Crew Profile
Captain: Feite-Jurre De Vries
Sail and Work Experience
Feite-Jurre is a highly experienced superyacht captain with a robust technical foundation and extensive global experience. Most recently was the captain of a 46m expedition where he oversaw the vessel’s final build phase, delivery, and subsequent operations through challenging remote destinations including Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Canada, and the US East Coast. His other previous roles include Chief Officer on a 70m charter yacht and officer roles in commercial vessel deliveries. Holding a degree in Marine Engineering, he has strong technical expertise as well as operational skills, making him well-suited for his role aboard SOPHIE BLUE.
Job Description
Feite-Jurre is responsible for the overall command and safe operation of the vessel, ensuring compliance with maritime laws and flag state requirements. He manages navigation, engineering oversight, and all onboard operations including crew leadership and guest services. His technical expertise enhances onboard maintenance and troubleshooting, while his leadership ensures smooth coordination among departments and a high-quality guest experience.
Licences and Qualifications
• Certificate of Competence – Master Unlimited
• Full STCW Certification (Basic Safety, Advanced Firefighting, Medical Care, Survival Craft, Crisis Management, SSO/CSO, and others)
• MARCOM A (GMDSS)
• Designated Person Ashore (DPA)
• HACCP & Food Hygiene Supervision (Level 3)
• PADI Open Water Diver
• Pleasure Craft License I & II
• ENG1 Medical Certificate
Chef: Jean-Paul Kiely
Sail and Work Description
Chef Jean-Paul Keeley brings world-class experience SOPHIE BLUE, having trained and worked in Michelin-star restaurants across the globe. His expertise in provisioning, diverse cuisine and food styling allows him to create an exceptional experience that balance indulgence with well-being. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for exceeding guest expectations, he ensures every meal is beautifully presented and perfectly suited to individual preferences.
Job description
Onboard, Jean-Paul is responsible for designing tailored menus, sourcing top-quality ingredients and managing the galley with precision and efficiency. He ensures a seamless, luxury dining experience, maintaining the highest standards of hygiene while collaborating with the crew to create a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.
Licenses & Qualifications
• United Kingdom NVQ 1, 2, 3 Advanced Cooking, Baking and Pastry
• Ships Cook Certificate
• Level 2 Food Hygiene
• STCW 95
• ENG 1
• RYA Power Boat Level 2
Languages
English
First Officer: Henry Turner
Sail and Work Experience
Henry has 12 years of experience in yachting, including 7 years as First Officer on private and charter yachts. He recently spent four years aboard the 40M BERCO VOYAGER, overseeing deck operations, ISM compliance, guest logistics, and technical maintenance. Previous roles include First Officer on M/Y ELYSIUM during its build and delivery, and time aboard S/Y KOO for a 6,000nm passage and refit. His earlier experience includes racing on S/Y ROWDY and charter sailing on S/Y CROCODILE DADDY.
Job Description
Henry assists the captain in the safe and effective operation of the yacht, with direct responsibility for managing all deck operations, safety compliance, guest logistics, and tender activities. He leads the deck team, plans and executes maintenance projects, and supports AV/IT and engineering systems. Henry ensures that all operations meet the highest safety and service standards, contributing to a smooth, professional onboard environment.
Licences and Qualifications
• MCA Chief Mate 3000GT
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean
• AEC
• STCW
• ENG1 Medical
• Ships Security Officer (SSO)
• Proficiency in Medical Care at Sea
• GMDSS GOC
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• RYA PWC Instructor
• Lithium-Ion Awareness
• FdSc Operational Yacht Science
Chief Engineer: Oleksandr Ryzhenkov
Sail and Work Experience
Oleksandr is a Y3 Chief Engineer with over 10 years at sea, including extensive commercial and private yachting experience. Most recently, he served as Sole Engineer aboard the 40M M/Y ANYUTA, responsible for all technical systems during both guest operations and shipyard periods. Prior to that, he spent over a year on the 42M M/Y THE JEWEL, handling full engineering operations and refit work. His earlier career includes over five years as 3rd and 4th Engineer aboard commercial container vessels up to 142,000 DWT, building a strong foundation in preventive maintenance, repairs, and ISM procedures.
Job Description
Oleksandr manages all onboard technical systems and operations, including engines, generators, HVAC, watermakers, and hotel systems. He independently performs daily maintenance, fault finding, and repairs, ensuring smooth and reliable vessel performance during guest trips and crossings. During shipyard periods, he coordinates with contractors, supervises works, and personally executes mechanical tasks to maintain full technical oversight of the vessel.
Licences and Qualifications
• STCW Basic Training
• Certificate of Competency – 3rd Engineer
• Advanced Fire Fighting
• Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats
• Medical First Aid
• Security Awareness & Designated Duties
• Seaman’s Book
• ENG1
Deckhand: Abigail Joubert
Sail and Work Experience
Abigail is an experienced, hands-on deckhand with strong watersports knowledge and a proactive attitude. Most recently, she worked aboard the 62M M/Y ALCHEMIST, rotating between deck and interior roles depending on guest needs, and was responsible for the tender and watersports garages. Prior to this, she spent nearly two years on M/Y SOUL (55M), where she led energetic watersports activities, especially with children, and supported anchoring, mooring, and watchkeeping. She gained strong technical skills during winter yard periods and has proven herself to be a highly adaptable and reliable crew member.
Job Description
Abigail is responsible for maintaining the yacht’s exterior to a high standard, supporting mooring and anchoring procedures, managing watersports operations, and assisting with tender handling. She also contributes to guest service, housekeeping, and interior duties as needed. She brings positive energy, initiative, and a detail-focused mindset to every task, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and seamless team support.
Licences and Qualifications
• STCW & ENG1
• RYA Competent Crew
• PB2
• PWC
• VHF Radio
• Efficient Deckhand Course
• Food Safety Level 2
• Stewardess Course
• DSD, FPFF, EFA
• Seafarer’s Book
Deckhand: Hanu Greyling
Sail and Work Experience
Hanu is a motivated and hands-on deckhand with a background in both yachting and dive instruction. He has worked on several private yachts, including M/Y BRAVISSIMA (61M), where he assisted with an Atlantic crossing and vessel preparation, and M/Y TRIPLE SEVEN (68M), where he performed detailing, painting, and yard work in the Damen x Amels shipyard. He is also a certified PADI Open Water Instructor, having worked with dive guests and equipment during a professional internship and instruction period in South Africa. Hanu brings a solid mechanical understanding, developed through AEC2 and diesel engine training, and is known for his reliability, initiative, and strong work ethic.
Job Description
Hanu supports the deck team in all aspects of vessel operation, including detailing, paintwork, mooring, tender operations, and watersports. He also assists with watchkeeping and engineering tasks as needed and brings additional value as a dive instructor for guest activities. With a practical mindset and proactive approach, he contributes to smooth day-to-day operations and high guest service standards.
Licences and Qualifications
• MCA/RYA Yachtmaster Coastal (Sailing)
• MCA AEC 2
• MCA SV Workshop Skills
• MCA Yacht Rating
• STCW 10 incl. PDSD
• MCA ENG1
• RYA Powerboat Level 2 (Advanced)
• RYA Diesel Engine
• RYA Radar
• RYA Day Skipper
• RYA PWC Instructor
• PADI Open Water Instructor
• PADI EAN Diver
• VHF Short Range
Chief Stewardess: Laura Harman
Sail and Work Experience
Laura is an experienced Chief Stewardess with a strong hospitality background and several years in yachting. She most recently led the interior team on the 40M BERCO VOYAGER, overseeing guest service, provisioning, events, and crew training for both private and charter use. Before that, she was 2nd Stewardess on the 48M M/Y AQUAMARINA, where she managed inventories, supported provisioning, and mentored junior crew. She has also progressed from 3rd to 2nd Stewardess on BERCO VOYAGER, gaining broad interior experience and proving herself as a reliable and detail-focused team leader.
Job Description
Laura is responsible for the full management of the yacht’s interior, including service, housekeeping, laundry, provisioning, and guest relations. She leads and trains the interior team, coordinates closely with the galley and bridge, and ensures the yacht is maintained to an exceptional standard at all times. Laura is guest-focused, detail-oriented, and adept at creating memorable onboard experiences through efficient planning and warm hospitality.
Licences and Qualifications
• STCW
• ENG1
• MCA Yacht Rating
• Proficiency in Security Awareness
• Designated Security Duties
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• RYA VHF Radio
• WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
• CIEH Food Safety Level 2
• Flying Fish Superyacht Stewardess Course
• Seaworthy Yacht Stewardess Course
• Cabin Crew Attestation
• BTEC & City & Guilds Diplomas in Travel & Tourism
2nd Stewardess: Lilian Coker-Godson
Sail and Work Experience
Lilian has progressed steadily over two years in the industry, gaining experience on yachts from 30M to 44M. She has been on board SOPHIE BLUE since June 2024, progressing from 3rd to 2nd stewardess. Prior to working on board SOPHIE BLUE, she worked as 2nd Stew on M/Y NINA J, handling guest housekeeping and supporting service. In the off-season, she stepped into crew cook roles, preparing meals for up to 13 people while managing interior duties. Her varied experience includes both charter and shipyard periods, making her a versatile and reliable addition to any crew.
Job Description
Lilian supports the Chief Stewardess in maintaining interior standards, focusing on housekeeping, laundry, and guest service. She plays an active role in training junior crew, provisioning, and ensuring guest areas are kept immaculate. She also assists with table settings, beverage service, and meal presentation as required.
Licences and Qualifications
• STCW
• ENG1
• Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene
• MCA Yacht Rating
• GUEST-approved Service, Housekeeping, Laundry, Bartending & Mixology
• Certificate III in Business
3rd Stewardess: Tuva Heplinger
Sail and Work Experience
Tuva is an enthusiastic and service-minded junior stewardess with a background in hospitality, including experience in fine dining, events, and housekeeping. She has completed daywork in Monaco, preparing a guest apartment to high standards, and has held customer-facing roles in restaurants such as Motorverkstan and Tennstopet Grill. Tuva is eager to build her yachting career, combining her love for service, fitness, and the ocean with a positive, hands-on attitude.
Job Description
Tuva supports the interior team across housekeeping, laundry, and service. She ensures guest cabins and common areas are kept immaculate, assists with table settings and drink service, and contributes to team tasks with enthusiasm and care. She also brings value in crew support through her passion for cooking and wellness.
Licences and Qualifications
• STCW Basic Safety Training
• ENG1
• STCW Security Awareness
• Level 2 Food & Hygiene
• Yachting Introduction Course
• Hospitality Course
• Floristry Course
• Swedish Boat License
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