Your Crew
CAPTAIN Caleb Haydock & MATE/CHEF Chanel Botha
Captain Caleb Haydock
Caleb’s story begins far from tropical seas: growing up in Canada on the windswept Great Lakes around Toronto, he spent every summer on the water. Sailing was more than pastime — it was foundation. He raced sailboats in international regattas, building not just technical skill but a deep respect for the sea and wind. Pursuing that passion took him around the globe. He taught sailing to support his university, then explored sunny coasts: Costa Rica’s Pacific shores, the turquoise mediums of the Bahamas, and the historic ports of the Mediterranean. Along the way, he completed intensive PADI dive training in Honduras (Bay Islands), bringing under-water exploration to his repertoire.
Caleb holds multiple certifications including Yachtmaster 200 GT (Commercial Endorsement – Sail), STCW, ENG1, RYA Sea-Safety / PPR, ROC (GMDSS) VHF License, Maritime Basic Firefighting, and Commercial Assistance Towing. He is also PADI Search & Rescue Certified. Every qualification reflects not just earning badges, but a commitment: to safety, to immersive experiences, to sharing his knowledge with guests.
Caleb is more than captain. He’s your guide to the waters, the secret places, the best snorkel spots, sunsets from hidden bays, fishing lines over the side, stories beneath the stars. His attention to detail, calm competence, and warm hospitality are the bedrock of what makes a charter aboard EMYSA feel so uniquely personal.
C E R T I F I C A T E S
• Yachtmaster 200 GT Commercial Endorsement (Coastal / Sail)
• STCW
• ENG 1
• RYA Sea Safety / PPR
• ROC (GMDSS) VHF License
• Maritime Basic Firefighting
• Commercial Assistance Towing License
• PADI Search & Rescue Certified
Chef Chanel – S/V EMYSA
Born in South Africa and raised in a Thai household, Chef Chanel grew up immersed in two vibrant cultures that shaped both her palate and her passion for hospitality. Splitting her childhood between South Africa and Thailand, she developed a love for travel and a deep appreciation for the way food connects people across cultures.
Her culinary journey began in her mother’s guesthouse kitchen, where she learned the art of Thai cooking during school holidays. That early spark grew into a lifelong passion for food and hospitality. Soon after graduating Chanel followed in the footsteps of her older brother into the yachting world, completing Yacht Stewardess Academy in Cape Town, which included Barista, Mixology and Level 1 Wine Certifications.
Chanel has spent multiple seasons in the Caribbean working aboard popular charter yachts such as The Annex (10 guests) and Gullwing (8 guests). Known for attention to details, her elegant tablescapes, handcrafted cocktails, and warm guest service, Chanel quickly became a favorite among charter guests. Working alongside some of the top charter chefs in the region gave Chanel the confidence to transition from stewardess to chef.
Chanel completed professional chef school in Cape Town. There, she combined her natural flair for flavor with formal training by blending her Thai-South African heritage, resulting in vibrant, flavorful menus that celebrate fresh ingredients and bold creativity.
Now aboard S/V EMYSA, Chef Chanel brings her rich cultural background, refined service experience, and culinary creativity to every dish she prepares. Her journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the joy of sharing unforgettable meals at sea.
January 2025
As the trip planner for the soggy six group, I can truly say that we hit the jackpot! The best crew, beautiful boat and the most amazing backdrop made for an adventure of a lifetime. You were both so talented as captain & crew - the sailing was amazing & the food to die for. I'll be dreaming about our experiences! for years to come! Thank you both for a fabulous week on EMYSA! We hope to sail the seas with you again!
-Sue & Ed
We can truly say this was in our top 5 vacations & we can’t name the others (ha)! You exceeded our expectations! The island locations, the colours, the food, the company! keep doing what you're doing! You two are very hardworking, knowledgeable and gracious! Thank you so much! And keep that sense of adventure!
-Dave and Cindy
We know the soggy six would have a phenomenal trip together, but we did not anticipate the two of you and how you would make our trip truly EPIC! Caleb, you took such good care of us! The boat was spotless (and we did our best to keep it that way!), the curated adventures were so beautiful, and a new experience every day! The vistas were unparalleled. And then there was the food! Deeks, you managed to blow us away with your amazing culinary skills. Every single meal was better than the prior. You raised the seemingly unraisable bar every single day. The two of you never made us feel like an inconvenience or in your way. You were beyond professional and your interactions were so sweet. You are great partners and you made our trip infinitely more special. Thank you for our incredibly week aboard Emysa. We cannot wait to sail with you again!
-Xo, Ellie & John
January 2025
Last week me and my wife and two other couples chartered the EMYSA for a week-long trip in the BVIs. The captain was Caleb Haydock and the chef was Adhika Malhotra. The trip totally exceeded our expectations in so many ways and as a group we attributed much of the experience to our crew. The attributes that made the cruise so enjoyable included:
Hospitality - From when we arrived till the time we departed Caleb and Adhika were on point, attending to our every need, be it a fantastic meal, a cool fresh drink or a warm dry towel. I can't tell you how that type of attentiveness made for such an enjoyable experience.
Work Ethic - From dawn till dusk Caleb and Adhika were cleaning the boat, preparing meals and readying water equipment for our use. They were moving the entire time making sure we were prepared for our next BVI experience.
Knowledge - Caleb captained the boat like a pro. Two of us are boat owners and were continually impressed by his yachtsmanship. Adhika is a Five Star Chef! The meals she prepared were visually appealing and just as delicious.
I have managed global sales and marketing organizations for most of my professional career and the Caleb and Adhika embody the attributes that make for winning teams. As an employer, they are excellent ambassadors of your brand. We were lucky to have them as our crew. We'll be back!