Luke Stegen - Captain

Certifications/Education: OOW, 200ton License, Navigation & Radar, ECDIS, GSK, Efficient Deckhand, Survival Craft & Rescue Boat, Advanced Firefighting, STCW 95, Designated Security Duties, Small Powerboat & Rib Master, Familiarization Training Yacht Hand, Yacht Rating Theory
Languages: English
Nationality: South African

Captain Luke grew up in Pietermaritzburg, a small town in South Africa. Although he has no brothers or sisters, he comes from a very large family with lots of cousins who loved to spend family vacations at the beach. Having worked on both yachts and commercial vessels for the last 13 years, Captain Luke has excellent knowledge of every aspect of a boat. He was previously Chief Officer on 145’ AT LAST before obtaining his role as Captain. He is keen on keeping the vessel immaculate for the comfort of every guest who steps on board. As an avid photographer and videographer, Captain Luke has the ability to freeze time, capturing with his lens, some of the most special moments spent on board.

After previously stepping away from yachting to study to become a Deck Officer on container vessels, Captain Luke ultimately made his return to what he loves and hasn’t looked back since. He is dedicated to providing guests with an exceptional itinerary that is filled with unforgettable experiences. Captain Luke believes in enjoying every moment, which is fitting on board B HAPPY.

In his spare time, Captain Luke enjoys overlanding, hiking, traveling, photography, and drone work.



Kendra Castello - Chef
Education/Certifications: Associates in Science for Nursing
Languages: English
Nationality: American

Kendra grew up in southern coastal Virginia. Spending her childhood in one of the biggest military communities in the world, she has always been around vessels of all sizes and a lover of the ocean.

Kendra started yachting about seven years ago as a way to start a fresh new life while taking her service and hospitality skills to the next level. She has a passion for creating unforgettable, unique experiences and yachting is the best way to fulfill this desire.

Prior to entering the industry, Kendra worked in a variety of restaurants and bars from high-end to mom-and-pop since she was 15 years old. Some of her favorite cuisines to cook are Mexican, Asian fusion, sushi, light lunches, and southern food. She also loves cooking vegan dishes, especially vegan desserts. Many different fresh salads, a variety of pasta, handmade artisanal bread, and some of the most delicious desserts are a few of Kendra’s staples. Adjusting menu options and taking requests are never a problem for Kendra as she loves to keep guest satisfaction at the forefront, while also giving herself the ability to try new things. Guests aboard B HAPPY can expect to experience five-star service with a chef who is always willing to go the extra mile with a great attitude and a smile.

When Kendra is not busy preparing a delectable menu, you can find her traveling, and spending time with her family, overlanding with her husband, or enjoying a cozy day reading a book or binge-watching Netflix.



Nicyl Van Achterbergh - Stewardess
Education/Certifications: Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, EQASA level 1
Languages: English, Afrikaans, Basic Portuguese
Nationality: South African

Nicyl was born in Sandton, Johannesburg, and raised in Margate, Kwa-Zulu Natal on the south coast. Between being homeschooled and her sister's role as a lifeguard, most days of her childhood were spent at the beach. Some of Nicyl’s hobbies growing up included dancing, horse riding, instrumental classes, squash, surfing, drawing, painting, and writing music.

Nicyl landed upon yachting after receiving encouragement from family who are also in the industry. Prior to entering yachting, Nicyl was in the hospitality industry, running a spa with her partner for three years. She was also a freelance graphic designer and a stable yard manager.

As sole stew, Nicyl brings aboard outstanding service, organization, and detail. Her creativity is always apparent through her beautiful table arrangements, cocktails, graphic design, themed settings, interior decorating, and more. Her main goal is to provide a unique, unforgettable experience for guests to carry with them through life.

In the future, Nicyl aspires to be a captain of her own vessel one day, sailing around the world with her parents. She also dreams of owning an off-the-grid farm with a stable yard to professionally school horses for a living.

When Nicyl is not busy curating magical experiences for guests, you can find her creating art, horse riding, spending time in nature, participating in water sports, or self-reflecting without technology.



Martin Nel – Mate
Education/Certifications: STCW, Elementary First Aid, Fire Fighting
Languages: English, Afrikaans, Sesotho
Nationality: South African

Martin was born in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. Growing up, he and his family moved around all over South Africa as a result of his parents being relocated for work. Martin has had the opportunity to reside in Cape Town, Hoedspruit, Nelspruit, Johannesburg, and Pretoria. It was his time in Cape Town that fostered his love for the ocean and water sports.

Martin decided to enter the yachting industry after encouragement from his younger sister who began yachting herself. He carries with him a positive attitude and a good sense of humor. Martin is always putting his best foot forward in whatever task he is facing. Committed to providing an unforgettable adventure, great service, and fun is always atop Martin’s list.

Bodyboarding, fishing, and exploring his surroundings are a few things Martin likes to do in his spare time. His greatest passions are sport, nature, and animals and he loves that yachting gives him the ability to incorporate it all.

Ready to encourage guests to explore their adventurous side, Martin anxiously awaits the next arrivals on M/Y B HAPPY.