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Our Team

Unsurpassed levels of service and cuisine.

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Aboard MIRAGE, charter guests can relax and enjoy the superyacht experience knowing they are in safe, experienced hands. With more than a 1:1 crew to guest ratio, her expert team of 15 provide unsurpassed levels of service and cuisine, ensuring the varying requirements of any group are not only met but exceeded. From celebrating special occasions to trying out her array of watertoys, a crew member is always on hand throughout your stay on board. 

Colin Richardson

Captain

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Steve Emmerich

Captain

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Daniel Hall
Head Chef
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Joao Caetano
Head Chef
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Mark Bevis
Chief Engineer
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Andy Ingle
Chief engineer
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Jess Rutty
Chief Stewardess
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Nina Brozovic
Chief Stewardess
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Ben Dickerson

First Mate

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Chris Booker

First Mate

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Jojo Simpson
Second Stewardess
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Elouise Daniels

Sous Chef

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Nico Scheepers

BOSUN / KITESURF INSTRUCTOR

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Kieran Elliott

ETO / Second Engineer
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Jack Nicoll

DECKHAND / DIVE INSTRUCTOR

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Lutho Thomas

Deckhand / Sailing Instructor

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Jonoel Leigh

DECKHAND

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Rut Genberg
STEWARDESS / MASSAGE THERAPIST
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Sara Mendoza
STEWARDESS / FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
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Tea Majic

STEWARDESS

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Colin Richardson

Captain

Nationality: British
Languages: English/ Afrikaans

Colin was born in the UK although he spent his childhood growing up in South Africa. He spent 10 years sailing professionally until 1997 and then spent the next 7 years running various sailing boats in South East Asia.

Colin has over 30 years of experience in the maritime industry and has cruised extensively all over the world. He was in command of a Perini-Navi in 2005 and then went on to Captaining M/Y PASSION for 7 years.

Among his numerous qualifications, he holds a PADI Divemaster, MCA 3000 Tonne Captain’s license as well as a RYA Jet Ski and Level II Powerboat Instructor. As a result,  MIRAGE can issue jet ski licenses for the duration of your trip.

Colin combines his extensive experience and qualifications to guarantee a fun-filled, memorable vacation.  He is always cheerful and great fun to be around and ensures that his crew all maintain the same positivity and professionalism that he does. He places a strong emphasis on planning, organisation and training to ensure impeccable vessel preparation and presentation. Colin handpicks highly qualified and motivated crew to cater to your every need.

When on land he lives in Warsash, UK with his wife and two children.

Colin joined M/Y Mirage in 2012.

Steve Emmerich

Captain

Nationality: German

Languages: English, German, Spanish

Steve was born in Germany and grew up in South Africa. Steve is an accomplished yachtsman whose growing passion for sailing sparked at the age of 23, when he completed his first trans-Atlantic crossing as skipper on his parent’s catamaran. This experience ignited a desire to embark on a yachting career and over 30 years on, Steve continues to be inspired by the many different aspects of the maritime industry. In 1996 Steve became 2nd Officer on M/Y Lady Moura, at the time one of the largest yachts in the world, and was promoted to 1st Officer in 2002. As Captain of M/Y Mirage, Steve uses his broad experience and passion for his job to ensure you have a great time on-board. Steve leads by example and he and his crew always give their very best to not only meet but exceed your needs and expectations. He is brilliantly personable and is always delighted to share recommendations and advice on itineraries, anchorages, excursions and activities. Steve works diligently to plan and carry out your perfect trip. Steve is a huge rock music fan and attends many concerts when he’s on land. He also likes to spend as much time as possible with his wife and two wonderful boys. Steve joined Mirage in 2014

Daniel Hall

Head Chef

Nationality: British
Languages: English

Daniel brings over 26 years’ experience to the role of Head Chef on Mirage. His career started under the guidance of Scottish Chef Nick Nairn where at the age of 19 he became the youngest Head Chef of a Michelin starred restaurant in Scotland.

Since then he has worked in a number of high-profile roles including Group Executive Chef for Compass Group, Private Chef to Peter Newton of Newton vineyard in Napa Valley CA, Head Chef on the Orient Express Royal Scotsman Luxury Train.

His last land-based role was based in Glasgow where he was Executive Head Chef of the 5 Star Blythswood Square Hotel. In between these positions Daniel has also lived and worked throughout South America, Japan and Spain. Eight years ago, Daniel transitioned across into the superyacht industry and has worked on a variety of prestigious yachts including Maltese Falcon, Mary Jean II, Tango and Entourage.

Daniel is passionate about personalising your dining experience onboard using his vast practical experience and knowledge of cuisines from around the world. When not onboard he can be found at home with his family in Athens, Greece.

Daniel joined M/Y Mirage in 2019.

Joao Caetano

Head Chef

Nationality: British & Portuguese
Languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish

Joao was born in London and raised in Portugal. Before joining the yachting industry in June 2014, Joao worked in various high-end restaurants in the Algarve, London and the French Alps. With over 10 years experience as a chef, his love for travel and exploring new cultures enables Joao to keep up to date with all the latest food trends. Joao is very knowledgeable and passionate about nutrition and the important role it plays in keeping a well-fueled and healthy crew, as well as providing outstanding fine dining experiences for our guests onboard Mirage. Vegan cuisine, quality and variety are at the heart of Joao’s cooking and are evident in all the astounding dishes he prepares. When not in the galley, Joao divides his free time between travelling to new places and returning home to stay close to his roots. Joao maintains an active lifestyle and more recently has adventured into the world of gin distilling, using only local ingredients promoting his Algarve heritage. Joao initially joined M/Y Mirage in 2015 for one year and returned in 2020.
Mark Bevis

Chief Engineer

Nationality: British
Languages: English, Spanish

Mark grew up in Warsash, UK– a beautiful town located on the famous Solent Waters, which naturally sparked his passion for boats.

Immediately after graduating from school, Mark enthusiastically began his five-year Marine Engineering Apprenticeship which later led him to a successful career in the yachting industry.

Mark has been a Chief Engineer for over 21 years and has worked all over the world. Some of Mark’s best qualities include great trouble-shooting skills, a willingness to always help others and offer extensive knowledge of M/Y Mirage. So make sure you don’t miss his famous Engine Room Tour!

In addition to all things engineering, Mark is a keen walker and always at hand to share his knowledge of local walking trails with guests.

When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family as well as fresh-water fishing on his self-built boat.

Mark joined M/Y Mirage in 2013.

Andy Ingle

Chief Engineer

Nationality: South African
Languages: English, Afrikaans

Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Andy has always had a passion for the outdoors.

His analytical and inquiring nature steered him to qualify in IT Engineering which further developed his trouble-shooting and logical skills. Over the next few years, Andy gained extensive experience within the IT field working as a Technical Manager before pursuing a yachting career in 2014.

Yachting has taken Andy to various places around the world, including the Caribbean and USA, as well as Europe, Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. Andy initially joined the team on M/Y Mirage as an Electrical Technical Officer/ Second Engineer but after a few years of proving his great professionalism and further expanding his skill sets, he successfully qualified to become a Chief Engineer.

Andy’s composed nature and can-do attitude, coupled with his troubleshooting abilities ensure a safe and smooth operating environment onboard. He is always delighted to share interesting facts about the M/Y Mirage and always looks forward to welcoming guests on the Engine Room Tour!

Andy joined Mirage in 2015.

Jess Rutty

Chief Stewardess

Nationality: British
Languages: English

Jess was born and raised in Shropshire, England. She has been working in the luxury hospitality industry for over 10 years after discovering yachting at 18 years old.

Jess joined her first boat M/Y Passion in 2008 as a junior stew and left 6 years later as a chief stewardess. In her time in the industry Jess has travelled all around the Mediterranean, Caribbean and America. She also spent 6 months in the Netherlands where she managed the interior aspect of a new build launch of a brand-new 50m yacht.

At the end of 2016, she decided to jump ship to work ashore to manage a 5* lodge in Kenya and has since worked at several lodges around South Africa.

Jess’s extensive experience and passionate attitude about delivering high-end service will ensure that your every need onboard is tended to in order to create an unforgettable trip.

Jess’ interests include furthering her studies in wine and she is currently in the process of her WSET Level 4 wine diploma. In her spare time Jess loves to spend her time camping & hiking in game reserves throughout Africa.

Jess joined M/Y Mirage in 2019.

Nina Brozovic

Chief Stewardess

Nationality: Croatian
Languages: Croatian, English & Italian

Nina was born in Ogulin – a small, picturesque mountain town in Central Croatia.

Although she grew up in a mountain region, her passion for the ocean took her to a sea resort where she worked for 7 years as a sport and PR entertainer. She spent 18 years playing handball, majored in Landscape Architecture and later acquired a graduate diploma at the Fitness University in Rijeka in Croatia.

Nina joined Mirage in 2017 and quickly worked her way up the ranks and was promoted to Chief Stewardess in 2021.

Nina has always been positive, motivated, and passionate about working within a highly skilled team. She has a natural ability for organising group events, leading by example, and delivering outstanding service. In her spare time, Nina enjoys keeping healthy with an active lifestyle and volunteering at local animal charities.

Nina joined M/Y Mirage in 2017.

Ben Dickerson

First Mate

Nationality: American
Languages: English

Ben was born and raised in New Jersey, famous for its beautiful beaches, great food and diverse culture.

Ben was first introduced to boating by his father at a young age. He has worked in the yachting industry for over 15 years, which makes him a highly experienced and skillful crewmember.

Some of his previous vessels include M/Y Highlander, M/Y Passion and M/Y Trafalgar where he was the captain for 3 years. Ben holds his MCA Chief Mate 3000 Ton License and is presently working towards his Masters 3000 Ton License. He is also an advanced PADI Diver.

Leading his deck team of four, Ben is dedicated to making your experience on-board exceed your expectations. An active outdoorsman, Ben enjoys wakeboarding, snowboarding, camping, rock climbing and white-water rafting. When not onboard Ben enjoys spending time with his wife and two little boys in Canada.

Ben joined M/Y Mirage in 2015.

Chris Booker

First Mate

Nationality: Australian
Languages: English

Chris was born and raised near the Gold Coast, Australia and from a very young age the ocean played a large role in his life.

After finishing his schooling, he headed into the construction industry where he gained a lot of practical skills. However, his love for the ocean combined with his outdoor personality led him into the yachting industry in 2014.

Chris travelled to Europe to commence his yachting career, which involved extensive Mediterranean & Australian cruising; simultaneously obtaining his RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Qualification in 2017.

Chris joined Mirage in 2018 as Bosun and having attained his Officer of the Watch Qualification in 2019 has climbed the ranks and promoted to First Mate. Chris’ knowledge of the yachting industry combined with his responsible nature ensures all your activities are enjoyed in a safe and meticulous fashion during your stay. Leading his team of four, he is always at hand to assist with all your water sports needs or any questions you may have.

When not on board Chris enjoys taking time out to travel back to Australia to spend time with his 13-year-old daughter. Chris is a keen skateboarder and wakeboarder and enjoys keeping active. 

Jojo Simpson

Second Stewardess

Nationality: British
Languages: English

Jojo grew up in a small sailing village on the Isle of Wight where she grew her love for the sea, she also grew up on the outskirts of London in a beautiful town in Surrey, moving in between both areas.

Growing up she was a very active girl and excelled in many sports including dancing. In 2014, she followed her dream of becoming a professional dancer working in theatres across London. Through dancing Jojo discovered her passion for exercise and decided to complete her fitness, pilates and personal training certificates. Combining her two loves, she worked onboard cruise ships for over 2 years where she performed daily classes as well as providing health seminars cruising around the Caribbean, Baltics and the Canary Islands.

In 2018 she completed therefore is now a qualified nutritionist and was able to improve many passengers’ health and well being!

When not onboard Jojo enjoys hiking,tennis, watersports and playing the piano. Jojo looks forward to welcoming guests onboard with great enthusiasm being your PT at sea who is also handy with a duster.

Jojo joined M/Y Mirage in 2020.

ELOUISE DANIELS

SOUS CHEF

Nationality: British

Languages: English

Elouise was born in Bath in the UK, a beautiful city named after its Roman built baths. Elouise started her career working under a Michelin star chef at a high end seafood restaurant. Here she gained a lot  of enthusiasm for chef work which led her to work at other various top restaurants,  as well as working as a private chef.

 Her love of travel led her to a ski season in Verbier working as a sole chef in a luxury ski chalet. She naturally transitioned to the yachting industry after this.

Elouise focuses on Mediterranean cuisine, but she adores a wide variety of cuisines holding authentic ingredients, flavors and cooking processes paramount. She also sources inspiration from her interest in nutrition, fermentation, preserving and plant based cooking techniques. 

In her free time, Elouise enjoys hiking, reading, music and wild swimming! Elouise joined Mirage in 2023. 

Nico Scheepers
BOSUN & KITESURF INSTRUCTOR

Nationality: South African
Languages: English

Nico was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. After finishing school, he gained practical skills in the electrical and refrigeration industries before pursuing a career as an operations manager in the medical consumables and pharmaceuticals industry.

Living on the infamous “Kitebeach” in Bloubergstrand led Nico to find his passion for big air kitesurfing and during his years in the corporate world found a love for teaching others to kitesurf. In 2018 Nico became an IKO kitesurf instructor and decided to follow his love for kitesurfing and begin his superyacht career in Florida.

Nico successfully achieved his YachtMaster Offshore in 2019 and during the winter of 2020 he completed many other course certificates such as EDH, ECDIS and GSK.

Nico loves being active and will ride any and every board he can get his hands on. Always friendly and eager to ensure there are smiles all around Nico is available to assist you with any water sport activities you may wish to try out during your time onboard.

Nico joined M/Y Mirage in 2019.

Kieran Elliot
ETO / SECOND ENGINEER

Nationality: Welsh

Languages: English, Welsh

Kieran was born in the seaside town of Llanelli in South Wales where he grew to love the sea and exploring the outdoors. In 2012 he started an apprenticeship in electrical engineering and studied at the University of Wales, Trinity St David. After 10 years of studying and working on land, his love for travel made him want to pursue a career in yachting as an engineer. Making his way to Palma, Mallorca, Kieran has spent the winter on Mirage and is looking forward to heading into the summer season. He assists the chief engineer with the maintenance and smooth operation of the yacht, as well as maintaining a wide range of complex onboard electronic and electrical equipment.

Kieran enjoys keeping fit and playing many sports including football, golf and hiking. From a young age he played electric guitar and also played snooker for his country up to the age of 14.

Kieran joined M/Y Mirage in 2021.

Jack Nicoll
DECKHAND & DIVE INSTRUCTOR

Nationality: New Zealand
Languages: English

Jack was born in Dunedin, New Zealand. Jack’s early-age fascination with animals and the ocean naturally led him to study BSc in Zoology and Marine Science.

Jack is a keen outdoorsman and a natural in the water; he is a qualified Surf Lifeguard and Instructor and has also spent time as a wildlife guide.

Furthermore, Jack was an ardent competitor in IRB racing and even became a gold medallist in South Island.

His passion for the ocean and the outdoors sparked his interest in exploring the yachting industry and motivated him to expand his skill set. Having qualified as a certified PADI Open Water Instructor he is highly experienced to accompany you on an unforgettable diving trip.

Jack completed, with great ambition, his YachtMaster Offshore over the winter of 2020, and hopes to be working towards his OOW modules in the winter of 2021.

Jack’s helpful and friendly approach will make sure you enjoy every moment of your trip, be it assisting with water sports and snorkelling or preparing for an adventurous rendezvous dive.

Jack joined M/Y Mirage in 2020.

Lutho Thomas
DECKHAND/ SAILING INSTRUCTOR

Nationality: English, Afrikaans, Isixhosa, IsiZulu, Sesotho
Languages:

Lutho was born and raised in Port Elizabeth, the so-called windy city and later moved to Cape Town. Lutho went to the same High School as Colin where he studied Maritime Economics and Nautical Science for 3 years and then became Head Boy. He learned everything in relation to SeamanShip skills and navigation, this is also where he refurbished a donated 26ft sailing boat.

Lutho then started working at Maersk, a shipping company as an apprentice where he learned operations, health and safety. Whilst at the academy Lutho spent his early years rowing before discovering something that he loved more; sail boats. From 2017 until 2019, he sailed across the west coast of South Africa, taking part in many races and regattas. In 2020, Lutho completed his certificates and decided to transition into the yachting industry and is excited for his first season onboard M/Y Mirage.

Lutho is at hand to assist you with all your sailing needs. Lutho most recently completed a foiling course on a F101 Trimaran, he is also currently studying for his YachtMaster Offshore Qualification.

When not on board Lutho enjoys skateboarding, waterports, cycling and DJ-ing.

Lutho joined M/Y Mirage in 2021.

Jonoel Leigh

DECKHAND

Nationality: South African
Languages: English, Afrikaans

Jonoel was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa in a suburb called Mitchell’s Plain. At the age of 8 he started Karate and continued for 9 years obtaining a black belt! Jonoel’s passion for marine life began at an early age of 13 where he enrolled at a Sea Cadet Base, TS Woltemade and obtained the rank Able Seaman. During his time at the Base he was introduced to sailing. A few years down the line he started at a Maritime school, STS Lawhill Maritime Centre and was introduced to the Maritime World which nurtured his love for the industry.

He met one of our fellow deckhands Lutho at the school during his junior year and 2 years later, during senior year he got in touch with Lutho about the industry. Lutho agreed to sponsor Jonoel to fly him over to Europe and break into the yachting industry at the beginning of this year!

Jonoel’s calm and open presence reflects on deck adding to a talented deck team. He is excited to start his journey on Mirage.  

Jonoel joined M/Y Mirage in 2022.

Rut Genberg
STEWARDESS/ MASSAGE THERAPIST

Nationality: Swedish
Languages: Swedish, English

Rut was born in Karlstad, famous for being the sunniest city in Sweden. She grew up living in Thailand for two years, moved to Portugal for six months and all over Sweden as her parents enjoyed travelling just like their daughter.

Rut started wrestling at the age of 9 years old and went to the best known wrestling school Filborna in Helsingborg, from the age of 14 to 19 years old, where the famous Slatan Ibrahimovic also went. She graduated, won 2nd place in the world championship and did many competitions in all over Europe, Canada and Sweden.

Her passion for massage started with wrestling at the very beginning, learning how to take care of injuries and taking care of the human body. After graduation and following her desire she opened her own beauty salon in Sweden including massages, facials, hair masks and others.

Rut is new to the yachting industry bringing her strengths and qualities for the guests to relax and enjoy the luxury of the yacht. Rut is qualified in Swedish, Deep tissue, Sports Massages, as well as relaxing, detoxifying from the face all the way down to the feet with the beautiful selection of products onboard.

She is very excited for her first season and bringing her personal touch. When not onboard Rut enjoys keeping fit, running and cooking.

Rut joined M/Y Mirage in 2021.

Sara Mendoza
STEWARDESS/FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

Nationality: Spanish
Languages: English, Spanish (Catalan)

Having grown up on the island of Mallorca, Sara developed a passion for the sea.

Since she was five years old, she participated in gymnastics and various high-level competitions until the age of twelve, when complications in her spine forced her to give up on her dream of competing. Her back issues led her to reconnect with health and fitness through the art of Yoga. Realizing this newfound passion, she knew she wanted to share this energy and knowledge with others.

Sara also enjoys photography and has always been fascinated by the imagery she saw in magazines and aspired to achieve the same. She gained her Bachelor of Arts and Photography degree where after her art was displayed at various exhibitions and she worked on several photography projects. Her love for photography, Yoga and travel has taken her all around the world and ignited her adventurous spirit. She has travelled all around Europe and to places including Canada, the United States, South Africa, Hawaii and Morocco.

Sara looks forward to meeting you and to share her unique Yoga experience with you.

Sara joined M/Y Mirage in 2021.

Tea Majic

STEWARDESS

Nationality: Croatian
Languages: Croatian, English

Tea grew up in Klis, a beautiful small village near Split Croatia. At the beginning of 2022, Tea graduated from Aspira University and gained a masters degree in Hotel and Tourism Management. Tea was a keen student and loved learning about the toursim industry, she even gained a Dean’s award at her university. 

Tea loves the sun and outdoors and in her free time she likes walking by the sea or hiking in the mountains. These passions for the outdoors and her training in tourism lead her to enter the yachting industry. With a strong background in different hospitality sectors such as villas & event work, she has a passion for providing the highest standard of hosipitaliy. 

This is Tea’s first luxury yacht to work on and is very enthusiastic to start the season on Mirage.

Tea joined M/Y Mirage in 2022.

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Contact

Mirage is available for charter. Your next adventure is only a phone call or email away.

Contact your preferred charter broker.

Colin Richardson

Captain

Nationality: British
Languages: English/ Afrikaans
Colin was born in the UK although he spent his childhood growing up in South Africa. He spent 10 years sailing professionally until 1997 and then spent the next 7 years running various sailing boats in South East Asia. Colin has over 30 years of experience in the maritime industry and has cruised extensively all over the world. He was in command of a Perini-Navi in 2005 and then went on to Captaining M/Y PASSION for 7 years. Among his numerous qualifications, he holds a PADI Divemaster, MCA 3000 Tonne Captain’s license as well as a RYA Jet Ski and Level II Powerboat Instructor. As a result, M/Y MIRAGE can issue jet ski licenses for the duration of your trip. As Captain of M/Y Mirage, Colin combines his extensive experience and qualifications to guarantee a fun-filled memorable vacation with a well-developed sense of safety and security for everyone on board. Colin is always cheerful and great fun to be around and ensures that his crew all maintain the same positivity and professionalism that he does. He places a strong emphasis on planning, organisation and training to ensure impeccable vessel preparation and presentation. Colin handpicks highly qualified and motivated crew to cater to your every need and make sure you have a remarkable time on-board. When on land he lives in Warsash, UK with his wife and two children. Colin joined M/Y Mirage in 2012.