Captain - Robert Marx (South African) - Rob grew up on a farm and learned how to fix things and be innovative early on. After running his own farm for several years he became a Construction Manager and traveled all over the Eastern Cape of SA. He is well versed in all aspects of mechanics, installation, equipment and operations. 

Rob joined the mega yacht industry in 2007 and spent a year on M/Y Chantel Ma Vie prior to joining El Jefe. After being the Mate/Engineer on El Jefe for 2 Years, he was offered the opportunity to become Captain. Robert has cruised all over the Caribbean, Bahamas and all over the US East Coast. His meticulous attitude ensures all systems are running smoothly and are well maintained for a safe and carefree vacation and his easy going nature will make you feel comfortable from the moment you step onboard.

Robert holds a 200 Ton Yacht Master Offshore Captains license and are currently busy with his Y4 Engineering tickets. 

Rob enjoys motor sports, fishing and water sports and likes keeping guests active and entertained. 

Chief Stewardess - Daphne Marx (South African) - Professional, personable and caring best describes Daphne. With her background in property management she has a great eye for detail.  Adept at being invisible when necessary, yet appearing at just the right moment her ability to make sure everything runs smoothly is her forte.

Daphne started her yachting career on M/Y Kisses in 2008 before joining her husband Robert on El Jefe in 2009. With silver service and creative interior courses under her belt, Daphne will ensure your dining occasions are flawless and she makes sure that guests on El Jefe feel totally at ease and relaxed, plus have lots of fun in the process!   In July of 2010 Daphne was promoted to Chief Stewardess, a role she was meant to be in.  She has filled M/Y El Jefe with warmth and charm, which is something our charters guests feel the moment they step on board.  She can be accredited for several repeat charters this past season and we feel that is a true testament to the value she brings to this charter yacht.  An avid photographer, Daphne also enjoys swimming, snorkeling, cooking and traveling. 

 Chef - Danny Escarment (American)- Danny was born in Haiti and moved to the United States 25 years ago where he attended the Sheridan Vocational Culinary Arts Center, for a two-year program to perfect his culinary skills. After graduation he became head chef at the Banana Boat Restaurant for 11 years, he then moved to the Ft. Lauderdale Sheraton Hotel as sous-chef, specializing in soups and sauces. His first opportunity on a Yacht was M/Y “Lady Francis” (now ‘El Jefe’)(115 ft) spending 3 years before joining the crew of M/Y “Cookie Monster” (110 ft.) for 2 years, followed by M/Y “Bon Bon” (122 ft. Flagship) for 4 years. His last yacht was M/Y “Vango” (164 ft. Westport) for 2 and half years. A 4-time award winning Chef, Danny has a fresh approach to cooking that pleases any palate, both healthy and delicious. He is particularly known for his desserts, breads, soups, and his award winning crab cakes. Danny speaks English, French, Creole, and a modest amount of Spanish.

Mate/Engineer – Mario van der Mescht (South Africa) – Mario crew up always being in the outdoors and being around boats and cars.  At the age of  14 Mario started oval track racing with his dad and already at a early age he was trained how to rebuild and maintain high performance motors, including their ski boat’s outboard engine. After school Mario completed courses as a Refrigeration Technician, Electronic Repairs and Repairs for small and large appliances.

After his sister joined the yachting industry in 2008, Mario started dreaming of changing his career as well and finally his love for the water and the outdoors won the battle for his heart.  His all-round mechanical skills and technical knowledge will ensure a smooth and trouble free vacation onboard El Jefe.

With his easy and fun personality, he is always ready to help guests have fun on the toys, whether it’s tubing, wakeboarding knee boarding or skiing.  Mario enjoys traveling, swimming, fishing, water sports and motorsports and music.

Stewardess/Deckhand – Mari Jordaan (South Africa) – Mari crew up on the South African West and that is where she got her friendly and calm personality and love for the ocean. After completing High School Mari joined a youth mission group that traveled to rural African countries like Zambia, Lesotho and Transkei, where they helped to build houses, schools and churches for the under-privilege communities. 

After 10 years working as Interior, Kitchen and Cabinet designer, Mari felt that she wanted more than just an office job and she decided to follow her heart back to the ocean and joined M/Y El Jefe in February 2011

Mari enjoys music, singing, traveling to new places, exploring different cultures and arts and cooking.  With her warm and friendly demeanor, she helps guests to be completely at ease and enjoy their time onboard.