Amber Claxton — Chief steward/ess (South African)
Previous Yachts: M/Y Figurati, M/Y Lady M, M/Y G-Force
Hobbies: Yoga, going to the beach and photography
Meet Amber, born and raised in sunny South Africa. With a background in high-end service from one of Cape Town's premier fine-dining establishments, Amber's journey into the yachting industry was a natural progression, driven by her love for people and the ocean.
Now in her ninth season in the industry and third year aboard Motor Yacht Hana, Amber runs the vessel alongside her partner, Captain Lars. Together, they form a dynamic duo balancing expert seamanship with attentive guest care to ensure smooth, elegant voyages from start to finish.
Amber enjoys diving into crystal-clear waters, hiking along scenic coastlines, or discovering hidden beaches. She’s also an avid photographer, yoga enthusiast, and lover of new destinations—always seeking inspiration in the beauty
around her.
With Amber leading guest service, you can expect heartfelt hospitality and an experience curated with joy and care, ensuring every moment is truly
unforgettable.
Jonathan VDW — First Officer (South African)
Meet Jonathan, our new Bosun, hailing from the vibrant coastal city of Durban, South Africa. With an adventurous spirit and a deep passion for the ocean, he has spent the past five years carving out a career in yachting. When he’s not ensuring the deck is in top shape, you’ll find Jonathan riding the waves on his surfboard, shredding powder on his snowboard, or strumming away on his guitar— a newfound passion he’s eager to master. Jonathan’s creative eye extends to drone piloting and videography, capturing breathtaking moments from a fresh perspective. Onboard Hana, he’ll also be taking charge of our social media, sharing the magic of our journeys with the world. With a strong work ethic and an eye for adventure, Jonathan is excited to step into his role as Bosun, leading the deck team and learning from the bridge crew.
Ryan Carr — Head Chef (British)
Previous Yachts: n/a
Hobbies: Gardening, foraging and exploring food destinations
Meet Ryan, whose culinary journey began in the northeast of England, sparked by a childhood holiday in France where his fascination with local cuisine ignited a passion that would shape his career.
Through numerous internships, including at the renowned 11 Madison Park in New York, USA, and stints in Michelin-starred restaurants across the globe, Ryan honed his skills. He even ventured to run his own restaurant, ELEVEN, in
Northumberland, UK, specialising in natural produce and open-fire cooking.
This marks Ryan's second year at sea, and he's embraced the challenge with confidence. With a deep-seated love for food, whether fishing, foraging, or cultivating his own vegetables, Ryan epitomises the ingredient-led chef. His
culinary philosophy revolves around creating dishes that prioritise flavour over complexity, a skill he effortlessly showcases onboard.
Kourtney McKay — Stewardess (British)
Meet Kourtney, born on the rugged coastline of Cornwall, where her deep connection to the sea and coastal living first began. With a strong background in fine dining hospitality, she developed a passion for creating elevated guest experiences, later expanding into bespoke event styling and curated, personalised moments. Holding a degree in Psychology, she brings a thoughtful and intuitive approach to guest care, naturally anticipating needs and creating a calm, considered onboard atmosphere. Since entering yachting two years ago, she has combined her hospitality experience, creativity, and love of the ocean to deliver seamless, polished service.
Montana Smith — Stewardess (TBA)
TBA
Baylee Longstaff — Stewardess (TBA)
TBA
Ryan Sandwith — Captain (South African)
Previous Yachts: M/Y Shake N Bake, M/Y Tortoise
Hobbies: Rock climbing, hiking and camping
Meet Ryan, whose passion for the ocean was shaped along the sun-kissed coastline of Durban, South Africa. From a young age, he was drawn to the rhythm of the sea and the freedom of the great outdoors. After earning his B.Com degree from the University of Pretoria, Ryan set sail on his yachting journey in 2015—a path that quickly transformed into a lifelong calling.
Now in his seventh year aboard Motor Yacht Hana, Ryan plays a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of the vessel while delivering an exceptional guest experience. His deep knowledge of the yacht and commitment to
excellence help create a sense of comfort, adventure, and safety on board.
Ryan is your go-to guide for unforgettable tender cruises to hidden caves, secluded bays, and crystal-clear lagoons. A true waterman at heart, Ryan brings skill, enthusiasm, and local insight to every excursion.
Off duty, he fuels his love for nature through hiking, rock climbing, surfing, and exploring the outdoors—always seeking his next adventure.
Noelia Cufre — Chief steward/ess (Argentinian)
Previous Yachts: Previous Yachts: M/Y Acqua, S/Y Independence of Herm
Hobbies: Swimming, pottery and spending time in nature
Meet Noelia, originally from the picturesque province of Salta in northern Argentina, where colourful mountains adorn the valley. With a six-year honours degree in nutrition, Noelia is passionate about healthy living and wellbeing, a trait she brings to her role aboard Hana.
Noelia ventured into the world of superyachts in 2021, driven by her desire to travel and explore new horizons. Her favourite region thus far is the Mediterranean, where she has discovered the beauty of its diverse landscapes and rich culture.
Outside of her duties onboard, Noelia is an accomplished swimmer, having competed at a national level, and served as a professional lifeguard in Argentina for eight years. With her vibrant spirit and dedication to guest satisfaction, Noelia ensures that every moment aboard Motor Yacht Hana is filled with warmth and hospitality.
— Chase tender driver
Matias Rico — Bosun (Argentinian)
Meet Matias, born and raised in Buenos Aires, where his passion for sport—and particularly football—started at a very young age. Growing up close to the water, surrounded by sailing boats and small craft on the Río de la Plata, he developed an early connection to the sea that naturally evolved into his career today. Before entering yachting, Matias spent several years dedicated to competitive sport, bringing strong discipline and team spirit both on and off the field. His love for travel and new experiences led him to explore opportunities abroad, ultimately guiding him into the yachting industry in 2021.With several years of experience on board high‑profile yachts, Matias has developed solid experience on deck and now leads as Bosun on Hana. He is known for his hardworking attitude, positive mindset, and ability to keep operations running smoothly while supporting both crew and guests with professionalism and ease. Always ready to lend a hand—whether assisting with water activities, deck operations, or simply ensuring guests feel at ease—Matias plays a key role in delivering a seamless charter experience. A passionate Formula 1 fan, he has attended the Barcelona Grand Prix and closely follows Argentine sporting talent. With Matias on board, guests can expect positive energy, a big smile, and a consistent 100% effort.
Devan Stroebel — Deckhand (British)
Meet Devan, originally from Blouberg, Cape Town. Surrounded by beaches, he spent his early years bodyboarding, sailing, and fishing aboard his father’s boat—experiences that laid the foundation for his maritime career. Devan further developed his discipline and independence during his time at boarding school, qualities that continue to guide him in his professional life. Early experience across hospitality, farming, and large‑scale event operations—including the 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship—helped build his adaptability and resilience in fast‑paced environments. After completing his training, Devan moved to Europe to begin his yachting journey, gaining initial experience on board motor yachts before joining Hana in October 2025. Since coming on board, he has embraced the strong sense of teamwork and the close‑knit “family” atmosphere that defines the crew. With a steady, hands‑on approach and a genuine enthusiasm for the role, Devan contributes to the smooth day‑to‑day operation of the yacht while helping create a relaxed, safe, and enjoyable environment for guests. An active and outdoors‑driven individual, Devan enjoys staying fit and making the most of his surroundings at sea, bringing energy and reliability to every charter.
Lars Viljoen — Captain (British)
Previous Yachts: M/Y G-Force, M/Y Princess Lily, M/Y Cecciene, M/Y NOA VII
Hobbies: Motorsports, professional racing and yoga
Meet Captain Lars, a maritime prodigy hailing from seafaring Devon, England. Raised by a passionate yachtsman, Lars's affinity for the ocean blossomed from a young age, setting the course for his remarkable journey in the yachting world
at just 17. Lars swiftly ascended the ranks to command his first vessel at the age of 23.
Beyond the helm, Lars has built a parallel career as a professional racing car driver. He has raced GT cars on world-renowned circuits and proudly competed at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. Lars dreams of one day taking part in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans—a goal that reflects his relentless drive and pursuit of excellence both on land and at sea.
With his calm leadership, wealth of experience, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Captain Lars ensures every voyage aboard is a seamless journey of
elegance and discovery along the breathtaking Mediterranean and Adriatic coastlines.
Marek Kotkowiak — Chief engineer (Polish)
Previous Yachts: M/Y Kamalaya
Hobbies: Horse riding, history and reading
Meet Marek, our esteemed Engineer and the most seasoned member of the Hana crew since joining in 2007. Marek's fascination with the sea was ignited in his youth through novels about maritime life, inspiring him to pursue a career at
sea. He completed his Maritime course at university in 1990, fulfilling his dream of becoming a sailor.
With a rich background in the Merchant Navy spanning 19 years, Marek brings a wealth of experience and a strong work ethic to his role onboard.
Outside of his maritime duties, Marek is a true outdoorsman, finding solace in horse trekking across Poland's countryside. His passion for history is evident in his love for reading historical books, and his deep knowledge enriches the crew's understanding of world events.
Marek's expertise, work ethic, and diverse interests make him an invaluable member of the Hana team, ensuring smooth sailing and unforgettable experiences for all onboard.
Adam Lang — Chief engineer (Polish)
Meet Adam, a South African-born engineer, has spent over two decades living and breathing life at sea. With a natural curiosity for how things work, he found his calling in the engine rooms of some of the world’s finest superyachts—and hasn’t looked back since. Now based in Palma de Mallorca, Adam brings a calm, focused approach and a deep understanding of the systems that keep Hana running smoothly. Known for his reliability and quiet professionalism, he takes pride in the role he plays behind the scenes, ensuring every journey is seamless and stress-free for those on board.
Leo Maple — Chef (British)
Chef Leo grew up in Surrey, where his love of cooking took root early — spending time in the kitchen with his mum and learning that food has a way of bringing people together.
He started his professional journey at 19, stepping into the world of Michelin-starred restaurants and spending the next eight years sharpening his craft. Those years gave him not just technical skill, but a real sense of creativity and discipline that still shapes how he cooks today. Now, with 18 years of kitchen experience behind him, he's stepping into his first season in yachting, bringing a solid foundation and genuine enthusiasm for this next chapter.
When he's not cooking, Leo loves getting out into nature, long walks with his dogs, and pushing himself to try new things.
