December 2023

Brief

Captain: Trafford Proos

Growing up on the East Coast of South Africa, Trafford spent most of his youth as a lifeguard, sailing competitively and navigating a commercial fishing vessel.

In 2014 Trafford joined the yachting industry as a Deckhand on a 40m Sunseeker and decided yachting is the career of choice. Working hard over the next few years Trafford stepped into an officer’s position by 2017 and into his first captains’ position in 2019.

When Trafford isn’t at work, he is seeking adventure in and out of the water.

Mate: Stefanus (Stefan) Visser

Stefan was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa. He mainly grew up in Cape Town spending most of his days in the waves and mountains. Having the privilege of a small family boat he always loved teaching his friends to wakeboard and jet ski along with challenging them to take cold dips in the Atlantic Ocean.

He pursued architecture after being inspired by the progressive art and design world in London. The wind first caught his sails during a summer break working as crew on a sailboat doing day charters from Waterfront, Cape Town passing on knowledge of the wild coast to guests.

He has travelled the world working as a programme leader in experiential education taking students through vast experiences from refugee camps, community infrastructure projects in Hilltribe ethnic minority groups to adventure programmes involving rock climbing, zip lining and river excursions and even worked alongside Mahouts (elephant trainers) to bring awareness of the Southeast Asian elephants.

His land base life combined with his sea experience makes him a great waterman. In light of that he has no hard time bringing quality service and experience for guests onboard that want a relaxed and a memorable time.

Stewardess: Nikita Hutten

Nikita was born and raised on a horse farm in Australia. While she loved her country upbringing, she has always been drawn to the ocean. Nikita joined the yachting industry after completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Events Management. She has traveled extensively and has been fortunate enough to sail through some of the most remote locations in this world including the breathtaking waters of Ushuaia and Puerta Williams, also known as “the end of the world”.

In her spare time she enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors, and experiencing different cultures through food and wine. Making people happy is her passion and she takes great care in ensuring that her guests have an unforgettable experience while onboard M/Y NO MATTER WHAT

Chef: Dave Ogren

Dave Ogren is a versatile chef with over 20 years of upscale culinary experience and a passion for bringing happiness to others through his culinary creations. Whether a simple grilled cheese sandwich or an intricate multi-course tasting menu, you can taste the love he has for his craft.

As a Michigan native, Chef Dave spent many summer days of his childhood on the shores of Lake Michigan picking cherries and catching wild Perch. At this young age he discovered his love of cooking. After attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, Dave went on to work in some of the top kitchens in New York City, Boston, and Cape Cod, including working under world famous chef Thomas Keller at the French Laundry in Yountville, California.

After a long and successful career in restaurants, Chef Ogren decided to pursue a new direction as a private chef, catering to the needs of high-net-worth individuals. Dave has cooked in estates, on private islands and on multiple motor and sailing yachts.

Dave has a dynamic cooking style that has been been described as fresh, clean and honest with a focus on big, bright, and bold flavors. Dave showcases high quality, local ingredients when possible, using classical techniques from around the world.

Chef Dave is easy going, positive, and friendly while also organized and professional. One of his biggest strengths is the ability to quickly adapt to a variety of preferences and dietary restrictions, while still creating beautiful and delicious menus.

On his off-time Dave enjoys the cultural experiences of traveling, he is an avid scuba diver and loves to enjoy nature through kayaking, camping, hiking and mountain biking. He maintains a healthy and active lifestyle with weight training, jogging and swimming when possible.