OCEAN CLUB

Name: Duane Wheeler
Nationality: South African
Position: First Officer
Position details: First Officer
Languages: Not specified
Description: Duane grew up in a small town in South Africa called Knysna. He began sailing as a young boy. He would sail on weekends as an extracurricular, so he wouldn’t have to spend his weekends at boarding school. After completing his final school year, Duane sailed the whole Pacific West Coast of America, starting from Alaska, all the way through to Panama.

This is where he got introduced to yachting. He then decided to pursue a career in the industry. He has been a chief officer for 4 years. Duane also has a passion for Scuba Diving, making the yachts an ideal place to be. He has dived in many incredible places across the world, such as Cocos Island in Costa Rica, The Secorro Islands in Mexico and the Barrier Reef & Blue Hole in Belize. His other hobbies include Endurocross, Fishing and Hunting.

Name: Kenneth Duncan
Nationality: South African
Position: Deckhand
Position details: Deckhand
Languages: Not specified
Description: Kenneth is a South African that came over to the yachting industry after his brother suggested the idea. Before yachting, Kenneth studied Bcom business management and managed his family property business. He also helped manage the family guest house.

As a life long seafarer he has a love for the ocean. Growing up in a coastal town, he enjoys water sports and ocean adventure. His hobbies include almost all types of water sports, gymnastics, trampolines, fishing and he is never shy to try something new and exciting.

Name: Leigh Love
Nationality: South African
Position: Captain
Position details: Captain
Languages: Not specified
Description: Captain Leigh grew up in a small coastal town in South Africa, called Knysna. She was born with an adventurous spirit and has always loved the outdoors. She played provincial field hockey in high school and was an avid rock climber before her yachting career which she started 20 years ago. She met her Australian husband during her first year of yachting, he is also a yacht captain.

Leigh has cruised many areas of the world including the entire Eastern and Western coast of the US, the Adriatic, the Ionian Sea, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Grenadines, Bahamas and Baha Mexico in addition she has done at least 14 Atlantic crossings. Aside from being a successful charter captain she has been featured in a couple of articles, such as Voly’s “Successful Woman in yachting” and Dockwalk/Boat International Captain's Club spotlight .

Name: Jayde Donaldson
Nationality: South African
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Second Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Jayde was born in Durban, South Africa. She has dreamed of a life at sea since falling in love with the ocean at a young age, never missing an opportunity to be in the warm Durban waters. Joining the yachting industry was the best decision she ever made, as it fit perfectly with her adventurous spirit and desire to travel the world.

She has a strong passion for scuba diving and exploring marine life. Prior to yachting, Jayde studied graphic design and worked in hospitality for three years. She hopes to make use of her creativeness and passion in the yachting industry.

Name: Jacques Meyer
Nationality: South African
Position: Bosun
Position details: Bosun
Languages: Not specified
Description: Jacques grew up in the small town of George, South Africa. He spent a lot of time camping somewhere under a tree. Jacques was always around the ocean doing things like lifesaving, fishing and other water sports. These days he spends a lot of time on the golf course or casting a line somewhere on a beach. He started his yachting career at 19 years old and spent the majority of his time on the pacific side of North America, traveling up the Sea of Cortez in Mexico.

Name: Norbertas Radzevicius
Nationality: South African
Position: Deckhand
Position details: Tender Captain
Languages: Not specified
Description: Born in Lithuania, he moved to England at the age of five, where he spent most of his childhood and developed a passion for rugby. He went on to represent Lithuania in rugby, an experience that taught him discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
For the past five years, he has worked in the yachting industry, travelling to incredible destinations and gaining valuable experience along the way. New Zealand stands out as his favourite destination thanks to its stunning landscapes andoutdoor lifestyle.
Outside of work, he is passionate about fishing and diving, and enjoys every opportunity to spend time on the water and explore the ocean.

Name: Elzanne Liebenberg
Nationality: South African
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Third Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Elzanne was raised on a wheat and fig farm in South Africa, where she developed a strong work ethic and an adventurous spirit from a young age. Her love for travel, meeting new people, and exploring new places naturally led her to a career in yachting.
In her spare time, she enjoys running, hiking, swimming, and discovering new destinations. Having competed in numerous running events, she loves an active lifestyle and is always looking forward to her next adventure. With a positive attitude and friendly personality, Elzanne enjoys making guests feel at home while sharing her passion for life at sea.

Name: Michael Pragnell
Nationality: British
Position: Chief engineer
Position details: Chief Engineer - rotational
Languages: Not specified
Description: Born into a seafaring family, with his father being a Master Mariner on large commercial LNG Tankers, Michael seamlessly transitioned into a career in shipping and after attaining his commercial license, he jumped straight into the world of yachting and has since, over the course of seven years, immersed himself in his roles.

Coming from a multicultural background of both East and West, Michael is socially adaptive, approachable and can banter with the best of them! In Michael's downtime, he dabbles in illustration, design or anything creative that peaks his interest. He enjoys keeping active by way of powerlifting coupled with running or cycling. When home however, his ultimate peace is spending time with his tribe of four young children

Name: Hindrigo "Kiko" Lorran
Nationality: Brazilian
Position: Chef
Position details: Chef
Languages: Not specified
Description: Kiko grew up in the south of Brazil, where his love for food and the ocean began. With over 15 years of experience — including nearly 8 years on superyachts — he brings passion, creativity, and warmth to every dish. Having trained in a Michelin-starred restaurant and authored The Surfer’s Cookbook, Kiko’s cuisine blends Mediterranean and South American influences, always focused on freshness and flavor.
Kiko’s love for fishing means not only will he catch you a fresh fish, he will gladly serve it to you the same evening. Outside the galley, he enjoys surfing, playing guitar, working out, and hiking — always seeking new inspiration for his next creation.

Name: Nicole Skwara
Nationality: German
Position: Chief steward/ess
Position details: Chief Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Nicole grew up in Germany and moved to Cape Town, South Africa, shortly after finishing university. Before joining the yachting industry over six years ago, she worked in the corporate world as a high-value customer service coach and marketing professional, as well as a writer for a German lifestyle magazine. Since then, her yachting career has taken her from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean on both private and charter yachts. An ocean and mountain lover at heart, she enjoys surfing, free diving, hiking, and capturing her travels and underwater moments through photography. Whether it’s a beach setup followed by a surf lesson, a golden-hour photoshoot, or a refreshing cocktail afterwards — Nicole has you covered!

Name: Uriel Meraz
Nationality: Mexican
Position: Chief engineer
Position details: Chief Engineer - rotational
Languages: Not specified
Description: Uriel was born in Mexico. He spent 4 years in a Merchant Marine Academy in Veracruz, Mexico. Following this, he pursued his career in engineering, having 18 years under his belt. He started out as a Junior engineer, and then built his way up to Chief Engineer. He has skills such as Project Management, Operationsb Management and Project Building - having had experience on all types of Ships and Vessels.

He enjoys running, dancing, singing, cooking, reading and DJ's from time to time as a side hobby. To Uriel, Family always comes first, and his crew are like family to him. You will always see Uriel Smiling, with his positive and outgoing demeanour. "If you bring a smile wherever you go, you will change the ambience in there".