NO BAD IDEAS Yacht Charter

Captain: Jonathan Barrett

Jonathan Barrett | Captain
Nationality: South African
Education/Certifications: Marshall Islands 350GT Masters License / OOW 500GT; STCW 10 – PSSR, PST, Fire Fighting, First Aid; STCW 10 – Maritime Security Awareness; ENG 1 Medical Certificate; SDI/TDI Open Water Dive Certificate; USCG Bridge Resource Management (BRM); Diploma in Hotel Management
Languages Spoken: English, Afrikaans, Learning Spanish

Jonathan Barrett was born in South Africa and grew up in Durban where he spent most of his youth living aboard his parents’ sport fisher in Durban Harbor. This is where he learned how to sail, surf, skateboard, and wakeboard at a young age, and where his passion for the ocean started. Passionate about yachting since childhood, he began his professional career in the industry in 2013 as a mate and is now Captain of M/Y NO BAD IDEAS alongside his wife, Xanthea van Wyk, the Chief Stewardess. He is also working toward his 500GT Masters License at this time. Captain Jon’s pastimes include golf, playing guitar, discovering new restaurants, and surfing, especially exploring new places with secret surfing spots. Of all the destinations he’s traveled to, the
natural beauty of Panama has captured his heart, and he plans to open a surfing camp there when he retires from yachting.



Xanthea Van Wyk | Chief Stewardess
Nationality: South African
Education/Certifications: STCW 10 – PSSR, PST, Fire Fighting, First Aid; STCW 10 – Maritime Security Awareness; ENG 1 Medical Certificate; MCA Proficiency in Medical First Aid (PMFA); RYA Powerboat Level II; Food Safety & Hygiene Training; PYT Hostess/Stewardess Course – Silver & Table Service, Flower Arrangements, Bar and Laundry; Diploma in Business Management and Entrepreneurship
Languages Spoken: English, Afrikaans, Learning Spanish

Xanthea van Wyk was born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, and grew up in a small city on the North Coast Kwa-Zulu Natal. Her passion for the hospitality and tourism industry began in her youth while traveling all over Southern Africa and visiting game parks with her family. After graduating from college and meeting her husband, Captain Jonathan Barrett, she gained several years of land-based hospitality experience while managing game lodges in Namibia before transitioning into the yachting industry. In her leisure time, Xan enjoys reading, snorkeling, running, and paddle boarding.
She is passionate about wildlife and loves traveling around the world to observe species in their natural habitats. Following her retirement from yachting, she plans to create a unique collection of glamping-style lodgings in Panama


Warren Carney | Chef
Nationality: South African
Education/Certifications: Education/Certifications: Le Cordon Bleu Grande Diploma ENG1, Food Health and Safety II, PST, PSSR, PDSD, Fire Prevention and Fighting, Elementary First Aid

Chef Warren was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa where he spent a lot of time on their farm in his mother's grandmother's kitchen. He began his career as a chef in 2002 and hasn’t looked back.

Chef Warren has owned his own restaurant, been a consultant to many others, has done a lot of Ku De Ta. He decided he wanted to pursue his yachting career about 7 years ago after spending 2 years on and off M/Y Lady Christine.

Chef Warren is classically French trained but has experience with many other cuisines and can cater to all different palates. He can accommodate any dietary requests and will always make sure everyone is accounted for. His plating style varies to suit the occasion, but he generally likes to do more relaxed family style
lunches that keep guests and crew energized throughout the busy day. For dinners he likes to work with the stews to incorporate themed courses.

Chef Warren loves the gym, yoga, photography, Jiu Jitsu, golfing, and surfing but his greatest passion is food and the opportunity to create amazing dishes for guests to enjoy.


Sern Lagerwall | Engineer
Nationality: South African
Education/Certifications: STCW95, ENG1, MROCP, Proficiency in Medical First Aid, Advanced Firefighting, PSCRB, Yachtmaster Offshore, MCA AEC, MCA AEC2, MCA SV
Nationality: South African
Languages Spoken: English, Afrikaans

Sern is a seasoned marine engineer hailing from South Africa, whose passion for safety and innovation goes above and beyond. Sern entered the world of yachting after receiving a call about an opening from one of his brothers already in the industry. Without hesitation, he seized the opportunity to join as a Deck/Engineer, launching a career that would span over a decade. With close to 12 years of experience under his belt, Sern has become anonymous with safety-first practices on board. His commitment to ensuring the well-being of crew and passengers alike is unmatched. When Sern eventually transitions back to land, he plans on applying his knowledge of water purification, waste management, and renewable energy towards the establishment of his own company. Sern's friends and crew members know him as the epitome of fun and wit, with a dash of eccentricity. Whether he's teeing off on the golf course, mastering watersports, or immersing himself in the art of cooking, Sern approaches life with boundless energy and
enthusiasm. Amidst all Sern’s aspirations and hobbies, his ultimate goal remains steadfast: to continuously provide and maintain a safe vessel, ensuring smooth sailing for all who step on board NO BAD IDEAS.


Boudine Nagel | Purser
Nationality: South African
Education/Certifications: Elementary First Aid, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Personal Survival Techniques, Personal safety and Social Responsibility (STCW)
Languages Spoken: English, Afrikaans

Bou hails from the vibrant city of Johannesburg, South Africa, where her love for the great outdoors, exploration, and the ocean blossomed from an early age. Following a transformative visit to her sister, a distinguished yacht charter broker in the Bahamas, Bou felt the irresistible pull of the yachting world. In 2016 she decided to join the industry, beginning her career as a Third Stew. Infusing every aspect of her work with boundless enthusiasm and a warm, welcoming demeanor, Bou ensures that each charter guest aboard experiences nothing short of unforgettable moments. As a versatile team player who also excels independently, she relentlessly pursues opportunities for growth, eager to enhance her skills and elevate her yachting career to new heights. Friends and fellow crew members would describe Bou as trustworthy, quick-witted, and analytical. She has a strong eye for detail and approaches every task with grace and precision. When not working at sea, Bou loves working out, playing soccer, drawing, or reading a good book and soaking up the sun. With a genuine commitment to crafting unparalleled experiences, Bou is dedicated to ensuring that your time aboard NO BAD IDEAS transcends expectations, leaving an indelible mark on your memory for years to come.


Pete Hardwick | Mate
Nationality: South African
Education/Certifications: Certificate, ENG1 Medical Certificate, MCA Yachtmaster Commercial 200T
Languages Spoken: English, Afrikaans

Peter was born and raised in Durban, South Africa, where his love of the outdoors and obsession with the ocean began. The oldest of three boys, he spent his days surfing, free diving, fishing, and swimming. He learned to sail as a hobby and started his yachting career as a deckhand before becoming a bosun in 2015, working on private and charter vessels in the Caribbean, the Bahamas, the Mediterranean, South and Central America, Alaska, and both coasts of the United States. While he is continuing to build his skillset in the industry with plans to become a Captain, he excels at managing and training deck crews, overseeing all exterior duties, and ensuring all safety protocols are in place. His friendly and hardworking spirit is a welcome addition to the crew of M/Y NO BAD IDEAS. When not working on the water, you’ll find Peter diving, spearfishing, surfing, or skiing.


Andria Weppenaar | Stewardess
Nationality: South African
Education/Certifications: ENG1, Food Health and Safety II, PST, PSSR, PDSD, Fire Prevention and Fighting, Elementary First Aid, RYA Diesel Engine, RYA Powerboat II, RYA Tender Operator, RYA Radar, RYA VHF Radio, MCA Day Skipper
Languages Spoken: English, Afrikaans

Andria was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2021 she started sailing weekly at the Royal Yacht Club in Cape Town and loved the experience so much she started to pursue a career in yachting, and aims to gain experience while working towards becoming a Chief Stewardess.
Prior to yachting, she earned her BA Degree in Psychology and plans to utilize it by providing counselling. Andria considers herself an amateur photographer and has a collection of antique film cameras which are her pride and joy. Outside of yachting she plans on investing in Real Estate that she can Rent or Airbnb. She enjoys Running, CrossFit training, Hiking, Camping and Off-Roading. Andria is a wonderful asset to the team and will happily help make your stay on board one to remember. Andria will make sure your time onboard is enjoyable and she is happy to give assistance with a big smile.


Suné Vos | Stew/Masseuse
Education/Certifications: STCW, ENG1 Medical, Food & Hygiene Level II, Green to Gold Stewardess Course, Isa Carstens Beauty Training, Digital Marketing & Management
Nationality: South African
Languages: English, Afrikaans

Suné grew up on a farm in the quaint town of Hazyview, where her family cultivates macadamia nuts and manages a game reserve. With the nature of the family business, Suné always had an undeniable love for the outdoors.

Her fascination with the yachting industry began at the age of 16, captivated by the prospect of traveling the world and doing what she loves while earning an honest living. Prior to pursuing her dreams, Suné studied at Isa Carstens, a renowned beauty academy in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, where she graduated with a diploma in beauty therapy and massage. Her passion for continuous learning led her to further her studies in Business and Supply Chain Management in 2023.

Suné is dedicated to creating unforgettable luxury experiences for guests. She is always willing to go above and beyond, handling every detail with efficiency and ease. Always prioritizing honesty, Suné remains a valuable asset to the crew.

In her spare time, Suné enjoys hiking, exploring new destinations, jogging, going to the gym, shopping, and writing. She believes in living each day to the fullest, a philosophy that fuels her passion for life. Friends describe her as loyal, soft-hearted, and fun-loving.

Suné is excited to bring her enthusiasm and dedication to creating exceptional experiences for guests aboard NO BAD IDEAS.


Zach Ruffels | Deckhand
Nationality: South African
Education/Certifications: STCW 95, RYA Powerboat 2, ENG 1
Languages Spoken: English, Afrikaans

Zac is an ambitious deckhand whose love for the sea was cultivated amidst the coastal beauty of Cape Town, South Africa. With a father who served in the navy, Zac was always inspired to work on boats which led to his gravitation towards a career in yachting. As a dedicated deckhand, Zac takes great pride in ensuring the yacht remains in pristine condition at all times. From meticulously maintaining the exterior to anticipating the needs of guests, he goes above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of their stay is unforgettable. Zac's warm and friendly personality makes him a favorite among
guests and crew alike. His patience and energetic demeanor make him a pleasure to be around, while his genuine happiness radiates throughout the vessel. When he's not hard at work on deck, Zac can be found indulging in his favorite hobbies. Whether he's hitting the gym for a rigorous workout, taking a refreshing swim, or exploring the great outdoors through hiking, Zac always finds a way to keep busy. And when he's not pursuing his own adventures, you'll often find him building cars with his old man. With unwavering determination and a keen eye for detail, Zac is dedicated to honing his skills and mastering every aspect yachting has to offer.


Jack Severs | Deckhand
Nationality: South African
Education/Certifications: STCW 10 – PSSR, PST, Fire Fighting,
First Aid; STCW 10 – Maritime Security Awareness; ENG 1
Medical Certificate, Powerboat Level 2, PWC Instructor, Yacht Rating
Languages Spoken: English & Afrikaans

Jake hails from a small town along the dolphin coast called Ballito just outside of Durban, South Africa making him no stranger to the ocean. He grew up with a younger brother and they were both sporty. Jack participated in a lot of sporting clubs, rugby, cricket, running, soccer, and swimming and captained his teams in rugby, cricket, and soccer, represented his district in both rugby and cricket. Jack started in the yachting industry just over 2½ years ago, He always wanted to travel, so to have the option to travel while doing something that you love just made sense for him. He previously worked a year on a 1929 classic where he learned how to varnish, paint, fairing, caulking, sika work splicing and whipping. Jack's goal in yachting is to become a captain and make this a career, build up a property portfolio and retire. He enjoys being active, playing rugby, soccer or cricket. In his
spare time you’ll find him either in the gym, on the sports field or having down time with friends.