TCB Yacht Charter

Name: Adam Zawartko
Nationality: Polish
Position: Chef
Position details: Chef (Rotational)
Languages: Not specified
Description: Chef Adam, originally from Poland and a Tampa resident for over 30 years, brings over two decades of culinary expertise to the yachting industry. Since starting his career in 2000, Adam has honed his skills aboard both private and charter yachts, crafting unforgettable dining experiences tailored to guests' preferences. Known for his creativity and dedication to excellence,

Adam specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, though he is versatile in a wide range of styles. He previously worked on programs like M/Y ATTITUDE, where he further developed his culinary artistry and attention to detail. His commitment to perfection and accommodating all dietary requests has earned him a reputation as "the best of the best" in his field. Outside of the galley, Adam enjoys swimming, biking, and playing tennis, constantly pursuing an active and balanced lifestyle.

Name: Scott Gaffga
Nationality: American
Position: Captain
Position details: Captain
Languages: Not specified
Description: Scott's maritime odyssey began in his teenage years on fishing boats in the Florida Keys, eventually leading him to the world of yachting as he matured. Despite his young age, he swiftly rose to become one of the industry's youngest and most respected captains, navigating his vessels with unwavering confidence. His steadfast commitment to a single owner across three boats saw him overseeing the construction of two new vessels, a testament to his pursuit of excellence. This dedication culminated in the establishment of a highly successful charter program in the Bahamas, where he has been cruising the waters for over two decades. Taking over the helm of TCB in 2019, Scott set out to craft the ultimate charter experience, making sure that every trip is filled with unique memories and endless opportunities for fun and relaxation. In addition to his maritime achievements, yachting has taken Scott across the globe, navigating through icy waters in Alaska, to cruising around Costa Rica, and more recently through the legendary Panama Canal. When he's not exploring the seas, Scott finds solace in activities like free-diving and spearfishing, immersing himself in the enchanting underwater world. Despite his global adventures, he always makes time for his family, savoring precious moments with his wife and two young children, embodying the roles of dedicated captain and devoted father.

Name: Dewald Ferreira
Nationality: South African
Position: Chief engineer
Position details: Chief Engineer (Rotational)
Languages: Not specified
Description: Growing up in Knysna, South Africa, Dee’s love for the sea began on the sparkling waters of his coastal hometown. After starting as a skilled robotic technician in the automotive industry, Dee answered the ocean’s call in 2012, transitioning to a yacht engineer role where he combined technical expertise with maritime passion. Since joining TCB in 2017, Dee has ensured the vessel’s smooth operation across the Mediterranean and Pacific. Along the way, he’s explored breathtaking destinations and found the love of his life. Dee’s commitment to yachting and the sea continues to grow with every journey.

Name: Shaun Brown
Nationality: South African
Position: Chief engineer
Position details: Chief Engineer (Rotational)
Languages: Not specified
Description: Hailing from the picturesque town of Knysna, South Africa, Shaun has been a dedicated part of the yachting industry since 2007. With a lifelong passion for the ocean, he brings extensive experience and a keen eye for detail to ensure the smooth operation of our yacht. Shaun’s technical expertise and problem-solving skills are invaluable in maintaining the vessel’s performance and safety at sea. Outside of his marine duties, Shaun is passionate about crypto trading, fitness, and exploring the world’s most beautiful destinations. His love for travel and adventure keeps him inspired and eager to discover new cultures and experiences. When he's not working, you’ll likely find him at the gym, researching the latest in cryptocurrency, or planning his next voyage. A proud father of three—two daughters aged 14 and 5, and a 6-month-old son—Shaun values family time and strives to create memorable moments both on and off the water. His positive attitude, dedication, and genuine love for the ocean make him a valued member of our crew and a trusted guide during our journeys.

Name: Steve Mills
Nationality: South African
Position:
Position details: Chef (Rotational)
Languages: Not specified
Description: Steve was born in Durban and raised with a deep passion for the ocean, fostered by a family lifestyle centered around the sea. Fishing, surfing, and sailing were core family activities that not only grounded him but also provided invaluable experience on the water, shaping him into a highly competent and reliable crew member. His passion for creating unforgettable dining experiences was inspired by watching his grandfather’s love for cooking and hospitality. The lasting memories his grandfather created through his meals left a profound impact on Steve and instilled in him a desire to evoke similar moments for others. Steve is a proud graduate of the classic French “Grande” Diploma program, having completed three years of study in 2004. Over the past 20 years, he has focused his career in the private sector, believing that personalized cheffing is both the most demanding and rewarding aspect of the culinary arts. He thrives in challenging environments and has always sought to push himself to the highest level in his craft.

Name: Tristan Foy
Nationality: South African
Position:
Position details: First Officer
Languages: Not specified
Description: Meet Tristan (Tris), who grew up in Poole, UK—the home of the largest natural harbour in the world—before embarking on a maritime journey that began with studying for his unlimited tonnage officer’s license in the Merchant Navy. He cut his teeth in the oil and gas industry of the North Sea and has since navigated some of the world’s most remarkable waters—serving on the largest yacht in existence, guiding large charter vessels throughout the Mediterranean, and spending six memorable years on his previous program cruising from the rugged Alaskan coast to the scenic shores of Nova Scotia, with countless stops in between. In fact, he’s sailed every ocean on the planet, a testament to his unwavering passion for adventure.
Beyond the bridge, Tris is a multi-talented individual who loves sailing, surfing, diving, and fishing—he’s fished major sport fishing tournaments around the globe and even represented Great Britain in dinghy racing as a teenager. A social butterfly at heart, he channels his energetic spirit as a DJ and once worked as a tour manager for high-profile DJs across Europe and the USA. Not only that, but he’s also spent time as a cardiac technician and ran a successful landscaping business showcasing his versatility both on and off the water. With his boundless energy, quick sense of humor, and knack for making people laugh, Tristram is eager to create unforgettable moments for guests and crew alike.

Name: Chad Southwood
Nationality: South African
Position:
Position details: Bosun
Languages: Not specified
Description: Meet Chad, the unparalleled Bosun of TCB. Legend has it that he was born with flippers instead of feet. Raised in the warm (and slightly toothy) waters of Durban, he’s become a master at fishing, surfing, and skillfully dodging the occasional shark. Although he once tried his hand at carpentry, he soon realized that a plank on land couldn’t compete with the thrill of a plank on a boat! Now, in addition to being the yacht's unofficial merman, Chad fancies himself a golf enthusiast—though his skills might be a bit more charming than proficient. And his jokes? Let’s just say they’re... one-of-a-kind. If you hear one, be sure to laugh; it’s for the greater good. Chad is the go-to guy for anyone looking to conquer water sports. With him by your side, you'll find yourself riding the waves like a pro in no time—or at least with fewer face-plants! When he’s off duty, you’ll likely catch Chad attempting to turn sandcastles into actual carpentry projects or shredding it up on any board sport he can find. After all, why settle for one board when you can have them all?

Name: Chrismari Smith
Nationality: South African
Position:
Position details: Second Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Chrissie is the kind of person who can fold a fitted sheet in choppy seas and still have energy left to make you laugh. Born and raised in the charming coastal town of Paternoster, South Africa, she grew up with the ocean as her backyard and a love for the sea, courtesy of her Navy dad. She took her love for people and sunny disposition to Stellenbosch University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. But after a few years in the classroom, the call of the ocean became too loud to ignore—chalkboards just didn’t compare to sea breezes and harbor sunsets. Chrissie now works as a stewardess in the yachting world, where she’s as comfortable organizing a champagne brunch as she is navigating guest quirks with a smile and a well-placed joke. With her love for the outdoors, natural knack for making friends, and a fitness routine that includes everything from paddle boarding to chasing down rogue beach towels, she’s a dynamo in deck shoes. Chrissie pours her heart into everything she does. She plays the ukulele, usually with a sweet treat nearby, and she’s the kind of crew member who can turn a long charter into a floating home. With two brothers and three cousins also in yachting, you’d think they were trying to start their own floating fleet—and if they did, Chrissie would definitely be the one making everyone laugh while fluffing the pillows. Passionate about people and yachting, she brings sunshine, sincerity, and a killer towel-folding technique wherever she sails.

Name: Abby Etter
Nationality: American
Position:
Position details: Third Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Hailing from Dawsonville, Georgia, Abby brings Southern warmth, professionalism, and a true passion for hospitality to every charter. With a background in agriculture from Cal Poly and years spent coaching springboard diving, she combines a strong work ethic with an energetic, service-oriented mindset. A certified Divemaster and avid surfer, she loves being on and under the water—making her a perfect fit for life at sea. Her favorite part of yachting is creating exceptional guest experiences, whether it’s setting up elegant table service, anticipating guest needs, or sharing her knowledge of the ocean during dive excursions. Outside of work, she travels the world in search of new waves, rich cultures, and inspiration to bring back on board. With a genuine love for adventure and hospitality, Abby is dedicated to ensuring every moment onboard is relaxed, memorable, and effortlessly enjoyable.

Name: Luca Oosthuizen
Nationality: South African
Position:
Position details: Deckhand
Languages: Not specified
Description: Meet Luca, the kind of guy who can tie a perfect bowline, fix your Wi-Fi, charm your grandmother, and still have time to beat you at Mario Kart—all before dinner. Born and raised in the scenic town of Stellenbosch, South Africa, Luca grew up surrounded by world-class wine, although these days he’s more into waves than wine. He survived the trials of an all-boys school, graduated with a degree in IT from Stellenbosch University, and promptly decided that sitting in front of a computer all day wasn’t quite adventurous enough—so he ditched the desk job dream and joined the high seas as a deckhand.
Now, Luca spends his days driving boats, mastering water sports, and ensuring guests have the time of their lives. He’s at his happiest behind the wheel of a jet ski or tuning up a tender, and he has the rare ability to make anyone feel comfortable within minutes of meeting him. Whether you’re a VIP guest or someone who just wandered too close to the crew area, Luca will greet you like an old friend and probably have you laughing by the time he’s finished tying your dock line.
Off duty, Luca’s strumming the guitar like he’s auditioning for a yacht rock revival, or dominating in video games with a level of confidence that borders on suspicious. Friendly, funny, and always ready to lend a hand, Luca is the deckhand who keeps things running smoothly—and keeps the crew smiling while he’s at it.

Name: Louise Voss
Nationality: Danish
Position: Chief steward/ess
Position details: Chief Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Growing up in Denmark, Louise spent much of her childhood on the water, sailing and developing a lifelong love for the ocean. That passion eventually led her into yachting, where she has been fortunate to combine her appreciation for life at sea with her dedication to hospitality.

For more than 10 years, hospitality has been at the heart of Louise's career. Before joining the yachting industry in 2023, she held management positions across cocktail bars, clubs, and high-end hospitality venues, leading teams of up to 45 people. These experiences taught her the importance of exceptional service, strong teamwork, and creating memorable experiences tailored to each individual guest.

Throughout her life, Louise has consistently embraced new challenges and sought opportunities beyond her comfort zone. At just 19 years old, she became one of the youngest competitors in her field in Denmark and later had the privilege of competing in Miss Universe Denmark. These experiences helped shape her confidence, professionalism, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Her journey has taken her far beyond Denmark, including living in both Ecuador and Saudi Arabia, where Louise developed a deep appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. She speaks five languages and is currently learning her sixth, reflecting her curiosity and passion for connecting with people from around the world.

Known for her energetic and bubbly personality, Louise genuinely enjoys creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere onboard. Whether assisting with a special celebration, anticipating guests’ needs, or simply sharing a smile, her goal is always the same: to ensure every guest feels relaxed, cared for, and leaves with unforgettable memories of their time at sea.

With a strong background in hospitality, international experience, and a natural passion for service, Louise brings professionalism, warmth, and enthusiasm to every guest experience, helping create exceptional moments both on and off the water.