REACH

MEET THE CREW:
CAPTAIN: JD Veldsman
CHEF/FIRT MATE: Nicole Du Plessis

JD grew  up on the west coast of South Africa, and was immersed in a life filled with fishing, kite surfing, diving, and all kinds of water sports. This upbringing fostered a deep passion and understanding of the ocean, leading him to become a professional kite surfing instructor,

His career journey then took me into the world of hospitality operations, where he spent  10 years perfecting skills in hospitality operations and management and more recently into the yachting industry, initially as a deck/stew and now as an RYA certified yacht captain.

When JD is not captaining a boat, you'll find him out on trails hiking, camping under the stars, or taking on a new DIY project.  With a fun-loving spirit and a zest for life, JD is always ready for the next exciting experience, bringing enthusiasm and positivity to everything he does.

JD will be entering his third season in the Virgin Islands.

Born and raised among the vineyards and mountains of South Africa’s Winelands, Nicole brings a sunny spirit to any environment she is in. She has a strong background in hospitality, with experience from bartending and waitering to  managing a restaurant on the West Coast of South Africa prior to her time in the Virgin Islands. Her passion for travel and culture has taken her abroad, living and working as an Au pair in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, caring for children of different ages. Her patient, up-beat nature helps her make guests of all ages feel welcome and comfortable. Outside of work, she loves all things summer, especially stand-up paddle-boarding, swimming and enjoying the sunshine. Nicole strives to create a warm, easy-going atmosphere on board, bringing good service and positive energy to make your holiday truly unforgettable.

JD and Nicole love working together as a team, easily anticipating each other’s needs, and sharing a desire to take the best possible care of guests to ensure their vacation exceeds all expectations.