Lady J

Crew Profile

CAPTAIN
JARRYD VERMAAK

Captain Jarryd was born in South Africa. He grew up in Durban spending his days on the beaches with his friends. Jarryd studied Marketing and advertising after school while working for a successful restaurant/cocktail bar opening new franchises around South Africa. Jarryd entered the yachting world in 2009 as deckhand onboard a 188’ Feadship. Since entering the wonderful world of luxury yachting, he has crossed the Atlantic 5 times and cruised many different waters including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, US East coast and the Gulf of Mexico. His hard work, attention to detail and growing knowledge, along with strong communication and entrepreneurship skills allowed him to work his way up to Captain of very busy private and Charter programs. Jarryd first joined LADY J in 2015. His longevity and charter experience have allowed him to hone his skills to provide a five-star yacht program and experience to guests every time. He is very team and guest focused. He has a lively bubbly personality and gets on with all guests, always sharing a joke or two, making for a memorable charter experience that guests won’t ever forget. In his free time, Jarryd enjoys diving, water sports, traveling, and reading.

FIRST OFFICER
PAUL SHELTON

Paul was born in Durban, South Africa and grew up on the beach front surfing. In 2009 he moved to London and worked on the London underground as a Electricians mate before moving to the mediterranean to start his yachting career. Paul started working on classic sailing yachts and spent five years on a 109-year-old classic schooner. While onboard, Paul took part in over twenty classic sailing regattas in the mediterranean and Caribbean. Since then, he has worked on both sailing and motor yachts and worked his way up from deckhand to first officer. Paul had spent most of his yachting career in the Mediterranean but recently wanted to spend some time in America, which led him to Lady J. During his free time, he enjoys playing rugby, surfing and more recently took up learning to play golf.

CHIEF ENGINEER (Rotation)
MATTHEW STALLARD

Matt is from Winchester, Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mountains. He grew up sailing in the Chesapeake Bay and sport fishing in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. After earning a degree in economics from the College of Charleston, South Carolina he decided to follow his love for the ocean and pursue a career at sea. He has been onboard yachts for 15 years. When not turning wrenches, Matt enjoys being in the mountains hiking and camping, or on the water paddling and fishing.

CHIEF ENGINEER (Rotation)
ERICK MORENO

Erick was born in Mexico and raised in Beaverton, Oregon. A graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy, he discovered his passion for engineering and the ocean early in his career. With six years of experience aboard various vessels, Erick has honed his skills as a responsible and detail-oriented engineer. He takes pride in maintaining a clean and organized engine room, ensuring Lady J operates smoothly and safely. Erick finds great satisfaction in running his systems efficiently and resolving challenges with precision and care. A dedicated team player, Erick values learning from his fellow crew members and contributing to a positive dynamic onboard Lady J. Off duty, Erick enjoys relaxing with friends and family, especially while watching soccer matches. He also cherishes quiet moments at home with his loved ones and his dogs.

CHEF
LUIS “RAFFIE” HURTADO

Chef Luis Rafael “Raffie” Hurtado is celebrated for his innovative fusion cuisine, blending traditional American flavors with contemporary techniques to create dishes that tell a story and honor his Latin American heritage. Known for crafting personalized culinary experiences, he customizes menus to suit each client’s preferences and dietary needs, ensuring every meal is unique and memorable. With meticulous attention to detail, Chef Raffie prioritizes the freshest ingredients and flawless presentation, elevating every dining experience. Beyond the kitchen, he is a passionate teacher, mentoring aspiring chefs and sharing his expertise through interactive cooking classes. Committed to sustainability, he emphasizes locally sourced, organic ingredients and eco-friendly practices. Chef Raffie’s creativity, dedication, and love for his craft make him a standout in the culinary world, providing Lady J’s guests with experiences that are as exceptional as they are unforgettable.

CHIEF STEWARDESS
ESPERANZA CABADA

Esperanza was born and raised in Venezuela. Shortly after finishing her BA in Tourism, she moved to London to improve her English and start her career in hospitality at the Grand Hotel St Pancras Renaissance where she became part of the banquette and conference team. From London, Essie went to Barcelona’s Hotel Artz to keep learning and growing. Seeking new challenges Essie spent five years in Germany, absorbing the German culture, language and efficient, fast and professional work ethic. In 2016, eager to take her passion for service to a warmer spot, Essie found sunny St Maarten to be the perfect place for her. She has been cruising on sail and motor yachts ever since and is excited to be a part of the Lady J crew.

SECOND STEWARDESS
SOPHIA KAZADI

Born in Boise, Idaho, Sophie left to see what the world had to offer at a young age. After graduating from college, she embarked on a solo trip to Australia, and then lived in the Netherlands for a short period of time before joining yachting. She enjoys trying new things, experiencing new cuisine, and making great friends along the way. She is a bubbly, outgoing girl who is always ready to lend a helping hand. Sophie enjoys all things about the water, with a long background in competitive swimming. She loves to relax on secluded beaches with a book and some good music. She has a silly and sassy sense of humour and can always be counted on for a laugh or a specialty cocktail that will enhance your taste buds.

THIRD STEWARDESS
CARMEN SEEN

Carmen is from Roodepoort, a lively town near Johannesburg, South Africa. With a passion for travel and connecting with people, she thrives on adventure and personal growth. At 20, her love for children inspired her to work as an au pair in the United States, gaining valuable cultural and life experiences. After completing a course in Business Management, Carmen pursued her dream of a yachting career. She drove 18 hours to the coast, where she earned her yachting certifications and began her journey in the industry. During her free time, Carmen enjoys being outdoors, exploring nature, or relaxing with a good book. Known for her warm personality and enthusiasm, she brings dedication and positive energy to her role aboard Lady J.

BOSUN
TYLER FRANKS

Tyler was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up playing on his high school basketball and golf team. Tyler then moved to Knoxville where he attended the University of Tennessee to study marketing. During his time there, he started up his own valet company which became very successful and is still going strong to this day. Throughout his life, Tyler has been boating on lakes all through Tennessee. Since then, he has been pursuing a boating career which brought him down to Fort Lauderdale, and eventually onboard Lady J. During his spare time Tyler enjoys playing golf, basketball, fishing, and spikeball on the beach.

DECKHAND
CAREL DE BEER

Born in Cape Town, South Africa where he grew up playing rugby and loved the outdoors, Carel has always loved being near the ocean. He started his yachting career as soon as he finished high school and found his way traveling to the states to work on yachts. He has worked and traveled in the Bahamas for 6 months before joining Lady J. During his spare time, he enjoys traveling, playing golf, fishing, diving, swimming and being active in the gym.

Sample Menu

Day 1

Breakfast
Eggs Benedict or Florentine,
Cinnamon apple muffins,
Eggs to order available every day

Lunch Buffet
Herb-seared salmon,
Grilled Airline chicken breast,
Glazed Butternut Squash & quinoa salad with toasted pine nuts and confit apricots,
Chickpea & roasted red pepper salad with lemon yoghurt dressing,
Marinated beetroot and arugula salad with feta and aged balsamic vinaigrette,
Lemon lavender Crème Brulée.

Dinner
1st Course
Avocado and smoked salmon terrine with crispy sweet potato, red pepper coulis, parsley coulis
2nd Course
Sous vide New Zealand lamb chop on truffle risotto, seared porcini mushrooms, parmesan tuile
3rd Course
French meringue “Pavlova” with fresh fruits, mango coulis, raspberry sauce

Day 2

Breakfast
Continental Style

Lunch Plated
Grilled swordfish, mango black bean salsa, broiled sweet potato, avocado, tahini dressing

Dinner
1st Course
Scallop and zucchini carpaccio, watercress puree, baby greens and shaved truffle
2nd Course
Reverse seared filet mignon, sweet potato gnocchi, roasted brussels sprouts, Bordeaux and beetroot coulis
3rd Course
Grand Marnier Soufflé

Day 3

Breakfast
Mediterranean vegetable frittata,
Lemon blueberry muffins

Lunch Plated
Vegetable Minestrone,
Herb crusted Mahi Mahi on baby greens, sundried tomato, champagne vinaigrette,
Blueberry Claffoutis

Dinner
1st Course
Warm spinach salad, sauteed apples and raisins, caramelized shallots, sherry dressing
2nd Course
Prosciutto stuffed chicken breast on Spanish romesco, grilled asparagus
3rd Course
Chocolate molten cake

Day 4

Breakfast
Sausage, egg and cheese burritos,
Whole grain bran muffins

Lunch Buffet
Marinated Angus beef skewers,
Grilled chicken Souvlaki,
Crispy chickpea falafel,
Hummus,
Greek Salad,
Heirloom tomato, cucumber and mint salad,
Iced ginger/pineapple Granita

Dinner
1st Course
Savory pork sui mai (steam dumplings)
2nd Course
Szechuan marinated Maple Farms duck breast, seasoned rice cake, kimchi, and green tea/pear jus
3rd Course
Lemon meringue tartlette

Day 5

Breakfast
Continental

Lunch
Niçoise salad with grilled tuna, quail egg, kalamata olives, potato, green bean, cherry tomatoes, French vinaigrette
Tiramisu verrines

Dinner
1st Course
Carrot ginger soup with herbed sourdough croutons, roasted chili oil
2nd Course
Parmesan crusted halibut on Julienne vegetables and saffron cream sauce
3rd Course
Raspberry white chocolate swirl cheesecake

Day 6

Breakfast
Spinach and wild mushroom quiche,
Banana nut muffins

Lunch Buffet
Southwestern beef, chicken, or vegetable fajitas
Shaved cabbage slaw, smoked paprika dressing
Tossed green salad with sweet corn, black beans, red onions, tomatoes and cucumber
Deconstructed Key Lime pie

Dinner
1st Course
Stone crab claws, romaine chiffonade, honey mustard sauce
2nd Course
Seared Caribbean lobster tail, saffron rice pilaf, garlic roasted broccolini
3rd Course
Crème Caramel

Day 7

Breakfast
Continental

Lunch
Roasted sea bass, marinated zucchini salad, feta, and caramelized almonds,
Vanilla cake parfaits with fresh fruits and whipped cream

Dinner: A taste of Japan
Sesame crusted bluefin tuna tataki,
Crispy pork belly on shaved fennel, fizzy orange,
Baby bok choy salad with Shiro miso dressing,
Crab Rangoon with sweet and sour sauce,
Teriyaki chicken stir fry on udon noodles,
Assorted sushi rolls,
Strawberry and chocolate mousse entrêmet

3-Day Vegan Menu

Breakfast
Chia Seed Pudding,
Date & Almond Energy Balls,
Tofu, Tomato, & Scallion Scramble,
Carrot, Ginger, Apple & Turmeric Juice,
Vegan Banana Pancakes,
Tofu Southwest Breakfast Bowl

Lunch
Quinoa Sweet Potato’s Salads,
Arugula & Beetroot Salad,
Crispy Polenta Salad w/ Fennel Salsa & Cilantro Orange Vinaigrette,
Linguine w/ Truffle Pesto & Porcini Mushrooms,
Northeastern Sea Vegetable Chowder,
White Bean Bisque w/ Radish Relish & Crispy Shallots

Dinner
Stuffed Acorn Squash filled with Wild Rice, Walnuts, Baby Spinach & Swiss Chard,
Charred Broccolini on Whole Wheat Couscous & Saffron Sweet Potato Puree,
Lentil Stew w/ warm Moroccan flatbread,
Pan Fried Tofu w/ ginger & Lemongrass on a crispy jasmine Rice Cake
Tempeh, Leek & Mushroom Sui Mai Dumpling

Desserts
Pineapple Granite,
Banana, Orange, & Coconut Tower w/ Vegan Chocolate Sorbet,
Black Bean Brownie w/avocado Mousse,
Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake w/Raw Date Crust,
Vegan Lemon Tartlette w/ White Chocolate Tuile,
Macerated Berries w/Almond Milk Crème Anglaise

More Locations Details

Summer Operations
Bahamas

Winter Operations
Bahamas