MEMENTO VIVERE

Crew Profile

Captain Tony Stewart (rotational)
Tony Stewart hails from a Victorian seaport tucked away in the Pacific Northwest, Port Townsend Washington. Best known for its sailing and wooden boat building, he was submerged into a life on the ocean early on. As an astronomy aficionado, Tony followed the stars until it led him to South Florida where he began his career in yachting over 20 years ago. In 2002 he took a 5-year hiatus from the yachting community to own and operate his own dive boat in the Florida Keys. Tony enjoys the challenges of taking guests to imaginative and exotic locations. He has developed extensive cruising knowledge of the East and West coast of the USA and Canada, all through the Caribbean and Bahamas. Tony now holds a U.S Coast Guard 500ton oceans license. His expertise in electricity, mechanics, navigation, as well as a clear understanding of good seamanship, keeps Memento Vivere safe and sound. When he is not working, Tony is tinkering away at old cars while listening to some of his favorite tunes. You might find him in his sports jersey, cheering on his beloved “Sea Hawks” (he is a HUGE football fan!) Safety of the guests, crew, and vessel, is of paramount importance to Tony and is held in the highest regard. Tony carries the excitement and passion he has for the water everywhere he goes. His enthusiasm and attention to the needs of his guests will ensure that their stay aboard Memento Vivere will be unforgettable!



Captain Cuan Odedaal (rotational)
Cuan hails from Cape Town South Africa and holds a Diploma in Tourism and Tour operations. He began his career as a Marine Logistics Supervisor in East Africa which originally equipped him with the skill set to lead yachting programs off the beaten path. In the past 15 years Cuan has crewed on various private and charter yachts ranging from 130-200ft. Upon taking on his first captains role, cruising areas have included; South East Asia, the Pacific, the Bahamas, New England, the Caribbean and the USA. Cuan takes pride in his work and is always willing to lend a hand wherever necessary. Leading by example, yet learning at the same time, Cuan is able to offer his knowledge and enthusiasm to crew and hopes to enhance the guests experience on board. “Safety and effective communication are key to a successful program”. Cuan is hands on, hardworking and strives for longevity from crew and securing repeat guests. Always upbeat, Cuan enjoys leading a winning team and has assembled a group of professional, fun, and team- oriented individuals that will surprise and entertain guests at every turn. In his free time Cuan enjoys kiteboarding, free diving, surfing, fishing and spearfishing.



First Officer Pieter (Piet) De Villiers
Pieter was born and raised in the coastal city of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where his passion and love for all things water related first sprouted. Growing up he spent most of his time at the beach. This, coupled with his family's annual boating holiday, Ray can also tell you all about that. He spent most of his time on the water wakeboarding, skiing, diving and fishing, which further developed this passion. After school Pieter did a personal trainer course, which explains why it looks like he needs to size up his uniform. He was always looking to get back onto the water when yachting became known to him. He then decided to do his yachting courses and soon after completion, his yachting journey started in Fort Lauderdale. Since then he has done multiple Caribbean and Mediterranean seasons. Pieter enjoys working with people and looks forward to bringing you the best experience onboard by sharing his passion for water sports with you. So, if you find yourself sitting behind him on the jetski, remember to hold on tight.



Engineer Nicholas Last (rotational)
Hailing from South Africa, Josh brings 8 years of maritime expertise, stemming from a family legacy of electricians and engineers. A professional problem solver, he ensures smooth sailing for all onboard. Beyond his technical prowess, Josh is an avid fisherman, kiteboarder, and surfer, with experience captaining vessels for deep-sea fishing in Mozambique. With 4 years in the Mediterranean and another 4 in the States, Bahamas, and the Caribbean, he guarantees a safe and unforgettable voyage for all guests.



Engineer James Caddy (rotational)
James was born in Columbus, Ohio and went to college at Texas A&M, Galveston studying marine science. Before yachting James built, designed and maintained large high-end residential and commercial aquariums, including some from the hit animal planet show “Tanked”. James has over 6 years experience on charter boats and takes pride in maintaining systems onboard to provide a more enjoyable charter experience. When he’s not stripping down engine rooms, he’s waiting with a bobber in the water for his next catch! But it doesn’t end there, James brings excitement to his fishing experience as he enjoys Fly Fishing in particular. I guess you could call him a pro! His hobbies don’t only end in the water, but also on the soccer field where he enjoys a good game of FIFA with his friends!



Chief Stewardess Vicky Feofilaktova
Vicky was born in Russia (as that may frighten some of you, I can assure you that she is the bubbliest Russian of them all). She has always worked extremely hard to reach her goals. After her graduation at Civil aviation college in 2016, she wanted to become a flight attendant but soon discovered the yachting industry and immediately knew that would be a better fit for her, and since has brought the highest level of service to the interior team. Expertly organized, Vicky works well under pressure and truly enjoys a good challenge. One of Vicky’s favorite parts of charter trips are themed parties, always excited to show off her creative side with superb table décor and seeing guests creating lasting memories onboard. She keeps a close knit team with her loud and infectious laugh, so bring ear plugs. Vicky has found her niche in the yachting industry, anticipating guests needs with ease while performing her duties with a perpetual smile and a passion for efficient service.



Second Stewardess Maryke (Ray) De Villiers
Ray was born and raised in sunny South Africa in a small city known as, Port Elizabeth. She’s grown up on farms, in and around “ranchy” areas you could say. She’s always loved the outdoors and enjoyed horse riding for many years as one of her favorite hobbies. She’s always enjoyed the beach and she’s been lucky enough to live by the coast her whole life (she’s still learning how to surf apparently). Maryke has always loved working with kids as she was an au pair and an online teacher teaching many kids from Asia, basic English. Ray’s siblings joined the industry many years ago, and hearing about all their stories and adventures made her want to experience ones of her own. Little did she know that it would lead her straight to her brother, Piet, who she now works onboard with. Luckily there haven’t been any sibling rivalries, yet ;) Ray truly enjoys working in a team and making new friends that she can call family.With her loud and enthusiastic personality, she’s always wanted to be an actress and I’m pretty sure you’ll see her on the big screens in Hollywood one of these days.


Deckhand Kyle Britt (rotational)
Kyle was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, where he developed a deep love for water sports. He grew up wakeboarding, slalom skiing, and participating in various water-based activities.Home-schooled from the age of 14, he took the opportunity to work at a summer camp in America, teaching kids different water sports.In 2022, Kyle transitioned into the yachting industry, by following his two older siblings and combining his passion for the ocean and traveling. Kyle isn’t just about ropes and fenders - he’s also the unofficial onboard entertainer. With a guitar in his hand he’s known to turn the deck into a live music venue. He also has a strong interest in real state, inspired by his father, who has been in the industry over 15 years. Kyle’s goal is to own a real state company one day. He’s probably going to be one of the many guys to sell a house while tuning on his guitar. Off duty, Kyle enjoys rugby, traveling, and making sure he stays fit in the gym. Dedicated and adventurous, Kyle is always eager to take on new challenges and grow within the industry.



Deckhand Nicholas De Witt (rotational)
Nicholas grew up in the wine lands of South Africa. After completing high school, he got his degree in BCom international supply chain management, but decided to pursue his career in the yachting industry because of how much he enjoys traveling and the ocean. Nicholas thrives on adventure and outdoors. He enjoys the deck work by counting it as an extra workout, loves entertaining guests and showing off his skills on water sports, ensuring the safety during all activities. But his curiosity doesn’t stop at the surface - he’s also drawn to the mystical, sweaty depths of the engine room. When he’s not at sea, you’ll likely find Nicholas exploring new territories on his motorbike, chasing the thrill of open roads. Whether he’s navigating the high seas or a tricky engine room puzzle, he’s always up for a challenge which makes him a great addition to a Memento Vivere’s crew.



Chef
Details coming soon!