Captain - Shelton Du Preez
Nationality: Canadian / South African
Languages: English
Education/Certifications: MCA Master < 3000 GT License, PADI Dive Master, Evo Helitrox Rebreather, Total Apnea Advanced Freediver, CAA/EU/UK Licensed Drone Pilot
Shelton’s career bridges nearly two decades at sea spanning professional yachting, ocean exploration, and documentary filmmaking. Canadian-born and raised between Canada and South Africa, the ocean has always been his constant. From learning to surf and freedive before the age of ten to logging Tens of thousands of nautical miles as a professional mariner, Shelton’s life and work have always been guided by salt water.
At 19 he began his yachting career, spending a decade aboard private and charter vessels ranging from 100 - 200 feet. His time at sea took him through the Bahamas, Caribbean, New England & the Mediterranean, as well as more remote & challenging regions such as the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Iceland, Norway & Svalbard. Those years fostered not only exceptional seamanship but also a deep respect for the ocean and its fragile ecosystems. Today, he holds an MCA Master < 3000 GT License, earned through extensive professional sea service.
Shelton’s parallel path in natural history filmmaking conservation efforts, and deep-sea science missions grew organically from his yachting and expedition work. Early collaborations on private expeditions, conservation efforts & deep-sea science missions introduced him to a form of story telling rooted in exploration and the human connection to the sea. This foundation led to major roles with Silverback Productions and the BBC, including a year filming Sea Lions of the Galapagos and, more recently, serving as exclusive in-house camera operator for Blue Planet III, covering all seven episodes across some of the planets most remote marine environments from the Arctic ice to deep-sea volcanos.
Balancing technical expertise with a deep emotional connection to the ocean, Shelton’s approach, whether captaining a yacht or filming marine life, centers on respect, curiosity & storytelling. He is commercially licensed to operate drones across Canada, the USA, the UK and the EU, and continues to bring a unique perspective that unites the precision of seamanship with the creativity of visual exploration.
Now 37, Shelton remains driven by the same forces that first drew him to the sea: adventure, purpose & the enduring mystery of the ocean. Whether leading a vessel through polar ice or documenting life beneath the waves, his work is a testament to a lifelong relationship with the water & a commitment to sharing its stories with the world
Chef - Quentin Scott
Nationality: Bahamian
Languages: English
Chef Quentin breathes cuisine. We sheep are the luckiest lambs to have this master cook for guests each day. Growing up in the heart of Freeport this young buck started experimenting with food at 6 years old. His uncle taught him well and encouraged his deep passion and love for creating tasty sensational food for his family.
He graduated at the esteemed Bahamas Hotel Training College, where he immersed himself into learning the tricks of his trade. His ability and potential caught the eye of industry pros and the race to the to secure him as chef began.
This Bahamian legend has dedicated his life to feeding guests fresh, wholesome, Bahamian meals but spicing it up with international cooking, fusing delicious flavours of the island with international cooking classics. Never afraid of bringing the heat, jalapeno style, chef will always custom make dishes to your tasting preference.
There is no one more connected in the Bahamas than our Chef. He is a foodie superhero too. When we need gold leaf, exotic unattainable edible flowers, rare bottles of wine, this man just makes one call, and bam this ram delivers in the flick of a hoof.
Deeply dedicated to his family, he is now a dad to two gorgeous kids, following him working their way up the hospitality ladder. Quentin is the papa bear of the crew, wise and fun always with a smile and a joke to light up each day. You will recognise him anywhere with his long hair and broad smile.
Guests not only love his food, but they also love his introductions and explanations for each element he presents. You will leave the Black Sheep, with a tighter belt and a lingering taste on magic on your pallet.
with a remarkable property portfolio,
Quentin’s goal is to retire at 50 and concentrate on sitting back and enjoying life to the fullest.“
Chief Stewardess - Emma Pittard
Nationality: South African
Languages: English
Emma, our chief stewardess on Black Sheep, was born in the small town of Port Elizabeth, South Africa but recently relocated to the beautiful and scenic town of St Francis Bay. She was raised by a close-knit family of seafarers and avid fishermen, so this wise ewe is no stranger to the seas.
After graduating from university with a Bachelors Degree in Education, Emma went on to move to Dubai where she focused on teaching Maths & Science at a high profile private school to the eager and inquisitive youth of today. Although she thoroughly enjoyed her time there, she quickly realised that she needed to
finally fulfill her lifelong dream of seeing the world by means of the ocean. Following in her grandfather, father & brothers’ footsteps, Emma jumped ship from the teaching world to join the world of yachting. So, rest assured, your kiddies will be in the perfect hands from the time they step on board to the time her and her crew wave you all goodbye!
Our Emma is humble and gracious but has a wealth of knowledge about hospitality. She has designed tables, run events and provided exceptional silver service to some of the worlds top 10 UHNW families.
Yachting perfectly merges all these passions, and she is now on a mission to create bespoke, unforgettable memories for her guests aboard Black Sheep.
As the chief stew, Emma is a teacher and mentor who is passionate about doing good and being kind to everyone she meets. Her dream is to purchase property in the near future as well as to develop and build a gorgeous and chic home that over looks the river on her land she has bought in St Francis Bay.
Her ultimate goal is to ensure that her guests leave Black Sheep feeling as though they have experienced something so special that they can't wait to return.
Second Stewardess - Kala Pretorius
Nationality: South African
Languages: English
This ray of sunshine hails from the Cape Winelands of Stellenbosch, South Africa. With sweet, kind eyes and a calm, gentle temperament, she may seem unassuming, but she's a creative wolf in sheep’s clothing, waiting to unleash her
prowess at every opportunity.
Not only is she a graduate in textile design, but she also holds a degree from fashion school. Raised by a close-knit family with strong values of hard work, patience, and service to others, you can rest assured knowing Kala is onboard.
This stewardess has massive dreams of running her own puppy café called the "French Pug." Her love for animals, especially dogs, knows no bounds, and she is that friend who must greet every critter that crosses her path.
In addition to all of this, she's a hip-hop dancer and a devoted Justin Bieber
fan, her dream charter guest. Fingers crossed. Sporty as well, she is the full package, having played field hockey and earned her South African cheerleading colours while representing her province. At 22, she is already a proud homeowner, starting to build her nest, but before she settles down and starts a family, she wants to see as much of the globe as possible.
Kala has generously volunteered her time in Swaziland (now known as Eswatini), working with children in impoverished communities. Humbled by their poverty and inspired by their resilience, she channels her love for people
into her dream of creating a better world for all. I could go on and on about this little lamb, as her spirit brings this flock together. She's our trusted favourite ewe. Watch this space; this stewardess is well on her way to becoming chief
one day.
Mate - Marcel De Villiers
Nationality: South African
Languages: English
You know when a Blacksheep hails from a town in South Africa called Welkom, which means WELCOME! He was born for the hospitality industry. This small town is landlocked, so as soon as Marcel saw the ocean, he was
hooked and set his sights on making a career at sea. With a father who’s a chief engineer and an uncle who’s a captain, it was inevitable that Marcel’s love for travel and the maritime industry would be strong—it runs in his wooly
DNA. His family has now relocated to Florida, setting down roots in the US of A.
This adventurous ram has traveled to over 30 countries, and besides his love for the Bahamas, the green pastures of Positano on the Amalfi coast in Italy are places he could return to repeatedly. Marcel is a fishing maniac, so set
aside time to go out with him and catch the specialty of the day. Chef will be sure to fillet and prepare it for your pleasure.
Being first mate means he’s second at the helm, and that makes us feel very secure that our flock and our amazing guests are safe and sound at all times. He’s also the friendliest, most bleat-iful morning person you’ll ever meet.
So, expect to see this ram around and about at sunrise.
Not satisfied with his heart being divided between Africa and the US, his dream is to buy a home in both countries, settle down, and have 2.5 lambs and a white picket fence.
So, whether you’re looking to fish, explore, or just enjoy the voyage, Marcel is your go-to guy. he’s utterly unforgettable!
Mate - Estian Schoeman
Nationality: South African
Languages: English
Estian Schoeman is an accomplished deckhand, passionate sportfishing enthusiast, and certified scuba diver with over three years of experience in the yachting industry and more than a decade dedicated to fishing. His time aboard active charter programs has honed his expertise in deck maintenance, tender operations, and fishing expeditions, making him a versatile and dependable member of any crew.
Known for his positive attitude and strong work ethic, Estian thrives in the dynamic environment of luxury yachting. His deep love for the ocean drives him to continually refine his craft, whether assisting guests with an unforgettable fishing experience, maintaining a pristine deck, or ensuring smooth tender runs.
Estian hopes to have the opportunity to purchase some property in the near future as well as upgrade his Scuba License in order to become a Dive Master.
With his professionalism, enthusiasm, and genuine passion for life at sea, Estian consistently contributes to creating exceptional charter experiences for every guest on board BLACKSHEEP.
