Chef/First Mate: Johann Gelderbloem
Johann was born in Bloemfontein, Free State Province, South Africa, Johann’s journey into the culinary and yachting worlds began in unexpected ways. His heritage traces back to Dutch settlers who arrived in the late 1700s, and growing up in a bilingual household, he became fluent in both English and Afrikaans. Johann’s passion for cooking was sparked early, learning from his mother in the family kitchen. While he didn’t grow up sailing, annual family trips to the West Coast of South Africa fueled his fascination with the sea.
At the age of 19, Johann moved to Cape Town, where he pursued his interest in the maritime industry, earning his Yacht Masters Coastal qualification at the end of 2020. However, the global pandemic led him back home, where he shifted gears and earned a barista qualification. From March 2021 to November 2022, Johann honed his hospitality skills working at a coffee bar, while keeping his passion for cooking alive.
In 2023, Johann took a bold step in his culinary career by enrolling in the South Africa Chefs Academy in Woodstock, Cape Town. Following an intense 3-month internship at the renowned fine dining restaurant La Colombe – voted among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2023 and 2024 – he gained invaluable experience working alongside exceptional chefs who taught him the art of French and Asian fusion cuisine.
With his newfound culinary expertise, Johann set his sights on the yachting industry. In March 2023, he flew to St. Maarten, starting his career as First Mate/Chef with Tradewinds Charter Catamarans. His initial training took place in the British Virgin Islands onboard a 60ft Fountaine Pajot Catamaran. Soon after, he was stationed in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, where he spent 15 months chartering through the idyllic islands of Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Tobago Cays, Union, and Carriacou. The authenticity of these less-industrialized Caribbean islands, paired with their local ingredients and culture, inspired Johann’s approach to cooking and expanded his culinary palate.
During his time in the Caribbean, Johann developed a love for the ocean, becoming a certified PADI Rescue Diver. Whether leading sailing excursions, preparing gourmet meals, or exploring underwater landscapes, Johann’s adventurous spirit shines through in everything he does. He’s worked on various yachts, including the company’s flagship 70ft Fountaine Pajot, offering guests an unforgettable combination of sailing, diving, hiking, and culinary experiences.
Driven by his passion for food and travel, Johann continues to seek out new cuisines and explore the world, always eager for his next adventure both in the kitchen and on the water.
