NECTAR

Ben has dedicated his career to the world of yachting after an early life as a professional wakeboarder. By the age of 23, he had competed and coached internationally, discovering a deep passion for life on the water. Following a sports injury, Ben transitioned to sailing and began working as a deckhand on small sailing yachts across the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Caribbean. Working his way up to Captain he was leading and racing sailing yachts throughout the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Red Sea. In 2011, Ben expanded into motor yachts, where he has since captained both private and charter vessels ranging from 24 to 40 meters. His wide-ranging experience, from ocean racing to luxury cruising, has given him a wealth of knowledge and a calm, professional approach that guests deeply appreciate.

Now at the helm of Nectar, Ben is excited to welcome guests onboard for unforgettable journeys in the Caribbean and Bahamas. His extensive experience, love for the sea, and commitment to excellence ensure every charter is safe, smooth, and truly memorable.

Raised on the beautiful Isle of Lewis, off Scotland's rugged west coast, Chef Val Maclennan developed an appreciation for exceptional food from an early age, inspired by the island's abundance of fresh local produce and its rich culinary heritage. Determined to turn her passion into a profession, she studied Professional Cookery before completing a BA in Hospitality Management, building a strong foundation in both culinary arts and luxury guest service. 

Having served aboard prestigious private and charter yachts ranging from 120 to over 220 feet, she has catered for discerning owners, family offices, and charter guests while cruising throughout the United States, Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean, New England, Alaska, Hawaii, and on worldwide passages across the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and Arabian Sea. Val's cuisine is inspired by the many cultures she has experienced throughout her travels, blending classical techniques with fresh, seasonal ingredients and modern international flavours.

Away from the galley, Val enjoys travelling, climbing, hiking, kite surfing, and snowboarding. Her passion for discovering new cultures and cuisines continues to inspire her cooking, bringing creativity, authenticity, and warmth to every table she serves.
 

Born and raised on the South African coast, Jayme developed a lifelong love for the ocean through sailing, surfing, and fishing. With a natural passion for the outdoors, transitioning into yachting in 2019 was a seamless step.
Since then, Jayme has gained experience across a variety of vessels, honing his skills in diving, water sports, and guest operations. His hands-on knowledge and enthusiasm ensure guests feel both safe and entertained while enjoying everything life at sea has to offer.

Now a valued member of the Nectar crew, Jayme is excited to share his energy and expertise, helping create unforgettable moments on every charter.

Emilia was born and raised in Essex, UK. She has loved the water since she was a toddler and spent every school holiday by the beach in Spain which helped her develop a passion for the sea and an interest to join the yachting industry. Having started yachting in 2020 as a gap to travel before settling down, she got hooked after her first season and has continued it for the past 5 years wanting to make a career for herself. Prior to yachting she was a fully qualified dog groomer and has future plans to open her own salon one day. In her spare time, she likes to soak up the sun, go shopping and enjoy the eating the local cuisine wherever she is. Emilia is an adventurous person who has swam with sharks in the Bahamas, skied down black slopes since the age of 4 and got up close and personal with elephants in South Africa. 

Born and raised in South Africa and now based in Namibia, Mags grew up surrounded by farmland and wide-open spaces alongside her identical twin sister. This upbringing gave her a natural love for the outdoors, adventure, and an active lifestyle from a young age.

Mags began her yachting career in 2023, driven by her passion for cooking and hospitality. Her first role as a sole stewardess/cook gave her valuable look  hands-on experience across both interior service and galley operations, allowing her to develop confidence, versatility, and a strong work ethic. After gaining experience in a sole stew position, she was keen to challenge herself further and prove her abilities within a busy charter yacht environment.

Warm, hardworking, and adventurous, Mags brings a positive attitude and a genuine desire to create memorable guest experiences on board. Outside of yachting, she is very family-oriented and loves spending time with her sister. She also enjoys paddleboarding with her dog and seeking out adrenaline-filled activities such as bungee jumping and skydiving.

Colin is a 32-year-old professional mariner whose life has been shaped by the ocean. Born and raised in Hawaii, he grew up surfing, fishing, and diving, developing a deep respect and natural connection to the sea from an early age. Turning that passion into a career was a natural 
progression. 

Colin holds a USCG 100-Ton Master License and spent nearly a decade working along the stunning Nā Pali Coast, advancing from deckhand to mate and eventually captain. His extensive experience in both coastal operations and guest-focused environments has made him a confident, safety-driven mariner with a strong work ethic. Yachting allows Colin to combine what he loves most - life on the water and meeting people from around the world. For him, the ocean isn't just a workplace; it's a lifelong passion and a way of life.