NO SHORTCUTS Yacht Charter

Captain: Conrad Pool

Conrad Pool - Captain
Languages: English

Captain Conrad is originally from beautiful Cape Town South Africa, known for breathtaking views of Table Mountain and the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Captain Conrad loves to travel and had always wanted to explore America. In 2000 he traveled to South Dakota and then made his way to the sunshine state, beautiful south Florida. His love of adventure, traveling, and exploring new places led him into yachting. He has obtained his 500 ton captains license and has worked on vessels that range from 280ft to our beautiful 112ft Westport, NO SHORTCUTS. Captain Conrad takes pride in any vessel he captains and loves giving amazing guest experiences with beautiful anchorages and fun excursions. He was previously Captain aboard 112' Westport INDIGO and spent time as a first office on 143' STARSHIP. When Captain Conrad is not traveling around the world by boat, he enjoys fishing and sports. He has a passion for rugby, cricket, and riding his motorcycles. Don’t let Captain Conrad's calm demeanor fool you, he is a adrenal junky at heart, if not on the water you could also find him skydiving, racing motorcycles on the track with friends or cage diving with great white sharks in South Africa.


Jewel Deftereos – Chief Stew
Education/Certifications: STCW, STCW PDSD, ENG1, Food Safety Hygiene Level 2, RYA VHF Radio, Powerboat Level 2, Padi Advanced Divers
Nationality: South African
Languages: English

Jewel grew up in the vibrant city of Johannesburg, South Africa, surrounded by the warmth and laughter of her large family, which includes five sisters and one brother. Their family holidays and weekends were always filled with laughter and happiness, creating fond memories that Jewel will always cherish.

Jewel transitioned into the yachting industry five years ago, seamlessly blending her love for the ocean with her extensive hospitality experience. Before yachting, she worked as a hostess in high-end hotels, catering to high-profile guests, and spent a season on cruise ships as a shore excursion staff member.

Bringing a kind and calm energy to her work, Jewel is highly organized and dedicated, putting all her energy into ensuring guests feel completely relaxed and happy on board. The happiness of the guests is her top priority, and she strives to consistently provide the best service with a friendly demeanor. Jewel performs her position to the highest standard while her positive attitude and bubbly personality remain steadfast.

In her spare time, Jewel enjoys walking, swimming, and indulging in good food. She loves meeting and interacting with people from all walks of life, enriching the experiences of everyone she encounters.


Ross Cameron – Chef
Education/Certifications: Culinary Arts Diploma
Nationality: South African
Languages: English, Afrikaans

Ross embarked on his boating journey in 2017, driven by a lifelong desire to travel the world and immerse himself in diverse cuisines and cultures. With a specialization in Mediterranean, Asian, Thai, French, and Italian cuisines, Ross is adept at creating culinary masterpieces that cater to all dietary restrictions. His commitment to high standards of food quality and impeccable plating ensures that every dish is a visual and gastronomic delight.

With over 6 years of experience in the industry, Ross has honed his ability to anticipate client needs, providing a personalized dining experience that leaves guests indulging in some of the best food they’ve ever tasted. By pairing his dishes with world-award-winning wines, he continuously challenges and amazes his guests’ palates with a seamless journey of flavors from one dish to the next.

In addition to his culinary prowess, Ross's background in deck operations enables him to assist the crew with various tasks, showcasing his versatility. His ultimate dream is to open a restaurant in South Africa, where he can share his passion for food with a wider audience.

In his spare time, Ross enjoys attending cooking classes, golfing, going to the gym, playing rugby, swimming, and scuba diving. His greatest passion remains his love for food, which continues to grow day by day.

Ross can’t wait to host his next guests aboard his table on 112’ NO SHORTCUTS.


Marius Duvenhage – First Mate
Education/Certifications: RYA Yachmaster Offshore, SAS Yacht Master Coastal, RYA Coastal Skippers, RYA Day Skippers, RYA Powerboat Level 2, RYA PWC, RYA Competent Crew, RYA Diesel Engine Course, RYA PPR, RYA Radar Course, RYA Super Yacht Training, STCW, ENG1, SAMSA SRC Radio License, Security Officer Course, Armed Response Course
Nationality: South African
Languages: English, Afrikaans

Marius is originally from the small town of Fochville, where he grew up with two older brothers. From a young age, his hobbies included wrestling and fighting, which instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and determination. Seven years ago, Marius discovered his passion for sailing, and he has felt at home on the ocean ever since.

Marius is dedicated to ensuring that guests experience the vacation of a lifetime. His ambitious and hardworking nature, combined with a good sense of humor and a hands-on attitude, make him an invaluable member of the crew. Known for his boundless energy and creativity, Marius approaches every task with a serious commitment and a knack for innovative problem-solving. Passionate about his work, Marius can't imagine himself doing anything else.

In his spare time, Marius enjoys wrestling, kitesurfing, ju-jitsu, and racing.


Kristen Brown – Deck/Stew
Education/Certifications: Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry (Honours) and Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, Post Graduate Certificate – Education, STCW, PDSD, ENG1, Power Boat Level 2, RYA PWC, Green to Gold Stewardess Course
Nationality: South African
Languages: English

Kristen grew up in the charming town of Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. She has always loved being outdoors and surrounding herself with friends and family. Driven by a desire to travel the world and meet new people, Kristen made the natural decision to join the yachting industry. Prior to this, she spent two years as a 4th-grade teacher at an underprivileged farming school in the Eastern Cape, where she also taught children how to swim.

Kristen is a very people-oriented person, always willing to help out and eager to learn as much as possible. Her positive and happy attitude, combined with her go-getter spirit, makes her an invaluable team member who is always ready to get involved.

Her dream is to open a swim school in South Africa to teach underprivileged people the lifesaving skill of swimming. On board, Kristen is dedicated to ensuring guests have a great overall experience with professional and friendly interactions, striving to exceed their expectations with top-class service.

In her spare time, Kristen loves being outdoors, playing padel, cycling, swimming, and running. She has also completed five half Ironman competitions!