SAMURAI Yacht Charter

Originally from Coromandel Town in New Zealand, which is a very small seaside town, Jackie grew up on the water fishing and doing water sports. Knowing from age 10 that she was going to be a chef, Jackie started an apprenticeship straight out of high school in a ski village in central NZ. Once completed, she had itchy feet to travel and started her yachting career on sailing yachts out of Newport RI in 2006. Upon finding the motor yachts in Fort Lauderdale, she made the transition and continues to love the challenge working on yachts brings as a Chef. Outside of the galley, she loves exploring yoga studios around the world and visiting the local markets and cuisine in the ports the yacht arrives in.

Ellis is from Carmel, Indiana. She went to The University of Utah and studied International Relations where she was on the swim & dive team. During Ellis’ third year of college, she studied abroad in the south of France when she stumbled upon the job of yachting. She told herself she would explore the career of yachting for a gap year to be able to fulfill her love of travel but then never turned back. Since 2013, she has been serving high profile clientele and is always excited to show her electrifying energy. She likes to put her skills to the test with dynamic team work to ensure you have an extraordinary experience while on board M/Y SAMURAI.

Keisha grew up in Playa Zancudo, Costa Rica until she was nine years old. This small island has a population of 450 people, and is famous for its nine mile long beach. She moved to Jaco Beach, when she continued her education in a larger school. Keisha studied to be a flight attendant in 2019, but decided to choose a different path for her future. Keisha became aware of the yachting industry due to family connections, and she thought her personality would fit well in the yachting world. M/Y SAMURAI is her first vessel, and she is excited for the new challenges ahead and is looking forward to exploring the world from a different perspective.

Nicola is from South Africa. At 11 she moved to Dubai and has spent the last 15 years living there. She developed a lifelong passion for horse riding, even competing in events during her younger years. Drawn to the ocean and the excitement of travel, she entered the yachting industry in 2022 with the goal of exploring the world and meeting new people. Nicola takes great pride in her role, ensuring that every guest enjoys a seamless and memorable experience while on board. Outside of work, Nicola enjoys swimming, dancing and spending time around horses whenever she gets the chance.

Jess is from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where her love for the ocean began. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Entertainment Management before starting her yachting career. Since then, she has explored her love of travel and the sea by both working and cruising the world. She loves animals and children, and even works as a substitute teacher when she is on land.

Sydney is from Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes, where she spent much of her childhood in and around the water and developed a lasting love for it. She began her career in marketing and graphic design, where she discovered a passion for creativity, organization, and hospitality. During a gap year traveling through Australia and serving on missions in India and Papua New Guinea, Sydney found a deeper love for exploring new places and connecting with people from all walks of life. Those experiences naturally led her to yachting- a career that blends her creative background ,with her love for service, adventure, and being on the water. Before joining M/Y SAMURAI Sydney completed her Pilates teacher training in Costa Rica and spent several months in Bali refining her skills and immersing herself in new cultures.

Raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Kevane has grown up around living the island life. His love for travel and the ocean, combined with his creative and mathematical interest, steered him towards a Marine Transportation Degree, with the desire to one day become a Captain. Kevane works closely with the SAMURAI crew members in preparing the yacht to always look and perform at its best. He is great with keeping the kids entertained, and is often considered our resident Manny!

Jules was raised in Malaysia, during which he spent time much time with his parents sailing, hence his love for the ocean. After graduating with a master degree in Marine Engineering, he started off his shoreside career as a navel architect working in container shipping, in newbuild and repair shipyard in France and China. After a six month break, sailing his small sailboat around the Mediterranean, he decided to keep the balling rolling and continue his career at sea. He is loving his time thus far on M/Y SAMURAI.

Ryan grew up in the UK in Herefordshire, in the beautiful UK countryside. During his time completing a sailing course in UKSA, he discovered the yachting industry by sheer accident. He is now in his second year working at sea, and hopes to progress through the ranks in due course. Ryan enjoys the pace of the charter lifestyle and testing our all the yachts toys!

Morice is from Jamaica, where he grew up in Portmore. He started his career at sea as a commercial engineer in 2007. He used his extensive knowledge to teach Marine Safety courses in the Marine College in Kingston, and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others. Morice made the transition to working on Yachts in 2014, and completed his exams in ‘ The Rainy UK’ and he hasn’t looked back since. He enjoys cooking local cuisine, that reminds him of home. On long passages you will often find him in the galley rustling up some fried chicken, and an oxtail stew. Morice has the most amazing laugh, that is highly contagious! He is a great crew member, and always happy to help where needed.

Originally from Negril, Westmoreland, Jamaica, Queston is an enthusiastic and hardworking individual with a background in maritime operations and team leadership. He is a graduate of the Caribbean Maritime University, where he actively participated in numerous sporting and community service initiatives, including serving as Company Leader in his final year where he led a company the cadets with discipline and integrity. He also gained hands-on experience through internships aboard both general cargo and LPG vessels, strengthening his practical seamanship skills and professionalism at sea. Upon earning his Certificate of Competency in 2025, Queston was introduced to the world of yachting – a perfect fit for his adventurous spirit, passion for learning, and love for the ocean. Though new to the yachting industry, he brings a solid maritime foundation, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to excellence in guest service.

Originally from South Africa, Tristan grew up barefoot and outdoors—always climbing trees, riding bikes, and chasing adventure. His love for nature and the water started early and has been a constant ever since. He began his career as a technician, working on off-road motorbike suspension before deciding it was time to see more of the world. That desire for adventure led him to yachting. After completing his courses, he headed to Spain, where he landed his first job aboard M/Y LOON. He later crossed the Atlantic and eventually found his way to M/Y SAMURAI in West Palm Beach. With a strong work ethic and a love for the outdoors, Tristan brings energy, curiosity, and a team-first attitude to life on board. He’s excited to keep exploring, take on new challenges, and grow with the crew like a second family.

Born in South Africa, Michael is an enthusiastic and reliable deckhand with a strong passion for the ocean and active living. With a background rooted in fitness and physical training, he brings excellent stamina, focus, and a positive mindset to life on board. Michael thrives in team environments and enjoys building strong connections with both crew and guests. His love for the open water, combined with a dedication to self-discipline and wellbeing, makes him a valuable asset on any vessel. Whether assisting with deck operations, maintaining equipment, or supporting water sports activities, Michael approaches every task with energy, attention to detail, and a can-do attitude.