CAPTAIN: MATTHEW DODDS
Sail and work experience
Matthew has a wealth of sailing experience, having been a captain on a number
of yachts in the past. He has taken boats all over the world, notable trips being to the Maldives, Australia, Montenegro and the Balearic Islands. He is very invested in ensuring smooth-sailing and safety on board, aided by his years of engineering experience. Aside from all of his practical yachting work, he also has experience in the hospitality sector and is a qualified instructor in numerous watersports. As a result, a sail with Matthew is not only a showcase of his sailing expertise, but also an all-round enjoyable voyage, thanks to his insistence on bespoke guest experiences.
Job Description
Matthew is responsible for navigation, safety and the overall running and financial management of the vessel, crew, and guests. He always ensures the safe and efficient operation of JACK, including compliance with all procedures and regulations that keep our guests safe. He takes care of adhering to flag regulations, port state and local laws and regulations, and manages the crew to ensure adherence to, and a full understanding of, the vessel’s policies. He further encourages teamwork, individual growth, and personal attention in delegating duties and supervising all crew tasks.
Licenses and Qualifications
• Yachtmaster Ocean (<200GT): Sail and Power, STCW Commercial Endorsement,
20,000+nmExperience
• MCA AEC 1 & 2: Approved Engineering Course with significant hands-on experience
• RYA Powerboat Instructor
• BWSW Level 2 Coach & SBDA: Ski Boat Driver’s Award
• PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
• Food Hygiene Level 2
• STCW10: Sea Survival, First Aid, and Firefighting (Updated November 2023)
• 2015: FdSc (Foundation Degree in Science) in Yacht Operations, Plymouth University
CHEF: Rebecca Ann Oszczyk
Sail and work experience
Rebecca is an experienced chef, having cooked on a number of vessels in the past. She is passionate about offering both variety and nutrition in her dishes, and enjoys personalising her menus according to her guests’ preferences. She also has much experience in interior upkeep and table laying, so her meals are sure to be as appealing to the eye as they are to the taste buds. Years of hairdressing prior to her work on yachts have equipped her with exeptional customer service skills, which she never fails to put to good use as she strives to provide her guests with a premium culinery
experience.
Job Description
Rebecca is responsible for all culinary operations on board, including provisioning, menu planning, and food preparation for guests and crew. She ensures hygiene and safety standards are maintained in line with HACCP regulations, manages galley inventory and budgets, and tailors cuisine to guest preferences while accommodating dietary restrictions. She contributes to the guest experience with creativity, professionalism, and a calm presence under pressure.
Licences and Qualifications
• Licenses & Training: Full STCW-10 and ENG1 (Valid from October 2023)
• Food Hygiene Level 2
• Sea Survival Training (20/02/2022)
DECKHAND: BEN BROWN
With a proven track record of delivering excellent guest services, Ben has skills in safety, service and water knowledge. Gaining experience as a deckhand for JOLIE BRISE and as an assistant engineer for MONACO, he has acquired knowledge in navigation, boat handling and radio equipment. Describing himself as dynamic, adaptable and friendly, he has a background in teaching water-sports and lifeguarding that makes him an excellent deckhand for JACK.
Job Description
Ben has the expertise required to stand in for the captain in his absence, acting in an important role for deckhand duties. He assists the captain during navigation and participates in all on-deck operations, respecting guests’ activities. He has extensive knowledge in the maintenance of sailing yachts and is responsible for the running of deck equipment and machinery.
Licenses and Qualifications
- STCW Safety Training
- Eng 1
- Certificate of Proficiency in Security and Awareness
- Enhanced DBS
- GMDSS Short Range Certificate VHF
- RYA Personal Watercraft Proficiency
- RYA Powerboat Instructor (PB2)
- Essential Seamanship and Navigation
- First Aid Trained
- Intermediate Windsurf Instructor
- Dinghy Sailing Instructor
- RYA Multihull Instructor Endorsement
- Level 2 Paddle Sports Instructor
STEWARDESS: Lydia Juriansz
Lydia is an enthusiastic and dependable stewardess who brings a strong background in hospitality and guest care from her work in luxury resorts, Michelin-starred restaurants, and previous yachting roles. Her time on the 46m M/Y LADY DUVERA saw her working as both stewardess and nanny, combining high-level service with full-time childcare. Lydia has also held seasonal resort roles with Neilson Active Holidays, where she supervised children's clubs and gained watersports instruction experience. Her varied background contributes to her calm, guest-focused presence onboard JACK, where she handles interior duties with care and regularly assists on deck. Outside of yachting she enjoys snowboarding, sailing, and scuba diving, and brings that energy and versatility to her work onboard.
Job Description
Lydia is responsible for maintaining the yacht’s interior, including daily housekeeping, guest turn-downs, and professional meal and drink service. She also supports deck operations such as docking, tender driving, and general upkeep, ensuring a smooth and welcoming environment for both guests and crew.
Licences and Qualifications
• STCW Basic Safety Training
• ENG1 Medical
• Level II Food Hygiene
• GUEST Wine, Bartending and Mixology Module
• UKSA Superyacht Hospitality & Interior Training
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
• RYA Marine Short-Range Radio
• RYA Start Windsurf Instructor
• PADI Open Water Diver
Languages:
English
