CAPTAIN Thomas Wheeler & CHEF Johann Gelderbloem

Captain Thomas
Thomas was born in South Africa and raised in the coastal town of Langebaan, where his love for the ocean took root. Spending most of his days either surfing or on a boat, he quickly developed a deep connection to the water.

From an early age, he knew that sailing was his calling. Determined to pursue it as a career, he made sure to get all his paperwork in order and saved up as much as he could to make his way to the Caribbean. Just a week after graduating high school, he was already on a plane to begin his first job.

Since 2018, he has been exploring the Caribbean and other parts of the world, but he now calls the British Virgin Islands (BVI) home. Having sailed these waters extensively, he knows all the hidden gems and favorite spots, offering unforgettable experiences to his guests no matter the weather.

His career has spanned multiple companies, allowing him to gain valuable experience in a wide variety of settings. He has worked on everything from award-winning luxury catamarans to fun, pirate-themed day cruisers.

As a certified Dive Master with a passion for marine life, he is always eager to share his love for the ocean with others. Down-to-earth and adventurous, he considers himself lucky to be living his best life in the Caribbean, where his greatest joy is creating memorable experiences for his guests.





Chef Johann
Johann was born in Bloemfontein, Free State Province, South Africa, Johann’s journey into the culinary and yachting worlds began in unexpected ways. His heritage traces back to Dutch settlers who arrived in the late 1700s, and growing up in a bilingual household, he became fluent in both English and Afrikaans. Johann’s passion for cooking was sparked early, learning from his mother in the family kitchen. While he didn’t grow up sailing, annual family trips to the West Coast of South Africa fueled his fascination with the sea.

At the age of 19, Johann moved to Cape Town, where he pursued his interest in the maritime industry, earning his Yacht Masters Coastal qualification at the end of 2020. However, the global pandemic led him back home, where he shifted gears and earned a barista qualification. From March 2021 to November 2022, Johann honed his hospitality skills working at a coffee bar, while keeping his passion for cooking alive.

In 2023, Johann took a bold step in his culinary career by enrolling in the South Africa Chefs Academy in Woodstock, Cape Town. Following an intense 3-month internship at the renowned fine dining restaurant La Colombe—voted among The World's 50 Best Restaurants in 2023 and 2024—he gained invaluable experience working alongside exceptional chefs who taught him the art of French and Asian fusion cuisine.

With his newfound culinary expertise, Johann set his sights on the yachting industry. In March 2023, he flew to St. Maarten, starting his career as First Mate/Chef with Tradewinds Charter Catamarans. His initial training took place in the British Virgin Islands onboard a 60ft Fountaine Pajot Catamaran. Soon after, he was stationed in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, where he spent 15 months chartering through the idyllic islands of Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Tobago Cays, Union, and Carriacou. The authenticity of these less-industrialized Caribbean islands, paired with their local ingredients and culture, inspired Johann’s approach to cooking and expanded his culinary palate.

During his time in the Caribbean, Johann developed a love for the ocean, becoming a certified PADI Rescue Diver. Whether leading sailing excursions, preparing gourmet meals, or exploring underwater landscapes, Johann’s adventurous spirit shines through in everything he does. He’s worked on various yachts, including the company’s flagship 70ft Fountaine Pajot, offering guests an unforgettable combination of sailing, diving, hiking, and culinary experiences.

Driven by his passion for food and travel, Johann continues to seek out new cuisines and explore the world, always eager for his next adventure both in the kitchen and on the water.