Captain: Jarryd Vermaak
Captain Jarryd was born in South Africa. He grew up in Durban spending his days on the beaches with his friends. Jarryd studied Marketing and advertising after school while working for a successful restaurant/cocktail bar opening new franchises around South Africa. Jarryd entered the yachting world in 2009 as deckhand onboard a 188’ Feadship. Since entering the wonderful world of luxury yachting, he has crossed the Atlantic 5 times and cruised many different waters including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, US East coast and the Gulf of Mexico. His hard work, attention to detail and growing knowledge, along with strong communication and entrepreneurship skills allowed him to work his way up to Captain of very busy private and Charter programs. Jarryd first joined LADY J in 2015. His longevity and charter experience have allowed him to hone his skills to provide a five-star yacht program and experience to guests every time. He is very team and guest focused. He has a lively bubbly personality and gets on with all guests, always sharing a joke or two, making for a memorable charter experience that guests won’t ever forget. In his free time, Jarryd enjoys diving, water sports, traveling, and reading.
1st Officer: Paul Shelton
Paul was born in Durban, South Africa and grew up on the beach front surfing. In 2009 he moved to London and worked on the London underground as a Electricians mate before moving to the mediterranean to start his yachting career. Paul started working on classic sailing yachts and spent five years on a 109-year-old classic schooner. While onboard, Paul took part in over twenty classic sailing regattas in the mediterranean and Caribbean. Since then, he has worked on both sailing and motor yachts and worked his way up from deckhand to first officer. Paul had spent most of his yachting career in the Mediterranean but recently wanted to spend some time in America, which led him to Lady J. During his free time, he enjoys playing rugby, surfing and more recently took up learning to play golf.
Chief Engineer (Rotation): Matthew Stallard
Matt is from Winchester, Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mountains. He grew up sailing in the Chesapeake Bay and sport fishing in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. After earning a degree in economics from the College of Charleston, South Carolina he decided to follow his love for the ocean and pursue a career at sea. He has been onboard yachts for 15 years. When not turning wrenches, Matt enjoys being in the mountains hiking and camping, or on the water paddling and fishing.
Chief Engineer (Rotation): Erick Moreno
Erick was born in Mexico and raised in Beaverton, Oregon. A graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy, he discovered his passion for engineering and the ocean early in his career. With six years of experience aboard various vessels, Erick has honed his skills as a responsible and detail-oriented engineer. He takes pride in maintaining a clean and organized engine room, ensuring Lady J operates smoothly and safely. Erick finds great satisfaction in running his systems efficiently and resolving challenges with precision and care. A dedicated team player, Erick values learning from his fellow crew members and contributing to a positive dynamic onboard Lady J. Off duty, Erick enjoys relaxing with friends and family, especially while watching soccer matches. He also cherishes quiet moments at home with his loved ones and his dogs.
Chef: Jared Greto
Meet Chef Jared, a proud native of Sheffield, Pennsylvania, who discovered early on that food has a special power to bring joy to people’s lives. Jared is passionate about using fresh ingredients to craft dishes that are not only delicious but also create unforgettable experiences. His culinary journey has taken him through diverse regions, from the scenic Pacific Northwest to the rugged mountains of Colorado, and the charming coastlines of New England. These places have shaped his cooking style, blending flavors from various cultures and traditions. Outside of the galley, Jared loves to travel and explore new culinary landscapes. He also enjoys snowboarding in the winter months. For Jared, cooking is more than a profession; it’s a way to connect with others and share the happiness food brings.
Chief Stewardess: Ana Elisa Sanchez
Born and raised in Panama City, Panama, Ana Elisa Sanchez grew up with a deep family passion for boating. Since beginning her yachting career in 2012, she has served as a stewardess throughout the Caribbean, Florida, the Adriatic Sea, and across the Mediterranean.
Her extensive background on superyachts has allowed her to refine her knowledge in fine-dining silver service, elegant table settings, floral design, and large-scale event coordination.
Ana loves traveling, discovering new cultures, learning languages, and exploring the culinary traditions of the world—often collaborating closely with onboard chefs to expand her techniques.
She is dedicated to creating memorable experiences for every guest and takes great pride in delivering exceptional service. Ana is delighted to bring her skills and enthusiasm to LADY J and looks forward to helping craft unforgettable moments for all who come aboard.
2nd Stewardess: Carmen Seen
Carmen is from Roodepoort, a lively town near Johannesburg, South Africa. With a passion for travel and connecting with people, she thrives on adventure and personal growth. At 20, her love for children inspired her to work as an au pair in the United States, gaining valuable cultural and life experiences.
After completing a course in Business Management, Carmen pursued her dream of a yachting career. She drove 18 hours to the coast, where she earned her yachting certifications and began her journey in the industry.
During her free time, Carmen enjoys being outdoors, exploring nature, or relaxing with a good book. Known for her warm personality and enthusiasm, she brings dedication and positive energy to her role aboard LADY J.
3rd Stewardess: Shannon Viljoen
Originally from South Africa, Shannon brings a calm, uplifting energy to every guest experience. With a background in hospitality, photography, and yoga instruction, she blends creativity with a strong eye for detail to deliver seamless, thoughtful service.
Her approach centers on cultivating a warm, relaxed atmosphere where guests feel genuinely supported and at ease. Known for her adaptability, positive spirit, and genuine smile, Shannon takes pride in anticipating guest needs and contributing to the smooth, polished flow of the interior.
Passionate about wellness, aesthetics, and meaningful connection, she enjoys elevating each day onboard through intentional touches and attentive care. Shannon is delighted to be part of the team on LADY J and looks forward to ensuring guests enjoy an exceptional experience from the moment they step aboard.
Bosun: Tyler Franks
Tyler was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up playing on his high school basketball and golf team. Tyler then moved to Knoxville where he attended the University of Tennessee to study marketing. During his time there, he started up his own valet company which became very successful and is still going strong to this day. Throughout his life, Tyler has been boating on lakes all through Tennessee. Since then, he has been pursuing a boating career which brought him down to Fort Lauderdale, and eventually onboard Lady J. During his spare time Tyler enjoys playing golf, basketball, fishing, and spikeball on the beach.
Deckhand: Carel De Beer
Born in Cape Town, South Africa where he grew up playing rugby and loved the outdoors, Carel has always loved being near the ocean. He started his yachting career as soon as he finished high school and found his way traveling to the states to work on yachts. He has worked and traveled in the Bahamas for 6 months before joining Lady J. During his spare time, he enjoys traveling, playing golf, fishing, diving, swimming and being active in the gym.
