Your Crew
CAPTAIN Hazel Ochoa & CHEF Jacolet Van Eeden
Born in the vibrant city of Medellin, Colombia, Hazel’s life took a tropical twist when his family moved to the serene coastal town of Capurgana. With the Caribbean waves lapping at his doorstep, Hazel’s love for the ocean grew as he freedived, spearfished, and hung out with local fishermen like it was his job—which, eventually, it became!
Hazel dabbled in statistics at university, but when life threw a curveball, he returned to his seaside roots, ready to chart a new course—this time on the ocean itself. Local day charters became his launchpad, and after saving every penny he made, he jumped aboard a passing sailboat, leaving Colombia behind for Panama and the wide, wide world.
Panama offered Hazel his first taste of professional yachting, from boatyard grunt work to deckhand and chef duties. Soon enough, he earned his 200T Captain’s license in Panama—right before COVID hit. When the world paused, Hazel didn’t: instead, he joined Sea Shepherd, where he protected marine life, did scientific research, and learned to fix anything that needed fixing on a boat.
After three action-packed years of eco-adventures, Hazel returned to the Caribbean, diving into the charter world and fine-tuning his skills as a captain. And then, destiny called—he met Chef Yah Yah. The two bonded over their meticulous nature and passion for hard work. Soon, they were not only crewmates but travel buddies, visiting 12 countries in pursuit of their Yacht Master and Dive Master certifications. Now, they’re a dynamic duo on the high seas, living their ocean dream!
Hailing from a self-sustaining farm in the breathtaking Cape Town region of South Africa, Chef Yah Yah didn’t just learn how to cook—she was practically born with a wooden spoon in her hand! Under the watchful eye of her nanny, Yah Yah mastered the kitchen, making everything from cheese to preserves, pickles to baked goods. By age six, she was selling her creations at the local farmers market like a pro.
With a family farm bordering the ocean, Yah Yah’s culinary passions expanded beyond the kitchen. Days were spent foraging for seafood along the coast and cooking her fresh catch over a beachside fire—a true farm-to-table experience! Her natural talent and love for crafting meals from scratch make her a force in the kitchen, while her adventurous spirit matches the thrill of life on the water.
From her humble beginnings to traveling the world with Captain Hazel, Yah Yah is always up for a challenge. Together, they’ve set sail on new horizons, ready to welcome guests aboard with mouthwatering dishes and unforgettable stories. Whether it’s a perfectly seared catch of the day or homemade pastries, Chef Yah Yah ensures every meal is an adventure of its own!
Captain Hazel Ochoa
MARINE QUALIFICATIONS:
PADI DIVEMASTER
RYA YACHT MASTER OFFSHORE WITH COMMERCIAL ENDORSEMENT
STCW 95
ENG1
Chef Jacolet (Yah Yah) Van Eeden
QUALIFICATIONS:
CERTIFICATE IN ADVANCED COOKERY
MOLECULAR GASTRONOMY
LEVEL II WINE APPRECIATION
RYA YACHTMASTER OFFSHORE WITH COMMERCIAL ENDORSEMENT
PADI DIVEMASTER
FOOD SAFETY AND HYGIENE II
STCW 95
ENG1
Crew fully vaccinated
