Captain: Christopher Ywyman
Born and raised in beautiful Kwa-Zulu Natal where he inherited his father’s love of the great
outdoors! After returning from the Angolan War and nearly a decade in the Educational
Department Chris moved to the United States in 1999 to seek fortune and fame! Soon he
found it on Yachts with open horizons, plenty of blue water, sunshine and exotic landscapes!
During the last 23 years Chris captained Motor Yachts ranging from 35m -56m in various
locations around the globe, completing several transatlantic crossings. His professional
voyages took him to many famous destinations spread throughout the Caribbean, Med and
both North and South America.
Chris has been recognized for his great boat handling and outstanding guest relations making
sure MY Romeo Foxtrot’s guest preferences, safety and well-being are his utmost priority. He
is very dedicated to both his guests and his crew.
While not attending to his professional duties, Chris enjoys diving, fishing, reading and
indulging in great world cuisine.
He is looking forward to welcoming you on board for your next adventure.
Chief Stewardess: Alex Estko
Alex joined the yachting industry in 2007 while completing her degree in Journalism. Her
love of the written word and the need for creative expression never left her as she passionately
pursued her career working on yachts in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, USA , Middle East
and South East Asia. Since 2009 she has worked as a Chief Stewardess on yachts ranging from
35m to 56m.
Recognized for her keen eye for detail, excellent organizational and hospitality skills, Alex
ensures MY Romeo Foxtrot’s guests are well looked after and pampered while on board. She
is equipped with a wide range of skills and experiences in luxury lifestyle management and
event planning, meeting our guest’s highest expectations. Additionally she assists her husband
-Captain Chris with the day to day Yacht’s administration and accounting.
Alex loves reading, traveling, fashion, interior design and great world class cuisine.
Rotational Chief Stewardess: Charise Smith
Charise's experience as a 2nd stewardess, especially with the esteemed ROMEO FOXTROT family, has equipped her with a diverse skill set that will serve her well as she transitions into a Rotational Chief Stew role. During her time on board, she successfully completed numerous charters, private trips and 7 boats shows- all spread across 6 countries and 3 continents. This diverse and busy program helped her ability to cater to a diverse range of clients, while ensuring exceptional service in a variety of environments.
Taking on an honors degree in Psychology combiners her love for people, science, and helping others and will undoubtedly enrich her career in the yachting industry, especially in her new leadership role. The blend of her hands-on hospitality experience and academic pursuit brings a unique and empathetic perspective to the team and clients she serves. In the future she aims to bridge her experiences in yachting with her practice in the mental health industry, expanding her career across both fields to offer a more holistic approach to hospitality and well-being.
2nd Stewardess: Shani Nel
After completing her degree at age 23, Shani quickly realized that her true passion was not confined to the classroom. With a curious mind and adventurous spirit, she decided to trade her chalkboard for the ocean and pursue a career in yachting. Her background in education has given her a unique set of skills- patience, clear communication and the ability to adapt to any situation with ease. She brings a fresh perspective to the role of stewardess, combining her love for service with a natural ability to connect with people. Her soft spoken demeanor paired with an infectious laugh puts everyone to ease, whether she's serving guests or chatting with the crew.
Mate: Sehan Du Toit
Sehan grew up in the Western Cape, where his love for being active and participating in team sports shaped his strong work ethic and sense of camaraderie. His passion for the outdoors makes him feel right at home working on deck, where he thrives in dynamic challenging environment. A highly driven self-starter, Sehan beings stellar leadership and organizational skills to the table. Known for his positive, open minded, and trustworth nature, he excels in busy, high-energy settings and is always eager to take on new challenges.
When a keen desire to grow within the yachting industry, Sehan is focused on continually expending his knowledge and learning new skills form everyone around him. His goal is to evolve as a well-rounded professional and further enhance his ability to support the success of any team he's a part of.
Engineer: Zachary Kramer
Zach spent his childhood in the Sunshine State and has been drawn to the sea since he was a child. As a proud member of the boy scouts, Zach spent much of his youth in the prairies and forests of Florida. He grew up on the water and loves spending time fishing and sailing through the beautiful Floridian waters.
Zach's dream of working as a professional yacht crew finally came true once he joined the ROMEO FOXTROT family. He takes on this journey with passion and excitement. Working as a contractor in the Super Yacht Industry for the past 3 years has given him a unique skill set that allows him to excel in his duties on board. His passion for working with his hands and enthusiasm for expanding his knowledge makes him a well-rounded engineer and excellent crew member.
Deckhand: Jason Smith
Jason grew up in the sunny seaside city of Durban. He has 2 older brothers that
shared his passion for body boarding and surfing. When not indulging in the
ocean he spent a lot of time on the nearby dams sailing and jet skiing, honing
his skills. Jason also has a great passion for European football and became a
very skilled player for his local club Royal AM.
Jason has a very friendly, positive attitude and is easy to get along with.
He joined the yachting industry in January of 2023 to travel and share his love
of the ocean.
Chef: Karli Niehoff
Born & raised on Long Island, New Yor, and deeply connected to the sea, Karli infuses her energy and vibrancy into her culinary creations. Confident in her culinary prowess honed 17 years, she brings a wealth of expertise to the table. With a strong pastry background and a bachelor's degree from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, she enhances her ability to craft exceptional dishes, ensuring unforgettable experiences for guests on board.
Having worked across diverse settings, from private estates to luxury yachts and 5-star restaurants, Karli consistently delivers exceptional culinary experiences. She is passionate about creating high-quality, innovative menus tailored to even the most demanding clients and their dietary needs. Whether cooking for friends on the beach or indulging in leisurely baking, her love for her craft shines through.
