ODYSSEA

Chris was born and raised in South Africa, where he spent his high school years building his family’s sailboat. After two years of cruising from South Africa to Florida, he laid the foundation for his yachting career, which he pursued full-time starting in 1993. Early in his journey, he met his wife, and together they raised two children who are now in university. While they’re not quite empty nesters, they’re looking forward to that next chapter.
Since joining Odyssea in April 2017, Chris has become part of the fabric of Odyssea, sailing from the Mediterranean to French Polynesia and everywhere in between. When he’s not on board, you can often find him indulging in adrenaline-fueled sports like kiteboarding, mountain biking, and dirt biking.

Duncan was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. Duncan’s love of the water started at a young age when he learned to sail on dinghies. He joined the yachting industry in 2003. When he’s not pottering around on the water, he’s rebuilding homes and spending time outdoors with his wife and young daughters. He also enjoys cycling and a game of squash. Duncan is easy-going and has a calm, genuine personality. His experience, meticulous attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and keen understanding of the charter industry means that M/Y Odyssea and her guests will have an amazing charter experience, while remaining in safe hands at all times.

Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Hayden has always had a strong connection to the outdoors. Growing up, he spent his time fishing, cycling, and playing just about every sport he could—from football and touch rugby to his lifelong favourites: golf and fishing. After school, Hayden followed in his father and brother’s footsteps by studying Accounting. However, his love for the outdoors and sense of adventure soon led him to the yachting industry, where he found the perfect balance between hard work and the active lifestyle he enjoys. Hayden joined ODYSSEA in May 2018 and has been a valued member of the crew e. ver since. His dedication to learning, combined with a positive attitude and strong work ethic, ensures that he contributes to smooth operations on deck and delivers the highest standard of service to guests.

Encouraged to cook from a very young age, Sam began his professional career at the Blue Ball Inn, a renowned gastro pub in the heart of Somerset. Sam’s love of cooking and his open inquisitive nature to embrace different cuisines led him to Paris. There he worked alongside chef Mattieu Toucas, whose interest in nutrition, use of spices, herbs and pulses created vibrant, healthy dishes. Moving to the chic and elegant Café qui Parle, Sam spent three years working under Chef-Patron Damien Moeuf, who earned his Michelin star at the Maison Danemark on the Champs-Élysées. After eight years of being immersed in classic french dining, Sam left the city and relocated to the South of France where he was introduced to some of the finest Gascony producers and cuisine. Sam was headhunted by a chateau owner and worked exclusively for the family before returning to England to start his own private, fine dining food company. Sam is now keen to bring his culinary flare and passion to you whilst on board, to ensure a truly memorable dining experience to be had by all.

Hayley is from Johannesburg, South Africa, where she completed her Honors degree in Psychology. She worked in a Center for Autism for 2 years and spent a lot of time volunteering at a Crisis Call Centre and a Community Youth Development Organization. Hayley started her yachting career in April 2018 in the beautiful city of Antibes. Like many of the crew aboard, Hayley loves being active and chooses to lead a healthy lifestyle filled with outdoor explorations. Hayley has a passion for animals and loves every moment spent with a furry friend. She developed a great love for travel and the ocean while on family vacations, which were mostly oriented around scuba diving and learning about new cultures. She takes great pride in her work and hopes to use her passion in hospitality to ensure all guests have a once-in-a-lifetime experience onboard.

Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Callie is a vibrant individual with a deep love for the ocean and the outdoors. After spending a few years in the corporate sector, Callie was drawn to the yachting world that spoke to her. With a PADI certification and a background in high-level netball, she brings strong teamwork, energy, and focus to every environment. She entered the yachting industry in 2023, drawn by her passion for travel, adventure, and an active lifestyle. Whether underwater or onboard, she thrives in dynamic settings and is always ready to ensure that our guests have a wonderful time onboard. 

Christine is from Cape Town, South Africa, and has been working in the yachting industry for the past two and a half years. Before entering yachting, she worked for a non-profit organization focus ed on children's sports development and health education in under-resourced communities across South Africa. She also spent time coaching water polo, combining her love of the sport with her passion for working with young people. Outside of work, Christine can usually be found exploring new places, with her self-appointed worldwide coffee and bakery tour very much still underway. She enjoys going for long walks, discovering local favourites and experiencing all that each new destination has to offer- particularly when good food, beautiful surroundings and a little adventure are involved. Christine looks forward to continuing to grow within the yachting industry, meeting new people and making the most of every opportunity to explore the world while creating memorable experiences for guests onboard. 

Justin is from Nashville, Tennessee, and has enjoyed being around the ocean for most of his life. After attending industrial diesel technology school, he combined his passion for the ocean and working with machinery into a career as an engineer in the yachting industry. He enjoys exploring new places, taking on new challenges, and experiencing everything the outdoors has to offer. His hobbies include golf, diving, rock climbing, adventure sports, and motorsports. He's always up for a new project, a little adrenaline, or the next adventure. 

Jason is a South African Bosun with a strong sense of adventure and a passion for the outdoors. Coming from an Afrikaans background, he has always enjoyed an active lifestyle and spent a lot of his time growing up in the bush. He brings a practical, hands-on attitude to his work and enjoys the challenges and variety that come with life on deck. With the love for the ocean, Jason enjoys everything from tender operations, water sports to yacht maintenance and guest activities. Outside of work, Jason enjoys strength training, rugby, scuba diving, hiking, and exploring new places. Having played rugby at a provincial level, he has always enjoyed the discipline, competitiveness, and team spirit that come with being part of it. He enjoys pushing himself, taking on new challenges, and making the most of the opportunities and now all that comes with working in yachting.

Originally from Durban, South Africa, Joshua brings an easy-going nature and a strong connection to the ocean to his role onboard. He holds an Honours degree in Finance and began his yachting career in 2026, drawn to a career that combines his love of the ocean with a dynamic working environment. Joshua enjoys being part of a close-knit team and takes pride in his work, bringing a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to help wherever needed. He enjoys the variety of life onboard and the opportunity to work alongside people from different backgrounds. Outside of work, he leads an active lifestyle and enjoys golf, surfing, and exercising. He takes great pride in his work and enjoys creating a positive and welcoming environment for both guests and crew onboard.