JEWEL (67)

Captain: Tiaan Greef

Nationality: South African

Captain Tiaan

A dynamic and highly skilled charter yacht captain, Tiaan Greeff brings a unique blend of passion, expertise, and a zest for adventure to the helm. Rooted in South Africa, his journey into yachting began in 2013, and since then, he has logged extensive nautical miles, mastering his craft through dedication and perseverance.

Tiaan boasts over three years of experience sailing catamarans in the Virgin Islands, where he has gained in-depth knowledge of the region’s stunning waters, secluded anchorages, and vibrant culture. His intimate understanding of the area allows him to craft exceptional itineraries tailored to his guests’ desires.

Currently serving as the Head Captain of the Pyper Yachts fleet, Tiaan oversees operations with a commitment to excellence and professionalism. His maritime qualifications include a commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Coastal (Sail) and Day Skipper (Sail), alongside his Power Boat Level 2 endorsement. His training at the prestigious Yachtmaster Ocean Sailing School in Cape Town, coupled with practical experience in diverse conditions—ranging from the rugged waters of Cape Point to the serene bays of Langebaan and Saldanha—has honed his abilities to deliver exceptional service and safety on board.

Beyond his technical skills, Tiaan thrives on creating meaningful connections and curating unforgettable experiences for guests. His adventurous spirit, coupled with a love for sports and outdoor activities, makes him a natural fit for the seafaring lifestyle.

As a captain, Tiaan is celebrated for his approachable demeanor, attention to detail, and ability to foster a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Whether charting new waters or ensuring seamless operations, he consistently goes above and beyond to deliver bespoke voyages filled with excitement and cherished memories.

With Captain Tiaan Greeff at the helm, every charter is an extraordinary journey, perfectly tailored to the desires of his guests.


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Chef Justine

Justine is a dynamic and innovative chef with extensive marine and culinary experience, making her an exceptional choice for any yachting crew. Her culinary roots are grounded in South Africa, with her passion for vibrant flavors and sustainable cooking further enriched by her time in the Caribbean. Justine excels in blending bold flavors with ethical practices, ensuring each dish she creates is a harmonious balance of nourishment, luxury, and sustainability.

Her culinary foundation was shaped in South Africa, where she cultivated a deep appreciation for bold flavors, vibrant ingredients, and the art of creating soulful dishes. This rich culinary heritage was further enhanced during her time in the Caribbean, where she immersed herself in the diverse and colorful cuisine of the region.

With over three years as a yacht chef and nearly 8,000 nautical miles logged under sail, Justine has mastered the art of blending her South African culinary traditions with the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to create extraordinary gastronomic experiences. Her tenure at VOYAGE Charters in the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands allowed her to craft unique dishes that harmonized the warm, comforting spices and hearty ingredients of her South African roots with the tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and zesty flavors of the Caribbean. Each meal is a celebration of cultural fusion, offering guests a taste journey that is both nostalgic and adventurous.

Additionally, Justine showcased her versatility and commitment to sustainability as the vegan chef aboard the 80ft Martin Sheen for the Sea Shepherd conservation fleet. Here, she demonstrated her ability to innovate within strict dietary parameters, creating plant-based menus that were as flavorful as they were environmentally conscious.

Guests can look forward to an unforgettable culinary experience with Justine, who is as dedicated to high-end gastronomy as she is to the well-being and satisfaction of her clients. Whether it’s crafting gourmet dishes tailored to specific dietary needs or seamlessly integrating into the demands of luxury yachting, Justine delivers excellence with every meal, ensuring an experience that is as memorable as it is delicious.

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Stew Tayla

Tayla Britt, a South African native, brings a dynamic blend of professionalism, enthusiasm, and hands-on expertise to the yachting industry. With a foundation in hospitality and a passion for the sea, Tayla has cultivated her skills as both a Deckhand and Dive Master, excelling in various roles aboard motor yachts ranging from 38 to 78 meters.

Tayla's yachting journey includes stewardess and deckhand positions on prestigious vessels such as M.Y. Lady Sandals (41m) and M.Y. Enterprise (38m). Her responsibilities have encompassed housekeeping, laundry, turn ups and turn downs, detailing, service, and general maintenance of both guest and crew areas. She is adept at line handling, fender work, washdowns, and teak maintenance, showcasing her versatility on deck.

A certified PADI Dive Master and American Red Cross Lifeguard, Tayla's expertise extends to watersports instruction, boating operations, and swim training. Her certifications also include STCW, PDSD, Food Safety & Hygiene Level 2, Powerboat Level 2, and a Personal Watercraft Certificate. These credentials, combined with her excellent organizational skills and ability to thrive under pressure, make her a valuable asset to any yacht crew.

Tayla is not only a skilled professional but also a team player with a vibrant personality. She is passionate about creating a healthy team environment, delivering exceptional guest experiences, and embracing opportunities for personal and professional growth. In her free time, Tayla enjoys scuba diving, snowboarding, surfing, yoga, and hiking—activities that reflect her adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors.

Tayla is eager to contribute her talents and energy to new challenges, striving to enhance her knowledge and advance her career in the yachting industry.