Your Crew
CAPTAIN CALUM TAILOR
Hailing from England, Captain Calum brings over 18 years of experience at sea. He began his maritime career at the age of 16, sailing tall ships around Scotland and the Arctic. Since then, his journey has spanned a wide range of vessels—including expedition yachts, square-rigged sailing ships, superyachts (both motor and sail), and dive expedition vessels.
An avid watersports and diving enthusiast, Calum has been a certified dive instructor for over a decade. His diving career has taken him around the world, including leading Nat Geo expeditions throughout the Pacific, Galápagos, and Costa Rica; conducting research for Mission Tiburon; guiding cage diving expeditions for Shark Week; and instructing in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Caribbean.
With countless global charters to his name, Calum combines a strong spirit of adventure with a commitment to the highest standards of service and safety. He considers it a true privilege to share his passion for the marine world with guests aboard this exceptional vessel.
An avid watersports and diving enthusiast, Calum has been a certified dive instructor for over a decade. His diving career has taken him around the world, including leading Nat Geo expeditions throughout the Pacific, Galápagos, and Costa Rica; conducting research for Mission Tiburon; guiding cage diving expeditions for Shark Week; and instructing in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Caribbean.
With countless global charters to his name, Calum combines a strong spirit of adventure with a commitment to the highest standards of service and safety. He considers it a true privilege to share his passion for the marine world with guests aboard this exceptional vessel.
CHIEF OFFICER VICTOR ROJAS
Victor's compass has always pointed toward the ocean. Growing up in Venezuela, he knew a life at sea beckoned, swapping mountains for salty air and open horizons. Nine years and countless nautical miles later, Victor has navigated to some of the world's most remote and spectacular destinations. Dedicated to the highest standards of safety and guest service Victor can't wait to share his passion and experience for the marine world on your charter. When not on charter you'll find Victor as a dedicated family man and father of two, or signing away and showing off his mean Merengue moves!
CHIEF ENGINEER FRANKLIN COLMENARES
Every great voyage needs an unsung hero, and aboard Sweet Caroline II, that's Franklin. With expertise honed across yachts and commercial vessels alike, he's the maestro of machinery, bringing meticulous engineering attention to ensure a smooth-running trip. While you're diving, cruising, or relaxing in luxury, Franklin's expertise is the invisible hand ensuring every moment unfolds exactly as it should. When the engineer overalls are off, you'll find him firing up the grill and some Picante perfection or serving up on the pickleball court!
BOSUN RORIE BURG
Rorie runs a tight deck, drives a smooth tender, and makes sure the toys are always ready before guests even ask, delivering a safe, seamless, and fun experience every trip. Cape Town born and bred, Rorie brings 29 years of ocean living to running Sweet Caroline II's deck with precision and passion. A confident seaman, completely at ease on the water from jet skiing and wakeboarding to diving, e-foiling, and fishing - Rorie loves sharing these experiences with guests. His friendly, approachable nature makes guests feel comfortable, while his professional expertise keeps everyone safe and having a blast. Off duty, catch him hiking Table Mountain, mountain biking trails, hitting the gym, or playing rugby, cricket, or beach volleyball - always active!
DECKHAND/ENGINEER STEFANO BASCHIERA
Cape Town born and ocean-obsessed, Stefano brings a lifetime of water expertise and genuine enthusiasm to every charter. Whether you're after that trophy fish, want to try wakeboarding, or just need someone knowledgeable for a snorkeling adventure, he's your guy. His deep understanding of marine ecosystems and fish species adds an educational element to the fun, while his patient, encouraging approach ensures everyone feels comfortable and excited to get out there. Reliable, professional, and always smiling, Stefano creates a welcoming atmosphere where water sports feel both thrilling and safe. Off the clock? You wouldn't know it! Stef's prepping fishing gear or already planning tomorrow's ocean adventures!
DECKHAND KAEGAN LA ROUX
Growing up in Cape Town means Kaegan's been around boats and waves his whole life - and it shows. This easygoing, upbeat South African loves staying busy with hands-on deck work and bringing guests into the action with his background in surfing, wakeboarding, and body boarding. His positive energy and natural friendliness make him easy to connect with, while his strong work ethic ensures he's up for any request. Whether he's prepping water toys, helping with tender operations, or just making sure everyone's having a great time, Kegan's genuine enthusiasm and commitment to safety create a welcoming atmosphere for guests and crew alike. When he's not on the water, catch him dirt biking for thrills or enjoying a chill round of golf.
CHIEF STEWARDESS MARYNA YAKYMENKO
Maryna - with over 8 years on some of the world’s most prestigious yachts and the skill set to show, Maryna leads the interior line with a natural warmth and pursuit of perfection creating unforgettable moments for our guests. Whether it's
her seemingly endless craft cocktails or her tablescape yacht transformations, she's always looking for new ways to elevate your experience onboard. A background as a PA from a life on land developed her meticulous organizational and planning skills, a huge asset in crafting your unique Sweet Caroline escape. For guests seeking the silverest of service, Maryna makes it happen! When the white gloves are off, you'll find Maryna as an avid reader and runner, turning pages and clocking up the steps while dreaming up her next magic table scape!
SECOND STEWARDESS MADDELYN DOUGLAS
Maddelyn is our non-stop, can-do stew, whether it's sunset cocktails, beach set up, kids onboard treasure hunts or silver service with a smile, Maddie brings the fun. Making sure your cocktails are always charged, cabins are clean and crisp, and guests are always without a worry. Hailing from South Africa and raised by a family of sailors, service and the sea it was seemingly Maddie's destiny. With 3 seasons of yachting Maddie brings both experience and endless energy in ensuring unmatched hospitality onboard. When not onboard you'll find Maddie in the great outdoors of South Africa or seeking out the nearest art, live music or cultural experience.
THIRD STEWARDESS GIOVANNA ORTOLANO
Giovanna's life story is beautifully international - American-born with Brazilian roots, French upbringing, and Mexican education - and it shows in how naturally she connects with guests from anywhere in the world. Speaking five languages fluently, she makes international charters feel like home. Despite being just 23, she brings six solid yachting seasons of experience across all interior departments and some highly prestigious yachting programs. Rotating seamlessly between service, bartending, housekeeping, and wherever she's needed, Giovanna combines professionalism with authentic warmth and a real dedication to creating special moments for guests. When ashore you'll find her speaking to family in 5 different time zones and exploring the latest port like a local!
STEWARDESS/MASSEUSE JESSICA VISAGIE
Jessica brings the heart of African hospitality to Sweet Caroline II, honed through years at luxury game reserves before transitioning to yachting. With an incredibly wide skill set and training , you can find Jess docking a tender, mixing some cocktails or crafting canapés for guests, not to mention her latest passion, professional relaxation massages. So whether you’re getting from A to B by sea, in search of a sundowner and snack or unwinding the body and mind from the day's frivolities, Jess has you covered. With so many hats you'd wonder what else? Well Jess's downtime is spent honing massage techniques or fine tuning a latest recipe on a grateful crew served with an incredible story from the African bush!
CHEF ALAN VUKSA
From Santa Margherita Ligure, a beautiful fishing village on the Italian Riviera, Alan learned to cook from the very best - his Italian mother. With training from prestigious institutions including Le Cordon Bleu, Tokyo Sushi Academy, Thai Cooking Academy, and Associazioni Cuochi Torino, Alan has spent 11 years crafting unforgettable culinary experiences aboard some of the world's most impressive yachts. His philosophy is simple and deeply Italian - cooking, eating, and sharing food is about bringing people together. Whether crafting authentic Italian dishes, rolling sushi, exploring Thai flavors, or creating something inspired by local provisions, Alan's varied repertoire ensures exciting, unique menus for every charter. As a certified Italian sommelier, he also curates wine pairings that transform meals into experiences. Off duty, catch him on the football pitch, playing beach volleyball, or studying for his helicopter license - yes, really!
Previous Yachts: M/Y Ahpo (115m),M/Y Nero (90m)M/Y Yersin (77m),M/Y Ebony Shine (76m),M/Y Arrow (75m),M/Y Siren (74m),M/Y Virginian (62m),M/Y Oasis (60m),M/Y Eileen (50m),M/Y Eclipse (43m).
Guest Feedback January 2026
Our Caribbean journey lasted 8 days and 7 nights. The itinerary was rich and diverse, taking us to Grenada, Carriacou, Tobago Cays, Canouan, Mustique, Bequia, Saint Vincent, Saint Lucia, and finishing in Dominica.
Preparation for the cruise began well in advance. The crew discussed the route, activities, catering, and guest preferences with us in detail. Everything we requested was purchased and taken into account ahead of time. It was genuinely reassuring to feel that the team truly listened to us and aimed to tailor the experience specifically to our group, rather than simply following a standard itinerary.
The trip itself was engaging and full of memorable moments. In Grenada, we visited the underwater sculpture park, and on Carriacou we took part in a coral restoration volunteer program. On the other islands, the crew helped us organize excursions, hikes, and a variety of water activities. Each day felt different and special in its own way.
The Sweet Caroline team made this cruise exceptionally calm, well-organized, and comfortable throughout. Captain Calum is an absolute professional - his calm demeanor, experience, and ability to manage every aspect of the journey created a constant sense of safety and confidence.
We would also like to highlight the onboard crew. The table settings and themed lunches and dinners were thoughtfully executed, with great taste and attention to detail. Special thanks go to the chef. The food was varied, delicious, and extremely flexible - including for children. The chef even prepared the specific porridge the children are used to eating in Russia, which was a true sign of care and personal involvement.
The stewards worked with a high level of professionalism, and any requests were handled quickly and efficiently. Even in unexpected or challenging situations, the team acted confidently and in perfect coordination - we always felt that everything was under control.
Thank you to the entire Sweet Caroline team for your attitude, attention to detail, and for making this journey exactly the way it was meant to be. It was a pleasure to work together, and most importantly, the guests were deeply impressed and will certainly remember this experience for a lifetime!