CREW

YOUR CREW

Robbie Sergeant

Captain

Sofie Ribiero

Chef

Kirstin Kloppers

Originally from Zimbabwe, Robbie was brought up on a farm with a love for the outdoors, sport and a keen sense for adventure. His hobbies also include golf and darts but his favorite from a young age was and always has been fishing, whether it’s fresh water or deep sea. After school, he moved to South Africa to play professional rugby, but it was not long before he decided on it being an unlikely permanent career choice. He turned towards scuba diving instead, despite the cold waters of Cape Town and worked his way up to becoming an instructor. After a few years of this, Robbie grew keen to search for warmer water to dive in and accepted a job in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. The travel bug set in, Captain’s ticket in hand and many nautical miles later, there is nothing that Robbie loves more than finding new places to have fun in, both above and under the water.

Born and raised in the landlocked country of Zimbabwe, Sofia’s love for water originated whilst growing up as a national swimmer and waterpolo player. Working throughout studying within restaurants and catering, it gave her an opportunity to build up experience in hospitality, develop professionalism within the service industry but most of all appreciate different cuisines. After graduating from University of Cape Town, South Africa with a Social Science degree, Sofia realized she wasn’t motivated towards a formal office setting and sought after a career in which she could combine her love of travel with learning new skills. Discovering the world of yachting she has since worked in the Mediterranean, Australia, Indonesia, Florida and the Caribbean. Being able to explore new places and gain a passion for cooking along the way has been a dream realized.

Robbie and Sofie met in Singapore, soon found common ground of similar roots and have been working together within the industry since then for the last 5 years. Their combined passion for food, travel and most of all the ocean has brought them together to love what they do. They have been lucky enough to get to know some extraordinary, remote locations around the world but also appreciate being able to share time with family and friends in their home country, Zimbabwe.

As a team, they love being able to entertain, share stories and meet new people to learn theirs. Robbie and Sofie are keen on keeping charters light-hearted while making it a priority to go above and beyond so that their guests always have an adventure to remember.

Kirsten, a native of South Africa, grew up enjoying the pleasant climate and taking part in various outdoor activities, such as photography, swimming, and showjumping. She excelled in golf and earned several titles and a place on provincial teams before scuba diving captured her imagination during her first dive in the ocean. She attended the University of Johannesburg where her studies in Industrial Design deepened her appreciation of the ocean ecosystem and sparked a passion for developing projects to address ocean conservation. As her interest in photography shifted to the underwater world, she found herself drawn to a non-traditional career and pursued full-time work in diving and sailing. She honed her skills in Tuna fishing and spearfishing while working for a fishing charter company in Cape Town. Today, her love for the ocean and marine life remains one of her greatest passions.

ROBERT ‘ROBBIE’ SARGENT MARITIME QUALIFICATIONS

• IYT Master of Yachts (200t) Unlimited
• IYT Master of Yachts (200t) Limited
(Practical & Theory)
• ENG 1 Medical (Valid 2022)
• STCW 95 - Complete Basic Training
• RYA Tender Operator
• RYA Powerboat Level II
• RYA Powerboat Advanced
• RYA Personal Watercraft
• RYA Shore based Day Skipper for Sail Power Craft
• RYA Radar Course
• RYA Diesel Engine Course
• RYA VHF Radio
• SYSA Deckhand Course

DIVING QUALIFICATIONS
• PADI Speciality Instructor
• EFR First Aid Instructor
• Bauer Compressor Operator
• ScubaPro Level1 Equipment Service Technician
• Aqualung Level 2 Equipment Service Technician

SOFIA ‘SOFIE’ RIBEIRO QUALIFICATIONS

• ENG1 (Valid 2022)
• IYT Master of Yachts (200t) Unlimited
• IYT Master of Yachts (200t) Limited
(Theory & Practical)
• STCW & PDSD
• International Driver’s Licence (Valid 2021)
• PADI Open Water Diver
• Food Safety & Hygiene Level II
• RYA Powerboat Level II
• RYA Personal Watercraft
Ashburton Cookery School-Advanced Course 2023
• Beginner’s Course in Floristry
• Basic Cocktail Masterclass
• Bachelor of Social Science

KIRSTIN KLOPPERS Maritime Qualifications

RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore (Sailing) Commercial Endorsement (200GT)
SAS Yachtmaster Coastal
SAMSA SRC/VHF Radio
RYA Personal Watercraft
RYA Powerboat Level II
RYA Competent Crew
Food Safety at Sea Level II
RYA Superyacht Training
ENG1 Medical
STCW 2010
PADI IDC Staff Instructor
PADI Specialty Instructor
International Bartender Course 2023
Wine and Spirit Educational Trust Certificate 2023
Diploma Industrial Design

Client reviews

What they say.

The crew: Robbie and Sophie were one of the most dedicated and professional crews we ever had. It is very important to point out that, although crews are, in general, of great excellence, this one exceeded all our expectations. Robbie is a very professional sailor and diving instructor. Sophie a superb chef. Both constitute a very good team. Last but not least, both are very, very, very good people.

Aboard 9 Feb 2019 in BVI with Robbie and Sofia

This was my first (and probably only) catamaran experience, and I was so honored to spend it with Robbie and Sofia on that awesome 60-ft!! They were most attentive and went out of their ways to make sure we had everything we needed and catered, when necessary. I had a bruised ankle and fell and injured that same ankle toward the beginning of the trip. They still catered to my inability to take more dingy trips. They were there to give me more than adequate support (my, they both are so STRONG). The food was awesome, and we expressed our desire (with everyone on our boat) that we’d pay for a recipe book for all that we ate. Sofie prepared it with the love and expertise desired by TradeWinds, and Robbie was a perfect 1st Mate in the kitchen. He was a perfect Captain, while Sofie was the perfect 1st Mate otherwise. They are well-trained and completely socially compatible with each other and all of us. If my husband and I were more water sports enthusiasts and younger, we might have enjoyed it even more.

Aboard Mar 2019 in BVI with Robbie and Sofia

Captain Robby and first mate, Sophia, were perfect hosts. Their competence and attention to keeping tidy quarters were superb. They each had their own special culinary skills — Robby was a supreme grill master and Sophie excelled at presentation and taste.

Aboard Mar 2019 in BVI with Robbie and Sofia

The service on this trip was phenomenal! Mind you we have never had bad service with Tradewinds but Robbie and Sofie went above and beyond to make sure we had a great vacation. Their customer service was exceptional. I cannot say enough good things about them. They made sure we had everything we needed at all times so we could relax and enjoy our time in the BVIs. Scuba, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, sunbathing, hiking, geocaching. We did it all!

Aboard Apr 2019 in BVI with Robbie and Sofia

Robbie and Sofie were an excellent crew. Robbie kept everything interesting, played great music, and was very engaging and fun. Sofie was also very engaging, made excellent meals, and was exceptionally accommodating for some of our special dietary needs. They were both highly professional yet still super friendly, I would gladly sail with them again.

Aboard Apr 2019 in BVI with Robbie and Sofia

Robbie and Sophie went above and beyond on this vacation. Sophie really catered to all our dietary needs. Robbie took us to several places and told us stories about each place. Every night they asked how we enjoyed the day and if there was anything that we wanted to do the next day.

Aboard Apr 2019 in BVI with Robbie and Sofia

Sofia and Robbie was very professional and attentive to our family. Sophia accommodated the dietary requirements of our youngest daughter with the skills of a five star chef. Robbie commanded the yacht with ease and confidence. His choice of moorings and anchorages were all beautiful locations to enjoy the sunsets and sunrises. The music play list provided by the crew were the best I have experienced

Aboard Apr 2019 in BVI with Robbie and Sofia

Any superlatives that one can use for the work of Sophia and Robbie are inadequate. They are simply wonderful people that do an amazing job. The sailing was excellent, the food was superb and the interaction with Sophia and Robbie was great. I cannot imagine how they could possibly have done better.

Aboard 2019 in BVI with Robbie and Sofia

Robbie and Sofia went above our expectations! He helped in every way possible. If we asked for it or he just heard us talking, Robbie made sure our wishes came true. Excellent service by both. Hats off to Robbie and Sofia.

Aboard May 2019 in BVI with Robbie and Sofia

Robbie and Sophia were absolutely AMAZING!!! they truly went above and beyond with their services. They were so much FUN and were always keeping us organized. coming back from snorkeling and finding our towels folded, and then keeping our snorkel and dive gear all organized was such a surprise. We love them both dearly, and hope to sail again with them very soon!!!! Was truly our BEST VACATION EVER!!!! Not sure if any other captain and first mate could match their services.

Aboard Jun 2019 in BVI with Robbie and Sofia

Love Robbie and Sofie. They went above and beyond to make our experience memorable. They were very flexible and listened to our requests and suggestions of things we’d like to do and we’re very accommodating in the itinerary. Sofie’s cooking was outstanding. They both took time to get to know our family and it showed with how well we were taken care of every day. Overall it felt very personalized and very special. An exceptionally memorable vacation. Well done!

Aboard Nov 2019 in BVI with Robbie and Sofia

Robbie and Sofie were the most incredible hosts. As a all ladies group we were a little over the top and Robbie did a great job hanging. They both did a wonderful job balancing professionalism, safety, gourmet cuisine, and fun. There were handfuls of moments where they both went above and beyond to make the trip special. Noticing our silly needs even before we knew we had them. Sofie knew when to play the perfect song, add disco lights, and could remember who liked what with their food. They are the BEST first mate and captian we have ever had. Please tell them we genuinely loved every moment and appreciate them endlessly!

Aboard 2 Nov 2019 in BVI with Robbie and Sofia