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
Joel Monteith
Nationality: Australian
Languages: English (Native) Spanish (Basic)
Interests: Surfing, golf, tennis, sailing and fitness
Raised on the coast with a lifelong passion for surfing and ocean sports, The sea has always been central to both his lifestyle and professional direction, shaping his approach to leadership and life at sea.
Before entering the yachting industry, Joel built a strong foundation in hospitality, spending 10 years as a professionally trained chef. This helped to hone his skills in service excellence, team leadership, and guest experience, expertise that translates seamlessly into the yachting environment.
Joel’s leadership style blends professionalism with genuine passion, fostering a well-run vessel, a strong crew culture, and an authentic connection to the ocean that defines the onboard experience.
Bosun – Alan Mans
Nationality: South African
Language: English (Native)
Interests: Sport, Travel and Technology
Alan brings a strong safety-driven background to the charter industry, with over eight years of service with NATO as part of a Fire, Crash, and Rescue team, developing exceptional crisis management and operational skills. He later transitioned into Health and Safety roles within the offshore oil and gas industry, where his connection to the ocean continued to grow.
This path led Alan into yachting, where he earned his Yacht master certification and has since spent five years building experience onboard. As Bosun, he combines hands-on leadership with a clear focus on safety, efficiency, and guest satisfaction, contributing to smooth operations and a well-run deck environment throughout each charter.
2nd Stewardess
Charne-lee Olkers
Nationality: South African
Languages: English (fluent) Afrikaans (Native)
Interests: Yoga, fashion, art, photography
Born and raised in South Africa, Charne-Lee brings a dynamic and disciplined approach to life onboard. After high school, she moved to the United States on a full track and field scholarship, earning a Bachelor of Science degree and developing a strong interest in business and creativity. This entrepreneurial mindset led her to launch her own clothing brand, N:OW, inspired by her personal philosophy: “the time is now.”
She later relocated to Europe, where she began her yachting career and has since gained experience on both private and charter yachts. Known for her attention to detail and calm efficiency, Charne-Lee takes pride in creating a service experience that feels seamless, welcoming, and thoughtfully executed. Outside of yachting, she enjoys staying active, traveling, and learning from the people and places she encounters.
Chief Engineer
Renardo Freckleton
Nationality: Jamaican
Language: English (Native)
Interests: Race cars, playing instruments, reading.
Born in St. Ann, Jamaica, Renardo, known onboard as Rando, grew up in the countryside, where farming and fishing shaped a strong work ethic and early connection to the sea. Surrounded by beaches and mountains, he developed a natural curiosity for travel and maritime life.
Rando studied marine engineering at the Maritime University of Jamaica, the Caribbean’s leading maritime institution, and began his career as a Third Engineer aboard Semester at Sea, a vessel that also operates as a floating university.
As Chief Engineer onboard RUYA, Rando brings reliability, depth of experience, and a calm, practical approach, ensuring all systems operate safely and efficiently to support a seamless onboard experience.
Chef – Jennifer Swanepoel
Nationality: South African
Language: English (Native)
Interests: Cooking, beach, hiking, reading
Based in Ballito, South Africa, Jen brings a deep appreciation for coastal living into her culinary style, crafting fresh, flavour-driven cuisine perfectly suited to life on the water. Her approach to cooking is guest-focused and adaptable, with menus thoughtfully tailored to individual preferences—ranging from relaxed, light lunches and shared family-style dining to elegantly presented evening meals.
Inspired by time spent at the beach and in the ocean, Jen’s cooking reflects a natural connection to the sea. She has a strong affinity for seafood, simple high-quality ingredients, and dishes designed to be enjoyed together. This balance of creativity, simplicity, and attention to detail allows her to deliver an elevated yet approachable onboard dining experience that complements both the setting and the rhythm of life at sea.
3rd Stewardess – Lisa Fehr
Nationality: Canadian
Languages: English (Fluent)
Plattdeutsch (conversational)
Interests: Music, Pilates, theatre, writing
Born in Ontario, Canada, Lisa grew up in a small rural town surrounded by farmland, where she developed a grounded and compassionate outlook from an early age. She went on to study social work at university and built a meaningful career within various social services, providing hands-on support to individuals facing disabilities, addiction, and homelessness. This experience shaped her strong sense of empathy, adaptability, and commitment to caring for others.
Driven by a desire for travel and new challenges, Lisa transitioned into the yachting industry, bringing her service-oriented mindset into life onboard as a stewardess. She thrives in fast-paced environments, where her creativity, enthusiasm, and positive energy contribute to a smooth and welcoming onboard atmosphere. Lisa takes pride in supporting both guests and crew, ensuring each experience feels thoughtful, comfortable, and genuinely well cared for.
Chief Officer
Brandon Ford
Nationality: South African
Language: English (Native)
Interests: Snowboarding, running, tennis and rugby
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Brandon began his professional career in the corporate sector after completing high school. While visiting family along the coast, an introduction to the yachting world at a local powerboat club sparked a pivotal change in direction. Drawn to the freedom and challenge of life at sea, he made the decisive move into yachting.
Since joining the industry, Brandon has embraced every aspect of maritime life, developing a strong appreciation for teamwork, seamanship, and the dynamic rhythm of life onboard. As Chief Officer, he is committed to maintaining a safe, efficient, and enjoyable environment, ensuring that each guest experience onboard RUYA is both seamless and unforgettable.
Chief Stewardess
Bianca Olkers
Nationality: South African
Languages: English (fluent) Afrikaans (Native)
Interests: Scuba diving, hiking, surfing, dancing, karaoke
Raised in South Africa, Bianca brings a refined yet personable approach to life onboard, combining strong organisational skills with an intuitive understanding of exceptional guest service. With a background shaped by hospitality, travel, and the fast-paced world of yachting, she thrives in creating experiences that feel effortless, thoughtful, and genuinely enjoyable.
As Chief Stewardess, Bianca is known for her attention to detail, calm leadership style, and ability to anticipate guest needs often before they are voiced. Her approach balances professionalism with warmth, ensuring high standards are met.
She takes great pride in leading her interior team and contributing to a seamless onboard experience, while always remembering that a sense of humour, a genuine smile, and good energy go a long way at sea.
Deck/Engineer
Anderson Worth
Nationality: South African
Languages: English (Native) Zulu (basic)
Interests: Rock climbing, hiking, surfing
Born near the east coast of South Africa, Anderson Worth is an aspiring Marine Engineer with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Computer Science. Naturally curious and analytical, he has a strong interest in technology and practical problem-solving, bringing a thoughtful and methodical approach to his role onboard.
With a background in competitive gymnastics spanning 12 years, followed by more than a decade of coaching, Anderson has developed discipline, focus, and resilience. He remains highly active through surfing, hiking, and rock climbing. Approachable and steady under pressure, he values teamwork and contributes a positive, grounded presence to both deck and engineering operations onboard.