Lady J

Your Crew

CAPTAIN
Sandra Yawn

Captain Sandra is originally from South Florida and has over twenty years experience in the yachting industry. A captain on luxury yachts for the better part of her career, Sandra holds a USCG Masters of Oceans 1600T/3000T, USC and and MCA Class IV CEC. She has extensive knowledge of the U.S. East Coast, Gulf Coast, Bahamas, Caribbean and Mediterranean waters. She has traversed the Suez Canal, the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. 

Sandra takes great pride in her loyalty and longevity with her employers but is most noted for ensuring the safety of her guests, crew and vessel at all times. In 2006, Sandra was awarded the prestigious “Distinguished Crew Award” from the International Superyacht Society for her excellence, dedication and tireless effort, an honor reserved for the best of the best and awarded to those who exemplify the highest level of expertise and professionalism in the super and mega yacht industry.

Sandra knows all those secluded bays where guests can enjoy the dramatic surroundings in peace or can find perfectly calm waters where everyone can experience the thrill of wakeboarding or jet skiing at dawn. She may even indulge in sharing her love of scuba diving and water skiing in instruction for beginners. From organizing helicopter tours to showing the different cultures of each country visited, your stay on board the Lady J will slide effortlessly by; safe in the knowledge that Captain Sandra is at the helm of your journey of discovery.

CHIEF STEWARDESS
Kristianna Evans – American

Kristianna is from San Diego. She has more than ten years of experience in the hospitality management and certifications in bartending. She is adept at creating a unique and welcoming environment for guests, specifically tailored to their individual interests, preferences and itineraries. The last five years she has enjoyed her time working on super-yachts in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. She has completed an Emphasis in Business Management and Marketing. She prides herself on her attention to detail and aims to exceed guest’s expectations. Her interests include diving, wakeboarding, surfing, snowboarding, swimming, running, reading, meeting new people.
An Interesting fact about Kristianna: she once surfed the waters with Jimmy Buffet in St. Maarten.

CHEF
Emma Becket – British
*** WINNER OF THE CONCOURS DE CHEF CONTEST, ANTIGUA 2011 ***

Emma is a British national and is culinary trained. She has worked in some of London's top restaurants notably Gordon Ramsey's Aubergine. She moved on from this to being sous chef at Moving Venue – one of London's largest private catering firms working alongside a Roux trained Michelin star chef and catering events for up to 500. She has been a yacht chef for 9 years and has even started her own chocolate line “Bitter Chocolates”.
An interesting fact about Emma: she paints and has had two gallery shows.

FIRST OFFICER
Scot Fraser – American

Born in Minnesota, Scot spent his childhood years on small boats, canoes and kayaks.  As an adult, having experience in bartending, he moved to Las Vegas to pursue career advancement in the hospitality industry, specializing primarily in the nightclub industry.  He will gladly offer his expertise on mixed cocktail recipes or simply choosing the right wine pairing.  Scot has also lived in Hawaii where he spent time as a professional photographer for weddings as well as indoor fashion shoots at his photography studio. He is capable of getting that “perfect” photo during any occasion, and really enjoys being the on-scene photographer should you desire one.  He has spent the last several years working onboard large yachts in the Mediterranean Sea, including the coastlines of Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Greece and even Tunisia.  Scot speaks fluent English, intermediate Spanish, and basic French.  Scot welcomes the opportunity to instruct and assist in all the water sports provided on board M/Y Lady J, including wave runners, wakeboarding and water skiing.  Scot holds an MCA endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore 200 Ton license as well as a Global Maritime Distress and Safety Certificate. 
An interesting fact about Scot:  On the strength of his own lungs, he has reached an elevation of 19,340 feet climbing to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro and he has reached a depth of 100 feet free diving in the ocean off the coast of Hawaii with a maximum breath hold of 3 minutes and 45 seconds.

CHIEF ENGINEER
Nick Kitney – New Zealand

Nick originates from New Zealand, having grown up in the Solomon Islands and New Zealand, he has been around the ocean his whole life. Having completed a Bachelor of Engineering, a natural progression was to move into the Marine Engineering Industry, and for the past 9 years, he has been either land based or sea based engineering on vessels. As a pass time, Nick enjoys riding motorbikes, playing guitar, progressively learning Italian and passionately following any sport that New Zealand partakes in. Nick looks forward to looking after your safety and ensuring you have an enjoyable stay aboard Lady J.
An interesting fact about Nick: he used to play guitar in a band in Spain!

BOSUN
Tom Hughes – British

Tom grew up in Southampton, England where he learned to sail on his family’s yacht from a very young age. From the age of sixteen, Tom supervised underprivileged children on Tall Ships, building up their confidence as they sailed throughout Europe. Tom trained as a Royal Navy Medical Assistant in the Armed Forces where he worked in Royal Navy hospitals providing advanced first aid in the field and practiced life saving measures. Tom has spent over three years in the yachting industry working on a range of yachts, completing his Yacht Master Offshore License, Approved Engine Course and traveling the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas from Croatia to Palm de Mallorca. Tom is a courteous and friendly crew member who is experienced in all water sports including Dinghy Sailing and Sea Kayaking. He looks forward to providing guests with a fantastic time on the water, creating memorable moments by any means possible.
An interesting fact about Tom: Tom took part in the Scumball Rally, which is a race through Europe over four days in a car that cost less than £500.  His efforts raised over a thousand pounds for a meningitis charity foundation.

SECOND STEWARDESS
Noémie Deed – British

Noémie is of English and French decent with dual citizenship.  She has spent the past 6 years working in commercial real estate as a Chartered Surveyor in both London and Paris.  She has traveled extensively and has lived in India, Bermuda, Germany, France and the UK.  She is always keen to learn about new cultures.  Noémie is a fantastic swimmer and has competed in several triathlons.  She also has a strong hospitality background and always strives to provide the highest level of service.  She looks forward to welcoming you onboard M/Y Lady J and will do her utmost to ensure it is an unforgettable experience.
An Interesting fact about Noémie: For charity, Noémie swam from Asia to Europe across the Bosphorus Strait.

THIRD STEWARDESS
Janelle Collins – Australian

Janelle was born and raised in Perth, Australia. Given Perth's location on Western Australia's coast and amazing weather her lifestyle has always revolved heavily around the beaches and being outdoors.  Janelle studied law and commerce at University before deciding to pursue her other loves in life - meeting new people, travel and being outdoors.  She is a sports fanatic and enjoys playing tennis, netball, mixed rugby and soccer, and is a keen runner.  Janelle looks forward to helping you create wonderful memories during your stay on motor yacht Lady J.
An interesting fact about Janelle: Before she left Australia she took part in a number of charity fun runs and triathlons.

DECKHAND
James Thring – South African

Growing up at the foothills of the Drakensberg mountain range in South Africa, James grew up with a love for the outdoors and spent his childhood years fishing, riding motor bikes and playing as much sports as possible. James is fluent in English and speaks advanced Afrikaans as well as basic Zulu. He graduated from university in 2010 with a Bachelor of Social Science Degree majoring in Media Studies and Marketing.  His love of the outdoors, along with the desire to travel while meeting new people in their environment, he decided to pursue a career in the yachting industry.  He has since spent the past year working aboard large yachts in Fort Lauderdale and continues to exceed the expectations of his peers. His love for fishing carries on and he is eager to learn more fishing secrets in order to help beginners more.  He welcomes the opportunity to make your fishing and water sports experience one to remember aboard M/Y Lady J.
An interesting fact about James:  Due to political instability in his native country South Africa, James rode in an armed convoy on his way to school when he was a child.