YOUR CREW

Crew 1 Pic

Hylton Wessels

Captain

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Amy Wessels

Chef

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Candace Flatley

2025-26 Season Stewardess

After spending just a few minutes with Hylton and Amy you will pick up on their passion for the ocean. Growing up on the East Coast of South Africa meant their childhoods were both full of outdoor adventures, with family and friends, along the coastline. Hylton and Amy have spent the last 12 years together on the ocean running SCUBA trips, spearfishing trips, whale swimming trips, line fishing trips as well as term and adventure yacht charters. Four of these years were spent living in the remote islands of Tonga in the South Pacific, this has taught them a lot about enjoying and appreciating the simple things in life. What they enjoy most is sharing their passion for the ocean with others, those new to it and those who are already ocean souls like themselves.

Hylton has covered many miles in his sailing career which started off 10 years ago delivering sailing yachts from South Africa to various parts of the world. Hylton is a certified freediver, SCUBA dive master, in-water whale swim guide and RYA yacht master. The minute you meet Hylton you will catch on to his passion for spearfishing, fishing and freediving. His charisma and enthusiasm will make everyone feel at home onboard. He is an extremely competent Captain and in water guide and will be sure to share any knowledge about freediving and spearfishing to those who are interested.

Amy is a certified Rescue SCUBA diver, freediver, in-water whale swim guide and has her honors degree in Marine Biology. Her passion and bubbly personality make her an instant hit with guests. She has completed 2 Atlantic crossings and has thoroughly enjoyed living on and around the ocean for the last 10 years. Through their travels Amy has picked up recipes from the South Pacific, Indonesia, South Africa and the Caribbean that she will share with you during your stay. One of their favourite parts of their lifestyle is being able to selectively catch what they cook and create fresh and delicious meals onboard or over a beach bonfire.
The crew cannot wait to have you onboard. There will be many stories told and laughs had, but most of all they cannot wait to share our beautiful oceans with you.


Hylton Wessels
MARITIME QUALIFICATIONS
- PADI Rescue Diver
- PADI Dive Master
- PADI Enriched Air Diver
- Royal Yachting association / MCA Coastal Yacht Master, with Endorsement (2026)
- SAMSA First Aid at Sea level 1
- STCW certified
- Personal Safety, Social Responsibility with Survival Techniques
- Personal Safety Training
- ICASA VHF & SSB Restricted Radiotelephone Operator (Marine)
- SSI Level 2 Freediving Certification
- DAN First Aid & Oxygen Administration
- Certified Tongan Whale Swim Guide (2023)

Amy Wessels
QUALIFICATIONS
-In-Water Whale Guide Certification
-STCW 95 Safety at Sea Course
-Freediving Course Level 1
-PADI Rescue Diver Certificate, Tonga 2016
-PADI Advanced Open Water Certificate,


With a degree in Zoology and Conservation and a deep-rooted love for the ocean, Candace brings a unique blend of adventure, knowledge, and fun to their role as First Mate. Whether leading a thrilling tubing session, teaching guests how to carve on a wakeboard, or guiding a peaceful paddleboard tour at sunrise, they love helping guests connect with the water in a way that’s both safe and unforgettable.
When not on the water, you’ll likely find Candace behind the bar mixing up a fresh cocktail—or a mocktail—always with a creative twist and a smile. Their passion for hospitality shines through in every detail, making sure guests feel at ease, well cared for, and thoroughly entertained from the moment they step aboard.
Friendly, attentive, and always up for an adventure, Candace is committed to delivering 5-star service and creating memories that guests will carry long after they’ve left the islands.


Maritime Qualifications

STCW 2010
ENG1
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
PADI Emergency First Responder
RYA Powerboat Level 2
RYA Start Windsurfing Instructor
RYA Safe and Fun
RYA First Aid
RYA Marine Radio SRC
WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
L2 Food & Hygiene
The Essentials of Bartender (European
Bartender School Online Course)
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