom Degree at University. I got my sailing qualifications soon thereafter in South Africa where the oceans (rightfully so) are renown for being wild and perilous, but makes for great sailing. I have now sailed to many countries, crossed oceans and explored islands on different continents.
I thoroughly enjoy meeting and being around people. I take immense pleasure in making people happy and I am very excited to offer them a holiday of a lifetime, encouraging them to try new things, showing them the joys of sailing, the adventures of the Islands, the excitement of water toys as well as the simple pleasures of complete relaxation in the luxury that HQ2 provides, and all in a safe and secure manner.


Chef Kayla Bray
Chef Kayla’s passion for food was sparked from a very early age as she was always found in the kitchen cooking and baking with her grandmother or picking vegetables from the garden and blending spices with her grandfather.  She’s developed her own unique style taking the best from each cuisine to produce the most delicious and satisfying dishes.

Whilst studying at university, she worked at fine dining restaurants which further developed her tasty flavours. Her specialties include falling off the bone lamb shanks to elaborately decorated 3 tier cakes.  Kayla insists on using the freshest ingredients so as to ensure good healthy eating without compromising on taste.  It is when she worked at a popular farm resort that she perfected her farm to fork style, where, much to their delight, she included guests in the experience of collecting eggs from the chicken pens and picking fresh crops to eat.
 
Trading up from “farm to fork” to “Sea to Spoon” Kayla realises how water activities build up a good appetite, Kayla will ensure you are completely satisfied with her bountiful portions, which are delivered in a unique style such as traditional English Roasts, Spicy Indian Curry’s or experiencing a little bit of Africa in the classic South African braais, not to mention “Catch of the Day” cooked to perfection.
 
Kayla was born in Johannesburg and spent her childhood in Cape Town, South Africa where she first learnt to sail at the age of 8. She met Captain Dylan at University and have been together for 5 years. They have sailed over 8,000 nautical miles on HQ2, improving the lives of many by making dinner an entire “out of this world” experience.

 
First Mate Jesse Paynter
I was raised in Botswana, amongst the wildlife and beautiful African bush, spending most of my childhood on our family game farm where I learnt many valuable lessons about animals and nature. My childhood was spent volunteering at a Crocodile Farm in Chobe, Botswana so I quickly learnt about social awareness and working around obstacles. I also helped my parents build, stock and manage the game farm. We especially loved to host guests and take them on game drives. We moved to a cattle and crop farm in my high school years which also coupled as a farm resort.
My high school years were at Michaelhouse, South Africa, where I excelled in Biology and Art. My sculptures (earning half colours) were exhibited at the Durban Art Exhibition Show.
I began sailing when I started University. I gave up the thrill of racing when I got the opportunity to explore the world on a 75ft sailing catamaran.
Nature is my passion. I love to explore, both above water and below. Scuba-diving, freediving and fishing are my hobbies.
I am quiet, yet friendly, and excited at the opportunity to show off the unique natural beauty of the BVI’s flora and fauna.