TOP FIVE II

Johannes Buys

South Africa · English

The distinguished yacht captain began his yachting career in 1996. Growing up on a farm in South Africa’s Free State, Joe was easily drawn to the yachting lifestyle. He began his yachting career as an engineer and eventually became a yacht captain in 2002. Joe’s natural navigation and mechanical skills combined with his positive attitude make him a true asset to the yachting industry. His dedication to yachting is seen in his many achievements, including obtaining his Y3 Chief Engineer license. These certifications have provided an impressive foundation for his yachting career. Today, Joe holds 20 years of captaincy under his belt. Boasting a Master Y4 3000 GT MCA Captain’s license, Joe has travelled through the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean, along with most coastal waters. Wellversed in navigating the world’s oceans, Captain Johannes is sure to provide the ultimate yachting experience.

Grant Heunis

South Africa · English

Grant grew up in East London, South Africa and joined Top Five II from a well-known and successful charter yacht - M/Y Elysian. Grant began his career as a Deckhand giving him an invaluable understanding of each position onboard. He gained his MCA Master 3000 Ton License in 2012 and took over as full-time Captain of M/Y Passion. Having acted as a relief Captain for some time already, this was a smooth transition for Grant, and he has since exceeded all expectations in the role. Grant has extensive cruising experience in the Caribbean, Bahamas, East Coast of the USA, Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Aegean waters. Grant is a qualified PADI rescue diver and RYA Jet Ski Instructor. A keen sportsman, having competed for his provincial team in water polo, he enjoys the outdoors, surfing, keeping fit and hiking.

Rob Fuller

United Kingdom · English

Chef Rob has been a Chef for many years & has travelled all over the world. Originally from England, where he was formally trained in the culinary arts, Rob seized the opportunity to be a Sous chef at the prestigious Ritz de Paris. From Paris he joined the yachting industry where his culinary knowledge has served him well. Mediterranean cuisine to Japanese cuisine is quite a diversification in the culinary world. Having worked with employers such as the Fayyad family, Danielle Steele and Giorgio Armani in their residences, villas and yachts, Chef Rob can supply high-end culinary masterpieces for the charter and guests. Chef Rob understands the diverse requirements for the client regardless of location or resources, creating menus from local ingredients is a fulfilling challenge.

Robert Solomon

South Africa · English

Rob was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. Having grown up on a lake, Rob spent all day in and around the water. He has a strong passion for all water sports and loves being outdoors. Rob joined the industry in 2003 and now has his Chief Mate 3000 qualification. He has worked on a variety of vessels over the years and has cruised the Adriatic, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, east coast of Africa and east coast of the USA. He was a crew member on the first Top Five so when the new build was commissioned, he jumped at the opportunity to join the program again. His vast skillset and very friendly nature make him a great asset to the team. Rob loves anything that involves being outdoors and is an avid hiker. After summiting Kilimanjaro, he is planning to do the seven peaks culminating in Everest. The next peak on the list is Aconcagua in Argentina.

Luke De Preez

South Africa · English

Luke grew up on the East Coast of South Africa and has a passion for fishing and diving and often combines the two to spearfish. Luke completed a degree in financial management and shortly after graduating he went and taught English in Vietnam for a year. Luke then decided to pursue a career in something that complimented his love for being at sea which led him to the yachting industry. Luke holds his Chief Mate 3000 is a master tender driver.

Jeremy Collister

Jeremy was raised in Auckland, New Zealand. Growing up he could be found either on the water or pulling apart anything he could get his hands on; this combination led him to a career as a Yacht Engineer. Jeremy has his SVE 9000kW / 3000 GT Engineering license. Jeremy has cruised the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and the Pacific oceans. In his spare time, he enjoys sailing, kitesurfing and exploring. His early love for sailing helped him understand and respect the ocean in all forms. This led him to sailing from Italy to Australia on his 44ft sailboat, much of it single-handed.

Sean weeks

New Zealand · English

Sean was born and raised in the coastal town, Auckland New Zealand. After leaving school he did a technical apprenticeship and attended university. After completion of his studies, he travelled to North America with friends and ended up starting his yachting career while in Florida. He cruised the East Cost of the US crossed the Atlantic Ocean and cruised the Mediterranean whilst continuing his studies. Once Qualified he joined a world cruising charter sail yacht doing 20k miles per a year. Sean has his MCA Chief Engineer 3000GT and a diploma in Electrical Engineering. Having spent the last few years in Florida he now lives here permanently with his long-term girlfriend. Sean likes to spend his free time outdoors, either on the mountains in the snow or biking as well as trying different foods from different cultures. He loves the ocean, boating, fishing, and sailing as well as engineering science and modern and historical engineering.

Nico Trueter

South Africa · English

Nico was born in a small town called Riversdale in South Africa. Nico developed a real passion for sport, especially rugby from a very young age. Building on his love for rugby, he always enjoys; swimming, water sports, hiking and running. Nico studied at the University of Stellenbosch, where he qualified as an accountant. He returned to his hometown to complete his three years of articles. Once he had qualified, he realised that being tied down behind a desk and crunching numbers was not for him, so in 2018 he took to the seas, where he could be physically and mentally stimulated and has never looked back. Nico is learning as much as he can to build a firm foundation as he climbs the ladder to become a captain, he holds his Officer of the Watch ticket. Nico can impressively do a handstand starting from a seated position.

Rikus Van Zyl

South Africa · English

Rikus grew up in George, a small town in South Africa. As a teenager he spent his summer holidays working as a lifeguard on the numerous beaches in the area and it was during this time that he discovered his love for the ocean. After graduating from High School, Rikus knew that yachting would be the perfect fit for his future. He obtained the necessary qualifications to start this new journey and thus his career in this industry took shape. Rikus has obtained his AEC Qualification which qualifies him to assist the engineer, and he am working towards obtaining his Second Engineer Certification. During his free time, he enjoys hiking and exploring new areas, especially in nature as well as reading and learning new skills that he can apply to his professional and personal life. A fun fact – Rikus is a qualified custom knife maker and during his free time he enjoys making these custom knives from scratch.

Bianca Bambrough

Since stepping into the world of yachting in 2016, Bianca has brought energy, professionalism, and an adventurous spirit to every vessel she's worked on. Growing up along the coast, the ocean has always been a central part of her life. It was her deep-rooted love for the sea, coupled with a natural wanderlust, that inspired her to pursue a career in yachting. Bianca thrives in dynamic environments and brings a proactive, hands-on approach to her role as Chief Stewardess. When she's not delivering exceptional service onboard, you'll find her outdoors — hiking, running, surfing, diving, or practicing Pilates and yoga. Her zest for exploration has taken her backpacking through Central and South America and traveling extensively across the globe. Passionate about health and wellness, Bianca is currently studying for a degree in Health Sciences with a focus on Nutrition and Dietetics.

Robyn Dormehl

Robyn is from Johannesburg, South Africa; her passion for the ocean began long before yachting, having started her career as a PADI Divemaster, where she developed a lifelong love for marine life, adventure, and exploration. Robyn has gained experience aboard both private and charter vessels, cruising some of the world's most remarkable destinations including the Caribbean and Mediterranean, the fjords of Norway, the coastlines of Costa Rica and Panama, and the waters of the Galápagos Islands — experiences that have further fueled her passion for travel and life at sea. Known for her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and adaptability, Robyn thrives in fast-paced environments and takes pride in delivering exceptional guest experiences. Beyond yachting, Robyn is a certified Personal Trainer, an avid runner, and a qualified PADI Divemaster. She is passionate about health, fitness, hospitality, and adventure, and is always looking for opportunities to learn, grow, and challenge herself. Robyn views yachting as a long-term career and looks forward to continuing her journey while embracing new destinations, experiences, and opportunities along the way.

Zoe-Blu Mottram

Zoë-Blu was raised in South Africa, having spent most of her life in and around the theatre. She graduated Cum Laude from Stellenbosch University majoring in Theatre and the Performing Arts. She then went on to dance professionally in an African Contemporary dance company. Zoë-Blu is a trained yoga teacher and masseuse. Her love for the ocean, adventure, and creating meaningful connections is what drew her into the yachting industry. With her versatile skill set and warm energy, Zoë-Blu ensures that guests leave feeling refreshed, inspired and truly cared for.

Bianca Mulham

Bianca grew up in Sydney, Australia, where her love for the outdoors and active lifestyle began. After completing her nursing degree and gaining experience in customer service, she was drawn to the yachting industry for its blend of travel, teamwork, and guest service. Since beginning her yachting career at the end of 2024, she has worked as both a stewardess and nurse while cruising throughout the Asia-Pacific region. In her free time, Bianca enjoys swimming, skiing, and spending time with her family, friends, and dogs.

Amy Mockey

South Africa · English

Amy is from Cape Town , South Africa. After finishing her BCom Law Degree and spending time in corporate and an Airbnb hostess, she joined yachting. She loves being in nature, hiking and being by the ocean. She is qualified in Holistic masseuse and spent 7 years as a dancer competing in Europe. In her spare time, she enjoys long walks and watching sunsets.

Alice

Alice is a British Stewardess and Spa Therapist who grew up in Colchester, UK, where she qualified as a Spa Therapist and began her wellness career in a land-based spa before moving to sea with Norwegian Cruise Line, providing luxury spa services. Her passion for the ocean, travel, and luxury hospitality naturally led her into the yachting industry. Having cruised the North Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico, Alice brings valuable experience alongside her qualifications. She takes pride in creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere for guests and is known for her attentive, thoughtful, and warm nature. In her free time, Alice enjoys staying active through long walks, running, and gym sessions, and loves travelling and meeting new people. Outside of her core spa qualifications, she has completed additional specialist courses in product knowledge and sensitive care to further enhance guest wellbeing and elevate the onboard experience.

Philip Cronje

Philip is a passionate and detail-oriented sous chef with a strong background in restaurants. He thrives in fast-paced kitchen environments, ensuring smooth operations and exceptional food quality. His expertise lies in menu development, staff training, and maintaining high culinary standards.

Nicholas Pain

Nic grew up in Newcastle, Australia, practically raised in the ocean. With a childhood spent surfing, fishing, and playing every sport imaginable, it was only natural that he'd follow his uncle and older brother into the superyacht industry. Nic thrives in the outdoors, and when he's not on deck, you'll likely find him in the surf, teeing off on a golf course, hitting hiking trails, or chasing the next adrenaline rush through sport. Sport-obsessed and always active, he brings that same energy and positivity to his role onboard. Known for his sharp sense of humor and lighthearted spirit, Nic has a knack for keeping morale high — even when the job gets tough. At the same time, he's professional and a natural leader. An experienced diver, he's dived in some of the world's most breathtaking underwater sites. His passion for capturing moments has also led him into photography and videography.

Dillon Slier

Dillon was born in Cape Town, South Africa, where he grew up wakeboarding on the Vaal River in his spare time and enjoying lots of rugby. He also took up diving, and used that passion to achieve his divemaster qualification. He loves traveling and taking on new challenges, so straight after school he headed for the Mediterranean to begin his yachting career. He hopes to follow in his father's footsteps and be a Chief Engineer on the high seas.

John Satri

Born in Guatemala and raised in New York from the age of 10, John graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a degree in Business, but it was his early hands-on experience at a yacht club that set him on a maritime path. John began his career working in the marine facilities department, where he honed his skills launching and hauling boats, maintaining a fleet of power and sailboats, and steadily earning certifications along the way. He became a licensed launch operator and eventually founded his own business focused on cleaning, maintaining, and operating private vessels throughout the Long Island Sound, gaining valuable experience and deepening his love for life on the water.

Keagan AAdendorf

Keagan grew up in a small coastal surfing town in South Africa and has spent most of his life around the ocean. Throughout his younger years, he became a champion rower, qualified surfer, and avid fisherman, with a clear passion for the sea and outdoor lifestyle. His dedication and drive, both academically and athletically, including representing South Africa internationally in rowing, have carried through into his professional career. Keagan looks forward to creating memorable experiences and unforgettable moments for the guests out on the water.

JP Brits

Born and raised in South Africa, JP developed a deep connection to the ocean from a young age. His passion for marine life runs deep, shaped by years spent exploring the shoreline and diving beneath the waves. JP also has years of hands-on carpentry experience, having worked for a furniture manufacturing company prior to his professional diving career.