LADY J

Captain: John Donahue

CAPTAIN
JOHN DONAHUE
Captain John developed his love for boating from the shores of Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio. He began sailing competitively and fishing from his earliest years. The passion followed him to Connecticut along with a love of all competitive sports. Two weeks after finishing at The University of Connecticut his professional yachting career began. Captain John started as an engineer in the industry, ultimately supervising the construction of three vessels as an owner's representative. John has spent thirty years now as a professional yacht crewmember. He has cruised extensively in the Atlantic, Pacific and Caribbean oceans, making friends with locals and guests all along the way. Captain John holds many certifications to make your charter fun and safe. He has a 1600/3000 Ton Master of Oceans License. Celestial navigation, medical training, firefighting and ship's security are a few other pertinent qualifications.

FIRST OFFICER
JARRYD VERMAAK
Jarryd grew up on Durban Beach in South Africa. He spent 6 years in hospitality where he assisted a successful cocktail franchise and opened several stores across South Africa. During this time he competed in flaring competitions (think Tom Cruise in Cocktail) and studied a Masters in Bartending. He also has a degree in Marketing and a diploma in Advertising/Brand Management. Jarryd started yachting in 2009 and since then he has completed five Atlantic crossings and sailed around the Caribbean, Bahamas, U.S.A, Mediterranean, and the Gulf of Mexico totaling around 60,000+nm. Jarryd currently holds the chief mate position and is working towards his Master license. He enjoys exploring the outdoors, traveling, adventures, diving, surfing and long boarding.

CHIEF ENGINEER
ROBERT BUCHAR
Robert Buchar hails from New Jersey, USA and currently holds a Y4 Engineering license from the MCA and a 100GT Captain’s license from the US Coast Guard. At the age of 24, Bobby moved to the beach and started working for his brother as a Marine Diesel Mechanic. This exposure resulted in a love for the ocean and a desire to become a full time Marine Engineer. Bobby quickly moved from being land based to working full time on yachts. He initially started working in design and construction for a boat building company out of New Jersey, and then joined a 75' Viking Sport fish boat as Captain/Engineer, cruising from New York to South Florida between 2007 and 2010. Bobby has never looked back and has concentrated on his career as an engineer with over 13 years in the business and having completed multiple trans-Atlantic crossings. Bobby's other interests include fishing and off-road mountain biking.

CHEF
MICHAEL POWERS
Michael Powers grew up in Melbourne, Australia. He began cooking in his family’s cafe and discovered a real passion for food. Michael started his chef’s apprenticeship in 2002 and spent four years working in award winning kitchens around Melbourne and Sydney where he learned the French Cuisine.
In 2006 he embarked on a new adventure travelling the world. Michael moved to London where he worked as a Head Chef for a large, outdoor catering company. The lure of working whilst travelling drew Michael into the yachting world. The past nine years has seen him exploring the globe- his favorite destination being the Northwest Passage. Michael uses his travels to discover, experience, and incorporate new and exotic cuisines into his menus. His strengths include: French, Mediterranean, Asian (Thai/Japanese), Italian, Mexican, and Modern Australian. Michael’s passions include surfing, diving, football and photography.

CHIEF STEWARDESS
SHARYLINE BANSI
Sharyline (Shary) was born in Durban, South Africa. She lived in England for two years before joining the cruise ship industry, as an Assistant Spa Manager / Beauty Therapist, and has since visited over 134 beautiful cities around the world. She easily transitioned into the yachting industry with her exceptional service levels and attention to detail. Shary will surprise you with fun theme night parties, beautiful table decorations and is dedicated to making your stay as pleasant and unforgettable as possible. In her spare time, Shary enjoys staying active, traveling, reading, and music.

BOSUN
ANDREW PRETORIUS
Andrew was born and raised in Pinetown, which is a small coastal town in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Living on the coast has instilled a huge passion for the ocean through activities such as surf-ski, body boarding and shore side fishing. Andy started his yachting career in 2011 and has since obtained his PADI Divemaster along with his maritime studies. He hopes to achieve the OOW 3,000 ton license and to begin training in Mixed Gas Technical Diving. Andrew has done 3 Atlantic crossings and a crossing from Malta to Singapore. Andrew is excited for his new adventure on Lady J and he is happiest when improving and sharing his knowledge to show our gusts the time of their lives!

SECOND STEWARDESS
MAXINE BARLETT
Max was born and raised in South Africa where she studied a three-year diploma course in Event Management. With her love for the outdoors and the ocean, she was drawn into the yachting industry. Since 2015, Max has cruised the East Coast of the USA, Bahamas and Mediterranean and has lent her expertise and hospitality skills to help create memorable guest experiences. She is responsible for accommodating guest needs, maintaining the highest standard of the interior, table presentation, flower arrangements, laundry, housekeeping, service and bartending. In her spare time, Max enjoys running, hiking, photography, dancing, swimming and cooking.

DECKHAND
DIMITRY RUSSENBERG
Dimitry was born and raised in southern Connecticut the eldest child of Russian immigrants. An avid athlete growing up, he spent most of his summers as a boy sailing competitively all along the US Atlantic Seaboard. After graduating from high school, Dimitry enlisted in the US Marine Corps Infantry and successfully completed 2 combat tours in Iraq and the Persian Gulf. After military service, he completed his studies at UConn and worked in manufacturing before relocating to South Florida and entered the yachting industry in Spring 2015. Dimitry has mainly worked on yachts from 60-74m, and has been fortunate enough to cruise the Mediterranean, eastern Canada, Central America, Alaska, South Pacific, and SE Asia. He enjoys all facets of boat life and the thrilling aspects of charter trips. He looks forward to lending his seasoned experience and passion for world-class service as the newest member of the Lady J crew.

THIRD STEWARDESS
ANDRA RUIZ
Andra grew up in America’s midwest in a small town in Ohio. After graduating college, she found herself in the big city of Los Angeles, California working at a Public Relations Agency, working with clients from all over the world. After getting to travel to some of her clients for work, she knew she wanted to make travel at the top of her priorities. Now Andra enjoys working and traveling the world by sea and meeting new people. Andra is always ready to help and make your experience an unforgettable experience.