Seahome
Crew profile

Captain: Martin Lategan (South Africa)
Chef: Nina-Sue Hopkins (South Africa)
Stewardess/Deckhand: Renee Hopkins (South Africa)

Captain: Martin Lategan
Captain Martin’s connection to the sea runs deep, having spent much of his childhood exploring vibrant rock pools and fishing from the rocks along Southern Africa’s coastline. These early experiences sparked a fascination with marine life and nurtured a lifelong love for the ocean. This passion for nature extended to the forests of South Africa, where he spent time hiking, camping, and discovering hidden corners of the wilderness. These adventures shaped his appreciation for the outdoors and laid the groundwork for a life filled with exploration.

Martin’s path into sailing began in his teenage years, with dinghy sailing introducing him to the skills and thrills of being on the water. Over time, his maritime career evolved to include crewing on sailing trips that were not only for leisure but often research-driven, focusing on white sharks and marine ecosystems. He later gained valuable experience working on diving boats, further broadening his understanding of ocean environments and the diverse life beneath the waves. His time in the tasting rooms of South Africa’s Western Cape wine farms also added another dimension to his skills. There, Martin developed a solid knowledge of fine wines and enjoyed engaging with visitors, making it a natural transition to hosting guests in his current role.

On board, Martin takes pride in sharing his knowledge and ensuring guests feel at ease. Whether he’s explaining the boat’s navigational instruments, recounting stories of his adventures, or helping guests discover new activities like fishing, hiking the islands, or simply relaxing in a secluded bay, he aims to create an experience tailored to everyone’s interests.

Martin’s blend of maritime expertise, love for the outdoors, and easy-going nature ensures a comfortable and enjoyable time on the water for all who sail with him.

Chef: Nina-Sue Hopkins
Chef Nina-Sue, grew up on a wine farm in the Western Cape winelands, South Africa. With wine, there is always lovely food paired with it. Nina’s dad was a wine farmer and a very passionate fisherman. Nina and her family spent a lot of time in their holiday home in the Western Cape, on the South Coast of Africa where she learned how to catch and clean seafood herself. She always very thankful to have had fresh seafood on the table, paired with hand harvest wine made from her family’s vineyards as well as fresh vegetables and herbs form the garden. This naturally gave Nina the opportunity to grow her passion for all the lovely flavors of food and wine together. Her passion for food continued to grow over the years, and she knew this was something she should pursue as a career. Now, 10 years later, Nina is sailing the seas and cooking on a boat! The ocean has become a part of who she is, and she is excited to share this with all of her charter guests.

Qualifications:
-Power Boat Level 2
-Top Nosh Cooking School
-STCW 95
-SYA Culinary Art Course
-Ashburton Chef’s Academy

Stewardess/Deckhand: Renee Hopkins
Reneé grew up in South Africa and has 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry and is excited to put her experience to work aboard Seahome. Renee loves water sports including wakeboarding and snorkeling, and likes to spend her free time traveling, practicing yoga, horseback riding, and spending time on the beach.

Qualifications:
-Pull North- Certificate of Stewardess Training
-STCW Course-SAMSA
-Powerboat Level 2
-Food Health and Safety Course
-Top Nosh- Advanced Cooking Course Certificate
-SAMSA Seafarer Medical Certificate