CAPTAIN- RUBIN TERBLANCHE- SOUTH AFRICAN
Captain Rubin hails from the small coastal town of Amanzimtoti on South Africa’s southern coast. His passion for swimming defined his high school years, but an injury prompted him to explore new avenues after graduation.
Discovering a love for yachting, he embarked on a career that has now spanned over 10 years, accumulating countless nautical miles cruising extensively through the Caribbean, Bahamas, East Coast of the USA, and Mediterranean. His wealth of experience and keen insights allow him to guide guests to some of the most enchanting destinations.
Embracing adventure and novelty, Rubin thrives in diverse environments and pursuits. Whether it’s hiking, spearfishing, diving, road trips, or a round of golf, he finds joy in the great outdoors. Rubin’s charter reputation is simple: Listen to the guest, offer practical suggestions, and give the guest what they desire.
CHIEF STEWARDESS- MARLEI KOK- SOUTH AFRICAN
Mareli was born and raised in the landlocked city of Pretoria, South Africa. After graduating high school in 2018, she set her sights on a career that would take her beyond the city borders, officially stepping into the yachting industry in early 2020. Since then, she has travelled extensively throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, and the East Coast of the United States, where New York City remains her favorite destination.
Passionate about creating memorable guest experiences, Mareli thrives within the interior and is especially known for the creativity and thoughtful touches she brings to her work, always aiming to elevate the onboard experience in a warm, approachable way.
Outside of yachting, she enjoys staying active, exploring new places, and spending quality time with family and friends. Her unwavering positivity, strong work ethic, and genuine enthusiasm for the industry make her a valued addition to the crew of M/Y Éalú.
CHEF- TIMOTHY LOCK- BRITISH
Introducing Chef Tim, a culinary maestro hailing from the picturesque towns of Dartmouth and Brixham on the Devon coast, UK. In his younger years, Tim’s prowess in swimming earned him numerous awards before transitioning to rugby, where he proudly represented the county of Devon for three years, clinching two county cups.
With a passion for the sea, Tim embarked on his yachting journey in 2000 after three years working on charter barges in France. Over the past 16 years in the yachting world, Tim has left a trail of satisfied guests on both private and charter yachts. His extensive travels include cruising the West Coast USA, East Coast USA, Bahamas, Mediterranean Sea, Thailand, Malaysia, Panama, Suez Canal, Canada, Central America, Mexico, and four Atlantic crossings on his own boat. Notably, he treasures his time in Thailand for its relaxation and the warmth of its people.
Bringing a wealth of experience and understanding of the yachting realm, Tim is dedicated to ensuring guests have an unforgettable charter experience. A versatile chef, he is adept at various cuisines and can accommodate diverse dietary requests.
Beyond the galley, Tim’s hobbies include hitting the gym, indulging in fly fishing, and immersing himself in a good read. With a deep passion for fishing, his motto, “Every day’s a school day,” reflects his continuous quest for knowledge. Prior to his role on motor yacht Ealu, Chef Tim showcased his culinary artistry on various distinguished yachts, including/Y KASHMIR, M/Y RELENTLESS, M/Y NORTHERN LIGHT, M/Y MILK MONEY, M/Y ARGYLE, and M/Y D’NATALIN.
His rich experience on these vessels further underscores his expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional culinary experiences at sea. In the yachting industry, Tim aspires to chef to the best of his capabilities, while outside of yachting, he dreams of cultivating a harmonious family life. Get ready for a culinary journey with Chef Tim, where every meal is crafted with expertise and served with a side of passion.
FIRST MATE-RYAN STEPHENSON- SOUTH AFRICAN
Born in South Africa, my lifelong connection to the ocean naturally guided me toward a career on the water. From an early age, I developed a deep love for diving, spearfishing, and all forms of water sports — a passion that has shaped both my personal and professional life.
I began my yachting journey at the age of twenty-four in Turkey, training with a catamaran sailing academy. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of sailing to unique and remote destinations around the world, further fueling my dedication to the yachting industry. As I transitioned from sailboats to luxury motor yachts, I discovered my passion for creating memorable guest experiences — from leading snorkeling safaris and sunset cruises to helping guests build confidence in water sports or exploring remote island trails in the Seychelles.
My ultimate goal is to deliver unforgettable experiences for guests while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and team spirit on board.
2ND STEWARDESS- ANNERIE BLOM- SOUTH AFRICAN
Born and raised in South Africa, Annerie has always had a natural curiosity and a drive to explore. A trip to the Bahamas first ignited her passion for yachting, and ever since entering the industry, she hasn’t looked back. She thrives on life at sea—its rhythm, its challenges, and the rewarding experiences it brings each day.
Hardworking and dedicated, she takes great pride in creating a clean, welcoming, and beautifully presented environment for both guests and crew. With a sharp eye for detail—from flawless hospital corners to refined, elegant tablescapes—she consistently maintains the highest standards on board. She is proactive in expanding her skills across all departments, always eager to learn, grow, and contribute wherever she can.
Outside of yachting, she enjoys staying active and embracing new adventures. Whether hitting golf balls, riding waves, or spending time on horseback, she is happiest when she’s moving, exploring, and discovering something new.
ENGINEER- KENNY AWEKEYA- GHANA
Kenny is the engineer onboard, bringing eight years of seagoing experience and a Y2 Unlimited License to the team. Having risen through the ranks from engine cadet, he offers extensive technical knowledge paired with strong hands-on expertise.
Born and raised in Sunyani, in the middle belt of Ghana, Kenny’s passion for the maritime industry inspired him to relocate to Accra on the southern coast to pursue his dreams as a sailor. He began his maritime career in 2017 with Pacific International Lines (PIL), a Singapore-based shipping company, following four years of studying marine engineering
A lover of football and movies, Kenny’s warm personality, infectious smile, and positive attitude help create an uplifting atmosphere onboard. He’s dedicated not only to the smooth running of the engine room but also to maintaining high spirits and teamwork at sea.
DECKHAND- EDUARD COETZEE- SOUTH AFRICAN
Eduard is a devoted family man who holds his loved ones above all else. He believes that life is best lived in the company of those you cherish, and he makes it his mission to create meaningful, lasting memories with the people closest to him.
From a young age, Eduard was introduced to the wonders of travel, an experience that sparked a deep curiosity and enduring passion for adventure. Whether he’s exploring new cultures, exploring the ocean, or standing in awe of breathtaking landscapes, he is driven by a desire to experience all the beauty the natural world has to offer.
An outdoorsman at heart, Eduard finds peace and thrill in equal measure through fishing his favorite escape where patience meets excitement. He’s also drawn to adrenaline fueled activities that challenge his courage and provide that unmistakable rush. Friends know him as a social, quick-witted individual whose sense of humor can brighten any moment.
Golf has played a significant role in Eduard’s life, becoming more than just a sport during his high school years. It was a discipline that taught him focus, perseverance, and patience. His appreciation for the natural world extends to every destination he visits, finding unique beauty in each one.
For Eduard, life is about connection, adventure, and wholeheartedly embracing every experience.
