THANDEKA

Captain: Sammy Koetsier

Born in Portugal with the Atlantic Ocean as his backyard, Sammy has been captivated by sailing since childhood.

His lifelong passion for the sea led him to a career navigating some of the world’s most stunning and remote locations.

As Captain of S/Y Thandeka, he brings calm leadership, expert seamanship, and an adventurous spirit, ensuring every voyage is both safe and exhilarating.

When he’s not at the helm, Sammy loves hiking, discovering new cultures, and sharing great meals and stories with his crew and guests.

Captain: Jan Verkerk

A true seafarer and engineer at heart.

Jan has sailed around the world multiple times.

Equally at home steering through the toughest conditions or fine-tuning Thandeka’s systems, his technical expertise and problem-solving skills keep the yacht running smoothly.

His adventurous nature and love for exploration make every journey an exciting one.

When Jan isn’t navigating the seas, he can be found riding motorcycles, restoring vintage bikes, and seeking new challenges on land and water.

He’s always ready for the next adventure!

Engineer: Callum Ogilvie

Callum may be one of the newest additions to Thandeka, but in just six months, he has become an essential part of the crew.

With a keen eye for detail and a knack for problem-solving, he ensures everything on board runs flawlessly—from complex mechanical systems to fine-tuning the electrics.

If there’s a challenge, Callum is the guy to fix it!

When not in the engine room, he can be found riding his Ducati, sharing stories about South Africa, and embracing the open road.

Chef: Maarten Binksma

Hailing from the Netherlands but now calling Curaçao home, Maarten is the culinary mastermind behind Thandeka’s incredible dining experiences.

Whether it’s a gourmet feast under the stars or comforting dishes to keep spirits high in rough seas, Maarten’s passion for flavor, fresh ingredients, and creativity shines through every dish.

Beyond the galley, he doubles as a park ranger, bringing his love for nature and sustainability into every aspect of his cooking.

He ensures that guests experience the best of international and local cuisine!

Deckhand/ Divemaster: Mavelly Velandia

With the ocean as her playground since childhood, Mavelly is not only a skilled deckhand but also an expert dive master.

A trained marine biologist, she brings a deep knowledge of the underwater world, making every dive an unforgettable experience.

From spotting elusive marine creatures to guiding guests through pristine reefs, she is the perfect dive buddy!

When she’s not maintaining the deck or leading underwater adventures, she loves dancing, capturing marine life through photography, and advocating for ocean conservation.

She’s always ready to share her love for the sea!

Deckhand/ Dive Instructor: Jeriel Joseph

Originally from the Andaman Islands, Jeriel started his journey with Thandeka as a local dive guide before quickly becoming an irreplaceable member of the crew.

With years of experience running his own dive school, he knows every fish, coral, and hidden underwater wonder by name and loves sharing his knowledge with guests.

Beyond diving, Jeriel has a talent for photography, capturing the beauty of the ocean above and below the surface.

Known for his contagious laughter and joyful energy, he ensures that the crew and guests are always in high spirits.

He’s the perfect mix of professionalism and fun!

Stewardess/ Masseuse: Hanni Ajik

Hanni brings warmth, expertise, and relaxation to the guest experience aboard Thandeka.

Whether curating impeccable service or providing soothing therapeutic massages, she ensures that guests feel pampered and at ease throughout their journey.

When she’s not attending to guests, she dedicates her time to caring for her three dogs and 18 cats—a testament to her compassionate nature.

Passionate about animal welfare and outdoor adventures, Hanni adds a gentle and nurturing touch to life on board.

She is here to make your journey even more special!

Stewardess: Teya Sirinart

With boundless energy and an adventurous spirit, Teya is a vibrant presence on board Thandeka.

Originally from Thailand, she’s a true sailor at heart—owning her own boat and cruising the waters of Asia whenever she gets the chance.

Her eye for detail and dedication to exceptional service ensures that every space on board is immaculate and welcoming.

With a fiery love for spicy food and early morning workouts (5 AM sharp!)

Teya is always full of life and ready for the next adventure.

She loves cooking, exploring new cultures, and meeting fellow sailors from around the world.