Captain Scott Gaffga (rotational)
Scott's maritime odyssey began in his teenage years on fishing boats in the Florida Keys, eventually leading him to the world of yachting as he matured. Despite his young age, he swiftly rose to become one of the industry's youngest and most respected captains, navigating his vessels with unwavering confidence. His steadfast commitment to a single owner across three boats saw him overseeing the construction of two new vessels, a testament to his pursuit of excellence. This dedication culminated in the establishment of a highly successful charter program in the Bahamas, where he has been cruising the waters for over two decades. Taking over the helm of TCB in 2019, Scott set out to craft the ultimate charter experience, making sure that every trip is filled with unique memories and endless opportunities for fun and relaxation. In addition to his maritime achievements, yachting has taken Scott across the globe, navigating through icy waters in Alaska, to cruising around Costa Rica, and more recently through the legendary Panama Canal. When he's not exploring the seas, Scott finds solace in activities like free-diving and spearfishing, immersing himself in the enchanting underwater world. Despite his global adventures, he always makes time for his family, savoring precious moments with his wife and two young children, embodying the roles of dedicated captain and devoted father.
Captain Scott Kidd (rotational)
Scott's journey in maritime began more than 25 years ago. Raised in Jamaica, Scott’s love for the water came naturally. Surrounded by pristine turquoise waters and beautiful sunny beaches, Scott decided to pursue a career in yachting. Since joining, Scott has gained experience in many different sectors of the industry including new builds, refits, project management, and yacht management. Holding a USCG Master license for 1600 US Gross tonnage / 3000 international Tonnage across all oceans, Scott combines his IT background with a strong mechanical know-how in maritime, transportation, machinery, and heavy equipment. Scott has sailed throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, and the South China Sea! Scott made new connections everywhere he went, traveling on vessels of different shapes and sizes. These newfound friendships inspired Scott to become a mentor at Legasea, a program dedicated to helping mariners grow and thrive in the industry. When he's not out on the water, Scott enjoys spending time with his family back home in Florida.
Chief Engineer Dewald Ferreira (rotational)
Growing up in Knysna, South Africa, Dee’s love for the sea began on the sparkling waters of his coastal hometown. After starting as a skilled robotic technician in the automotive industry, Dee answered the ocean’s call in 2012, transitioning to a yacht engineer role where he combined technical expertise with maritime passion. Since joining TCB in 2017, Dee has ensured the vessel’s smooth operation across the Mediterranean and Pacific. Along the way, he’s explored breathtaking destinations and found the love of his life. Dee’s commitment to yachting and the sea continues to grow with every journey.
Chief Engineer Shaun Brown
Hailing from the picturesque town of Knysna, South Africa, Shaun has been a dedicated part of the yachting industry since 2007. With a lifelong passion for the ocean, he brings extensive experience and a keen eye for detail to ensure the smooth operation of our yacht. Shaun’s technical expertise and problem-solving skills are invaluable in maintaining the vessel’s performance and safety at sea. Outside of his marine duties, Shaun is passionate about crypto trading, fitness, and exploring the world’s most beautiful destinations. His love for travel and adventure keeps him inspired and eager to discover new cultures and experiences. When he's not working, you’ll likely find him at the gym, researching the latest in cryptocurrency, or planning his next voyage. A proud father of three—two daughters aged 14 and 5, and a 6-month-old son—Shaun values family time and strives to create memorable moments both on and off the water. His positive attitude, dedication, and genuine love for the ocean make him a valued member of our crew and a trusted guide during our journeys.
First Officer Tristan Foy
Meet Tristan (Tris), who grew up in Poole, UK—the home of the largest natural harbour in the world—before embarking on a maritime journey that began with studying for his unlimited tonnage officer’s license in the Merchant Navy. He cut his teeth in the oil and gas industry of the North Sea and has since navigated some of the world’s most remarkable waters—serving on the largest yacht in existence, guiding large charter vessels throughout the Mediterranean, and spending six memorable years on his previous program cruising from the rugged Alaskan coast to the scenic shores of Nova Scotia, with countless stops in between. In fact, he’s sailed every ocean on the planet, a testament to his unwavering passion for adventure. Beyond the bridge, Tris is a multi-talented individual who loves sailing, surfing, diving, and fishing—he’s fished major sport fishing tournaments around the globe and even represented Great Britain in dinghy racing as a teenager. A social butterfly at heart, he channels his energetic spirit as a DJ and once worked as a tour manager for high-profile DJs across Europe and the USA. Not only that, but he’s also spent time as a cardiac technician and ran a successful landscaping business showcasing his versatility both on and off the water. With his boundless energy, quick sense of humor, and knack for making people laugh, Tristram is eager to create unforgettable moments for guests and crew alike.
Bosun Chad Southwood
Meet Chad, the unparalleled Bosun of TCB. Legend has it that he was born with flippers instead of feet. Raised in the warm (and slightly toothy) waters of Durban, he’s become a master at fishing, surfing, and skillfully dodging the occasional shark. Although he once tried his hand at carpentry, he soon realized that a plank on land couldn’t compete with the thrill of a plank on a boat! Now, in addition to being the yacht's unofficial merman, Chad fancies himself a golf enthusiast—though his skills might be a bit more charming than proficient. And his jokes? Let’s just say they’re... one-of-a-kind. If you hear one, be sure to laugh; it’s for the greater good. Chad is the go-to guy for anyone looking to conquer water sports. With him by your side, you'll find yourself riding the waves like a pro in no time—or at least with fewer face-plants! When he’s off duty, you’ll likely catch Chad attempting to turn sandcastles into actual carpentry projects or shredding it up on any board sport he can find. After all, why settle for one board when you can have them all?
Chief Stewardess Brittany Favors
Brittany, born in Stuart, Florida, discovered her passion for the ocean while working at a local scuba shop, earning her PADI Rescue Diver certification. Her interest in diving's medical aspects led her to a career as an EMT, where she thrived in high-pressure environments, gaining invaluable experience over four years in emergency response. In 2020, Brittany transitioned to yachting, quickly rising from third stew to Chief Stew aboard TCB. Dedicated to excellence, she trained in London under renowned butler Rick Fink, refining her skills in hospitality. Known for her creativity and meticulous attention to detail, Brittany curates unforgettable experiences, from themed parties to signature cocktails, ensuring every guest enjoys a journey of luxury and cherished memories.
Stewardess Chrismari (Chrissie) Smith
Chrissie is the kind of person who can fold a fitted sheet in choppy seas and still have energy left to make you laugh. Born and raised in the charming coastal town of Paternoster, South Africa, she grew up with the ocean as her backyard and a love for the sea, courtesy of her Navy dad. She took her love for people and sunny disposition to Stellenbosch University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. But after a few years in the classroom, the call of the ocean became too loud to ignore—chalkboards just didn’t compare to sea breezes and harbor sunsets. Chrissie now works as a stewardess in the yachting world, where she’s as comfortable organizing a champagne brunch as she is navigating guest quirks with a smile and a well-placed joke. With her love for the outdoors, natural knack for making friends, and a fitness routine that includes everything from paddle boarding to chasing down rogue beach towels, she’s a dynamo in deck shoes. Chrissie pours her heart into everything she does. She plays the ukulele, usually with a sweet treat nearby, and she’s the kind of crew member who can turn a long charter into a floating home. With two brothers and three cousins also in yachting, you’d think they were trying to start their own floating fleet—and if they did, Chrissie would definitely be the one making everyone laugh while fluffing the pillows. Passionate about people and yachting, she brings sunshine, sincerity, and a killer towel-folding technique wherever she sails.
Stewardess Kate Lennon
Kate has a knack for turning every day moments into mini adventures, making friends in the most unexpected places, and laughing at her own jokes – because someone has to. Hailing from the buzzing city of Johannesburg, South Africa, Kate has a background as vibrant as her life, and as layered as a really good lasagna. She holds a degree, and an honors in psychology and appreciates a different mix of personalities. Before she traded office wear for boat shoes, she worked as a medical recruiter, helping hospitals find their dream doctors. She’s one half of a twin duo and has an older sister, which means she’s had a lifetime of learning to negotiate, share closet space, and laugh through chaos – perfect training for life on a yacht. At some point, Kate had the ultimate quarter life epiphany: the 9 to 5 wasn’t it. So she hit pause on the corporate ladder, said goodbye to HR emails, and hello to the high seas. Now working as a Stewardess in the yachting world, she blends her organizational flair with her people skills. Kate is also a talented artist. Whether she’s painting vivid ocean scenes or sketching something random on a napkin that turns out gallery worthy, being creative is her thing. She loves the outdoors, whether she’s hiking a mountain, snorkeling a reef, or just combing the beaches to find one perfect shell, just one. She’s the kind of person who thrives on trying new things – especially if they mildly terrify her. From diving into new experiences to diving off the back of a yacht, she’s always ready to stretch her comfort zone, preferably while laughing. Passionate, creative, down to earth, and just the right amount of chaotic fun, she’s cruising through life one belly laugh and boat deck at a time.
Deckhand Luca Oosthuizen
Meet Luca, the kind of guy who can tie a perfect bowline, fix your Wi-Fi, charm your grandmother, and still have time to beat you at Mario Kart—all before dinner. Born and raised in the scenic town of Stellenbosch, South Africa, Luca grew up surrounded by world-class wine, although these days he’s more into waves than wine. He survived the trials of an all-boys school, graduated with a degree in IT from Stellenbosch University, and promptly decided that sitting in front of a computer all day wasn’t quite adventurous enough—so he ditched the desk job dream and joined the high seas as a deckhand. Now, Luca spends his days driving boats, mastering water sports, and ensuring guests have the time of their lives. He’s at his happiest behind the wheel of a jet ski or tuning up a tender, and he has the rare ability to make anyone feel comfortable within minutes of meeting him. Whether you’re a VIP guest or someone who just wandered too close to the crew area, Luca will greet you like an old friend and probably have you laughing by the time he’s finished tying your dock line. Off duty, Luca’s strumming the guitar like he’s auditioning for a yacht rock revival, or dominating in video games with a level of confidence that borders on suspicious. Friendly, funny, and always ready to lend a hand, Luca is the deckhand who keeps things running smoothly—and keeps the crew smiling while he’s at it.
Chef Steve Mills (rotational)
Steve was born in Durban and raised with a deep passion for the ocean, fostered by a family lifestyle centered around the sea. Fishing, surfing, and sailing were core family activities that not only grounded him but also provided invaluable experience on the water, shaping him into a highly competent and reliable crew member. His passion for creating unforgettable dining experiences was inspired by watching his grandfather’s love for cooking and hospitality. The lasting memories his grandfather created through his meals left a profound impact on Steve and instilled in him a desire to evoke similar moments for others. Steve is a proud graduate of the classic French “Grande” Diploma program, having completed three years of study in 2004. Over the past 20 years, he has focused his career in the private sector, believing that personalized cheffing is both the most demanding and rewarding aspect of the culinary arts. He thrives in challenging environments and has always sought to push himself to the highest level in his craft.
Chef Adam Zawartko (rotational)
Chef Adam, originally from Poland and a Tampa resident for over 30 years, brings over two decades of culinary expertise to the yachting industry. Since starting his career in 2000, Adam has honed his skills aboard both private and charter yachts, crafting unforgettable dining experiences tailored to guests' preferences. Known for his creativity and dedication to excellence. Adam specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, though he is versatile in a wide range of styles. He previously worked on programs like M/Y ATTITUDE, where he further developed his culinary artistry and attention to detail. His commitment to perfection and accommodating all dietary requests has earned him a reputation as "the best of the best" in his field. Outside of the galley, Adam enjoys swimming, biking, and playing tennis, constantly pursuing an active and balanced lifestyle.
