C A P T A I N : Gerrie Schoeman
C H E F / F I R S T M A T E : Hettie Schoeman

Experienced in the hospitality industry for more than 20 years, Gerrie and Hettie Schoeman are your captain and first mate…or chef and first mate depending on the hat they happen to be wearing at the time. This married couple has worked together for years and their view on life is all about creating memories – ensuring yours is the best ever, in turn making theirs pretty special too.
As experienced sailors, resort managers, qualified tour guides, safari operators and seasoned travelers, they are the perfect team to take care of you on your sailing charter.
With a witty sense of humor, genuine care for the environment and great communication and people skills, they embrace an infectious love of life.

Their love for sailing started in 2010 when they moved to Cape Town, where they sailed the west coast of Southern Africa and earned their sailing certifications. In 2014 Gerrie attempted the Cape to Rio regatta as a member of a crew of 4 but had to return to Cape Town after 5 days, having suffered damages to their boat when hit by a severe cyclone. From Cape Town they moved to the Eastern Caribbean, offering all-inclusive catamaran charters. It was in these tropical waters that Hettie developed an enthusiasm for snorkeling and underwater photography.
They too owned and operated Destination Africa, a 4×4 self-drive safari company, operating in 8 different Southern African countries. During this time, they built and managed Kabula Lodge, a popular safari and tiger fishing spot on the Zambezi River in Zambia.

Not afraid of new challenges, they also founded The Ark, an events venue, on the scenic Route 62 in the Southern Cape, South Africa. The Ark included a 40-seat restaurant, sports bar, curio shop and take-away kiosk, as well as a winery and theatre and a guest house accommodating the visitors to this venue.

In 2018 they were offered the opportunity to manage Calala, a private island and 5-star exclusive all-inclusive establishment in the Nicaribbean (Caribbean off the coast of Nicaragua), hosting a maximum of 8 guests and managing 26 wonderful staff members.

After these amazing experiences, Gerrie & Hettie can’t wait to welcome you onboard S/V Beyond Stardust and share all they have to offer in the amazingly beautiful Virgin Islands.