Captain - Clifford Marlow
Nationality: South African
Languages: English
Born in George, South Africa, Captain Clifford Marlow developed a profound connection to the sea at a young age. As the youngest of four children, he spent much of his childhood alongside his father, an avid fisherman, mastering both shoreside and deep-sea fishing. After completing school in 1988, Clifford served two years in the South African Army, where he rose to the rank of Officer, honing his leadership skills and discipline.
At just 16 years old, Clifford joined the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), a prestigious volunteer organization dedicated to search and rescue operations along South Africa’s rugged coastline. Over the course of 26 years with the NSRI, he became a regional leader, training new crew members and coxswains on both local and national levels. His extensive experience in high-stakes rescue operations laid the foundation for his seamless transition into the yachting industry.
Clifford’s yachting career began as a Mate on a 100-foot Hargrave, and within just six months, he was promoted to Captain of the sister ship. For four years, he expertly navigated guests through the Bahamas and Caribbean, managing an impressive 40 weeks of charters annually. His extensive experience includes 3.5 years as Captain on Unbridled cruising the Bahamas and Caribbean and 18 months on ClubM, where he sailed through the Northeast and the Mediterranean, gaining invaluable knowledge of some of the world's most breathtaking cruising grounds. Most recently, he captained a new San Lorenzo yacht, leading charters in the Bahamas before embarking on Mediterranean adventures.
Now at the helm of SEA AXIS, Captain Clifford is committed to delivering exceptional, safe, and unforgettable voyages for his guests. His wealth of experience, combined with his warm demeanor and passion for the sea, ensures that every journey is a truly remarkable one.
When he’s not on the water, Clifford enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the great outdoors through camping, off-road 4x4 expeditions, and motorbiking. Looking ahead, he dreams of retiring to a self-sufficient farm, where he can live in harmony with nature.
Among his favorite destinations are the Bahamas, celebrated for their crystal-clear waters and rich marine life, and the dramatic, unspoiled coastline of South Africa, a place that remains close to his heart.
Chef - Nelson Cartagena
Nationality: American
Languages: English, Spanish
Education/Certifications: BA Culinary Arts, BA Finance; PADI open water, ACF certified Executive Chef, USCG Maritime Captain, SCTW 01
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Nelson Cartagena grew up in Queens, New York and enlisted in the US Army following his high school graduation. He served six years of active duty, and then studied finance at the University of Central Florida. He discovered that finance was not for him, so he embraced his passion for cooking and enrolled in culinary school. As a chef, he has travelled to many exciting destinations, including a year as a full-time chef in the Leeward and Windward Islands, and four years aboard several motor yachts in the United States, British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico.
Nelson currently resides in Long Island, New York where he flips houses and cooks for a living. In his leisure time, he enjoys fishing, boating, diving, working out, spending time with loved ones, and travelling.
Chief Stewardess - Leanne Shelley Dorrington
Nationality: South African
Languages: English
Introducing Leanne, the vibrant and welcoming chief Stewardess aboard the luxurious motor yacht Sea Axis. Born in South Africa, she brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for hospitality to the yachting industry.
Leanne embarked on her yachting journey just three months ago on board Sea Axis, but her dedication to ensuring guests feel at home has already made a lasting impression. Holding an IMM Marketing Higher Certificate and an IAMI G.U.E.S.T Senior Stewardess certification, Leanne's commitment to excellence extends to her role as a Healing Hands Holistic Massage practitioner.
Growing up on the East Coast of South Africa, Leanne was a competitive swimmer and dancer, fostering a love for movement and expression. Fluent in English and proficient in Afrikaans, she communicates effortlessly with guests from diverse backgrounds.
With a background in Marketing and Advertising, Leanne made the bold decision to transition to yachting in 2021 at the age of 36. Her previous experiences include working as an account executive for a marketing agency for 12 years. Leanne's yachting journey began on Tatami (31m) and Lady B (52m), where she honed her skills in both private and charter settings.
Leanne's current role as chief Stewardess on Sea Axis allows her to showcase her natural ability to make everyone on board feel welcome and at ease. Whether interacting with owners, charter guests, or contractors, Leanne ensures that the Sea Axis experience is characterized by warmth and hospitality.
Having cruised through various destinations, including Florida, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Panama, and Costa Rica, Leanne's favorite charter destination thus far is the enchanting Bahamas. When not at sea, Leanne enjoys wakeboarding, paddleboarding, camping, reading, spa days, and swimming.
Her personal mission extends beyond yachting, as she aspires to explore and visit numerous countries and islands. Leanne looks forward to creating memorable experiences for guests while saving to bring her parents on a journey to share the beauty of the world. With dreams of someday owning and running a bush lodge in Africa, Leanne envisions a haven where guests become part of the Sea Axis family, cherishing new experiences every day.
In her pursuit of making dreams come true, Leanne embodies the spirit of adventure and warmth that defines the Sea Axis experience.
Chief Engineer - Jerome Guy
Nationality: American
Languages: English
Jerome comes from a small parish called Saint Andrew. Situated southeast of Jamaica. He has worked at sea since he was 24 years old. He enjoyed a distinguished career in the merchant marine obtaining his Class III/1 COC.
He sailed as Engineer officer of the watch on several types of cargo ships; bulk carriers, tankers, tug boats, container and general cargo. Jerome has a very calm nature, logical, positive and well thought approach to engineering problem solving and troubleshooting. Jerome transit from commercial ships over into yachting in 2017 where he integrated his ship engineering experience into the yachting industry.
Mate - Cameron King
Nationality: American
Languages: English
Cam, originally from Indiana, made the leap to South Florida at 19 to pursue his passion for yachting. With six years of dedicated experience, he has built a solid foundation and aspires to captain his own vessel in the near future. Cam is known for his strong work ethic, commitment to self-improvement, and a genuine desire to help others.
Outside of his role on Sea Axis, Cam enjoys staying active, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing to his favorite music. With his dedication, positive attitude, and passion for the sea, Cam ensures that every guest’s experience is enjoyable, safe, and memorable.
Stewardess and Deckhand TBD
