The Ruya crew

The Crew on board Ruya were hand picked by the owners for their depth of knowledge in their field, strength in social skills and their understanding of the quality of customer service to meet your highest expectations.

Captain
Walter Reynolds - NZ

Walter has cruised extensively through the Mediterranean and Caribbean, crossed the Atlantic eight times and completed over 45,000 nautical miles around South East Asia and the Pacific Ocean. 

Walter brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to Ruya. He takes pride in his ‘off the beaten track’ sea miles, as expedition yachting is becoming his specialty.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Walter is responsible for the ultimate safety of the guests, crew, environment and the vessel, legal and regulatory compliance, navigation, guest liaison and crew management.
 

Chief stewardess
Sandra compain - fiji

Sandra was born and raised in Fiji on her family’s cattle farm. She comes from a large family of 12 with 7 sisters and 4 brothers. Before yachting, she was a flight attendant with Fiji’s National Airline for 5years. Now with over 11 years experience in the industry, Sandra's creativity, excellence in service and attention to personalized detail ensures that guests will have the best experience while onboard.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Main responsibilities include: service leader, galley and guest liaison, meal and event planning, purchasing and inventory. Sandra manages all interior crew and duties including cleaning, maintenance and laundry with an emphasis on guest service and training interior crew.

SECOND STEWARDESS ANNA VELOS
PHILIPPINES

Anna was born in Manila in the Philippines and joined the yachting industry three months after moving to France to join her family. Since a young age, Anna has had a love for travel and adventure which has led her to yachts. Anna’s 6 years’ experience in the yachting world will greet you with a welcoming smile.

JOB DESCRIPTION:  To support the Chief Stewardess with guest service, training of interior team, detailing and maintaining the interior.

CHIEF ENGINEER
ADRIAN HIBBARD - NZ

Adrian was trained as an Automotive Engineer in New Zealand prior to starting his career on yachts. Since then he has gained a vast amount of knowledge in all aspects of engineering over his past 12 years in the yachting industry

JOB DESCRIPTION:     Responsible for the ultimate smooth operations, safety and maintenance of the yacht services, managing and supervising engine repairs and overhauls.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES: Marine Engineer MCA Y3 COC, Diploma in Automotive Engineering, Advanced Certificate in Automotive Engineering.

2nd engineer/deckhand
Campbell thomson
new zealand

In early 2018, with 7 years’ experience in workshops as a mechanic the thirst for travel took Campbell to the UK with the idea of combining seeing a bit of Europe and gaining yachting related qualifications. Campbell he is currently working towards his Y1 qualification to continue his engineering development.

JOB DESCRIPTION: To support the Chief Engineer with all engineering operations, with an emphasis on all main and secondary systems. Also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and polishing of the yacht and to assist the First Mate in maintenance, repairs and guest service.

deckhand
michael dickinson
south africa

At the age of 8, Mike started sailing in his hometown of Durban, South Africa and quickly showed his talent for regatta racing, making a move up into the Olympic 49’er class in his early teenage years.

Michael will ensure guests enjoy being in the water and have fun!

JOB DESCRIPTION:  Detailing and maintaining the exterior of the yacht and to assist with guest service.

FIRST MATE
CONRAD ERBE - S.A

Conrad developed a passion for being on the water through water skiing. He represented South Africa in his teens placing 2nd best in South Africa and ranking an overall 24th in the world standings. After completing a degree in Accounting, Conrad returned to yachting for over 5 years now.

JOB DESCRIPTION: To assist the Captain with administrative and navigation duties, Safety and Security Officer on board, Guest liaison, and leader of the deck crew.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES: Officer of the Watch 3000, Padi Diver,

chef
Philip clarke
wales

Philip’s skills moved him to a fine dining restaurant at 20 years of age in Cardiff learning from the very experienced head chef. The travel bug took Phil to Sydney’s gastronomy scene, which gave Phil a taste for modern food and management as head chef of a Gastropub. With a passion for fresh local produce, original menus and patisserie, Phil provides a nutritional experience, with beautiful presentation that accentuates the flavours.

JOB DESCRIPTION: As Chef, Phil is in charge of all menu planning for guests and crew, inventory and provisioning, nutrition and food safety standards.

third stewardess
Leah Fagan - Australia

Prior to yachting, Leah worked as an office manager and family assistant in the wine, coffee and fine food industry. At the same time, she maintained her own successful business utilising her professional qualifications in Myotherapy, beauty therapy and business management.

Leah’s versatile skills, knowledge, kind and bubbly nature will ensure you will feel at home and enjoy your time onboard Ruya.

JOB DESCRIPTION: To support the interior team with guest service, cabin service, laundry, detailing and maintaining the interior.