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Ivan Ras
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Marisia van Niekerk
Ivan's love for the ocean started thanks to family holidays spent at the beach. Exploring, snorkeling and fishing. Straight after high school he
chose to become a scuba diving instructor, which allowed him to travel, explore and be exposed to different cultures.
Being out on the ocean makes Ivan feel at ease,the mystery hidden in it and the many possibilities to have fun in and on the water. Ivans' interests include sailing, engineering, diy projects, vintage cars and a genuine love and care for animals and plants.
Growing up in Cape Town, with big waves and strong winds, every Sunday morning you would find Marisia and her family on the beach. She spent most of her time body surfing. Seeing the waves as challenges, conquering the fear of the size, reading the waves by moving with them, letting her body adapt to the cold waters and focusing her minds on controlling her breathing. The ocean taught her things she didn't learn in school.
Our story starts in the heart of South Africa in a small town called Potchefstroom. Marisia was studying hairdressing and Ivan just got back from working at sea on a 130ft motor yacht as Deckhand/Dive master. We quickly bonded over our love for the ocean and meeting new
people. We soon decided to move down west to old Cape Town herself, where Marisia continued studying and Ivan went back to sea on an 86ft M/Y Nordhavn as First Mate/Engineer/Relief Captain in Fort Lauderdale.
Marisia loved doing hair but now it was time for her other love, the ocean. She began studying the laws of the sea and learning everything
she could about life onboard, soon she was ready to join Ivan.
We have been sailing the Caribbean for a year now having the opportunity to care for charter guests. We pride ourselves on serving them with high standards. We love creating the perfect holiday, sailing only to the best places -from the most famous bars to untouched secluded bays.
Captain Ivan Ras Qualifications
Yacht master ocean theory RYA/MCA 2017
Yacht master offshore 200 GT RYA/MCA 2017
Approved Engine course 1 RYA/MCA 2019
VHF RYA/MCA 2017
Power Boat level 2 RYA/MCA 2017
Scuba diving and EFR Instructor Padi/SSI 2015
SAMSA Skipper Category C 2014
Chef Marisia van Niekerk Qualifications
STCW
Food and hygiene course
Stewardess course
<b>Crew fully vaccinated<b/>