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: Luis Raffie Hurtado
Chef Luis Rafael “Raffie” Hurtado is celebrated for his innovative fusion cuisine, blending traditional American flavors with contemporary techniques to create dishes that tell a story and honor his Latin American heritage. Known for crafting personalized culinary experiences, he customizes menus to suit each client’s preferences and dietary needs, ensuring every meal is unique and memorable. With meticulous attention to detail, Chef Raffie prioritizes the freshest ingredients and flawless presentation, elevating every dining experience. Beyond the kitchen, he is a passionate teacher, mentoring aspiring chefs and sharing his expertise through interactive cooking classes. Committed to sustainability, he emphasizes locally sourced, organic ingredients and eco-friendly practices. Chef Raffie’s creativity, dedication, and love for his craft make him a standout in the culinary world, providing Lady J’s guests with experiences that are as exceptional as they are unforgettable.
Chief Stewardess: Esperanza Cabada
Esperanza was born and raised in Venezuela. Shortly after finishing her BA in Tourism, she moved to London to improve her English and start her career in hospitality at the Grand Hotel St Pancras Renaissance where she became part of the banquette and conference team. From London, Essie went to Barcelona’s Hotel Artz to keep learning and growing. Seeking new challenges Essie spent five years in Germany, absorbing the German culture, language and efficient, fast and professional work ethic. In 2016, eager to take her passion for service to a warmer spot, Essie found sunny St Maarten to be the perfect place for her. She has been cruising on sail and motor yachts ever since and is excited to be a part of the Lady J crew
2nd Stewardess: Gillian Giachinta
Gillian was raised in Leesburg, Virginia, developing a love for the outdoors, spending summers at the lake and winters skiing. She then attended the University of Tampa and obtained a degree in Biology. Her curiosity for the world and passion for the ocean led her to attend a Semester at Sea, where she travelled to multiple countries within Asia, Africa, and Europe while taking courses on the ship. This program sparked her love for living on the water and she knew she wanted to pursue a career at sea. Given her waitressing experience and adventurous, outgoing personality, yachting was an obvious avenue. Gillian is passionate about creating memorable experiences for others as they explore the world, making her a great fit for Lady J.
3rd 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.
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.
