Chef Cassy

Creative, passionate and effortlessly warm, Chef Cassy brings a unique blend of culinary talent, hospitality experience and artistic flair to every charter.

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Cassy grew up between the ocean and the beautiful wine country surrounding Table Mountain. Her lifelong connection with the sea, combined with a naturally creative personality, has shaped both her career and her approach to cooking. 

With a naturally creative spirit, she developed a love of drawing, reading, dance and the performing arts from an early age. She also spent an impressive 16 years competing in ice skating, specialising in both ice dance and synchronised skating. Representing South Africa internationally and earning her national colours, Cassy competed at World level and qualified for the Olympics before an injury brought her skating career to an early close. 

Cassy’s creative talents have followed her throughout her career. She holds a Higher Professional Diploma in Fashion Design and previously worked as a fashion designer and managed her own events company. These experiences have become wonderful assets in her yachting career, giving her a natural eye for presentation, detail and creativity. 

With almost ten years of experience as a Chief Stewardess and two years as a yacht chef, Cassy understands that exceptional charter dining is about far more than simply preparing delicious food. She takes pride in creating beautifully presented dishes with care and attention to detail, while tailoring the experience to make every guest feel special.

Cassy’s favourite culinary style is French cuisine, inspired by its elegance and delicate presentation, while she also enjoys the vibrant flavours of Italian and Spanish cooking. Her popular guest favourites include seared salmon, crusted sea bass, fillet mignon and her irresistible S’mores Delight.

Her creative background in fashion design and event management brings an additional dimension to the guest experience. Whether designing an elegant meal, creating a memorable themed evening or joining guests for a relaxed beach day, Cassy loves entertaining and making people feel at home on the water.

Captain Matthew Manninen

With extensive cruising experience throughout The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the U.S. East Coast, Captain Matthew Manninen brings a unique combination of professional seamanship, technical expertise, and guest-focused hospitality to M/Y Babbs. 

A licensed USCG Master and MCA Master of Yachts, he has spent years safely operating both sailing and motor yachts ranging from private vessels to luxury charter yachts exceeding 100 feet in length.

Captain Matthew is known for his hands-on approach to yacht operations, with strong expertise in navigation, voyage planning, weather forecasting, vessel maintenance, and marine electrical and diesel systems. His commitment to safety, reliability, and attention to detail ensures that every voyage is conducted to the highest professional standards. 

Since 2017, he has captained a variety of luxury charter vessels throughout The Exumas and The Bahamas, creating memorable experiences for guests while maintaining exceptional operational standards. 

Prior to his professional charter career, he spent seven years sailing his own vessel extensively throughout the Caribbean and Bahamas, developing an intimate knowledge of the region’s cruising grounds, secluded anchorages, and local highlights. 

Holding certifications including USCG Master 100 Ton with Sail Endorsement, MCA Master of Yachts 200 Ton, STCW, Bahamian Class A License, and multiple safety and operational qualifications, Captain Matthew combines technical competence with a calm, personable leadership style. 

Guests appreciate his local knowledge, professionalism, and dedication to delivering comfortable, safe, and unforgettable experiences on the water.