Crew Profile: Pieter & Theresa 

Crew Comments

Pieter has been involved in sailing for the past 22 years. His sailing skills were honed sailing along the east and west coasts of South Africa, notorious for it’s unpredictable weather. He spent most of this time racing his own sailing yacht in round the cans as well as offshore regattas from his home base at Royal Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town. He has experience in sailing both monohulls and catamarans on extended passages, including a passage with his partner across the Atlantic Ocean. All of this provides a wealth of stories and experiences accumulated over years spent at sea. He enjoys the company of people and loves to entertain them. Although he sailed to most of the Windward islands the BVI is both Pieter and Theresa’s favourite. He would love to show you the beauty of the islands and let you experience what they have to offer. First priority to him is the safety of all on board and next to that is to ensure everyone on board has a wonderful experience making memories never to be forgotten with family and friends.

Theresa’s attention to detail and emphasis on nutritionist fresh food, while enjoying island style cuisine makes for a relaxed indulgent experience. Known for her fuss free spin on old favorites will have you ask for the recipe in no-time. Some of her tastiest meals are the Caribbean Chicken Sandwich, famous Seafood Taco’s and Butter Chicken Curry. She has visited many places around the world, while working on the Queen Elizabeth II Cruise Ship and have experienced all different cultures and cuisines. That first cruising experience was just the beginning of a long lifestyle of sailing and cruising to come. Her first sailing days was spent in the Free State Province on Dinghies, Hobey’s and Monohulls. Since then she did Yacht Racing, sailing and cruising on Monohulls and Catamarans with Pieter for the last fifteen years.

Theresa and Pieter have been together for the past 15years sharing their passion for sailing and the sea. They have sailed the whole of the South African coastline including Cape Point, notorious for its stormy weather. They crossed the Atlantic Ocean on their 44ft monohull on an unforgettable journey. They have since been living aboard their own boat, as well as charter boats, for most of the past 5 years. They spend most of this time exploring the islands in the Caribbean. Their experiences helped them to make people, even first time charter guests, feel at ease and at home on their boat helping everyone to relax and make the most of their time on board.

Testimonials

We must say, you have chosen an outstanding crew for Island R&R.  Their years of combined experience resulted in our expectations being exceeded in every way. Our experience started during the trade of several text messages in preparation for the trip. Pieter was punctual and concise in his communications which was very much appreciated given this was our first catamaran charter. He arranged for a private taxi to pick us up at the airport and deliver us to our hotel, and the next morning to the dock. This arrangement in advance helped to ease our stress levels.

Upon arrival to the dock, we were greeted by the crew and welcomed onto the yacht with Champagne hors d’oeuvres awaiting our arrival. We quickly became comfortable with both Pieter and Theresa, it was obvious they knew what they were doing. The week included visiting several bays, plenty of snorkeling, and always a snack or meal and drinks at the perfect time each day. Theresa is an amazing cook especially given the small kitchen on the yacht, she whipped up gourmet snacks and meals every day. The quality and freshness of the food could compete with any fine dining restaurant. At times we wondered where all this food was coming from, and how she was able to keep it all so fresh given the normal circumstances preparing 3 meals and snacks per day for 6 on a yacht. She prepared the meals effortlessly, it seemed, while mingling with us casually and graciously but always managed to serve the meal at the designated time. The meals and snacks were truly an amazing experience for us and very unexpected. Her attention to details, quality and freshness of food hand selected from local merchants, as well as healthy choices, was represented in every serving.  She could compete with the best of executive chefs.

While Theresa made sure we were well fed and comfortable,  Pieter managed the bar for our enjoyment and coordinated snorkeling as often as we pleased, and some very interesting hikes.  We visited beautiful bays and enjoyed the Caribbean open waters while moving from site to site. It was really enjoyable to hear the sailing stories told by both of them and to watch Pieter navigate perfectly to every destination. They worked as an efficient team to tie up to each ball or when dropping an anchor. If things didn’t go as they had planned, they dealt with it very professionally and seamlessly. We always felt extremely safe and in very experienced hands. 

Gratefully,

Tim and Donna French

We just returned home from one of the best vacations we’ve ever taken. We spent seven days in the US Virgin Islands on a catamaran. To say it was beautiful is an understatement. I cannot say enough good things about our crew. Theresa and Pieter went above and beyond making our trip exactly what we wanted. Captain listened to what we wanted to do/see and planned wonderfully. Theresa cooked the most amazing meals and happy hour hors d’oeuvres. Captain made the absolute best tropical drinks. They were both so attentive and kind. It was obvious that their objective was always to make us happy. We enjoyed their company and had so much fun with them. Great people! New friends!

Looking forward to coming back!
Lee and Gay Lynn Hodo