ZINGARA

Crew Profile

Your professional crew aboard catamaran ZINGARA

The crew of Zingara offer a polished and luxury experience for all their guests. They look forward to having you aboard and showcasing this beautiful part of the world to you and your family and friends.

CAPTAIN: Capt. Jason Van Groeningen (SA) has extensive navigational experience, particularly within the Caribbean and with over 200+ charters during his time in the BVI. He holds a Yachtmasters, over 45 000 nautical miles and 3 Atlantic crossings - you can rest assured that you are in good hands. He grew up on the west coast of South Africa and is an avid sailor, surfer and free diver, with a love for fishing. He has a diverse set of interests, having studied at the Campus for Performing Arts prior to embarking on his yachting career, and plays classical piano and guitar. Jason is friendly, flexible and goes above and beyond to make your time aboard memorable.

DECKHAND/DIVE INSTRUCTOR: Reece Hayward (SA) joins Zingara in the role of deckhand/dive instructor, adding his extensive diving experience and knowledge of the BVI to the team. His dedication to safety in and out of the water is paramount, whilst offering instruction for all skill levels. Reece is actively involved in marine conservation efforts, volunteering with Beyond The Reef (BTR) in the British Virgin Islands. He is certified to treat corals affected by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) and has contributed to cetacean research surveys and shark tagging projects. Reece looks forward to sharing his passion for the ocean with guests aboard.

STEWARDESS/DIVE INSTRUCTOR: Margret Church (SA) not only serves as stewardess aboard but she is also a qualified dive instructor, ready to join in your underwater adventures. Her involvement in marine conservation projects and initiatives in the BVI is a passion of hers, combined with a lifelong love for the ocean, she is now able to share her knowledge with guests who would like to learn more. She met Reece on the east coast of Africa, whilst they were both completing their PADI scuba instructor and freediving instructor courses. Since then, they have been traveling and exploring together and they cannot wait to show you the BVI’s secret spots.

CHEF: Ed Stacey (UK) is back aboard and more determined than ever to tantalize your taste buds! Ed has amassed a lifetime's worth of culinary knowledge and expertise from a broad spectrum of hospitality settings, including private households, Michelin-star and AA Rosette fine-dining restaurants, luxury wedding and banqueting venues as well award-winning gastropubs. Prior to becoming a chef, he worked in sales and marketing in the UK, where he was born and raised. In 2005, he moved to Sweden where he worked as a translator. But, his passion was cooking and after the birth of his son, Ed decided to retrain as a professional chef, graduating from the highly-acclaimed Ashburton Chefs Academy with distinction in every one of the assessment categories. He continues to improve and embellish his culinary repertoire and is excited about welcoming guests aboard and treating them to mouthwatering dishes inspired by flavors from across the world.