Captain David Coates Palgrave

Born in Zimbabwe, David left at age 3 for South Africa where he grew up and developed his love for life on the ocean. He was raised in a rugged and beautiful country, which bred in him a sense of adventure and exploration. His 22 year career has allowed him to crew on not only the world’s largest sailing yachts but also several large superyachts which has allowed him to travel the world’s oceans from the Mediterranean to the USA and Pacific and New Zealand. Since gaining his 3000GT master license in 2015 he has Captained several vessels both Private and Charter up to 255 Ft mainly in and around the USA and Caribbean and Mediterranean. He has now joined the great young vibrant team on MY SPIRIT, looking forward to their exciting first season together. David’s interests include kayaking, sailing, rugby and adventure sports on land and sea. Previous yachts: S/Y ADELE 180ft / M/Y AMADEUS 230ft | M/Y ULYSSES 196ft | S/Y EOS 305ft | S/Y ATHENA 300ft |M/Y SOLEMAR 201ft | S/Y ELFJE 180ft | M/Y AMARYLLIS 255FT | M/Y VIXIT 173ft

Chief Engineer - Morné de Villiers

Morné was raised in Central South-Africa. He and his family moved to Florida in 2015 when he started his maritime career as Mate/Engineer. His yachting travels have taken him through the Bahamas, Caribbean waters of both the US and British Virgin Islands, and Saint Maarten. He has experience working on motor yachts and tri-jet boats up to 160ft. As Chief Engineer Morne’ has a calm and pleasant demeanor. Don’t worry if you don’t see him – everything is fine Morné's main hobbies include golf, running, and water sports like water skiing and fishing. He also enjoys exploring the beautiful areas in and around the states with his family.

First Officer - Alan Mans

Bio coming soon!


Chef - Liebe De Klerk

Liebe was born and raised on a farm in the heart of South Africa. She started her love for food from a young age, as her mother and grandmother were chefs too. She has always been artistic and travelled through Europe to learn more about the rich history of art. Her love for food grew fonder and she decided to study Culinary Arts. She did her Diploma in Culinary arts and Patisserie. She also specialized in Media communication and food photography. For the past few years, she worked at a few fine dining restaurants and catering companies as well as in the magazine and film industry.
Liebe always strives to be the best version of herself while being caring and hardworking. She decided to join the yacht industry to combine her love for cooking, travelling and growing her knowledge.

Deckhand - Ruan De Villiers

Ruan was raised in Central Southern Africa. He and his family moved to Florida in 2015 to follow a career in professional golfing. During school holidays he spent his time on the water in South Florida and the Bahamas working on several private vessels as a deckhand learning the ropes and thoroughly enjoying himself. In a gap year while he awaits his college application to be accepted he has joined the team on My Spirit for their first

Ruan's main hobbies include all manner of sports especially in and around the sea like water skiing, wakeboarding and fishing he also plays drums in a local band. He continues to play golf at a high level and ultimately would like to turn professional one day.


Chief Stew - Milrie Swanepoel

Bio coming soon!


Stewardess - Jade Deftereos

Jade Deftereos is a bubbly, good humored South African stewardess which joined the yachting industry in 2022 as she wanted to challenge herself as well as wanted to live by the ocean. Passionate about her career, she aims to deliver the best possible guest experience and service. Jade enjoys being active, swimming as a sport and for leisure as well as snorkeling and spending time with friends and family.