CHARTER YACHT MAKIN' MEMORIES

Captain Name: Steven Seiler

Captain Nationality: South African

Number of Crew: 2

MEET THE CREW:
Captain: Steven Seiler
Chef/First Mate: Melody Van Aardt

Captain Steven is a naturalist with a passion for exploration and adventure. Some of Steven’s earliest memories are fishing from his father’s boat in Cape Town, South Africa and around the Cape of Good Hope. His passion for the ocean led him to qualify as a captain, and his interest in the environment and exploration lead to him obtain a degree in Conservation Biology and specialize in outdoor adventure and academic travels. He enjoys rock climbing, free diving for abalone and lobster, spearfishing and surfing, and has an interest in anthropology and natural history. He started sailing dinghies at a young age, however, his most enjoyable sailing experience includes yacht deliveries from Cape Town to the Caribbean and Mediterranean. For Steven the perfect holiday is exploring pristine places with enjoyable company, swimming, sailing, enjoying exquisite food and soaking up the beauty around you. He has brought his love and passion for people and the environment to the waters of the Caribbean.

Melody and Steven have been together for 21 years and they share closely many common interests. They met at university as students while studying Conservation Biology.

Melody’s keen interest for the environment, adventure and anthropology have taken her to remote places where she has enjoyed the opportunity of experiencing, first-hand, the culinary experience of different cultures. She has extensive experience in the culinary and hospitality industry and has also guided adventure and academic travels all over Southern Africa, keeping her clients well-nourished along the way.
Being an artist with a creative flare and a keen eye for beauty, Melody brings passion and creativity to her preparation and presentation of delicious meals. She enjoys fresh, locally sourced produce, playing with color, textures, and tastes. Growing up in Africa she is also an expert on the grill (braai) and preparing soul warming, hearty meals.
Having lived on the coast all her life she has an unparalleled love for water, and when not cooking you will find her playing in the ocean. This couple truly have had an adventurous life together with their favorite pastime being preparing food in pristine places, and most often on the open fire. So, don’t be surprised if you find Melody grilling a lobster or a fish pulled straight from the ocean just minutes before.

Preparing, presenting and enjoying delicious meals and exploring the beautiful, natural setting of the Caribbean is what this loving couple will turn into an art form.