Zingara
Crew profile

The crew of Zingara offer a polished and luxury experience for all their guests. They look forward to having you aboard and showcasing this beautiful part of the world to you and your family and friends.

Captain: Reece Hayward
Reece grew up on the farmlands outside Knysna, South Africa, where he gained strong mechanical and carpentry skills while spending his free time surfing, kitesurfing, and fishing along the coast. With extensive diving experience and in-depth knowledge of the BVI, he combines his adventurous spirit with a strong focus on safety, ensuring guests enjoy an unforgettable experience aboard Zingara.

Reece stepped aboard Zingara in the role of deckhand/dive instructor, and now moves up to the helm, bringing his extensive diving experience and knowledge of the BVI to the team. Reece is actively involved in marine conservation efforts, volunteering with Beyond The Reef (BTR) in the British Virgin Islands. He is certified to treat corals affected by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) and has contributed to cetacean research surveys and shark tagging projects. Reece looks forward to sharing his passion for the ocean with guests aboard.

Chef: Henre Koekemoer
My name is Henre Koekemoer I am 24 years of age and from Bloemfontein, South Africa. I am a qualified chef with three years of professional experience, most of which I gained at a 5-star luxury lodge. I studied at Olive Chef School in Bloemfontein, where I graduated as one of the top students in my class. Before pursuing my culinary career, I studied law, but soon realized that my true passion lay in cooking and creating exceptional dining experiences.

I am very excited to take on the new challenge as sole chef on the beautiful Zingara. I specialise in crafting tailored menus that combine fine dining with fresh, seasonal ingredients to suit every guest’s preferences and dietary needs.

I get along well with people from all walks of life, a strength that comes naturally from working in hospitality, and I pride myself on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere both in and out of the kitchen. Beyond cooking, I am an active and energetic person who enjoys playing a wide variety of sports, which fuels my creativity and drive. My goal is to ensure every charter is memorable, with cuisine that perfectly complements both the luxury and adventure of life at sea.

Mate & Deckhand: Ryan Clark
Working at sea isn’t just a job, it’s who he is. Adventurous, easygoing, kind and friendly, Ryan has a natural way of putting people at ease, creating a relaxed atmosphere whether guests are stepping aboard for the first time or strapping on a dive tank for an underwater adventure. As a PADI Staff Instructor, he guides divers of all levels with patience and a calm, laid-back approach that keeps safety front and center without ever taking the fun out of the experience. Beyond the boat, Ryan’s love for the ocean drives him to get involved in conservation projects. He is happiest sailing through the Caribbean with the sun on his back, the sea beneath him and another day of adventure ahead.

Stewardess & Dive Instructor: Margret Church
Margret not only serves as stewardess aboard but she is also a qualified dive instructor, ready to join in your underwater adventures. Her involvement in marine conservation projects and initiatives in the BVI is a passion of hers, combined with a lifelong love for the ocean, she is now able to share her knowledge with guests who would like to learn more. She met Reece on the east coast of Africa, whilst they were both completing their PADI scuba instructor and freediving instructor courses. Since then, they have been traveling and exploring together and they cannot wait to show you the BVI’s secret spots.