NO MATTER WHAT

Captain: Trafford Proos

Captain Trafford Proos, born on South Africa’s east coast, began his maritime connection early, working as a lifeguard. With an engineering degree, he entered the yachting industry in the South of France in 2014, starting as a deckhand before rapidly advancing. His career took a significant turn when he moved to the USA, where he became the first mate on a 133′ vessel, showcasing his leadership and maritime expertise. He was promoted to First Officer on a 180′ vessel in 2017, further enhancing his nautical skills. In 2018, Proos became the captain of various yachts, eventually leading the Vessel NMW, significantly contributing to its construction and launching its charter program in 2022. Under his leadership, the NMW has cruised through the Bahamas, South Florida, and New England, providing memorable experiences. Apart from his professional life, Proos enjoys reading, drawing, theater, and engaging with nature through hiking, skiing, diving, and surfing. His diverse interests reflect his appreciation for arts, culture, and adventure. Captain Proos embodies the spirit of a guardian of the sea, an adventurer, and a curator of unique experiences, dedicated to the maritime world and excellence in all his endeavors.

Mate: Stefanus (Stefan) Visser

Born in Bloemfontein and raised in Cape Town, Stefan spent his youth amidst the city’s waves and mountains, sharing his love for water sports from a family boat. Inspired by London’s art and design, he pursued architecture, further embracing the sea as a crew member on Cape Town sailboat charters. Globally, as an experiential education leader, he led diverse projects from community development to outdoor adventures, including conservation efforts with Southeast Asian elephants. Stefan’s rich blend of land and sea experiences enables him to offer unparalleled service and memorable adventures to his guests onboard.

Stewardess: Jazmine Melendez

As a born-and-bred Floridian, Jazmine stumbled upon a promising career in the private yachting sector while exploring her own backyard. During her time working in hospitality, she grew passionate about food and wine, and the magic of a wonderful meal shared amongst loved ones. Her spare time is spent mapping out her next adventure and staying active with activities like snorkeling, hiking, and yoga.

Chef: Paula Chiabai

Chef Paula, with roots in Brazil and Italy, transitioned from a 15-year career as a dentist to pursue her culinary passion. Self-taught and fueled by creativity and a conscientious approach, she has honed her skills in high-paced restaurants in Rome and Dublin, completed an internship at a Michelin-starred venue, and excelled as a private chef and on super-yachts. Dedicated and detail-oriented, Paula delights in crafting exceptional dishes across a variety of global cuisines, expertly pairing them with wines to satisfy the most demanding palates.