Windward
Crew profile

Captain: Jonathan Crews (South Africa)
Chef/Mate: Tracy Shepherd (Australia)

Captain: Jonathan Crews
Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, it wasn’t until Jonathan and his family moved to Australia where his passion for the outdoors and adventure began. He comes from a family of avid sailors which is where the intrigue for sailing started. Jonathan began his working career as an engineering Tradesperson in Heavy Fabrication & Welding. That experience gave him a broad background for all things mechanical.

In 2015, he decided to turn his dream of working as a Professional Yacht Captain into a reality and he obtained his Offshore Yacht Master’s in South Africa. Jonathan has since had a vast amount of experience working on charter yachts in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, French Polynesia, Thailand, Australia and South Africa, working as both a Charter Captain, Delivery Captain and Lead Skipper of a flotilla company.

In his free time, between charter seasons, Jonathan also started a Safari company taking guests through South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. Experiencing the vast landscapes, animal safari’s and 4wding (which is definitely not for the faint hearted). Jonathan’s first love however, will always be sailing, feeling most at home being in and around the water!

Jonathan spends his spare time participating in water sports, diving, fishing and travelling (anything that involves water really). Jonathan self-admits that he much prefers the relaxed lifestyle that comes with yachting and would eventually like to purchase a yacht of his own and sail around the world with his partner, Tracy.

CERTIFICATES
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore 200gt
(Commercially Endorsed)
• RYA Powerboat Level |I
• International Marine Radio License
• Quarter Deck, Skipper Academy
• STCW
• Cert 1 & 2 Tourism & Distribution
• PADI Open Water Diver
• Advanced First Aid
• ENG1 Medical

Chef: Tracy Shepherd
Born in the coastal South West of Australia, this is where Tracy’s love of the great outdoors began. Tracy grew up on a farm and started boating from a young age. Living on the coast allowed her to flourish on the beach and in the water.

Over the years Tracy has worked in several cafes and restaurants in Western Australia, well known for its famous wine regions. Tracy worked as a supervisor, chef and barista with over eight years experience in the hospitality industry. Tracy also studied Occupational Therapy, at Curtin University, which led to a career in the disability sector supporting adults with Autism. Tracy has always had the urge to support others in need. She has since returned to working in the hospitality industry, having travelled overseas to a vast variety of countries, Tracy fell in love with the yachting lifestyle. After all, what could be better than travelling from place to place whilst working onboard a yacht!

Tracy has sailed around the western and eastern coasts of Australia, Mediterranean and French Polynesia. Her broad cooking style incorporates an array of seafood, Asian delicacies and comforting Italian cuisines to make you feel like you’re experiencing different cultures.

CERTIFICATES
• STCW10
• ENG 1 Medical
• Recreational Skippers Ticket
• Provide First Aid – HLTAID003
• Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene
• Ashburton Cookery School
• W.A Barista Training
• Working with Children’s Check
• National Police Clearance
• Soft Tissue – Level 1 & 2
• Occupational Therapist