SWEET ESCAPE

Captain: Bernard Coetzer

Captain: BERNARD COETZER
SOUTH AFRICA

Captain Bernie’s love for sailing and the ocean was instilled in him at an early age by his father, who was the commodore of the local yacht club near Cape Town. After more than a decade in the industry Bernie is a professional and reliable MCA certified Captain. He has gained extensive charter experience working onboard top-rated sailing and motoryachts of up to 200 feet. Bernie’s enthusiasm, experience and relaxed personality will ensure an unforgettable vacation for all guests onboard.


First Mate: JEAN-PIERRE MYBURG
SOUTH AFRICA

Jp comes from the sunshine city of Durban, South Africa and has been in professional yachting for 5 years. After finishing school Jp went on to get a degree in Graphic Design, a few years later, international exploration and travel beckoned. Having sailed since the age of 9, leisurely and professionally, it was an easy transition into yachting. Jp has since completed nearly 50,000 NM and 6 transatlantic crossings and can’t wait for the next long haul. He is working towards his Masters license so he could one day step into the role of Captain. He is knowledgeable and takes great care of yacht Sweet Escape and the safety of each guest, as well as their fun! Jp is an active kite surfer, downhill skate boarder, open water diver and passionate videographer, and loves creating small video clips for charter guests. Jp loves exploring the ocean and is a natural in the water. He enjoys taking guests on snorkel adventures, providing 6-star service and especially loves organizing a luxury beach setup and BBQ.


Engineer: LUIS MONTOYA
MEXICO

Luis hails from Veracruz, Mexico. He has a passion for health and fitness, fishing, scuba diving and water sports. Having studied at the Mexican Nautical Academy for 5 years, in 2007 Luis joined a commercial vessel and stayed in the industry while traveling the world. Luis is Chief Engineer Unlimited and has completed 4 Pacific crossings on board 85m vessels and 4 Atlantic crossings. The yacht industry is a natural progression for Luis, who brings his talents to Yacht Sweet Escape ensuring smooth operations, safety and comfort at all times.


Chef: ANGELIQUE COETZER
SOUTH AFRICA

Chef Angie, the multi-award winning chef, has cooked for celebrities in the most extravagant corners of the globe. Her vibrant personality fuses with her creative brilliance to create intrigue and offer a kaleidoscope of flavor in every meal. Inspired by science and a fervent passion for utilizing the freshest and most exotic local ingredients, her eloquently presented meals provide a true culinary experience.


Chief Stew: MARCELLE AUCAMP
SOUTH AFRICA

Growing up in the heart of South Africa’s Stellenbosch Winelands, Marcelle is well acquainted with fine service & scenery. Combining her passion for the ocean with her love for hospitality, Marcelle’s caring & attentive personality ensures that each guest feels relaxed and pampered. Your stay aboard Sweet Escape with Marcelle tending to your every need, is sure to be an unforgettable one.


Second Stew: KATE O’CONNELL
NEW ZEALAND

Kate hails from New Zealand. Growing up on the West Coast of Auckland, she was never too far away from the ocean. In her teen years, her uncle and aunt who worked on crewed yachts for many years filled her head with stories of sailing the Caribbean. She was enticed. A few months after completing a Bachelor of Communications majoring in Screen Production she was on a one-way flight to the British Virgin Islands to start her yachting career. Kate loves being on the water and in it. She enjoys diving, swimming, and a variety of water-sports.


Deck Stew: HAILEY ALBURY
BAHAMAS

Hailey was born and raised in the Bahamas and has a passion for the sea. She is a qualified marine engineer as well as a highly experienced PADI Dive Instructor. Her passion for diving and all things underwater is coupled with a love of fishing and traveling. Having lived in and worked in the yachting industry all her life she is an adept yachtie with a can-do attitude. With Hailey active both on-deck and in the interior, her charming smile quickly becomes a welcome familiarity with our guests. Her long-term goal is to become a yacht captain.


Deck Hand: SHERMAN TIMOTHY
DOMINICA

Sherman aka “Tanqk” moved to Antigua from Dominica when he was 19. It was here he started working at Sandals Grande Antigua as a pool attendant, and then a watersports attendant. There he was able to take advantage of the hospitality courses offered to staff every 6 months, which gave Tanqk the skills to offer guests the high level of customer service required by Sandals. The watersports offered included sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing and scuba diving. After just three years of being with the company Tanqk was asked to become one of three captains who ran the snorkeling and diving vessels. He then moved on to become the lead captain for scuba diving operations, holding that position until he joined the world of luxury yachting. With his skills, passion for the water and stellar guest service—we are lucky to have him onboard!