Crew Profile

CAPTAIN WILLEM KNOETZE
Will Knoetze is a Captain that is very easy to warm up to. He has an endearing smile, an infectious laugh, and guests know right away they are in very capable hands. His in-water experience began as a child growing up in South Africa: going fishing, building rafts, and playing pirate games in the rivers and lakes around the family farm with his brother and sisters. As an expert seaman, scuba diver, and amateur treasure hunter, his playful pirate spirit still runs deep. Will’s tight-knit family, most especially his uncle, inspired his love of the ocean. He says, “Despite having a great job in the IT industry, I had to leave to follow my passion for sailing. Since I was young I loved the ocean above and below the surface. The oceans kept on pulling so I jumped (in) at the opportunity and found my calling in life.” He is also a history buff, and snorkeling, spear fishing and underwater photography enthusiast. Fellow enthusiasts aboard Laysan can anticipate some truly memorable experiences.

Will holds a Yachtmaster Ocean 200-ton commercial captain license with power and sail endorsements and has captained many charter yachts throughout the Caribbean including St. Maarten, Guadeloupe, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Panama, Grand Turk and the Bahamas. He says, “Laysan is a special catamaran, she has style and charm, spacious accommodations, fantastic deck space, loads of toys, and a super friendly, knowledgeable crew dedicated to memorable moments and unforgettable holidays for guests.” That all adds up to one fabulous charter!

CHEF NICOLE BOWMAN
Nicole is a Florida girl with a natural born love of sun and sea. She practically grew up in the surf and has always been mesmerized by the ocean and the creatures that live in it. Nicole was destined for the yacht charter industry. She loves boating, diving, water sports, and most of all working with people. She says, “Being on the water is second nature to me. There is nothing more amazing than waking up every morning in a beautiful tropical paradise!”

Nicole has been organizing parties, vacations, celebrations and entertaining friends and family for years. Destined for the yachting industry, Nicole combined her passion for cooking and entertaining to become a professional chef. She earned a Certificate of Professional Cookery from the Ashburton Chef Academy in England, along with other culinary accreditations. Her attention to detail is not left unnoticed, creating masterpieces of delectable goodness in every meal. Nicole caters to every taste with local produce as she travels through the islands expanding her culinary ideas.

If guests want a helping hand with their water sports fun, Nicole is ready to assist. she's a certified diver, excellent snorkeler and can hook a fish with a keen eye. Her goal is to help make every charter spectacular, above and below the water line. She says, “Making vacations relaxed, fun and enjoyable for our guests is a wonderful feeling. After a memorable day, good wine, great food and laughter is the spice of life!"

MATE REMI LECLEZIO
Remi Lelcezio grew up on the enchanting island of Mauritius. His family had a beach house on the southern coast. Growing up on an island surrounded by perfect white sand beaches and the stunning blue Indian Ocean would make anyone an ocean lover. Ever since Remi can remember he has been on or under the water, surfing, sailing, free-diving, spearfishing, and scuba diving. He says, “I was lucky enough to attend a school that offered sailing as a sport. I started sailing on small optimists, then lasers, L26, L36. As I grew bigger, so did the boats I learned to sail. Last year I attended the Cannes Royal sailing regatta in France. We sailed on a 59m Schooner, which was awesome!”

Being close to nature, Remi developed a strong belief environmental conservation and protection. He earned a Bachelor Degree of Social Science in Geography and Environmental Management. He worked in the hospitality industry for two years as a waiter and bartender. Last year he spent working in France, where his fluent French was an asset. He gained professional experience on several different yachts. Not only does Remi know the charter rules and regulations, he’s also skilled at caring for and pleasing people.

Remi likes to do whatever it takes to help create a fabulous vacation for his guests. He lends a hand whenever guests are in need of a little help and happily shares his favorite water sports tips and techniques. He is very patient with children and has a magical ability to make them laugh. Most importantly, he pays attention to detail, because he says, “sometimes it’s the small things that make a big difference”.

Will, Nicole, and Remi invite you to come share their passion for the ocean and the Caribbean islands. “Laysan is our pride and joy, she is a 2017, performance sailing catamaran with luxurious accommodations and lots of toys and gear. You decide the pace and activities of your holiday and we’ll be there to make your dreams a reality. We look forward to meeting you soon.”