Tru North
Crew profile

Captain: Ryan Hayes
Meet Captain Ryan, a seasoned mariner (RYA Yachtmaster Offshore), born and raised in Southern Africa, where his love for the ocean was nurtured from a young age. Growing up, he spent his mornings catching lobster and riding the waves as a surfer and kitesurfer before heading to school. After completing his Yachtmaster Ocean certification, he set sail on an epic journey through the Indian Ocean, exploring the vibrant coastlines of Madagascar, Mozambique, Seychelles, and Mauritius. He then established himself as a respected charter captain in the Mediterranean, sharing his expertise and stories with guests from around the world.

In 2021, Captain Ryan made the Virgin Islands his new home, drawn by the crystal-clear waters and warm Caribbean hospitality. With over 100 charters under his belt, spanning an impressive 40,000+ miles sailed, he’s now eager to share his passion for the ocean with you on Tru North ensuring an unforgettable adventure that exceeds your expectations.

Chef: Sarah Henderson
Sarah’s culinary journey began during her university years while completing a degree in Business Marketing. What started as a creative outlet soon evolved into a deep passion for cooking, inspiring her to pursue formal training at a renowned culinary school in Cape Town upon graduation. Combining her love for food, travel, and the natural world, Sarah found her calling as a yacht chef — an environment that perfectly merges her appreciation for the ocean with her dedication to crafting memorable dining experiences.

After living in Italy and honing her skills in Mediterranean cuisine, she joined a flotilla company where her talent and professionalism quickly earned her a promotion to lead chef within her first year. Over the past six years at sea, Sarah has continued to refine her expertise in creating vibrant, seasonally inspired menus that highlight sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. With a keen eye for detail and presentation, Sarah takes pride in designing beautifully plated dishes that reflect both her creativity and her respect for quality produce. She effortlessly adapts to guests’ preferences and dietary requirements, ensuring every meal contributes to a truly bespoke and unforgettable onboard experience.

Steward/Deckhand: Hein Van Eeden
Rounding out our seasoned crew is Hein, an experienced sailor, Dive Master, and renowned mixologist from Langebaan, South Africa. As your deckhand and steward, Hein will create countless ocean adventures that will become lifetime memories for you and your family whether that be learning to free dive, spearfish, or surf on our new eFoil carbon boards.

This fun and enthusiastic, yet professional crew are super excited to welcome you onboard Tru North.