About M/Y SWEET ESCAPE

Education/Certifications: Yachtmaster 200 ton, OOW MODULES

Johannes comes from the northern part of Pretoria, South Africa and spent his younger years modeling for local brands and working in his father’s business as a salesman.

With a little help from a friend and a big love for the ocean, 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. He began onboard three year ago as a deckhand and quickly progressed to chief officer, thanks to his dedication, passion for teaching others, and in-depth knowledge of the vessel.

His mission is all about making sure guests have the time of their lives while building lasting memories with the crew and their families. He’s especially excited to share his personal favorite corner of the world, the stunning Exumas in the Bahamas.

In his personal time, he enjoys playing golf and DJing.

Education/Certifications: Yacht master 200T, Marine communications master, STCW, ENG 1, Yacht rating, Power boat level 2, PADI scuba Open water

Chase grew up in a small town just outside East London, South Africa, the youngest of four siblings with one brother and two much older sisters. From an early age, he dabbled in a variety of hobbies and sports, but only few that stuck with him. He played international rugby, while also spending much of his free time on dirt bikes and mountain bikes.

Growing up close to the ocean, Chase developed a natural love for fishing, boating, and outdoor adventure. He has been on boats from a very young age and has always cherished the peaceful thrill of casting a line at sunset. With family already in yachting, the opportunity to join the industry was a perfect fit, and he embraced it wholeheartedly.

He has now spent nearly two years in yachting, dedicating all his experience to charter yachts. Prior to this, he spent five years in 5 star hospitality at game lodges, where he fell in love with working in close-knit teams that quickly become like family. His experience in lodge management taught him humility, professionalism, and the drive to provide service in ways that are uniquely his, always striving for excellence and success.

His goal is to help every guest feel fully relaxed and reset, while creating experiences for them filled with joy, excitement, and happiness - memories so meaningful they may even bring a tear when it’s time to say goodbye.

One day, Chase hopes to become a Captain, and outside of yachting, he dreams of owning his own lodge with his partner. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, boating, dirt biking, horse riding, and working on mechanical projects.

Chase’s life motto is: “Hakuna Matata - don’t worry, be happy. Live is a beautiful place to be in. Just because the road is bumpy doesn’t mean the destination is different than what you dream it to be.”

Education/Certifications: Diploma Software Engineering MCSE, Diploma Sound Engineering, Diploma Diesel Engineering, Customising and Fabrication, AEC1/2

Born in a small town north of Windhoek, Namibia, he spent part of his childhood in the Algarve before returning to Namibia at age 10. From a young age, he was inspired by his father and uncles, destined to become a petrolhead and stance enthusiast. Building cars, tinkering with computers, and playing music were part of his everyday life.

Today, he is recognized as one of Namibia’s pioneering Motorsport and Stance innovators, and is known by some as a sound “Sangoma” Guru. His work ranges from award-winning show car builds to receiving the RFI Artist of the Year award, reflecting his creativity and technical expertise. Beyond his own achievements, he is passionate about empowering youth, inspiring them to pursue a better future, and helping them stay away from negative elements that society brings.

Inspired and encouraged by a friend who had been in yachting since finishing school, he decided to step away from his comfort zone of burning rubber and scraping chassis to enter the yachting world. As Chief Engineer on M/Y SWEET ESCAPE, he combines experience from multiple industries with the high standards of yachting engineering. Known for his troubleshooting abilities and innovative approach, he effectively handles both technical challenges and crew related issues, ensuring the smooth operation of the vessel at all times.

Over time, he aims to progress to Superyacht Chief Engineer and eventually obtain an Unlimited License. Beyond yachting, he dreams of giving back to his community in Namibia by building and establishing an Audio Engineering and DJ school. He also enjoys fishing, mining for rare gemstones, and building or restoring cars, but most importantly, he cherishes making memories with his three beautiful children and his wife.

His life motto is: “Live long and prosper. Treat life the way you want life to treat you – what goes around, comes around.”

Education/Certifications: Padi Open Water, Food & Safety lv 2, Butler, STCW, Fitness & Nutrition, Art & Drawings, Au Pair

Michelle grew up with four younger brothers in the suburbs of Pretoria, South Africa, spending her days playing hockey, boxing, off-roading, scuba diving, and enjoying time with friends and family. The most impactful moments, however, were the weekends spent with her father, tuna fishing and sharing their combined love of adventure.

She’s an award nominated Chief Stewardess whose passion for the ocean and dedication to the art of hospitality have set her apart in the world of yachting. In 2024, Michelle’s excellence in service was recognized with a nomination for Best Stewardess by SCREW, Woman of the Year at the Yachting Awards, Dockwalk’s award for creating the Best Cocktail Under the Sea, and a feature on the front page of Triton Magazine - a testament to her commitment to crafting unforgettable guest experiences, as she pours herself wholeheartedly into every charter.

Her heart belongs to the ocean, where she’s as comfortable beneath the waves as she is on deck. An avid diver and skilled fisherwoman, Michelle finds joy in exploring vibrant coral reefs, swimming alongside dolphins, and casting a line in open waters. Always seeking new adventures, she channels her energy into staying active through tennis and boxing, while also embracing a love for global travel - approaching every new horizon with curiosity, zest, and a passion for connecting with the natural world.

Michelle’s life motto is “If your dream doesn’t scare you, it’s not big enough.”

Stewardess Ash-Lynn Nel
Nationality: South African
Languages: English, Afrikaans

Education/Certifications: Stewardess course, Deckhand course, Powerboat License, Personal Watercraft License, STCW, Food and Hygiene

Ash-Lynn grew up in Johannesburg in a small but great neighborhood. From a young age, she developed a deep love for the ocean, spending every December with her family in Cape Town or Durban. As an only child, she shared a close bond with her father, and together they enjoyed a variety of hobbies from golfing and hiking to a host of adrenaline-filled activities that kept her active and busy.

Before entering the yachting industry, she worked as a waitress and bartender, gaining valuable experience in working with people and delivering exceptional service. She began yachting in 2024 on private yachts and is now pursuing charter yachts to challenge herself and be part of something truly extraordinary. She is currently working as a stewardess onboard of M/Y SWEET ESCAPE as a part of a wonderful team.

She aims to become a skilled Chief Stewardess while continuing to expand her knowledge of the yachting industry. Outside of yachting, she hopes to start her own business as a sports therapist. Her passions include golf, hiking, and, above all, spending time outdoors. She also seeks adrenaline in activities like wakeboarding and skiing, and she loves hockey for the chance to lead, set goals, and win.

Her life motto is: ”Life is too short to not have fun. Live life to the fullest, because it’s your life to live.”

Education/Certifications: STCW

Ryan grew up in South Africa and due to moving frequently as a child, experienced life in urban, coastal, and rural settings. He developed a passion for outdoor activities and sports early on.

He spent a decade in aviation across Africa and the Middle East, specializing in peacekeeping operations, medivac missions, and evacuation flights. Beyond aviation, he is a business owner and director.

Now he’s is embarking on a new journey as a deckhand, also contributing to interior duties on M/Y SWEET ESCAPE. Driven by curiosity, Ryan embraces learning and wishes to take on multiple roles onboard, seeking challenging environments while ensuring guests experience a truly exceptional, seven-star holiday. He loves trying new things and exploring places few people get to see, combining adventure with service in every voyage.

Ryan’s favorite charter destinations include the U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Maarten, and the Bahamas. Outside of yachting, his favorite place to unwind is Lesotho during the summer months, home to tall, rolling green mountains, winding river valleys, and stunning waterfalls. It’s also the perfect place for off-road motorbike adventures, with the freedom to explore anywhere.

His life motto is: “I move through life with curiosity, intention, and an open mind.”

Education/Certifications: STCW 95 exp. 2028, ENG, Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Diplome De Cuisine, Food Safety & Hygiene Level 2, Ship’s Cook Assessment, California Food Manager Cert.

With more than 15 years of culinary experience, his background ranges from fine dining to home-style cooking, and he has extensive knowledge of different cuisines from years of working in restaurants around the world.

After training in Paris, he went on to work in restaurants for 10 years in Brazil, Miami, Vietnam, Paris, San Francisco, and Bangkok.

During his time in restaurants, he worked his way up to an Executive Chef position, and some notable restaurants he has worked at include Le Taillevent and Le Grand Véfour, Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris where he perfected fine dining and traditional French cuisine.

Since joining yachting in 2017, he has gained considerable experience on numerous boats of varying sizes such as M/Y 7 SEAS, M/Y SEALYON, M/Y DOROTHY ANN, M/Y W, M/Y FOUR JACKS, M/Y ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM, M/YCAZADERO, M/Y CHESSEURE, M/Y CHIRON, M/Y SERENGETI, M/Y TAIL LIGHTS, and currently onboard M/Y SWEET ESCAPE as the Chef.

The knowledge and skills he has developed over the years include creative and diverse menu planning, confidence in managing a team, and the ability to adapt to different preferences and dietary requirements including Californian, Classic French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Asian, Sushi, Fine Dining, Farm-to-table, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, and Paleo.

In his free time he enjoys travelling, sailing, cycling, running and reading.