CAPTAIN | Ben Steppens
British

BIO: Ben has been working in the Super Yacht industry since he finished his professional wakeboarding career at 23. Ben traveled the world doing wakeboarding competitions and found that he had a real passion for the water. After a sports related injury, Ben turned to sailing. He started working as a deckhand on small sailing boats in the Mediterranean, racing across the Atlantic, and in the Caribbean. He worked his way up to Captain on sailing boats cruising the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and the Red Sea. In 2011 Ben moved onto motor yachts. He has worked for private and charter boats ranging from 24 meters to 35 meters and has definitely enjoyed the experience. Ben is very excited to be a part of HALCYON and welcomes you aboard. His many years in yachting and experience will guarantee that your trip will be unforgettable.


CHEF | Deidre “Dee” Swart
South African

BIO: Dee quickly realized her passion for food, travel and different cultures after living in India for one year. Her love for these interests in what drew her to the yachting industry. Since she has started her career in yachting six years ago, Dee has cruised waters all the way from Alaska to Dubai. Known for being a strong team player, she happy to help make this ultra-luxury experience exciting and memorable for everyone aboard.


ENGINEER | Nelson Thompson


BIO: Coming Soon!


FIRST OFFICER | Richard Harpur
South African

BIO: After growing up around boats, jet skis and anything that floats on water, Richard gained a passion for marine life and sustainable recreational fishing from a young age. Once he finished school, he began working at an exotic vehicle dealership managing and assisting in sales of high-end luxury cars. One year after his yachting career cast off on a 55m charter boat. Since then, Richard has hosted on private and charter yachts ranging from 30-90m giving him cast experience in all aspects of the exterior and helped build a solid safe foundation for Guest’s ultimate enjoyment. Between yachting, Richard has worked as a fishing guide and lodge manager at a 5-star boutique fishing lodge in Mozambique. His passion for making sure guests have a fantastic time both in and out of the water is insatiable. His favorite saying is “Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints.”


CHIEF STEWARDESS | Micha White

BIO Coming Soon!


2nd STEWARDESS | Shannon Young

BIO Coming Soon!


DECK HAND | Tristan James Wille
South African

BIO: Raised in Grahamstown, South Africa, Tristian left his small hometown immediately after finishing school and began his career in yachting. He started based in Cape Town where he was able to work alongside his studies before going on to work a season in Spain and then Fort Lauderdale. As a child Tristian grew up very familiar with boats, learning to drive a dinghy form his father at a young age and always fishing, wake surfing, wake boarding and skiing. Everything came very natural to him which is a big reason for why he joined yachting, considering it almost as a hobby.