About M/Y NEW LIFE

Onboard Since Dec 2022
Deckhand: Paul Botha (27) South Africa
With a passion for the maritime industry, Paul Botha embarked on his yachting journey in 2018, driven by a desire to excel in every aspect of his role. Born on January 1, 1998, Paul brings youthful enthusiasm and dedication to the NEW LIFE Team.

Paul's mission is to continually enhance his deck-hand skills, deepen his understanding of equipment and procedures, and broaden his knowledge of hospitality within the maritime context. His commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience makes him a valuable addition to any team of like-minded professionals. With a keen eye for detail and a strong work ethic, Paul Botha is poised to contribute significantly to the success of any yacht charter, ensuring smooth operations and unparalleled service.

Onboard since Dec 2022
Stewardess: Teodora "Teo" Niculescu (37) Romanian | American
Teodora is a yacht stewardess with a passion for hospitality and a love for the ocean. Born and raised in Romania until the age of 11, she immigrated to Los Angeles, where she eventually pursued a career in hospitality management. With a wealth of experience working for top luxury brands in the restaurant and nightlife industries, Teodora made her way to the Bahamas, where she worked in resort management.

After the initial Covid era and some travelling, Teodora discovered her love for yachting, where she could combine her hospitality strengths with her passion for the ocean. She enjoys travelling to new and exotic locations and is always up for a thrilling adventure. For Teodora, there is nothing better than being surrounded by the beauty of the ocean and the excitement of never having the same day twice.

With her expertise in hospitality management and her love for the ocean, Teodora is the perfect addition to any yacht crew. Her warm and welcoming personality, coupled with her attention to detail, ensures that every guest on board is treated like royalty. Whether she is serving a gourmet meal or organising an unforgettable excursion, Teodora's dedication to her craft is second to none.

Onboard since 2024

Born and raised in Rustenburg, South Africa, Dee brings warmth, versatility, and a hands-on approach to life onboard. Before joining the yachting world, she worked in a variety of roles including horse care and rehabilitation, hoof trimming and shoeing, farm and lodge management, and hospitality—all of which shaped her strong work ethic and love for serving others.

Her unexpected journey into yachting began in December 2023, when she flew to the Bahamas to visit her boyfriend. She fell in love with the industry and quickly jumped in, freelancing aboard yachts such as M/Y Oculus, M/Y Unbridled, S/Y Dream Beauty, M/Y Dream On, and M/Y Julianne. After gaining a solid year of hands-on experience, she secured a full-time position—on the same boat as her now-fiancé.

Dee holds certifications in STCW, ENG1, Food Handling, and Food & Health Safety. Her culinary style is down-to-earth and guest-focused, blending comfort with creativity to deliver delicious meals that fuel unforgettable memories. “I want guests to be able to fully relax,” she says. “If they leave wanting to come back every year, I’ve done my job right.”

Outdoorsy and practical by nature, Dee loves animals, building things by hand, and any activity that connects her to nature. Her favorite cruising destination is Compass Cay, a hidden gem in the Bahamas known for its pristine waters and peaceful vibe.

Motto: “Be the change in the world that you want to see.”