CAPTAIN JAMES
James started his career in a small town in South Africa, working in the marine industry for over ten years. His passion for the ocean, intertwined with a zest for travel, steered him towards an adventurous life through yachting. James has traveled to many places and has valuable experiences that make each journey memorable. He has visited the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea, Russia, Eastern Europe, and the Americas. Leading with professionalism and charm, he and his wife, Jessie, strive to make your Stay Salty adventures unforgettable. Beyond the sea, James enjoys wing foiling, fishing, spearfishing, kayaking, and mountain treks, always eager for the next expedition.
CAPTAIN JARED
Rotational every 10 weeks: Bio TBA
FIRST MATE ARNO
Arno was born in South Africa. He obtained provincial colors in Archery and Triathlon and was very
competitive in Water polo. From a young age, Arno was involved in boats and water sports and joined the yachting industry in 2019 in Antibes, France. He has spent the past few years crossing the oceans between the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and USA, living his passion for the ocean joining superyachts to build his knowledge in the industry. Arno has joined the prestigious Yacht, STAY SALTY, and he is looking forward to building up his career and achieving his goal to become a captain. Arno will ensure that guests aboard will have the time of their lives getting to enjoy the water toys included.
CHIEF ENGINEER OMAR
Born in St. Ann, Jamaica, and studied Marine Engineering at the Caribbean Maritime University and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Technology, Jamaica. Omar embarked on his engineering experience working in the commercial industry on vessels such as Oil tankers, Tugboats, Offshore Supply Vessels, and Passenger Ships. Omar holds his 111/11 unlimited management level and a degree in maritime engineering. IN 2007, Omar decided to transition into the Yachting industry. During this period, Omar was privileged to cruise places such as France, Italy, Monaco, Turkey, and Croatia. Greece, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and the Florida Keys. Having joined STAY SALTY at the beginning of the year, he has been an invaluable asset to the team and is looking forward to this upcoming Winter season. If Omar is not in the engine room, you can find him playing or watching soccer or producing and listening to music.
CHIEF STEWARDESS KIRSTEN
Kirsten’s journey from Port Elizabeth to the international seas paints a vivid picture of dedication and adventure. With a background in events and marketing carved out over six years in sports marketing and hospitality for high-profile South African clients, her skills were further honed as she led events and weddings at a celebrated 5-star wine estate in Stellenbosch. This foundation paved her way into the exciting world of yachting, opening doors to global travels and cultural exchanges. Kirsten, who cherishes her time outdoors, often finds solace on her family farm back in South Africa. She takes pride in her high standards and friendly welcome, excited to make your trip on the M/Y Stay Salty memorable.
CHEF DIANA
Diana was born & raised in Ukraine. With over a decade of yachting in the books, she has excelled in the industry, starting in the interior and working her way up to a senior stewardess position and a passion for working in the galley. She honed her culinary skills at a renowned French gastronomic academy, and she continuously seeks new recipes and ideas. When Diana is not delivering world-class cuisine, you can find her keeping herself busy with painting, drawing, photography, and staying active with sports.
SECOND STEWARDESS EMMA
Emma grew up in the vibrant landscapes of Cape Town, with captivating beaches, majestic mountains, and renowned wine farms. She thrives on the thrill of exploration and is constantly seeking new trails in nature. Emma’s academic pursuit in clothing studies cultivated a deep passion for creativity and a keen eye for design, one day pursuing her creative venture or business. Emma embraces the opportunity to meet new people and have new experiences. Emma embraces the opportunity to meet new people and have new experiences.
THIRD STEWARDESS/MASSEUSE KARLE
Karle brings a blend of professional expertise and a positive attitude. Her background in Hospitality Management, housekeeping, and food & beverage service are what makes Karle an amazing addition to STAY SALTY. She previously got to explore Europe for a few months while working on yachts there. Like most yachties, Karle loves to take in all the breathtaking views of nature that she gets to explore as her career in yachting takes off. She loves to be in the ocean soaking up the sun any chance she gets and also enjoys playing the Ukulele and dancing the night away.
DECKHAND SAM
Sam’s love for adventure began in a small South African town near the Drakensberg mountains and the Indian Ocean. After school, he dived into adventures as a walking guide on the Wild Coast and embraced the frozen landscapes of Antarctica twice. Sam is a keen fisherman on the Wild Coast. He joined the Stay Salty team for adventure and now helps out with enthusiasm and versatility every day.