About M/Y NAMASTE

Education: SYSA Interior Introduction Course, STCW & PDSD, RYA PWC, Food Hygiene, Health and Safety Level 2, Mixology and Wine Course, Degree in Businesses Management and Marketing Science, Diploma in Self Brand Management, Diploma in Photographic Design, New York.

Christelle grew up on a farm in South Africa, where her family cultivated apples, pears, peaches, prunes, onions, and raised sheep. From a young age, she developed a deep love for nature and was often found in the garden. The youngest of three, with two older brothers, Christelle shares a close bond with her family, especially through their shared passion for sports and staying active, something she values for both physical and mental well-being.

While studying Business Management and Marketing Science, she worked at the prestigious Rust en Vrede wine estate, gaining experience in fine dining and hosting wine tastings for international guests. After completing her degree, Christelle moved to the U.S. to work as an au pair, then transitioned into the yachting industry in 2023, inspired by friends already in the field.

Since then, she has worked on M/Y HIGHLANDER, M/Y ROCKIT, M/Y QUEEN D, and currently serves as Chief Stewardess aboard M/Y NAMASTE. Her role includes maintaining pristine guest and crew areas, managing uniforms and supplies, and overseeing provisioning to ensure the highest standards onboard. She also participated in a nine-month liveaboard program, gaining hands-on, immersive experience.

Christelle brings energy, positivity, and a deep appreciation for nature to her work. She believes in the power of teamwork, enthusiasm, and a motivated mindset to create a warm, welcoming environment. Her goal is always to ensure that everyone onboard feels relaxed, cared for, and truly able to disconnect from daily stress.

Her travels have taken her to beautiful destinations including Saint Barths, the BVI’s, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and Puerto Rico—though Saint Barths and the BVI’s remain her favorites for their natural beauty and vibrant energy. Outside of yachting, Christelle is passionate about personal growth and adventure. A highlight was hiking the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu, a major bucket-list achievement.

Looking ahead, she hopes to grow in the yachting industry, eventually transition to a remote career using her degree, and one day open her own jewellery shop, a long held dream. Her vision for the future includes building a home surrounded by nature, starting a family, and living a peaceful, fulfilling life.
Her ultimate goal onboard is simple: to make guests feel completely at ease. Whether it's waking up without an alarm, diving into the ocean, or returning to a refreshing drink, Christelle aims to create experiences that leave lasting memories.

Her motto in life is “Let your head rise beyond the trees into the clouds, but keep your feet firmly on the ground”. “Look up to the moon and stars, no matter where you are or what you're going through, remember: everything is temporary, and tomorrow will be different”.

Education/Certifications: Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and International Trade. Marine qualifications: Yachtmaster offshore (RYA/MCA), STCW + PDSD, RYA PWC, RYA Diesel Engine, RYA Radar

Ronald “Ross” Conrad Crouse grew up on a farm in northern South Africa, where his early life was shaped by the outdoors. With a father who kept him out of the house, Ross spent his childhood building things, exploring nature, and riding his motorcycle through the fields, developing independence and practical skills from a young age. An all-round sportsman, he played rugby, cricket, hockey, and tennis throughout school and university. He held the U/19 school record for javelin and was selected for the school’s First Rugby Team, reflecting his athletic ability, teamwork, and determination. His professions before yachting included property development and working as a real estate practitioner.

He began his yachting career in 2022, inspired by a period of reflection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many, the global disruption prompted him to re-evaluate his priorities and seek a path that offered both personal fulfillment and adventure.

Introduced to the yachting industry by a cousin already working in the field, Ross was immediately drawn to the opportunity to work with people from diverse cultures, travel the world, and grow both personally and professionally, all while being at sea. He previously worked on S/Y ZOKU and M/Y QUEEN D and currently a Mate aboard M/Y NAMASTE.

He is a dedicated Mate who puts safety, smooth operations, and an exceptional guest experience at the heart of everything he does. With a positive attitude and strong work ethic, he leads by example and creates a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere on board. Ross also loves taking guests fishing on the 32’ Intrepid Center Console, fully rigged with braided line and outriggers, sharing his knowledge of the best spots and techniques to make every trip a fun and memorable adventure.

With experience running charters throughout the Caribbean and New England, he values the unique appeal of each destination, especially those that offer hiking and natural beauty, like Peru.

Passionate about fitness and the outdoors, he enjoys sharing his knowledge of watersports and wellness, ensuring guests leave feeling relaxed, recharged, and with unforgettable memories.

His motto in life is “Stop dreaming and start doing”. Encourages turning aspirations into reality.

Education/Certifications: Bachelor of Commerce in Law (BCom Law), Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene Certification, Superyacht Chef Training, and specialized culinary courses in Bread Making, Pastry, Molecular Gastronomy, and Food Presentation & Plating.

Monja grew up in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, surrounded by South Africa’s beautiful landscapes and wildlife. With a passion for the performing arts, music, debating and sport, she was always eager to explore new challenges. She graduated with five distinctions, represented South Africa on the national debating team and earned South African colours in public speaking and orating.

She pursued her studies full-time after high school, completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Law before transitioning directly into the yachting industry in 2016. Monja was drawn to the opportunity to travel, experience different cultures, and explore the world. What initially began as an adventure quickly developed into a passion for the industry, particularly the culinary side of yachting.

She has spent the past five years working as a sole chef on busy charter yachts such as M/Y DREAMER, M/Y SYMPHONY, M/Y LOOSE ENDS, M/Y ARIA, M/Y DOLCE VITA, M/Y ANDREA VI, M/Y SKYFALL, M/Y VIVACE, M/Y MILAGROS.

She genuinely loves what she does and thinks that enthusiasm is reflected in both her food and the atmosphere onboard. She wants every guest to enjoy a charter experience that feels entirely their own, where even the most ambitious requests are met with creativity, attention to detail, and a few unexpected touches that make their time onboard truly unforgettable. She's naturally bubbly, outgoing, and sociable, and she genuinely enjoys connecting with people from all walks of life. She believes in creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable being themselves, valued, and included. Whether through a shared meal, a good conversation, or a little laughter, she loves making people feel welcome. After all, she believes there's a place in the sun for everyone.

Monja's culinary approach is rooted in Mediterranean cuisine, with a strong appreciation for the flavors and techniques of Italian, French, Mexican, and Indian cooking. She's confident in navigating a broad spectrum of dietary requirements, having catered extensively to vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and ketogenic preferences.
She also has considerable experience with kosher charters and a thorough understanding of Jewish culinary traditions, including preparing menus for Hanukkah, Passover, and Shabbat. She particularly enjoys the challenge of creating thoughtful, sophisticated menus that honor individual dietary needs while maintaining the integrity, creativity, and refinement of the dining experience.
She's always delighted to share her culinary knowledge with guests through interactive cooking experiences, from artisan bread and pizza making to Mediterranean mezze workshops featuring homemade dips, spreads, and accompaniments. She loves the way food brings people together and enjoys making the learning process as engaging and memorable as the meal itself.

Creativity extends well beyond the galley for her. She has a particular appreciation for hands-on, artistic pursuits, including pottery, jewellery making, cross-stitching, and various crafts. She's also recently taken up roller skating, which has been an exciting new challenge. Her passion for food naturally follows her into her personal life, where she loves discovering new restaurants, exploring different cuisines, and seeking unique culinary experiences.

“I know nothing, but I'm here to learn.” - Shane Koyczan, The Student

Education/Certifications: Matric Certificate, Bachelor’s Degree, Barista Certification, VHF Short – Range, Advanced and Rescue Scuba Diving, South African Skipper Category B, WSET Level 2, Wine Course, SCTW, Food Hygiene Level 2

Leyla grew up in Port Elizabeth, a coastal town in South Africa. Inspired by stories of her grandparents sailing the world in their youth, she always knew she wanted to pursue a career on the ocean. She completed her yachting courses while still at school, saved for two years and made her way to the US, where she landed her first yacht job in 2024.

She has worked aboard vessels including M/Y LARA BELLA, M/Y LE REVE, M/Y LADY LENE, M/Y DOLCE FAR NIENTE, M/Y SEA SCAPE V, and currently on board as Second Stewardess aboard M/Y NAMASTE. She has cruised extensively throughout the US, Bahamas and Caribbean, with Costa Rica being her favorite destination thanks to an unforgettable diving experience.

Within the yachting industry, Leyla hopes to progress to Chief Stewardess and gain experience working on sailing yachts. Outside of yachting, she is keen to expand her knowledge of personal finance, explore investment opportunities and build a strong passive income.

Leyla's goal is to create an unforgettable charter experience where guests truly feel like the stars of the show. She believes it is the crew's role to make every experience as relaxing, luxurious, and fun as possible. She can also offer scuba diving experiences for guests.

Her passion for the ocean extends into her personal life, where she enjoys scuba diving trips to new and exciting places. She also has a creative side and enjoys various art forms, including painting, graphic design, clay work and oil pastels.

Her life motto is: “Everything happens for a reason.”

Education/Certifications: RYA Yachtmaster, AEC 1 & AEC 2 (Approved Engine Course), STCW Basic Safety Training, ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate, Powerboat Level 2, PWC Instructor certification, and PADI Open Water Diver

Pieter grew up in Gauteng, South Africa, where he developed a strong sense of discipline and an active lifestyle, later becoming a certified personal trainer. His early love of the ocean, travel, fishing, and watersports inspired him to pursue a career in yachting straight after finishing school, allowing him to combine his passions while working alongside diverse crews and meeting interesting people along the way.

Since entering the industry, Pieter has worked on both private and charter motor yachts, cruising throughout the Caribbean and the Bahamas, but his favorite place on earth remains the South African coastline, where the rugged ocean landscapes and wildlife create an unforgettable environment.

As a deckhand, Pieter is responsible for all aspects of deck operations, including docking, anchoring, tender driving, and maintaining the yacht’s exterior to the highest standards. He ensures guest areas are always safe while actively assisting with fun watersports and onboard activities. Pieter strives to create unforgettable charters through professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality. He particularly enjoys preparing excursions, setting up watersports, and sharing his love of fishing and exploring new coastal destinations with guests.

Pieter aims to grow into a highly skilled and well-rounded crew member, with a long-term goal of advancing into more senior roles focused on vessel operations, engineering, and leadership. Outside of yachting, he has a strong interest in entrepreneurship and ocean-focused projects, particularly those supporting marine conservation.

Outside of work, Pieter is passionate about fitness, the ocean, and outdoor adventures. He enjoys staying active through strength training, swimming, and a variety of ocean sports, as well as fishing. He also has a strong interest in mechanical systems and vessel operations, always looking to expand his practical knowledge.

His life motto is: ”Discipline and consistency create excellence." as he believes that maintaining high standards every day - even in the small details - is what ultimately leads to success both personally and professionally.

Education/Certifications: STCW 95, ENG 1, STCW Class 3 UNLIMITED, Proficiency in Security Awareness, Proficiency in Security Duties, The Republic of the Marshall Islands Endorsement, Cayman Islands Endorsement

Meet Duvaughn, a highly skilled and experienced engineer, hailing from the picturesque island of Jamaica. He embarked on his maritime journey after graduating from Caribbean Maritime University in 2013, where four years of
rigorous studies paved the way for his career in the maritime industry. Duvaughn's professional journey commenced on commercial vessels, including containers, product tankers, and bulk carriers, where he honed his technical
expertise. However, a thirst for a new challenge and a passion for luxury vessels led him to transition to the world of super yachts.

As the engineer on board, Duvaughn takes on the vital responsibility of ensuring the seamless operation and maintenance of the yacht's intricate machinery and systems. His extensive experience has led him to become highly skilled in troubleshooting and problem-solving, swiftly handling any technical issue that arises, ensuring the yacht runs safely and efficiently.

Beyond his technical prowess, Duvaughn is known for his warm and welcoming demeanor, coupled with a mature and enthusiastic nature, which makes him a true pleasure to have on board. His professionalism and friendly approach contribute to his status as a valued member of any crew. His dedication to ensuring the safety and comfort of guests onboard will provide peace of mind for all those who set sail with him.

In his spare time, you can find him actively engaging in water sports like water skiing, and wakeboarding, or concentrating on his fitness.