Stay Salty

Crew Profile

Captain- James Speed (Returning JAN 2025)

James Speed grew up in a small town in South Africa and has been immersed in the marine industry for over 10 years. He has a love for the ocean and is passionate about travel which ultimately drew him to a life on the water. Yachting has fueled this passion and taken him to Mediterranean, Baltic Sea, Russia, Eastern Europe, North and Central America. Having been on various well run charter vessels James has extensive experience and knowledge and will ensure that your time onboard is filled with adventure and fun. James leads from the front and has a professional, enthusiastic yet still easy-going leadership style. In 2022 he married chief stewardess Jessie Speed and together they aim to ensure your Stay Salty experience is incredible. When James is not on the ocean, he will be Wing Foiling, Fishing, spearfishing, Kayaking, or adventuring in the mountains on two wheels or by foot.


FIRST MATE- Arno Laubscher
Arno was born in South Africa. He obtained provincial colors in Archery and Triathlon and was very
competitive in Water polo. From a young age Arno was involved in boats and water sports and joined the yachting industry in 2019 in Antibes, France. He has spent the past few years crossing the oceans between the Mediterranean, Caribbean and USA, living his passion for the ocean joining superyachts to build his knowledge in the industry. Arno has joined the prestigious Yacht STAY SALTY and he is looking forward to building up his career and achieving his goal to become a captain. Arno will ensure that guests aboard will have the time of their lives getting to enjoy the water toys included.


Chief Engineer- Omar Browm
Born in St. Ann, Jamaica and studied Marine Engineering at the Caribbean Maritime University and Mechanical Engineering at University of Technology, Jamaica. Omar embarked on his engineering experience working in the commercial industry on vessels such as Oil tankers, Tugboats, Offshore Supply Vessels and Passenger Ships. Omar holds his 111/11 unlimited management level and a degree in maritime engineering. IN 2007 Omar decided to transition into the Yachting industry. During this period Omar was privileged to cruise places such as France, Italy, Monaco, Turkey, Croatia. Greece, Bahamas, Caribbean, South Pacific, and the Florida Keys. Having joined STAY SALTY at the beginning of the year he has been an invaluable asset to the team and is looking forward to this upcoming Winter season. If Omar is not in the engine room, you can find him playing or watching soccer or producing and listening to music.


Chief Stewardess- Kirsten Putziger
Kirsten, born and raised in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, has a strong passion for events and marketing. She then spent over six years working in sports marketing and hospitality for prestigious clients in South Africa, Kirsten also served as the events coordinator and wedding planner for a renowned 5-star wine estate near Stellenbosch. Discovering the world of yachting has been an enriching experience for Kirsten, allowing her to travel to various countries and experience diverse cultures. She enjoys the outdoors and spends time on her family farm in South Africa whenever possible. Kirsten is committed to maintaining high standards and has a passion for welcoming guests and looking forward to having you onboard M/Y Stay Salty for a memorable trip.

2nd Stewardess- Emma Bell
Emma grew up in the vibrant landscapes of Cape Town with captivating beaches, majestic mountains, and renowned wine farms. She thrives on the thrill of exploration and constantly seeking new trails in nature. Emma’s academic pursuit in clothing studies cultivated a deep passion for creativity, and a keen eye for design; one day pursuing her own creative venture or business. Emma embraces the opportunity of meeting new people and new experiences. Emma embraces the opportunity of meeting new people and new experiences.

3RD stewardess/massuese- karle schoeman

Karle brings a blend of professional expertise and positive attitude. Her background in Hospitality Management, housekeeping, food & beverage service are what makes Karle an amazing addition to STAY SALTY. She previously got to explore Europe for a few months while working on yachts there. Like most yachties, Karle loves to take in all the breathtaking views of nature that she gets to explore as her career in yachting takes off. She loves to be in the ocean soaking up the sun any chance she gets and also enjoys playing the Ukulele and dancing the night away.


Deckhand- Sam Speed

Meet Sam Speed, a small town South African. He was raised a short drive from both the Drakensberg mountains and the warm ocean of SA's east coast. After finishing schooling in South Africa Sam pursued all avenues that lead to adventure, becoming a walking guide on the Wild Coast of South Africa as well as joining an expedition to the frigid reaches of Antarctica on 2 separate occasions. In his time on the Wild Coast Sam became an avid spear and fly fisherman embracing life by the sea. With an unquenchable thirst for adventure Sam grabbed the opportunity presented to him to join the Stay Salty team where he eagerly learns everyday as he lends a happy helping hand in any situation where it may be required.

CHEF- Quintin Pretouris
Chef Quintin began his career over a decade ago when he graduated from Prue Leith Chef’s Institute in Culinary Arts & Wine. Following this, he was a land based chef in Africa as a hospitality consultant and head chef. Following this, he decided to focus his career into yachting and has had nearly 3 years' experience as a yacht chef. Quintin ensures that each meal on STAY SALTY is tailored to meet the specific preferences of the guests while maintaining high standards of food presentation.
When Quintin is not in the galley serving a delicious meal, he enjoys fishing, hiking, and traveling all while capturing photographs as he also enjoys photography.

More Locations Details

Summer Operations
Caribbean Virgin Islands (US/BVI), Bahamas, Caribbean Virgin Islands (US), Caribbean Virgin Islands (BVI)

Winter Operations
Caribbean Virgin Islands (US/BVI), Bahamas, Caribbean Leewards, Caribbean Virgin Islands (US), Caribbean Virgin Islands (BVI)