crewed@visailing.com | (800)382-9666 | (941)966-9387
ECLIPSE - CREW BIO
Captain | Jaco Pieterse | South African
BIO: Captain Jacobus Pieterse, known as Jaco (pronounced Yako), spent his childhood growing up along the ocean in Empangeni, South Africa, swimming, playing rugby and boxing. His love of the water brought him to his career in yachting, now having over 30 years of experience in charter, diving and delivering both power and sailing yachts.
Jaco has a sense of adventure and relishes in exploring new places. He spent a lot of time cruising the Indian Ocean, which he loves for it's vast unspoiled areas. He arrived in St. Maarten around 6 years ago and has been cruising the local waters there ever since.
Jaco's motto is "Be honest and real to yourself and others". His straightforward enthusiasm and attention to detail ensures an excellent charter aboard ECLIPSE.
Chef | Allison Williams
BIO: Born on the Caribbean Island of Antigua, in a family of 5, Alli always had an undeniable passion for food and started cooking the traditional Caribbean way from the age of 9 years old. After moving to the island of St. Maarten and started competing in the fitness and bodybuilding industry on a Professional Level in the early 2000’s, she saw the need to create healthy and delicious meals. It was then she started experimenting with a wide variety of ingredients converting Caribbean favorites into healthy and delicious dishes. She values the importance of using fresh ingredients, prepared according to client’s requirements. Alli has also specialized in Paleo/Ancestral, Gluten-Free and Vegan Diets, in addition to the fusion of Caribbean and international flavors, using seasonal ingredients. She has been freelancing as a chef for yachts since 2020 bringing her shore based client services, catering and management skills with her. Alli loves fresh seafood and guests usually rave about her Coconut Curry Lobster or Shrimp and Fresh Caribbean Fish Soup. Self-taught with mentorship from several trained, professional chefs as well as cooking workshops have allowed Alli to flourish with natural talents. Cooking “is not only a passion, it is [her] meditation.”
Special Skills: Fitness/Personal Training, Reiki Level 1, Wellness Motivational Speaker, On-Air Radio Personality, Event Planner, Restaurant Manager, Owner of Catering Business.
Chief Mate | Marco de Villiers
BIO: Chief Mate, Marco, is from Welkom, South Africa, where he and his 2 brothers grew up with a mix of farm and city life. During his childhood, Marcus pursued playing soccer and motor cross, and spent a lot of time fishing.
In 2018, Marco decided he wanted to see more of the world. Hs curiosity and love for the ocean led him to begin sailing, where he found a new passion for yachting and water sports - working aboard various vessels ever since. One of his favorite locations from his travels is The Bahamas which is where he was able to really hone in on his water based skills and knowledge.
Outside of being a Chief Mate, Marco is also a musician and DJ. While he's fully equipped to assist in water sports and adventure, he'll also see to it that the music and fun is just right for the guests aboard. He is a friendly, hardworking and helpful asset to the ECLIPSE crew.
Marco's motto is "life is amazing and is what it should be!".
crewed@visailing.com | (800)382-9666 | (941)966-9387