MARIA THERESE

Garin Jordaan is an experienced South African Captain whose yachting career began at the age of 16. Having progressed through Bosun, First Mate, and Captain roles, he brings experience aboard sailing and motor yachts ranging from 15m to 72m across the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

Garin holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore 200T qualification, STCW certification, ENG1 Medical, PDSD, DSC Radio Certificate, and a 9m Power Boat Certificate. His practical expertise includes navigation, passage planning, vessel maintenance, electrical and plumbing repairs, technical troubleshooting, tender operations, and watersports instruction.

His most recent command was aboard the 15m sailing catamaran Libra 50, completing a busy charter season in the British Virgin Islands. Working within a two-person crew, he managed vessel operations, safety, maintenance, guest itineraries, and charter turnarounds.

With a hands-on leadership style and a resourceful approach to problem-solving, Garin combines attentive guest service with a strong commitment to safety and vessel care. His experience in small charter teams allows him to deliver personalised onboard experiences while keeping operations running smoothly.

Layla Demicheli is an experienced Yacht Chef with five seasons at sea across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Miami. Growing up in Brazil, she developed an early passion for cooking before completing professional culinary training at Instituto SENAC. Her cuisine is rooted in Mediterranean flavours, complemented by Brazilian influences and a strong passion for Asian cuisine.

Layla has worked aboard yachts up to 106ft, progressing through Cook, Chef/Stewardess, and Chef positions. Her experience includes M/Y Alpha 106, Sunseeker 84 and 64, Vanquish yachts, Riva 75, and Overblue 64. Her responsibilities have included menu creation, provisioning, inventory management, galley organisation, interior service, and deck and navigation support.

Her culinary approach focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients and personalised menus designed around guest preferences, destinations, and occasions. She is comfortable adapting to dietary requirements, allergies, children, and changing guest numbers while maintaining an emphasis on healthy, balanced cuisine and elegant presentation.

Elba Diaz is an experienced Chief Stewardess with a strong background in luxury Mediterranean yachting and high-end guest service. Her experience spans a range of motor yachts, including Ferretti Custom Line, Alpha Custom Line, Mangusta, Azimut, Absolut, and Princess vessels. She is currently listed on her CV as Chief Stewardess aboard the Sunreef 68 M/Y MARIA THERESE in the British Virgin Islands.

Throughout her career, Elba has worked as Chief Stewardess, Sole Stewardess, and Deckhand/Stewardess, managing interior operations, personalised guest service, housekeeping, laundry, provisioning, budgeting, inventory, and meal and beverage service. Her experience also includes deck support, tender operations, navigation watches, anchoring, and line handling, giving her strong versatility across departments.

Elba holds STCW qualifications including Security Awareness, Survival Craft and Rescue Boat training, Advanced Fire Fighting, Basic Safety Training, and Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene for Catering. She also brings a background in interior design and decoration, strengthening her skills in presentation, table styling, event setup, and creating refined onboard environments.

Known for her calm professionalism, strong organisation, and attention to detail, Elba combines polished hospitality standards with practical deck experience to help create a seamless and welcoming experience for guests onboard.