Your Crew
Steven French Head Captain
Crew Profile
CAPTAIN – Steven FrenchCertificates/Education: Marketing Degree, Master 500, Chief Mate 3000
Languages: English
Steven aka “Frenchie” grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. He spent most of his late teenage years playing professional rugby for the Natal Sharks in Durban and enjoying water sports with family and friends. Steven has a deep passion for hospitality and turned his focus to the yachting industry in 2007 where he started his career as a junior deckhand on large Superyacht, 235’ KOGO in the Mediterranean. Steven spent eight years on this vessel and traveled the world while systemically working his way up to Chief Officer. Steven has also worked onboard 269’ ALPHA NERO, 153’ DAYBREAK, 126’ T-ZERO, and more. Captain Steven has been running SWEET ESCAPE's successful busy program since 2020, always making sure guests have the best experience while ensuring the safety of everyone onboard. Steve is extremely passionate about fitness and living a healthy lifestyle, and never fails to fit in a workout and a power-packed smoothie, even on a busy day!
Engineer - Warren Deyes
Languages: English
Warren was born in the port town of Durban, South Africa, where he developed a love for surfing and the ocean. Here, he also expanded his
passion to spearfishing, fishing and water sports. Warren then got into photography and has a keen eye when it comes to taking the shot!
He joined the yachting industry in 2019 with his wife, “M” and since then they have traveled to many places, including the Caribbean, the Bahamas,
the entire east coast and parts of the west coast of the US, as well as British Columbia in Canada. They plan to continue traveling extensively!
Warren previously worked in the automotive manufacturing industry for 15 years, before transitioning to yachting. He has always loved working with
his hands and engineering has come naturally to him. Warren always looks forward to new adventures and opportunities in this exciting field of
yachting.
Deckhand - Jay Huisamen
Languages: English
Johannes Gideon Huisamen (AKA Jay) comes from the Northern part of Pretoria, South Africa. Jay spent his younger years modeling for brands
back home and working in his Father’s business as a salesman. Despite growing up inland all his life, Jay loves the ocean and with a little
help from a friend, he decided to pack up his bags and enter the world of yachting! His first position in this industry led him straight to M/Y Sweet
Escape. Here, he worked for six months as a temporary crew member. His hard work, determination and his positive disposition set him apart,
which then led him to secure a full time role onboard Sweet Escape, making his dream come true! He has been onboard for over three years
now and knows this vessel inside out.
Jay cannot wait to welcome you all aboard and make sure that everyone has the time of their lives on M/Y Sweet Escape!
Chef - Mario Barnard
Languages: English
Mario's love for food began in the kitchen, where he discovered his passion for crafting unforgettable dishes. With boundless creativity and a relentless
pursuit of perfection, he soon became renowned in South Africa for his culinary expertise.
Mario founded two beloved dining establishments, however, it was his daring leap into the world of sustainable dining that set him apart. With
the launch of South Africa's first insect restaurant, Mario ignited a culinary revolution, challenging palates and perceptions with his innovative
approach to gastronomy.
Now, amidst the tranquil waters of the yachting industry, Mario brings his unique flair and passion for excellence to our charter guests. Every dish he
creates is a reflection of his commitment to culinary artistry and the joy of sharing unforgettable moments around the table. Mario will be sure to
elevate your experience onboard M/Y Sweet Escape!
Chief Stewardess - Kristin Stanford
Languages: English
Kristin grew up sailing Hobie-cats and always knew that she wanted to join the yachting industry. Right after school, she hopped onto a plane to France
and climbed aboard the first sailing yacht she saw. Since then, she has done multiple Atlantic crossing and achieved her yacht master’s qualification.
Kristin had an opportunity to open her own café back in her hometown, Stellenbosch, which she ran for three years. After that, she decided to focus
more on the hospitality side of yachting and has now joined chartering motor yachts, which led her to M/Y Sweet Escape.
She enjoys spending time outdoors and doing anything active like running, kitesurfing, hiking, and most importantly, traveling. Kristin has so much love
for adventure and meeting amazing people along the way. She is excited to get to know all the guests and cater this experience to them
- so that their trip is nothing short of extraordinary!
Stewardess - Meretha Deyes
Languages: English
Meretha (AKA “M”) grew up in Hluhluwe, South Africa. A small farming town in Northern KZN. She loves farm-life and being outdoors, and often
spends her off-time walking or baking. She has a keen interest in understanding nutrition and health.
“M” joined the yachting industry in 2019 and since then, working on both private and charter vessels, has traveled extensively. Before she started her
yachting career, she acquired her Bachelor's degree in graphic design and worked as a junior designer for PlusNarrative, a South African based design
company.
Her love for the ocean and for traveling to new places then pushed her to make a career change. “M” now enjoys working in the yachting industry,
with her husband, Warren.
Deckhand - Graham French
Languages: English
Graham was born and grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. Graham has recently joined the yachting industry , in 2024. Taking a somewhat
"sabbatical" from his Architecture career back home in South Africa. Before pursuing Architecture he obtained a Bachelor's Degree in
Communications and Management, followed by working 3 years in the Advertising industry. Following that, he obtained an Advanced Diploma in
Architectural Technology, and worked in the Architectural industry for 7 years.
Graham is passionate about art, design, construction, music and architecture. He also greatly enjoys being in nature and wildlife, being an avid hiker and
camper. Graham shows great initiative with guests and will ensure an unforgettable stay onboard M/Y Sweet Escape.
