MEMENTO VIVERE

Captain: Sean Staine

Nationality: American

Captain Sean Staine
Sean is from Hermanus, South Africa. He began his yachting career back in 2012 where he sailed a 44ft catamaran for 2 months from Cape Town to Fort Lauderdale. Sean has crewed on various private and charter yachts ranging from 80ft -200ft. Sean has had lots of experience cruising all over, some of these places have included, Bahamas, South Pacific, Alaska, Caribbean and the East and West Coast USA.

Sean takes pride in his work always willing to work together with his amazing crew. He takes the safety of the vessel and his crew and guests very seriously whilst ensuring the guests are having the best trip possible and all their needs are met and exceeded. You can always expect to have an amazing experience and make many wonderful memories whilst onboard Memento Vivere with Sean.

In his free time Sean is chasing world class majestic yellow fin tuna off cape town, diving, flying helicopters, cycling and overlanding with his 4x4 vehicle



First Officer Marthinus Van Der Berg
Meet Marnus, MV’s First Mate - part maritime expert and part morale booster. Hailing from Senekal, South Africa, he swapped the bushveld for the open ocean in 2020, thanks to a captain from his hometown who wisely saw his potential (or just needed a really good deckhand). But don’t let the polished uniform fool you—before yachting, he was shaping young minds as an English teacher in South Korea and Vietnam, and as an au pair in Texas (because even cowboys need life lessons).



Engineer Nicholas Last (rotational)
Hailing from South Africa, Josh brings 8 years of maritime expertise, stemming from a family legacy of electricians and engineers. A professional problem solver, he ensures smooth sailing for all onboard. Beyond his technical prowess, Josh is an avid fisherman, kiteboarder, and surfer, with experience captaining vessels for deep-sea fishing in Mozambique. With 4 years in the Mediterranean and another 4 in the States, Bahamas, and the Caribbean, he guarantees a safe and unforgettable voyage for all guests.



Engineer James Caddy (rotational)
James was born in Columbus, Ohio and went to college at Texas A&M, Galveston studying marine science. Before yachting James built, designed and maintained large high-end residential and commercial aquariums, including some from the hit animal planet show “Tanked”. James has over 6 years experience on charter boats and takes pride in maintaining systems onboard to provide a more enjoyable charter experience. When he’s not stripping down engine rooms, he’s waiting with a bobber in the water for his next catch! But it doesn’t end there, James brings excitement to his fishing experience as he enjoys Fly Fishing in particular. I guess you could call him a pro! His hobbies don’t only end in the water, but also on the soccer field where he enjoys a good game of FIFA with his friends!



Chief Stewardess Vicky Feofilaktova
Vicky was born in Russia (as that may frighten some of you, I can assure you that she is the bubbliest Russian of them all). She has always worked extremely hard to reach her goals. After her graduation at Civil aviation college in 2016, she wanted to become a flight attendant but soon discovered the yachting industry and immediately knew that would be a better fit for her, and since has brought the highest level of service to the interior team. Expertly organized, Vicky works well under pressure and truly enjoys a good challenge. One of Vicky’s favorite parts of charter trips are themed parties, always excited to show off her creative side with superb table décor and seeing guests creating lasting memories onboard. She keeps a close knit team with her loud and infectious laugh, so bring ear plugs. Vicky has found her niche in the yachting industry, anticipating guests needs with ease while performing her duties with a perpetual smile and a passion for efficient service.



Second Stewardess Maryke (Ray) De Villiers
Ray was born and raised in sunny South Africa in a small city known as, Port Elizabeth. She’s grown up on farms, in and around “ranchy” areas you could say. She’s always loved the outdoors and enjoyed horse riding for many years as one of her favorite hobbies. She’s always enjoyed the beach and she’s been lucky enough to live by the coast her whole life (she’s still learning how to surf apparently). Maryke has always loved working with kids as she was an au pair and an online teacher teaching many kids from Asia, basic English. Ray’s siblings joined the industry many years ago, and hearing about all their stories and adventures made her want to experience ones of her own. Little did she know that it would lead her straight to her brother, Piet, who she now works onboard with. Luckily there haven’t been any sibling rivalries, yet ;) Ray truly enjoys working in a team and making new friends that she can call family.With her loud and enthusiastic personality, she’s always wanted to be an actress and I’m pretty sure you’ll see her on the big screens in Hollywood one of these days.



Deckhand Kyle Britt (rotational)
Kyle was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, where he developed a deep love for water sports. He grew up wakeboarding, slalom skiing, and participating in various water-based activities.Home-schooled from the age of 14, he took the opportunity to work at a summer camp in America, teaching kids different water sports.In 2022, Kyle transitioned into the yachting industry, by following his two older siblings and combining his passion for the ocean and traveling. Kyle isn’t just about ropes and fenders - he’s also the unofficial onboard entertainer. With a guitar in his hand he’s known to turn the deck into a live music venue. He also has a strong interest in real state, inspired by his father, who has been in the industry over 15 years. Kyle’s goal is to own a real state company one day. He’s probably going to be one of the many guys to sell a house while tuning on his guitar. Off duty, Kyle enjoys rugby, traveling, and making sure he stays fit in the gym. Dedicated and adventurous, Kyle is always eager to take on new challenges and grow within the industry.



Deckhand Nicholas De Witt (rotational)
Nicholas grew up in the wine lands of South Africa. After completing high school, he got his degree in BCom international supply chain management, but decided to pursue his career in the yachting industry because of how much he enjoys traveling and the ocean. Nicholas thrives on adventure and outdoors. He enjoys the deck work by counting it as an extra workout, loves entertaining guests and showing off his skills on water sports, ensuring the safety during all activities. But his curiosity doesn’t stop at the surface - he’s also drawn to the mystical, sweaty depths of the engine room. When he’s not at sea, you’ll likely find Nicholas exploring new territories on his motorbike, chasing the thrill of open roads. Whether he’s navigating the high seas or a tricky engine room puzzle, he’s always up for a challenge which makes him a great addition to a Memento Vivere’s crew.



Chef Gordon Logan
Gordon was born in Johannesburg, where his love for food started the way most South Africans’ do—around a fire, armed with wood, charcoal, and an unshakable dedication to the sacred art of the “Braai.”.

With over 12 years of professional experience, Gordon has cooked everywhere - from Michelin-starred restaurants to luxury yachts, always striving for excellence and never settling for “just good enough” and making sure no plate leaves his galley without a little love and a lot of flavor.

His love for food runs deep rooted in his family traditions of fly-fishing and foraging in the Drakensberg mountains.

Now working as a yacht chef, he’s taken his skill to the high seas, proving that gourmet food and ocean views are the perfect pairing.

For Gordon, cooking isn’t just a job - its a passion, a calling, and, lets be honest, the best excuse to play with fire (safely, of course).