Captain – Shaun Falconer / South African
Captain (Rotational)
When one thinks of the type of Captain Shaun might have chosen to be, the image of a heavy-sea navigating pirate immediately springs to mind. However, aboard King Baby, being a pirate doesn’t mean emulating the notorious ‘Jack Sparrows’ of lore. Instead, it refers to a sharply dressed, eloquent, and quick-witted professional. Captain Shaun boasts a diverse and robust career, one that has uniquely shaped his journey to life aboard a motor yacht. His prior expertise in legal practice, fused with his exceptional organizational skills and leadership, has transformed King Baby into one of the best yacht programs there is. From the far reaches of glacier mountains in Alaska, the remote islands of Fiji and French Polynesia to the sun-kissed white sands of the Bahamas, Shaun has navigated the globe’s oceans. His unique experiences have given him the skills and aptitude to provide 7-star service at sea while always being in the safest of hands.
When not steering King Baby’s course, he’s likely to be immersed in a travel adventure with his cherished family or engrossed in a DIY project at his residence.
Languages Spoken: English and Afrikaans
Interests: Skiing, Family, Traveling, Keeping his wife happy
Previous Yachts: M/Y Triton, M/Y Lady S
Captain – Jarred DuPreez / South African
Captain (Rotational)
Meet Captain Jarred, our proficient helmsman, sailing with a twinkle in his eye and a splash of humor in his wake. His journey began far from the seas, growing up on a farm in the highlands of South Africa, embracing the rustic life. With 14 years spent navigating the globe under his epaulettes, Jarred is part yacht captain, part ocean philosopher. Whether decoding ancient maritime mysteries or hiking a rugged trail, he’s as comfortable with a compass as he is with a set of dive gear. Captain Jarred is a consummate professional who combines a passion for the sea with a dedication to providing unparalleled luxury yacht experiences on board King Baby. With a strong emphasis on safety, water sports, and guest satisfaction, he consistently delivers unforgettable voyages that exceed the expectations of all clients. When is not navigating the high seas, you can find Captain Jarred belting out sea shanties at the karaoke, or partaking in some costume dress-ups that would make Davy Jones jealous – if you are lucky enough you will get to experience both while enjoying everything King Baby has to offer.
Languages Spoken: English and Afrikaans
Interests: Reading, Staying fit, spending time with friends and family, trying to marry a Texan so he can wear a Rodeo belt buckle.
Previous Yachts: Emina, Club M, Carpe Diem
Chef – Graham Stephenson / Canadian
Graham was raised in the small seaside town of St Andrews, located on Canada’s East Coast on the shores of the Passamaquoddy Bay, an inlet of the Bay Of Fundy. Along this coast, he realized his passion for cookery while working in some of the eastern provinces’ most notable restaurants such as the Rossmount Inn and Agricola Street Brasserie, under chefs Chris Aerni and Ludovic Eveno among others. After over 15 years in restaurants, Graham moved to the sea to experience life as a yacht chef. Here he finds a revived excitement for travel and food. Graham has a passion for a farm-to-table or sea-to-table menu. He loves using the best local ingredients available to create thoughtful locally inspired dishes. Chef Graham is back onboard KING BABY – yes, he was the previous chef back in 2022-2023 and we are super excited he is with us again! We would like to highlight that Graham was our long-term chef and the owner and charter guests LOVED him –
Graham is 100% proven.
Languages Spoken: English
Interests: Golf, Digging holes on the beach, Star Wars, and Knights
Previous Yachts: M/Y Amorazur II, M/Y Don Chris
Chief Officer – Stef Ekkerd / South African
Meet Stef — straight outta Bloemfontein, where the sheep outnumber people and sport is basically a second religion. After sprinting through every field and court available, Stef took his energy to the high seas, first coaching cruise-goers how to lunge without falling over, then swapping the floating gyms for luxury yachts.
He went from scrubbing decks to calling the shots as First Mate on smaller vessels, all while maintaining an impressive tan and an even more impressive tackle box. Now, when he’s not reeling in fish or disappearing into the wilderness for some off-the-grid camping, he’s building a house with the help of his three loyal construction assistants, who just happen to be donkeys.
Nationality: South African
Languages Spoken: Afrikaans, English
Interests: Sport, Fishing, Camping
Previous Yachts: M/Y Moon Sand, M/Y Betty Jane, M/Y Evaline P
Bosun – Jeanri “Goose” Ackermann / South African
Some people grow up on the coast. Goose grew up in the middle of South Africa’s Free State, about as far from the ocean as you can get without needing a passport. Fortunately, the sea had other plans. Drawn to the water from an early age, he eventually made his way to Cape Town and never looked back.
Known for his easy-going personality, quick smile, and inability to say no to a good fishing spot, Goose is happiest behind the wheel of a tender, leading guests on a snorkeling adventure, or introducing everyone onboard to their new favorite watersport. And yes, with a nickname like “Goose,” the Top Gun jokes come free of charge. While the yacht’s Captain may or may not answer to “Maverick,” Goose is always ready for the next mission—preferably one involving calm seas, fast tenders, and a few fish stories that get slightly bigger with every retelling.
Don’t let the laid-back attitude fool you, though. Behind the sunglasses is a Bosun with serious attention to detail and a strong work ethic. Armed with a Diploma in Business Management, Goose approaches deck operations with the same focus he brings to the stock market.
A lifelong sports fanatic and fitness enthusiast, Goose thrives on competition and teamwork. Having worked his way up from Deckhand to Bosun across the Mediterranean and Caribbean, he has built a reputation for maintaining immaculate decks, safe operations, and unforgettable guest experiences. Whether it’s launching toys, landing fish, or making sure every line is perfectly coiled, Goose brings energy, professionalism, and plenty of South African charm to every charter.
Nationality: South African
Languages Spoken: Afrikaans, English
Interests: Stock Market Trading, Fishing, Snorkeling, Watersports, Gym & Fitness, Watching Every Sport Known to Mankind
Previous Yachts: M/Y Illusion I • M/Y Basmalina • M/Y Stealth • M/Y Vibrance • M/Y Éalú
Chief Stewardess (Rotational) / American – Michelle Riherd
Michelle is the reigning Chief Stew on board King Baby, and boy, does she wear that crown with pride! Hailing from Michigan, this yachting sensation swapped out spring break for salty air during her college years, and she hasn’t looked back since. Charm? She’s got it in spades. Michelle’s charismatic aura, coupled with her love for mingling and globe-troting, makes her a gem in the King Baby dynasty. Prepare to be pampered with her top-notch service and those meticulous little touches that leave guests hooked and wanting more. And that smile of hers? It’s infectious! Before you know it, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear, caught up in her carefree whirlwind. Off the yacht, Michelle’s a restless adventurer at heart. From squash courts and golf courses to rugged hiking trails and adrenaline-packed dirt biking, she’s all about soaking up new experiences. If there’s a horizon, trust Michelle to be on her way to explore it!
Languages: English
Interests: Squash, Golf, Hiking, Dirt Biking and Exploration
Previous Yachts: M/Y Avalon, M/Y Amarula Sun, M/Y Usher
Chief Stewardess (Rotational) / American Abigail (Abbey) Pettinger
Abbey hails from a suburb of Chicago and it’s no surprise that the Windy City’s vibrant energy inspired her to dive headfirst into event management, hospitality, and tourism. She soon found herself studying abroad in Palma De Mallorca, Spain — where she not only fell in love with tapas, sunshine, and siestas but also discovered the high-flying, champagne-sipping world of yachting. For the past five years, Abbey has spent her time traveling, learning the ropes, and soaking in the luxury and excitement of life on the water. Each new adventure brought its own set of rewards, but now, Abbey is especially excited to return to one of her favorite vessels, M/Y King Baby. There’s something about the energy of that yacht and the crew that feels like home, and Abbey can’t wait to set sail once again with a fresh perspective and renewed passion. A sweet soul with a mischievous streak, Abbey is always up for a good prank, a laugh, and keeping things lighthearted — whether it’s playing tricks on the crew or showing you the best secret spots around the world. When she’s not steering the ship (literally and figuratively), Abbey’s off exploring new places, sampling local delicacies and staying active. Looking for some humor into your day? Abbey’s your go-to — guaranteed to lift your spirits with a cheeky grin and a witty remark!
Natioanality: American
Languages: English
Interests: Hiking, Napping, Beaching, Reading, Lounging, Margaritas
Previous Yachts: Mystic, King Baby, Lucky Lady
2nd Stewardess – Petrus Erasmus
Bio to follow
2nd Stewardess – Kylee McLoughlin / South African
Meet our 2nd stew, Kylee! Whether she’s sprinting down a trail, rallying on the tennis court, or flying over jumps in a show jumping arena, Kylee keeps life fast-paced and full of adventure.
Kylee is a proud native of South Africa, raised in the vibrant heart of Johannesburg. She earned her Bachelor’s in Education with a focus on Human Movement Sciences and Sports Management—but instead of heading straight to the classroom, she swapped chalkboards for boarding passes and joined Qatar Airways as a flight attendant. Eventually, she traded cruising altitudes for cruising coastlines, launching into the yachting world, where her love for travel found a new home.
When she’s not hard at work keeping the Yacht’s interior in pristine condition or photographing wildlife in the bushveld, you’ll find Kylee styling inspired tablescapes—because even adventure needs a touch of elegance.
Languages Spoken: English
Interests: Trail running, Field hockey, Show jumping, Tennis
Previous Yachts: M/Y Moon Sand, M/Y Just Enough, M/Y Dona Lola
3rd Steward – Gemma Lochner / South African
Raised in South Africa’s beautiful Transkei region, Gemma’s path to yachting was anything but ordinary. After studying Law and spending time working in insurance in Durban, she decided there had to be a more exciting way to earn a living than reading policies and fine print. In 2023, she swapped boardrooms for blue water, followed her love of travel and adventure into yachting, and hasn’t looked back since—completing two Mediterranean and three Caribbean charter seasons along the way.
Known for her infectious laugh, positive attitude, and ability to chat to absolutely anyone, Gemma brings warmth and energy to life onboard. Whether she’s preparing guest cabins, delivering five-star service, or somehow appearing with exactly what a guest needs before they’ve asked for it, she takes pride in making every charter feel effortless and unforgettable.
When she’s off duty, Gemma is rarely sitting still. You’ll find her paddle boarding, snorkeling, exploring a new destination, or sampling the local cuisine in the name of “cultural research.” A passionate animal lover and avid reader, she’s just as happy discovering a hidden beach as she is getting lost in a good book—preferably somewhere sunny with an ocean view.
Friendly, approachable, and always ready for a laugh, Gemma helps create the welcoming atmosphere that turns guests into regulars and holidays into lifelong memories.
Languages Spoken: English, Afrikaans, Xhosa
Interests: Sampling Local Cuisine, Paddle Boarding, Snorkeling, Reading, Travel & Adventure
Previous Yachts: M/Y Lady Kathryn V
Fun Fact: Gemma studied Law, worked in insurance, and now works in yachting—which means she can discuss contracts, assess your risk profile, and recommend the best cocktail on the menu. Thankfully, she chose the most fun of the three.
Chief Engineer (Rotational) / South African – Kennan Fairlamb
Where to kick off with King Baby’s resident Sensei, Kennan? Perhaps with a “wax on, wax off” reference, but that might be too on the nose. Wearing the triple crown as our Chief Engineer, design guru, and ship’s very own Mr. Miyagi, Kennan’s talents stretch far and wide. Boasting a third Dan black belt in karate, he’s not just our mechanical genius, but also the guy you want on your side in a (friendly) bar brawl. Originally from the sandy beaches of Cape Town, South Africa, it’s rumored Kennan’s first word was “waves.” His coastal upbringing led him to a life on the high seas. While he might often be hidden in the engine room or crafting another nifty design, his role is the unsung heartbeat of King Baby’s success. Ever curious about how something ticks aboard? Give Kennan a shout. But fair warning: if you’re not careful, you might just get a karate lesson in the process! When the tools are packed away, Kennan is found designing business ideas and constantly creating new things.
Languages Spoken: English
Interests: Karate, Photography, Tools, Fixing things, His Fiancé
Previous Yachts: M/Y Big Fish, M/Y Triton, M/Y Bella
Chief Engineer (Rotationl) New Zealand / Josh Wilson
Meet Josh, the ocean-loving, car-obsessed, boat-fixing pro who’s all about making your time on board unforgettable! Growing up with his dad owning a boat shop, Josh was practically raised on the water. But it’s not just boats that get his heart racing—he’s got a serious passion for cars too. Whether it’s fine-tuning an engine or swapping out parts, Josh knows his way around a garage as well as he does the open sea. Friendly and charismatic, Josh is the guy who’s always ready to lend a hand. His love for teamwork means he’s got a knack for creating a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere on board—whether it’s helping with a mechanical issue or just sharing a laugh. He’s the kind of person who makes you feel like family from the moment you step on board, all while ensuring everything runs as smoothly as a well-oiled engine. When he’s not out on the water or tinkering with boats, you’ll find him in his garage, getting his hands dirty and working on the latest car project. With Josh, you’re in good hands—his passion for both the sea and cars is only matched by his enthusiasm for making your charter experience one to remember.
Languages Spoken: English
Interests: Cars, Golf, Wake boarding
Previous Yachts: Driftwood, Ad-Vantage, Lucky Lady
