Lady Joy

Chris Thomson
Captain (rotation), UK
Joined LADY JOY in May 2013
Born and raised on the South Coast of England, Chris developed a passion for sailing at an early age, competing and cruising throughout Europe. With over 20 years of professional yachting experience, he holds an MCA Master of Yachts License and a BSc (Hons) in Marine Technology from the University of Plymouth. Chris has crossed the Atlantic more times than he can count and knows the Mediterranean and Caribbean like the back of his hand. His extensive experience also includes cruising the Baltic, Indian Ocean, and both U.S. coasts. Now a father of two, he enjoys sharing his love for the sea with his family aboard their own sailing yacht and is more safety-conscious than ever, ensuring that your time on LADY JOY is both secure and unforgettable. When he’s not on the water, you’ll find Chris enjoying a round of golf or a game of squash. With a keen eye for crafting bespoke itineraries, he is dedicated to making your journey on LADY JOY the experience of a lifetime..

Dan Waters
Captain (rotation), UK
Joined LADY JOY in June 2018
Dan’s maritime journey began in 2005 as a cadet in the Merchant Navy, leading him to earn a Bachelor of Science in Marine Studies from Plymouth University in England. During his cadetship, he circumnavigated the globe aboard various commercial vessels, including time on a sail training ship where he had the rewarding experience of teaching disabled passengers. Since then, he has risen through the ranks on yachts up to 160 meters in length, bringing a wealth of experience to LADY JOY. An avid adventurer, Dan has a deep passion for fishing—his catches range from 200lb catfish in Spain to wild salmon in Alaska. He’s also a keen diver, with unforgettable experiences that include swimming with hammerheads in the Galápagos and hand-feeding bull sharks in Fiji. When he’s not on the water, he enjoys staying active at the gym and running. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed beach getaway or an action-packed adventure, Dan goes above and beyond to ensure your time on LADY JOY is nothing short of extraordinary.

Dylan Lenard
Chief Officer, UK
Joined LADY JOY in May 2015
Energetic, enthusiastic, and always ready to lend a hand, Dylan brings a vibrant spirit to LADY JOY. Born in South Africa and raised across multiple countries — including Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and England — he developed a deep love for the ocean and the outdoors from an early age. A natural motivator, Dylan has a knack for making every activity enjoyable, whether you’re an adrenaline seeker or a first-time adventurer. He’s especially great with kids, helping them build confidence and skills while ensuring that all activities on board are both exciting and safe. His positivity is infectious, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere for all guests. No matter your level of experience, Dylan is dedicated to making sure you have an unforgettable time on LADY JOY.

James Worrel
Chief Engineer, UK
Joined LADY JOY in February 2025
James hails from the historic Roman town of Caerleon, Wales. His maritime journey began with Princess Cruises while completing a cadetship at Fleetwood Nautical College in Northeast England. After earning his first license in 2014, he continued with the company until 2016, when he made the exciting transition into the yachting industry. Since then, James has had the privilege of serving on a diverse range of yachts in roles spanning Second, Sole, and Chief Engineer. His extensive experience and technical expertise ensure that every voyage aboard LADY JOY runs smoothly, allowing guests to enjoy an unforgettable experience. Beyond his passion for engineering, James is an avid sports enthusiast. During his time off, he enjoys traveling with family and friends and staying active through various pursuits, including football and, more recently, Thai kickboxing.

Deon Van Tonder
Deck Engineer, South Africa
Joined LADY JOY in November 2025
Originally from South Africa, Deon holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and brings a practical, hands-on approach to his role as Deck Engineer. After completing his yachting qualifications and academic studies, he joined the yachting industry to combine his technical background with a passion for travel and exploration. Now with nearly two years of yachting experience, Deon thrives in dynamic environments and enjoys being part of a professional and energetic crew. He previously completed an engineering internship at a major steel company, which laid the foundation for his strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail onboard. Deon is fluent in English and Afrikaans and is known for his friendly, team-oriented personality. He particularly enjoys taking guests on excursions and creating memorable experiences during their time onboard. Whether it’s hiking remote trails, fishing, or sharing his love of tennis and fitness, Deon brings a positive and adventurous spirit to every charter.

Gina Zerman
Chief Stewardess, South Africa
Joined LADY JOY in October 2018
Born and raised in Durban, South Africa, Gina completed her Bachelor of Commerce and Honours in Financial Management by the age of 21. However, driven by a desire to explore different cultures and experiences, she chose to embark on a career in the yachting industry. Beyond her love for the ocean and breathtaking sunsets, Gina is passionate about staying active — whether it’s going for a run, hitting the gym, reading, or baking healthy sweets. Her bubbly personality and laid-back nature make her a perfect fit for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere on board LADY JOY. Gina is dedicated to ensuring that every guest has a truly memorable stay, offering exceptional service with a personal touch.

Cameryn Wahunui
Stewardess, New Zealand
Joined LADY JOY in October 2023
Originally from the North Island of New Zealand, Cameryn spent her early twenties immersed in Wellington’s fashion and hospitality scene. With a deep love for people and a curiosity about the world, she pursued a degree in social anthropology. Her extensive background in hospitality made her a natural fit for the yachting industry, where she brings her passion for exceptional service to LADY JOY. A creative soul, Cameryn enjoys sewing, knitting, and interior design. Her open-mindedness and warm demeanor allow her to effortlessly connect with guests, ensuring they feel right at home during their time on board.

Suzannah Toomey
Stewardess, New Zealand
Joined LADY JOY in January 2025
Originally from Napier, New Zealand, Suzannah combines her hospitality expertise with a strong business acumen, ensuring exceptional guest experiences every time. She holds a Diploma of Hospitality Management and a Bachelor of Business, with a deep passion for creating memorable moments. Recently, she expanded her personal and professional growth by completing a 200-hour yoga teacher training in Bali. After a five-month adventure in Europe, Suzannah caught the travel bug and became curious about the yachting industry. With a year and a half of experience under her belt, she has refined her skills in high-end hospitality and luxury service, learning to adapt quickly and deliver impeccable care to guests. In her spare time, Suzannah enjoys practicing yoga and Pilates, discovering new destinations, and capturing the beauty of the world through photography. With a focus on mindfulness and positivity, she’s always seeking ways to enrich her life and connect with others.
Charlotte Timm
Stewardess, Canada
Joined LADY JOY in March 2025
Originally from Ottawa, Canada, Charlotte earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2021, majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology. After graduating, she spent three years honing her corporate career, developing strong communication and organizational skills along the way. Motivated by a love for travel and meaningful connection, she made the exciting leap into yachting to combine her passion for adventure with guest-focused service. LADY JOY is Charlotte’s first yacht, and she’s thrilled to be starting her journey in the industry alongside such a dynamic and professional crew. She’s especially excited to explore new places, meet people from around the world, and create memorable experiences for guests. A certified personal trainer with a love for all types of group fitness classes, Charlotte brings energy, positivity, and a strong work ethic to everything she does. Her outgoing personality and attention to detail help ensure that guests feel both welcomed and well cared for onboard.

Vincent Vieira
Chef (rotation), France
Joined LADY JOY in March 2017
Hailing from Cannes in the south of France, Vincent grew up in a family where food was always at the heart of their gatherings. He began his culinary journey at age sixteen, enrolling in culinary school and graduating two years later. Since then, Chef Vincent has honed his skills in fine dining restaurants, luxury hotels, and even for a British Premier League football club. With over twelve years of experience in the yachting industry, Vincent’s extensive travels have greatly enriched his culinary expertise, allowing him to master a variety of cuisines. Whether it’s French, Italian, Mediterranean, or Asian, Chef Vincent takes great pride in curating exceptional menus and accommodating any special requests, ensuring that every meal on LADY JOY is a delightful experience.

Nicolas Cecchella
Chef (rotation), France
Joined LADY JOY in January 2024
Originally from the South of France, Nicolas has called England home since 2001. A highly qualified French Chef with over thirteen years of experience, he has worked aboard yachts ranging from 43m to 75m in length. Prior to joining the yachting industry, Nicolas spent ten years refining his skills in fine dining hotels and restaurants across England and the Côte D’Azur. Known for his diverse culinary style, Nicolas expertly blends classic French and Mediterranean dishes with bold flavors from the Middle East and Asia. He is committed to accommodating any dietary requirements, ensuring that every guest on LADY JOY enjoys an exceptional dining experience. Nicolas looks forward to sharing his expertise and passion for food with all aboard.

David Redelinghuys
Bosun, South Africa
Joined LADY JOY in January 2024
Born on the stunning coastline of Cape Town, David spent his childhood exploring the mountains and swimming in the sea. Though he’s always been drawn to the outdoors, it was after completing his Surfing South Africa Level 1 Qualification that he truly discovered his love for the ocean. David’s diverse professional background spans industries from construction to fine dining, before he made the exciting move to the yachting industry in 2024. Outside of work, he enjoys craftsmanship, reading, and nearly every outdoor sport. With a belief that positivity and happiness are contagious, David is dedicated to spreading joy wherever he goes and looks forward to creating a truly magical experience for all guests on board LADY JOY.

Rupert Berens
Deckhand, Namibia
Joined LADY JOY in September 2024
Raised along the stunning coastline of Namibia, Rupert developed a deep love for the ocean from a young age. He learned to sail dinghies and yachts while still in school, sparking a lifelong passion for the sea. After completing his schooling, Rupert began assisting with sailboat deliveries across the Atlantic before joining the yachting industry in 2022. Fluent in both English and German, Rupert is eager to share his enthusiasm for the ocean with all guests on board LADY JOY. In his free time, he enjoys diving, surfing, and fishing, always looking for the next adventure on the water.

Daniel Ronaldson
Deckhand, South Africa
Joined LADY JOY in November 2025
Born in the coastal city of Durban, South Africa, Daniel grew up surrounded by the ocean, spending countless hours swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the shoreline. A former competitive swimmer, he represented South Africa internationally, racing at events around the world. His lifelong connection to the sea and commitment to excellence naturally led him to a career in yachting. Now serving as a valued member of the LADY JOY crew, Daniel brings discipline, focus, and teamwork honed from years in competitive sport. Whether assisting guests with water sports, maintaining the yacht to impeccable standards, or lending a hand wherever needed, he approaches each task with professionalism and a positive spirit. Outside of work, Daniel enjoys fitness, travel, and meeting new people. Adventurous and personable, he’s always eager to make every charter experience safe, fun, and unforgettable.