Name: Brian Scales
Position: Captain
Position details: Captain / Rotational Captain
Nationality: South African
Languages: English
Captain Brian Matthew Scales, a seasoned captain hailing from the vibrant city of George, South Africa, brings over a decade of profound expertise to the helm of the yachting world. His illustrious career has been marked by a passion for adventure and a commitment to delivering unparalleled service. Embarking on his yachting journey, Captain Brian spent six years navigating the seas aboard a majestic 200' world-cruising charter yacht, honing his skills amidst the grandeur of the open ocean. His earlier profession as a professional animal trainer, specializing in the majestic realm of big cats, speaks volumes about his fearless spirit and unique background. Captain Brian played a pivotal role in hand-raising the first white tigers in Africa and served as the head animal trainer at a renowned animal park, focusing on husbandry training for a diverse array of creatures. As a hands-on captain, Captain Brian's dedication extends across all facets of the yacht. Whether orchestrating flawless guest interactions, managing the vessel's intricate operations, overseeing interior service, or diving into the nitty-gritty of engineering and deck maintenance, he ensures a seamless and five-star experience at all times. His extensive background in the tourism industry instills in him an innate understanding of guest and crew satisfaction, making it a hallmark of his leadership. Captain Brian's vision revolves around creating truly unforgettable experiences, tailoring each journey to the unique preferences of those on board. He believes in offering guests a plethora of options, empowering them to shape their holiday according to their desires. His yachting adventures have spanned across the enchanting landscapes of the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean, East Coast of the United States, and Scandinavia.
Beyond the sea, Captain Brian finds comfort and exhilaration in the great outdoors. An avid enthusiast of surfing, bodyboarding, snowboarding, fishing, camping, and golfing, he embraces the diverse tapestry of nature's wonders. Captain Brian Matthew Scales stands as a beacon of leadership, adventure, and impeccable service, transforming each voyage into an extraordinary odyssey.
Name: Vernon “Cubby” Deas
Position: Captain
Position details: Captain / Rotational Captain
Nationality: South Africa
Languages: English
Captain Cubby was born in South Africa, and in 2009, he started his yachting career in Cape Town as a deckhand on a 50-foot Voyager catamaran. Since then, his work at sea has taken him to destinations in Africa, Asia, the UK, Central America, the US, and the Caribbean.
He’s had many memorable experiences over the years, including the time he assisted the US Coast Guard in rescuing three sailors from a sinking vessel one night about 100 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico.
Now based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Vernon brings his passion and knowledge to M/Y BEACHFRONT II as Captain. As the leader of the crew, his goal is to create a fun and progressive work environment while providing the highest quality of service for charter guests. In addition to his yachting certifications, he is skilled in diving, fishing, and other water sports, making him an invaluable resource for both his guests and his crew.
Name: Henrick “Ricky” Le Roux
Position: Mate
Position details: Mate
Nationality: South African, Swiss
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Ricky is originally from a farm just outside Johannesburg, South Africa and is one of five siblings who grew up with a love for the outdoors and a strong work ethic.
After earning his degree in Stage Performance, he moved to London, where he spent eight years in the hospitality and events industry, ultimately becoming an operations manager. In 2021, drawn by his passion for adventure and the ocean, Ricky transitioned into yachting, bringing with him a dynamic background in guest service, organization, and high energy team leadership.
Since then, Ricky has gained valuable experience on several respected vessels and has gotten a lot of different certifications including YM 200tn Offshore, AEC 1, STCW, ENG 1, PWC, Powerboat Level 2, Flyboard Instructor, PADI Open Water Diver, WHF Radio, Food Safety Level 2, and the IYT Superyacht Culinary Course.
He is known for his upbeat and easy going personality, he thrives on helping guests create unforgettable memories and ensuring every charter runs smoothly. His favorite cruising destination is the Bahamas, and he dreams of one day captaining his own yacht and building a future in real estate.
Off the water, Ricky enjoys rugby, fishing, watersports, reading, and hitting the gym.
He lives by the motto:
“I passionately believe that creative and positive influence can change any situation around.”
Name: Zack Wrankmore
Position: Chef
Position details: Chef
Nationality: South African
Languages: English
Zac is a culinary virtuoso hailing from the vibrant coastal town of St. Francis Bay on South Africa's east coast. His journey began with a move to Cape Town, where his passion for diverse activities like surfing, football, and skateboarding thrived alongside his burgeoning love for food.
Zac's culinary adventure ignited at the tender age of 16 when he began working in Cape Town's renowned restaurants and bars, including iconic spots like Wakame in Greenpoint, Sinn's Restaurant, Cafe Caprice, and the Sky Lounge Cape Royale. This early exposure fueled his culinary passion, and by the age of 20, he had already honed his skills as a chef.
In 2013, Zac embarked on a yachting career driven by his love for travel, international cultures, and cuisine. Before his yachting days, he wore multiple hats as a restaurant manager, bartender, chef, and even a business owner.
Zac's greatest assets are his unwavering work ethic, diligence, and dedication. He takes immense pride in ensuring that every person who tastes his creations leaves with a smile. He specializes in French, Italian, Asian fusion, and Modern cuisines and warmly embraces all dietary preferences.
When Zac isn't crafting delectable meals in the galley, you'll find him riding the waves on his surfboard or passionately engaged in various forms of exercise. Zac can't wait to offer guests a dining experience that transcends all expectations, promising culinary delights that tantalize the taste buds and create unforgettable memories.
Name: Crystal-Anne Purves
Position: Chief steward/ess
Position details: Chief Stewardess
Nationality: South African
Languages: English
Crystal hails from the breathtaking coastal town of Plettenberg Bay, where her love for the ocean was ingrained from an early age. Her journey into yachting began in Barcelona, driven by a desire for new challenges and the pursuit of excellence in hospitality. Before setting sail into the world of luxury yachting, Crystal was a highly skilled beauty therapist, refining her attention to detail and dedication to top-tier service.
As Chief Stewardess aboard BEACHFRONT II, Crystal plays an essential role in curating an unforgettable experience for every guest. She ensures the yacht’s interior is maintained to the highest standard, creating an atmosphere of comfort and sophistication. Passionate about delivering seamless five-star service, she anticipates guests' needs before they even arise, always going the extra mile to exceed expectations.
Crystal’s ultimate goal is for guests to leave BEACHFRONT II with not just a sense of relaxation but a collection of cherished memories that will last a lifetime. When she’s not on the water, you’ll find her embracing the great outdoors—hiking, exploring, and always seeking the next great adventure.
Name: Tshegofatso "Blessing" Ntshanga
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Stewardess
Nationality: South African
Languages: Afrikaans, English
Blessing grew up in the charming town of Potchefstroom, South Africa, where her love for animals and adventure began early. Raised by her father, who worked in wildlife conservation, Blessing spent her childhood helping rehabilitate injured wild animals before returning them to their natural habitat — an experience that sparked her deep appreciation for nature and caring for others.
With a passion for creativity and performance, Blessing also discovered her talent for singing from a young age. Her musical journey led her to compete internationally, earning 1st place at a singing competition in Barcelona, Spain — a moment that remains a proud highlight in her life.
Blessing holds several certifications including STCW, Elementary First Aid, Fire Fighting, RYA Powerboat Level 2, Food Hygiene Level 2, and an ENG1 medical. She is fluent in an impressive seven languages, has basic French, and is currently learning Spanish and Korean.
Blessing began her yachting career in June 2022 in the South of France, drawn to the industry by her love of travel, cultural exploration, and desire to meet people from all walks of life. Since then, she has worked aboard several notable yachts including M/Y Enigma, M/Y The Peddler, M/Y Atlas, M/Y Alandrea, M/Y Kashmir, M/Y De-De, and M/Y Acacia.
Before yachting, Blessing worked as a bartender, hostess, and vocal coach — roles that sharpened her natural hospitality skills and passion for making people feel welcome. Now as 2nd Stewardess on board Beachfront II, Blessing brings positivity, adaptability, and an eagerness to learn. She takes great pride in delivering excellent service with a cheerful and can-do attitude.
Her favorite cruising destinations so far include the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Turks & Caicos — though South Korea remains at the top of her personal travel bucket list due to her love of Korean culture, food, and music.
Looking ahead, Blessing dreams of becoming a chef on board a charter yacht and eventually owning her own catering business blending South African and Korean cuisine. Outside of yachting, she also hopes to publish a book about her experiences — inspiring young black women to pursue careers in the yachting industry and beyond.
In her spare time, Blessing enjoys making music, writing, and hopes to release her own songs in the future. As a former vocal coach, she loves teaching and sharing her passion for singing.
Her personal motto is: “If not now, then when?” — a reminder to seize every opportunity and live life without regrets.
Blessing’s warm personality, creative spirit, and dedication to guest satisfaction make her a valued member of the Beachfront II crew, committed to ensuring every charter is unforgettable.
