Captain- James Speed- South African
James Speed grew up in a small town in South Africa and has been immersed in the marine industry for over 10 years. He has a love for the ocean and is passionate about travel which ultimately drew him to a life on the water. Yachting has fueled this passion and taken him to Mediterranean, Baltic Sea, Russia, Eastern Europe, North and Central America. Having been on various well run charter vessels James has extensive experience and knowledge and will ensure that your time onboard is filled with adventure and fun. James leads from the front and has a professional, enthusiastic yet still easy-going leadership style. In 2022 he married chief stewardess Jessie Speed and together they aim to ensure your Stay Salty experience is incredible. When James is not on the ocean, he will be Wing Foiling, Fishing, spearfishing, Kayaking, or adventuring in the mountains on two wheels or by foot.
Rotational Captain- Jared Steyn- South African
Rotational every 10 weeks: With over a decade at sea and a proven track record in leading luxury yacht operations, Captain Jared Steyn is dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for owners and guests alike. Skilled in navigation, crew management, and operational efficiency, he brings a meticulous approach to safety, service, and adventure. An avid scuba diver and outdoor enthusiast, he loves exploring the underwater world, kiteboarding, hiking, and off-roading, always seeking new ways to connect with nature. With expertise in refit projects, financial management, and advanced technology integration, Captain Jared combines precision with leadership to foster a professional, motivated crew. Whether cruising the Mediterranean, Caribbean, or beyond, he ensures every voyage is smooth, exciting, and unforgettable.
FIRST MATE- NATHAN FOURIE- SOUTH AFRICAN
With over six years in the yachting industry, Nathan has worked his way up from deckhand to Mate, gaining extensive experience on busy private and charter programs up to 50m. He has cruised worldwide, from the Bahamas and Chesapeake Bay to Mexico, Tahiti, and the Med, honing his skills in deck management, bridge procedures, and tender driving. Known for his hands-on leadership, strong technical knowledge, and calm approach under pressure, Nathan ensures smooth operations on deck while creating a safe and enjoyable guest experience. Outside of yachting, he enjoys golf, diving, hiking, and staying active at the gym.
Chief Engineer- Omar Browm- Jamacian
Born in St. Ann, Jamaica and studied Marine Engineering at the Caribbean Maritime University and Mechanical Engineering at 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, Croatia. Greece, Bahamas, Caribbean, 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.
Rotational Chief Engineer- Desean Williams- Jamacian
With over a decade of marine engineering experience and a strong foundation in both commercial shipping and luxury yachting, Desean is a dedicated and detail-oriented Chief Engineer. He has served aboard prestigious charter yachts like M/Y Carpe Diem and M/Y SOLO, bringing deep expertise in CAT engine systems, preventive maintenance, shipyard refits, and high-performance operations across the Med, Caribbean, and Bahamas.
Known for his hands-on approach and calm under pressure, Desean ensures every voyage runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Off duty, he's an adrenaline enthusiast who enjoys extreme sports and skydiving—bringing the same bold spirit to his work that he takes to the skies.
Chief Stewardess- Kirsten Putziger- South African
Kirsten, born and raised in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, has a strong passion for events and marketing. She then spent over six years working in sports marketing and hospitality for prestigious clients in South Africa, Kirsten also served as the events coordinator and wedding planner for a renowned 5-star wine estate near Stellenbosch. Discovering the world of yachting has been an enriching experience for Kirsten, allowing her to travel to various countries and experience diverse cultures. She enjoys the outdoors and spends time on her family farm in South Africa whenever possible. Kirsten is committed to maintaining high standards and has a passion for welcoming guests and looking forward to having you onboard M/Y Stay Salty for a memorable trip.
2nd Stewardess- Emma Bell- South African
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 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 own creative venture or business. Emma embraces the opportunity of meeting new people and new experiences. Emma embraces the opportunity of meeting new people and new experiences.
3RD STEWARDESS/ MASSEUSE SUNITA STEENKAMP- SOUTH AFRICAN
With a background as a professional beauty therapist and over two years of yachting experience, Sunita brings a unique blend of service expertise and wellness to the guest experience. She has worked on prestigious private and charter yachts up to 49m, confidently managing interior operations, delivering five-star service, and stepping into leadership roles when needed.
Trained in Swedish, Hot Stone, and Deep Tissue massage, along with advanced beauty and spa services, Sunita ensures guests feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and cared for throughout their stay onboard. Her creativity shines through in table décor, themed events, and thoughtful details that elevate every moment.
When she’s not delivering seamless service, Sunita enjoys travel, fitness, watersports, and exploring new destinations—always bringing positivity and energy to the team and her guests.
Deckhand- Keagan Smith- South African
With a lifelong passion for the ocean, Keagan Smith brings energy, skill, and enthusiasm to every charter experience. As a PADI Dive Instructor and experienced deckhand, he thrives in fast-paced yachting environments, expertly handling deck operations, tender driving, and watersports instruction. Whether leading guests on exhilarating wakeboarding sessions, guiding underwater explorations, or ensuring the deck is in top condition, Keagan’s strong work ethic and positive attitude make him a valuable crew member. When he’s not on the water, he enjoys playing the ukulele and drums, bringing music and good vibes to the crew. Adventurous and adaptable, he is always eager to enhance the guest experience while growing within the superyacht industry.
Chef -Diana Sitnikova- Ukrainian
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 keeping active with sports.
