Captain’s Name:
Number in Crew:7
Crew Profiles:

Captain’s Nationality:USA
Languages Spoken: English

Captain David Coates Palgrave

Previous yachts: S/Y ADELE 180ft | M/Y AMADEUS 230ft | M/Y ULYSSES 196ft | S/Y EOS 305ft | S/Y ATHENA 300ft |
M/Y SOLEMAR 201ft | S/Y ELFJE 180ft | M/Y AMARYLLIS 255FT | M/Y VIXIT 173ft

Born in Zimbabwe, David left at age 3 for South Africa where he grew up and developed his love for life on the ocean. He was raised in a rugged and beautiful country, which bred in him a sense of adventure and exploration. His 22 year career has allowed him to crew on not only the worlds largest sailing yachts but also several large superyachts which has allowed him to travel the worlds oceans from the Mediterranean to the USA and Pacific and New Zealand. Since gaining his 3000GT master license in 2015 he has Captained several vessels both Private and Charter up to 255 Ft mainly in and around the USA and Caribbean and Mediterranean. Davids interests include kayaking, sailing, rugby and adventure sports on land and sea. He has now joined the great young vibrant team on My Spirit, looking forward to their exciting first season together and promising you an enjoyable and adventurous vacation.

Chef - Liebe de Klerk

Liebe was born and raised on a farm in the heart of South Africa. She started her love for food from a young age, as her mother and grandmother were chefs too. She has always been artistic and travelled through Europe to learn more about the rich history of art. Her love for food grew fonder and she decided to study Culinary Arts. She did her Diploma in Culinary arts and Patisserie. She also specialized in Media communication and food photography. For the past few years, she worked at a few fine dining restaurants and catering companies as well as in the magazine and film industry.
Liebe always strives to be the best version of herself while being caring and hardworking. She decided to join the yacht industry to combine her love for cooking, travelling and growing her knowledge.


Chief Engineer - ENGINEER | DIRK WOUTER BESTER | SOUTH AFRICAN

Previous Yachts: M/Y NICOLE EVELYN 125ft | M/Y MINDERELLA 198FT | M/Y VIXIT 173ft

Dirk was raised in Wellington, South-Africa where he assisted his father with their office furniture business during school holidays and this was the beginning of his interest in the engineering world. After school in 2014 he started his maritime career. He entered the industry as a deckhand and progressed into engineering. His yachting experience covers a variety of charter and private vessels traveling to the Mediterranean, Bahamas, Central America, the Northeast and West coast of America. Not only is he an excellent Chief Engineer, but Dirk is also always smiling and lends a helping hand wherever possible. Dont worry if you dont see him, he is always busy getting his hands dirty making sure everything is fine. In his free time, he occupies himself at home rebuilding cars as a hobby and making sure his own car is always in immaculate condition. Dirks main hobbies includes surfing, mounting biking, camping and anything outdoors and adventurous. His calm and fun demeanor will make you feel at home and keep you safe aboard My Spirit.


First Officer - Alan Mans

Previous yachts: BENGUELA 42FT RACING YACHT |â?¯M/Y SOARING 98FT | M/Y BRAVO EUGENIA 360FT | M/Y AMARYLLIS 255FT | M/Y VIXIT 173FT â?¯
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Alan is an experienced crew member with a unique background in lifeguarding, emergency response, and health & safety. Born in South Africa, Alan has always had a passion for sports and the outdoors. He spent 5 years working as a lifeguard before working as a NATO contractor in the Crash/Fire/Rescue team in Afghanistan for 7 years, where he developed exceptional emergency response skills and the ability to work well under pressure. After his time in Afghanistan, Alan worked as a health & safety executive in the UAE for 2 years. Four years ago, he completed his Yacht Master offshore certification and has been working towards his OOW while completing additional courses to further develop his skills and experience. Alans commitment to his professional development and passion for the outdoors make him a valuable member of any crew. Alan is now working on the adventurous boat M/Y Spirit and is excited about the upcoming events and experiences ahead as he is eager to contribute to a successful and enjoyable voyage.â?¯


Chief Stew - Milrie Swanepoel

Milrie was born in Namibia, raised in South Africa and now resides in Florida. She studied Hospitality Management at City and Guilds in South Africa. She has spent 5 years in hospitality working in some of South Africas finest hotels, restaurants, and various promotional events. Her love of travel brought her to the USA where she has spent 4.5 years working in some of the countrys most prestigious country clubs in Florida and New York. Her desire to travel more and use her hospitality experience brought her to yachting where she has been for 8 years traveling between the USA, Caribbean, Europe and the Bahamas. Passionate about her career, Milrie also loves any kind of outdoor exercise when time ashore allows and takes any opportunity to travel. Milries enthusiastic, high attention to detail and hardworking personality will make your stay aboard M/Y Spirit a fun and unforgettable time.


Stewardess - Jade Deftereos

Jade Deftereos is a bubbly, good humored South African stewardess which joined the yachting industry in 2022 as she wanted to challenge herself as well as wanted to live by the ocean. Passionate about her career, she aims to deliver the best possible guest experience and service. Jade enjoys being active, swimming as a sport and for leisure as well as snorkeling and spending time with friends and family.