CHARTER YACHT ANTARES

Captain Name: Cuan Odendaal

Captain Nationality: South African

Number of Crew: 7

CAPTAIN – Cuan Odendaal
Cuan is from Cape Town, South Africa and holds a Diploma in Tourism and Tour operations. He began his career as a Marine Logistics Supervisor in East Africa which originally equipped him with the skill set to lead yachting programs off the beaten path. In the past 10 years he has crewed on various private and charter yachts ranging from 120-160ft. Upon becoming a Master, he has chartered and cruised South East Asia the Pacific, the Bahamas, New England and the US. Cuan takes pride in his work and is always willing to lend a hand wherever necessary. Leading by example as a captain, yet learning at the same time; he is able to offer his knowledge and enthusiasm to crew and guests alike. “Safety and effective communication are the keys to a successful charter program”. Cuan is hands on, hardworking and strives for longevity from crew and securing repeat charters. Always upbeat, he enjoys leading a winning team and has assembled a group of professional, fun, and well coordinated individuals that will surprise and entertain guests at every turn. Cuan spends his of his free time kite boarding, free diving, surfing and fishing.

FIRST MATE – James Speed
Coming from a farming background, James is used to hard work with little sleep. James is a young south African who knows the value of teamwork yet having the self-discipline to get things done on his own in an efficient and timely manner. After completing high school, James joined a sailing vessel on delivery from Durban, South Africa to Fort Lauderdale. He skippered many day sails from Dania beach to Miami until an opportunity became available to work on a bigger charter yacht in the Mediterranean. As a deckhand, James quickly learned how to drive tenders, operate Jet skis and all water toys while assisting with engineering and mechanical projects on board. James enjoys helping in the engine room which brings fond memories of fixing motorbikes and cars back home. After a few seasons in the Med he became first mate on a private yacht based in Moscow and Germany for the winter. James is constantly learning new skills and readjusts himself easily to work hard and shows the guests a memorable time on board .James uses his youth and enthusiasm to grow both personally and professionally by being flexible and optimistic at all times. Hobbies include canoeing, trail running, mountain biking, surfing, all kinds of water sports and anything adventurous.

ENGINEER -Raiarii (Rai) Chin Ah You
Rai is French and obtained a Degree in Mathematics and Informatics at the University of French Polynesia. He joined the industry as a deckhand and has cruised the Mediterranean, Caribbean, South Pacific and United states on large yachts including M/Y Legacy and Helios 3.
‘Rai’ is a young, qualified engineer and also helps out on deck and anywhere else he can. He is a hands-on crew member with positive energy and a can-do attitude! Rai is very organized and meticulous in his engine room, has great knowledge and interest in AV and IT systems which helps with providing the technical guidance needed for the yacht as well as the guest experience. Rai is a certified rescue diver and enjoys driving the tender, going fishing with the guests and participating in all kinds of water sports. You will always see him with a smile and ready to help ensuring that all guests have lasting memories from their charter on board Antares.

CHIEF STEWARDESS – Sierra Storm
Sierra’s goal is to provide guests with an outstanding level of service and always with a welcoming smile. Sierra is a certified Yoga teacher, advanced mixologist, licensed Esthetician and ex owner of her own cold pressed juice company. After completing school and various courses for her chosen career path; Sierra started out as a team leader for a cleaning company, but soon her creative side plunged her into opening her own juice company. After two successful years as a business owner, she started in yachting industry which meshed with her love for traveling and hospitality. In 2015 she joined a yacht as junior stewardess and gained experience and knowledge in people skills, determination and a positive attitude. Sierra has worked on private jets and busy charter yachts, including M/Y Sweet Escape. Sierra is passionate about what she does, attentive in tune with the finer details to ensure that guests are comfortable, and happy. Sierra is optimistic and energetic and bring a positive and welcoming vibe to Antares She enjoys hiking, yoga and various water sports in her free time.

DECKHAND -Scotty Nethersole
Scotty is originally from Zimbabwe and he grew up on his family farm in Lake Kariba. At an early age Scotty loved the water and was an avid fisherman. As soon as he could begin working he began leading fishing trips and working with all kinds of water sports. This lead him into the love of Scuba diving and he worked at one of the most prestigious dive companies in South Africa. At only twenty years of age, this young man is a certified dive instructor with more than 500+ dives under his belt. He has certified dive groups of up to 11 people and can arrange for this on board Antares as well. Scotty truly enjoys every dive as if it is the first time in the underwater world and looks forward to introducing guests on board Antares to this as well. In addition to his love of the water, Scotty has also always been into all kinds of sports and was an international field hockey player for Zimbabwe. Scotty loves the outdoors and is friendly by nature, adventurous and always smiling.

CHEF- Francis Johnson
From an early age Francis has fond memories of family gatherings revolving around the dinner table. His love and inquisitive nature for exploring the world has enabled him to excel as a chef, gaining knowledge, flavors and techniques from many different countries. The experience from working in top Michelin restaurants in London was invaluable. High pressure kitchens where attention to detail and only the best products were used, elevated his cooking abilities. As an experienced and top culinary trained chef, he joined the yachting industry back in 2012, using his experience on land to further his career as a yacht chef. Francis is a good team player, organized and always willing to go the extra mile. Whether you wish for lunch to be served in an informal family style or a fancy 7 course dinner, whatever your preference or diet requirements, Francis is at hand to deliver to your every need.

SECOND STEWARDESS- Ana Trejo
Ana joins the Antares crew with fresh eyes trained to see beauty and a ready to succeed attitude. Ana grew up in the cosmopolitan of Mexico City, a very busy place. All the while dreaming one day she would live by the ocean.
Her keen eye for balance and beauty led her to makeup artistry after high school. She began her career working for one of the most famous TV stations in Mexico, TV Azteca. She developed a sharp eye for detail and love of working in the VIP sector. Her work has been published in many fashion magazines. An unexpected recommendation from a friend led her to make her sea dreams a reality. Ana has worked consistently for the past two years, for some very famous people. Her favorite tasks as a stewardess are creating lovely table-scapes, funky cocktails and maintaining a pristine environment.