Aquanova Yacht Charter

Name: Ian Van Schakwyk
Nationality: South African
Position: Deckhand
Position details: Deckhand
Languages: Not specified
Description: Ian is an all-rounded South African team player, he takes pride in his work and strives to achieve only the best in all aspects. He relishes responsibility and safety for both the Vessel and Persons onboard and always ensures everyone is comfortable. Ian has a great side of banter to his charisma, his approach instills calmness and confidence as he is a naturally sociable and diligent, driven individual, Ian is lock-in and ready for his lifelong career as a seafarer.

Name: Nadini Vacari
Nationality: Italian
Position: Stewardess
Position details: 2nd Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Nadini is Half Brazilian, half Italian - with a heart as warm as my roots - She brings a welcoming, bubbly personality and strong work ethic to every role I take on. With three years of experience as a yacht stewardess and a background working in a renowned Italian cocktail bar, Nadini prides herself on creating memorable, five-star experiences for guests, always with a smile and a personal touch. She holds a degree in History and Art History, and I’m deeply passionate about culture, literature, and lifelong learning. Her love for travel has taken me to over 90 countries, giving her a strong appreciation for diverse cultures and the importance of exceptional hospitality. When she’s not onboard, you’ll find her hiking, exploring new places, or enjoying time in nature. She’s always positive, adaptable, and eager to make sure every guest feels at home—whether it’s through thoughtful service, attention to detail, or simply sharing a great conversation (and maybe a great cocktail!).

Name: Jessica Rynaski
Nationality: USA
Position: Chief steward/ess
Position details: Chief Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Jessica was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, USA where she grew an affinity for the outdoors. This love for nature, along with her natural ability to care for others, and passion for organization brought her into the yachting industry after working at a corporation and going to school for a Business degree.
She strives for excellence in all aspects of high-end hospitality, and has a passion for creating lavish tablescapes and unique experiences onboard.
Jessica has been in the industry for 7 years traveling the USA, Caribbean, Central America, and Mediterranean Sea with diverse crew from all over the globe.
In her free time you’ll find her exploring the surroundings, painting, and playing music instruments.

Name: Alex Dodon
Nationality: Ukraine
Position: Chief engineer
Position details: Engineer
Languages: Not specified
Description: Alex is a highly experienced Chief Engineer with over 15 years in the maritime industry. Originally from Ukraine, he developed his career in commercial shipping, working on large vessels and gaining extensive knowledge across a wide range of engineering systems.
Now in yachting, Alex brings a strong technical background combined with a hands-on and
solution-focused approach, ensuring all onboard systems run smoothly and reliably at all times. His meticulous attention to detail and calm, professional attitude help maintain a safe and comfortable environment for both guests and crew.
Working mostly behind the scenes, Alex plays a key role in delivering a seamless charter experience, making sure everything on board operates flawlessly so guests can simply relax and enjoy their time at sea.
In his free time, Alex enjoys traveling, exploring new destinations, and staying active. He has a passion for engineering, continuous improvement, and taking on new challenges.

Name: Tristian Dominic Beebe
Nationality: United Kingdom
Position: Chef
Position details: Head Chef
Languages: Not specified
Description: Tristan’s greatest passion is to play with flavors as well as creating new and interesting artistic ways of presenting food. I have over 8 years of experience on yachts providing food for an extremely upper-class clientele. I also worked over a year in a palace in Saudi Arabia with a large team of chefs which pushed me to hone my skills to a new potential. I am enthusiastic, energetic and have excellent interpersonal skills. When it comes to food I focus on creativity and making a simple set of ingredients look like art on a plate.

Name: Jo Constantine
Nationality: British
Position: First Officer
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Jo grew up In Devon, England where her dad taught her to sail from a young age. She has always loved being in the water and represented Devon playing waterpolo and was also captain of Exeter Ladies Waterpolo Team.

She spent many years travelling the world and finally decided to get into the yachting industry and has worked her way up from a junior deckhand to Mate. She has worked across a wide range of vessels from 35m-85m motor yachts and has cruised the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Arctic and the Middle East. She is currently studying for her Chief Mate <3000GT ticket with just her oral to complete in October. She may also go on to complete her Master <200GT ticket too.

Passionate about skiing, snowboarding, horse riding and diving. Jo enjoys travelling the world and experiencing different cultures. The love for travel, sea and adventure is what draws her to continuing her yachting career.

Name: Thomas Pratt
Nationality: British
Position: Captain
Position details: Captain
Languages: Not specified
Description: Tom has been sailing since he was a child, and with 16 years of super yachting experience, he has the depth of knowledge to provide the ideal cruising experience. Having run successful charter programs on previous vessels, he can help guide you to the ideal locations and experiences you need for the perfect charter. He has visited every island along the Windward and Leeward chains, as well as spending several seasons around the Bahamas, and specializes in finding out-of-the-way anchorages and private beach experiences. He has a wealth of knowledge of small vessels and watersports, having come from an instructor background in both sailing and powerboating, and enjoys windsurfing and kitesurfing in his free time. Tom is also a qualified PADI divemaster, so he can advise on some of the best dive spots in the area. Tom currently lives in the South-West of England, but hails from a town near Manchester in the North of England. He has also spent several years living and working in both the South of France and the United Arab Emirates.
Tom and his crew will do everything to provide a safe, fun, and luxurious experience for our guests.