CREW PROFILE
Brian Scales - Captain
Certificates/Education: Yachtmaster 200 ton, Unlimited Radar Watch Keeper, Power Boat Instructor, Jet Ski Instructor
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Captain Brian Matthew Scales is from George, South Africa, and has more than a decade of experience working in the yachting industry. He spent 6 years on board a 200’ world cruising charter yacht before making his way to smaller boats. Prior to yachting, Captain Brian was a professional animal trainer, specializing in big cats. He hand-raised the first white tigers in Africa and was the head animal trainer to the animal park in South Africa, specializing in husbandry training for all animals. With a strong belief in being a hands-on captain, Captain Brian is involved in all aspects of the yacht. From handling guest relations and yacht management to interior service and engineering/deck maintenance, all while providing five-star service at all times. Having been in the tourism industry for so long, ensuring guest and crew satisfaction is a natural trait of his. Captain Brian wants to make experiences as memorable as possible by tailoring each trip to the individuals on board. He likes to give guests as many options as possible so they have control over their holiday. His career has taken him through the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean, East Coast of the United States, and Scandinavia.
Captain Brian loves the outdoors, and when not at sea, he enjoys surfing, bodyboarding, snowboarding, fishing, camping and golfing.
Jessica Seward | Chief Stew
Languages Spoken: English
Jess was born and raised in Florida, with British and Canadian roots. She went to Wesleyan University where she studied Film Studies and Creative Writing. After graduating college, Jess moved across the world to work for a start up in China making it her first and last office job. She then spent five years traveling and working in hospitality around the world, including Southeast Asia, Australia and Latin America. She met several yachties along the way and was intrigued by the lifestyle. Ironically, yachting brought her back to Florida and closer to home than she’d been in almost ten years. She’s been in the industry for over four years now and enjoys being able to provide a wonderful experience for the guests. Jess enjoys tossing a frisbee on the beach, sailing and diving in her free time.
Crystal-Anne Purves
Education/Certifications: STCW
Languages: English
Crystal grew up in Plettenberg Bay, on the shore of the ocean. She began her yachting career in Barcelona a few years ago after wanting to take on a new challenge. Prior to yachting, Crystal was a qualified beauty therapist working in the beauty industry. Crystal plays an integral role in the upkeeping of the interior. She ensures cleanliness is maintained at a high level providing a comfortable experience for all guests. 5-star service is atop her list of priorities and will go above and beyond to ensure every guest need is met before it is even thought of. Crystal wants all guests who come on board BEACHFRONT to leave with a book full of memories to last a lifetime. When she is not on the water, you can find Crystal hiking, taking the next path towards adventure.
Joe Richard - Chef
Education/Certifications: Bachelors Degree of History – University of Florida, Culinary Institute of Bologna, Italy
Languages: English, Conversational Spanish and Italian
Chef Joe Richard grew up on the coast of East Texas, hunting and fishing with his older brother and father, before moving to North Florida. He started working for restaurants at the age of 19, beginning as a dishwasher. As a teenager, Joe began spending his summers working at a small winery in Tuscany which led him to develop a lifelong passion for great food and wine. Joe was working as a chef in Miami Beach before he turned to yachting and hasn’t looked back since. He specializes in Mediterranean fare but also loves the cuisines of both North and South America. Joe will go above and beyond to ensure every guest dietary requirement is fulfilled and every palate is satisfied.
When Joe is not busy providing amazing food, he enjoys going to a good jazz club in New Orleans, wandering through food markets in foreign countries, wine tastings, and collecting Japanese chef knives. One day, he aspires to open his own restaurant. Chef Joe wants every guest on board BEACHFRONT to feel as if they’re staying with an old friend who offers unforgettable hospitality.
Sarah Vaughan - Rotational Chef / Chief Stew
Languages Spoken: English
Sarah Vaughan was born in Papua, New Guinea and grew up in a small country town north of Hobart, Tasmania. Her culinary style is heavily influenced by her hometown, renowned for its fresh produce and seafood, cool climate wines and whiskey. Her approach to cooking focuses on local, in-season ingredients that capture the flavors of a region. Before starting her career in yachting, she worked in some of Hobart’s finest restaurants and cafes, including the Islington Hotel. She was also chef for the Governor of Tasmania, creating meals for high profile guests, such as China’s President, Xi Jinping. Her love of the sea and experience providing high-level service brought her to the world of yachting. Sarah is a very active person who enjoys sports on both water and land, like hiking, wakeboarding, snorkeling, fishing and team sports. She also enjoys the arts, especially concerts and festivals. While Tasmania is close to her heart for its rugged landscapes, Sarah’s travels have taken her to Bariloche, Patagonia, Cape Town, Nazare and Mallorca. Now, she is very excited to explore the Bahamas as BEACHFRONT chef.
Spiros Capetanakis – Rotational Captain / Mate
Certificates/Education: Master 350
Languages: English
Captain Spiros also known as “Kappi” grew up in Knysna, South Africa. Prior to entering yachting, he spent time in a variety of industries which included jobs as a carpenter, bartender, swimming coach, personal trainer, and restaurant manager.
Since being in the industry, Captain Spiros has worked on board 110’ LE REVE, 100’ SYRENE, and 80’ BAGLIETTO. Maintaining a calm and confident approach to any given situation is his specialty. He works closely with charter clients and owners to ensure the best all-around experience for everyone involved. Captain Spiros will go above and beyond to provide a luxury experience that cannot be duplicated.
Captain carries with him a strong passion for marine conservation and in his spare time you can find him fishing. He wants every guest who steps on board 108’ BEACHFRONT to leave feeling like the crew have become longtime friends in which they have created some of the greatest memories together.
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