Captain
Shane Taylor

Captain Shane spent his childhood in Hout Bay, Cape Town, and started sailing when he was 12 years old, building experience in the waters across the Cape Peninsula. Before getting his captain’s license, Shane studied advertising, photography and cocktail mixology. He worked for many years as a water sports instructor by day and a DJ by night. In 2012, he completed his RYA Yachtmaster’s, allowing him to enter into the charter industry in 2013 with the ideal combination of skills, and he has been working as a charter yacht captain for the past 7 years. His love for travel has opened doors for him to charter in some of the most sought-after locations across the globe, including the Mediterranean, the Bahamas and many of the Leeward and Windward Caribbean islands.

Diving has found a huge place in Shane’s heart thanks to the vastly populated Caribbean waters that exhibit some of “Nature’s Little Secrets”. His zealous enthusiasm for experiencing sea life from a diver’s perspective would have him living there, if not for the problem of there being a limited oxygen supply underwater. Shane is always keen to show his guests the best of everything, above and below the waterline. He has the sort of easy-going personality that makes everyone feel comfortable and his charisma is endlessly entertaining.

First Mate / Stewardess
Erin Lotz

First Mate and Stewardess Erin has a passion for flavorsome food, crafty cocktails and excellent customer service. Hosting a sensational celebration is in her blood, as she comes from a line of engaging entertainers and fanatical foodies. Throughout school and while at university, she worked at many of Cape Town’s most loved restaurants, honing her skills with people, fine wine and excellent food. In 2017, she completed qualified as a professional chef at The Sense of Taste Chef School. Thereafter, she joined Shane and his wife for a successful charter season in the BVI, followed by 2 years at one of the BVI’s most popular resorts, Cooper Island Beach Club.

With an array of different positions under her belt, she is proficient in many roles aboard a luxury yacht and rises to meet all tasks that come her way. Erin’s sparkling personality, kind and gentle manners and witty banter make her a delight to engage with. She cares deeply about promoting nature, connecting with people and living life with a glass more than just half full.

Chef
Rowan Macdougall

Rowan is Seahome’s highly organized, passionate, and dedicated chef from Northern England. He has been honing his skills in restaurants for the past eight years, working in gastro pubs, French brasseries, island resorts and even working for a Michelin starred chef. After a few years of learning his trade in London, he set his eyes on sunnier places and moved to the British Virgin Islands to work on a remote eco-resort in their bustling kitchen. Eventually, with 5 busy seasons, a hurricane or two and a healthy dose of Dark and Stormy’s under his belt, he ranked his way up to Head Chef. Then, after completing an Atlantic crossing on a 44’ catamaran in 2020 with girlfriend, Erin, he set his sights on expanding his experience to the yachting world.

He enjoys creating, planning, and producing fresh, healthy meals and he loves to cook with local ingredients, mixing fantastic Caribbean produce with a European touch that St Maarten and St Barth’s abundantly provide. He is well trained in maintaining a clean and hygienic galley and implementing strict food safety standards. He can easily adjust meals to accommodate allergies and special dietary preferences with his wide range of cooking know-how. His cooking style is broad, but he enjoys preparing Caribbean, Mediterranean, and vegetarian cuisine in particular. His continuously evolving menu never fails to amaze guests as he serves up delicious and unique dishes inspired by fresh produce and local flavors.

Discover Rowan’s menu below!