Chef/First Mate: Keagan van Blerk
Keagan is a South African adventurer, traveler, and food enthusiast. Born in Pretoria, Keagan spent most of her childhood being homeschooled. From a young age, she had a burning desire to travel the world and experience new cultures. Her love for the ocean led her to become a lifeguard, a decision that eventually opened up a world of opportunities.
Keagan’s first solo adventure began after an offer to work as a lifeguard for the MSC Cruise Line in Mozambique. It was there that she discovered scuba diving, which quickly became her passion. Upon returning to South Africa, Keagan took up a job as a bartender to pay for her diving courses. Her new found love for scuba diving motivated her to pursue a career in the diving industry, and she landed a job at a 5-star dive center, where she gained invaluable knowledge and experience.
Keagan’s sense of adventure and desire to explore the world led her to join a delivery on a sailing yacht as a chef, traveling from Richards Bay, South Africa to Kenya. This experience introduced her to the world of sailing, which she immediately became hooked on. During her 3-month voyage, she traveled to various islands, experiencing different cultures and local dishes. In Zanzibar, the locals introduced her to their cuisine, their way of living, and the secret of multiple spice combinations, which only fueled her curiosity to explore different cuisines further. Keagan’s fascination with food and cooking led her to attend cooking courses in Cape Town. Her creative, imaginative mind explored the world of food, and she found herself experimenting with different flavors and spices, creating unique and delicious dishes.
Today, Keagan continues to pursue her passion for travel, scuba diving, sailing, and cooking. Her adventurous spirit, coupled with her love for food, has taken her on a journey of discovery that has enriched her life in countless ways.
CERTIFICATES:
• STCW 95
• Superyacht Culinary Certification
• Food Health and Safety Level 2
