The Devocean

Captain: Ben Baylis

CAPTAIN: Ben Baylis - British
Joined Summer 2018
Ben has 32 years’ experience on mega yachts, including 19 years as Captain on yachts ranging from 25m to 50m which included the very popular charter yacht M/Y ENTOURAGE where he spent 4 years of super busy seasons in the Mediterranean and Caribbean and had many repeat charter clients. Prior to that M/Y GIORGIA where he spent 5 extremely successful years, building up an excellent charter reputation with both clients and brokers. Previous yachts have included M/Y Sealyon, where he added to his already excellent charter reputation, he then worked for the same owner for 4 years on M/Y Serendipity of Cayman and M/Y Serendipity II, then moving to M/Y Tsalta for the same owner for 4 years. Ben is a very hands-on captain with extensive knowledge of all areas of yacht management and organization. His personal interests include kite surfing, windsurfing, water-skiing, wake-boarding and sailing, as well as being an advanced open water scuba diver.
Ben is a 5* Captain – one of the best! Hailed for his professionalism and welcoming nature, recently described as calm, fantastic with his crew and so hands on.
An absolute pro, friendly, communicative and a great asset to any charter.
Languages: English, French

CHIEF OFFICER: Lynton Dedekind - South African - Returning February 2020
Joined Winter 2019
Lynton was deckhand then moved up to Bosun on Entourage completing 2 seasons aboard (2017/18). He returned to SA to complete is IYT 200ton Captains license before joining The Devocean as 1st Mate to continue to work with Captain Ben. Prior to joining the yachting industry Lynton worked in the family business a Bed and Breakfast in South Africa so he has many years of hospitality under his belt and experience of dealing with clients of various nationalities. When Lynton is not busy onboard he enjoys deep sea fishing, water sports and photography.
Languages: English

CHEF: TBC - Seasonal position full details coming Spring 2020

CHIEF STEWARDESS: TBC - Seasonal position full details coming Spring 2020

2ND STEWARDESS: Jessica Cunliffe Steel - New Zealander - Returning February 2020
Joined Winter 2019
Jessica made the gentle transition to the yachting industry after accruing 5 years’ experience in hospitality in Australia and her native country New Zealand. With ambitions to be “a top-level stewardess” and her 2 years’ experience so far, Jessica is showing vital signs of achieving that potential. When timings and schedules permit, Jessica loves hiking, surfing, reading and animals and she is equally passionate about travel, adventure activities, international cuisine and experiencing different cultures. Jessica was 3rd Stew on
Entourage working with Captain Ben and moves up to 2nd Stew on M/Y The Devocean.
Languages: English

ENGINEER: Brian Smith - Australian
Joined Winter 2019
Brian has 30 years of sea experience including 20 years professional experience as a Captain and Engineer. Prior to this he has 10 years Mechanical Engineer experience in the building industry (Hotels) as a design and project manager engineer. Having worked on large yachts for the past 10 years Brian brings a wealth of experience to M/Y The Devocean and with his calm and relaxed nature he is popular both with guests and crew alike. Brian is also an avid sailor with over 25 years of sailing and 80,000 miles under his belt.
Languages: English

DECKHAND: CHAD MARX – South African
Joined Summer 2018
In 2016 South African born Chad started his yachting career as deckhand on the 64ft ferry boat Jester which carried upto 190 passengers, later joining another ferry boat and earlier this year a deep-sea tuna charter boat.
Chad then did a move to superyachts and joined M/Y Entourage where he gained valuable experience in night anchor watches and tender driving. Chad is excited to have joined M/Y The Devocean to further utilize his skills and progress within the industry.
Hobbies include: Surfing, hiking and travelling.
Languages: English