CREW PROFILE
Captain | Ben Steppens | British
Ben has dedicated his career to the world of yachting after an early life as a professional wakeboarder. By the age of 23, he had competed and coached internationally, discovering a deep passion for life on the water. Following a sports injury, Ben transitioned to sailing and began working as a deckhand on small sailing yachts across the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Caribbean. Working his way up to Captain he was leading and racing sailing yachts throughout the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Red Sea. In 2011, Ben expanded into motor yachts, where he has since captained both private and charter vessels ranging from 24 to 40 meters.
His wide-ranging experience, from ocean racing to luxury cruising, has given him a wealth of knowledge and a calm, professional approach that guests deeply appreciate.
Now at the helm of Nectar, Ben is excited to welcome guests onboard for unforgettable journeys in the Caribbean and Bahamas. His extensive experience, love for the sea, and commitment to excellence ensure every charter is safe, smooth, and truly memorable.
Chef | Drew McCulloch | Scottish
Born in Scotland, raised in South London, and now residing in Spain, Chef Drew brings a wealth of international experience and passion to the galley.
From a young age, he pursued his love of cooking, achieving his NVQ Level 3 in Advanced Culinary Arts, which led him to train under Gordon Ramsay and Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett. During this time, he mastered the art of high-quality cuisine and honed his skills in the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of world-class kitchens.
Eager to broaden his horizons, Drew travelled extensively throughout Southeast Asia, immersing himself in diverse cultures and cuisines. The flavors, techniques, and traditions he discovered are now woven into his unique culinary style.
On board Nectar, Chef Drew delights in creating inspired dishes that reflect his journey—blending Michelin-level precision with global flavors, ensuring every meal is an unforgettable experience for guests.
Mate/Engineer | Jayme Forget | South African
Born and raised on the South African coast, Jayme developed a lifelong love for the ocean through sailing, surfing, and fishing. With a natural passion for the outdoors, transitioning into yachting in 2019 was a seamless step.
Since then, Jayme has gained experience across a variety of vessels, honing his skills in diving, water sports, and guest operations. His hands-on knowledge and enthusiasm ensure guests feel both safe and entertained while enjoying everything life at sea has to offer.
Now a valued member of the Nectar crew, Jayme is excited to share his energy and expertise, helping create unforgettable moments on every charter.
Chief Stewardess | Kaylee Jones | South African
Kaylee grew up in South Africa and has always had a love for travel and adventure. At 18 she moved abroad to begin her yachting career and has since worked on a variety of yachts around the world. She enjoys meeting new people, discovering different cultures, and making guests feel comfortable and at home while on board.
Outside of yachting, Kaylee is passionate about wellness, exploring new destinations, and spending time outdoors. With her positive energy and eye for detail, she brings warmth and care to every trip and looks forward to making your time on board memorable.
Stewardess | Emilia Dunham | British
Emilia was born and raised in Essex, UK. She has loved the water since she was a toddler and spent every school holiday by the beach in Spain which helped her develop a passion for the sea and an interest to join the yachting industry. Having started yachting in 2020 as a gap to travel before settling down, she got hooked after her first season and has continued it for the past 5 years wanting to make a career for herself. Prior to yachting she was a fully qualified dog groomer and has future plans to open her own salon one day. In her spare time, she likes to soak up the sun, go shopping and enjoy the eating the local cuisine wherever she is. Emilia is an adventurous person who has swam with sharks in the Bahamas, skied down black slopes since the age of 4 and got up close and personal with elephants in South Africa.
Tender Capt / Deckhand | Colin Valhuerdi | American
Colin is a 32-year-old professional mariner whose life has been shaped by the ocean. Born and raised in Hawaii, he grew up surfing, fishing, and diving, developing a deep respect and natural connection to the sea from an early age. Turning that passion into a career was a natural
progression.
Colin holds a USCG 100-Ton Master License and spent nearly a decade working along the stunning Nā Pali Coast, advancing from deckhand to mate and eventually captain. His extensive experience in both coastal operations and guest-focused environments has made him a confident, safety-driven mariner with a strong work ethic. Yachting allows Colin to combine what he loves most - life on the water and meeting people from around the world. For him, the ocean isn't just a workplace; it's a lifelong passion and a way of life.
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