Born in George, South Africa, Captain Clifford Marlow developed a profound connection to the sea at a young age. As the youngest of four children, he spent much of his childhood alongside his father, an avid fisherman, mastering both shoreside and deep-sea fishing. After completing school in 1988, Clifford served two years in the South African Army, where he rose to the rank of Officer, honing his leadership skills and discipline. At just 16 years old, Clifford joined the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), a prestigious volunteer organization dedicated to search and rescue operations along South Africa’s rugged coastline. Over the course of 26 years with the NSRI, he became a regional leader, training new crew members and coxswains on both local and national levels. His extensive experience in high-stakes rescue operations laid the foundation for his seamless transition into the yachting industry. Clifford’s yachting career began as a Mate on a 100-foot Hargrave, and within just six months, he was promoted to Captain of the sister ship. For four years, he expertly navigated guests through the Bahamas and Caribbean, managing an impressive 40 weeks of charters annually. His extensive experience includes 3.5 years as Captain on Unbridled cruising the Bahamas and Caribbean and 18 months on ClubM, where he sailed through the Northeast and the Mediterranean, gaining invaluable knowledge of some of the world’s most breathtaking cruising grounds. Most recently, he captained a new San Lorenzo yacht, leading charters in the Bahamas before embarking on Mediterranean adventures. Now at the helm of SEA AXIS, Captain Clifford is committed to delivering exceptional, safe, and unforgettable voyages for his guests. His wealth of experience, combined with his warm demeanor and passion for the sea, ensures that every journey is a truly remarkable one. When he’s not on the water, Clifford enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the great outdoors through camping, off-road 4×4 expeditions, and motorbiking. Looking ahead, he dreams of retiring to a self-sufficient farm, where he can live in harmony with nature. Among his favorite destinations are the Bahamas, celebrated for their crystal-clear waters and rich marine life, and the dramatic, unspoiled coastline of South Africa, a place that remains close to his heart.

Introducing Leanne, the vibrant and welcoming chief Stewardess aboard the luxurious motor yacht Sea Axis. Born in South Africa, she brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for hospitality to the yachting industry.

Leanne embarked on her yachting journey in 2021 and joined Sea Axis in October 2023 as Second Stewardess/Masseuse. She was promoted to Chief Stewardess in November 2024, reflecting her dedication and love for the job. Leanne holds a Higher Certificate in Marketing from IMM and is continually pursuing her IAMI G.U.E.S.T. certifications. She also aims to complete her Purser’s course as part of her ongoing professional development.

Growing up on the East Coast of South Africa, Leanne was a competitive swimmer and dancer, fostering a love for movement and expression. Fluent in English and proficient in Afrikaans, she communicates effortlessly with guests
from diverse backgrounds.

With a background in Marketing and Advertising, Leanne made the bold decision to transition to yachting in 2021 at the age of 36. Her previous experiences include working as an account executive for a marketing agency for 12 years. Leanne’s yachting journey began on Tatami (31m) and Lady B (52m), where she honed her skills in both private and charter settings.

Leanne’s current role as chief Stewardess on Sea Axis allows her to showcase her natural ability to make everyone on board feel welcome and at ease. Whether interacting with owners, charter guests, or contractors, Leanne ensures that the Sea Axis experience is characterized by warmth and hospitality.

Having cruised through various destinations, including Florida, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Panama, and Costa Rica, Leanne’s favorite charter destination thus far is the enchanting Bahamas. When not at sea, Leanne enjoys wakeboarding, paddleboarding, camping, reading, spa days, and swimming.

Her personal mission extends beyond yachting, as she aspires to explore and visit numerous countries and islands. Leanne looks forward to creating memorable experiences for guests while saving to bring her parents on a journey to share the beauty of the world. With dreams of someday owning and running a bush lodge in Africa, Leanne envisions a haven where guests become part of the Sea Axis family, cherishing new experiences every day.

In her pursuit of making dreams come true, Leanne embodies the spirit of adventure and warmth that defines the Sea Axis experience.

Education/ Qualifications: IYT Master of Yachts 200GT, MCA OOW, MCA AEC 1 and 2, South African Sailing 100gt Day Skipper, RYA Powerboat Level 2 

Michael grew up on the western cape of South Africa, in the heart of the Garden Route. Fittingly his journey in boating started early, as her recalls his first time driving a small twin screw rescue craft around the age of 5 or 6. With his dad having been in the yachting industry for as long as he remembered, yachting became Michael’s passion. Signing up for a job in the industry, 2 months after graduating high school. In 2017 he started working aboard charter yachts or busy private vessels. His experience started with M/Y VITESSE, and since then has worked aboard M/Y SWEET ESCAPE, M/Y ENDLESS SUMMER, M/Y UNBRIDLED, M/Y OCULUS, M/Y LONE STAR and M/Y SCORPION. Gaining experience sailing in the Bahamas, Caribbean and United Sates East coast and more recently in the Western Mediterranean. On board, Michael’s years of experience really show. He carries with him an aura of calmness and focuses on safety to give guests the greatest possible experience. He wants guests to have the times of their lives aboard and cherish the memories they made for life. In his personal life, Michael enjoys drone photography, driving his truck on off-road journeys and snorkeling. His greatest passion is exploring new places. He lives by the motto “Do or do not, there is no try” and applies this to his life as he is working steadily on his dream of being a yacht captain. 

Jerome comes from a small parish called Saint Andrew. Situated southeast of Jamaica. He has worked at sea since he was 24 years old. He enjoyed a distinguished career in the merchant marine obtaining his Class III/1 COC.He sailed as Engineer officer of the watch on several types of cargo ships; bulk carriers, tankers, tug boats, container and general cargo. Jerome has a very calm nature, logical, positive and well thought approach to engineering problem solving and troubleshooting. Jerome transit from commercial ships over into yachting in 2017 where he integrated his ship engineering experience into the yachting industry.

Education/Certifications: BA Culinary Arts, BA Finance; PADI open water, ACF certified Executive Chef, USCG Maritime Captain, SCTW 01

Nelson Cartagena grew up in Queens, New York and enlisted in the US Army following his high school graduation. He served six years of active duty, and then studied finance at the University of Central Florida. He discovered that finance was not for him, so he embraced his passion for cooking and enrolled in culinary school. As a chef, he has travelled to many exciting destinations, including a year as a full-time chef in the Leeward and Windward Islands, and four years aboard several motor yachts in the United States, British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico.

Nelson currently resides in Long Island, New York where he flips houses and cooks for a living. In his leisure time, he enjoys fishing, boating, diving, working out, spending time with loved ones, and travelling.

 Education/ Qualifications: RYA 200 Ton license

Chelsi grew up in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, splitting her time between the farms and the city. She played first team hockey at school but found that horse riding is her ultimate passion.

Chelsi entered yachting through the encouragement of friends that she had in the industry. At first, she didn’t see herself pursuing this career path but now there is nothing else she would rather be doing. Working on the ocean and learning a plethora of different skills brings so much joy and excitement for her future. Prior to entering yachting, Chelsi was a bartender, a sales representative, and an au pair in the US and Netherlands.

Chelsi is known for bringing smiles, love, and good energy to the charter experience. Her goal is to become a be a well rounded crew member that can perform in all departments. She will ensure that every guest leaves SEA AXIS with the most amazing memories that they can share for a lifetime.

In her spare time, you can find Chelsi horse riding, gardening, cooking, baking or exercising. 

Education/Certifications: PADI Dive Instructor, First Aid Instructor, Water-Sports Instructor, PWC Instructor, RYA Day, Skipper Theory, RYA Power Boat II, RYA Radar, PDSD , SAMSA VHF Radio, SAMSA Category C Skipper (including diving operations), ARC Welding

Keagan grew up with a brother and sister in Zululand, South Africa, in a small town called Kwambonambi, surrounded by 12 dogs, 4 horses, and 4 cats. He lived 20 minutes from the ocean and grew up surfing with his father. He played rugby, hockey, and soccer for his state and competed in the Junior South African Surfing Championships. His hobbies also included motorbiking, skating, surfing, playing the ukulele, and singing.

While studying, he worked as a divemaster and in 2021 transitioned into a yachting career because of his love for the ocean, traveling, and meeting new people. He has worked on vessels such as M/Y SIREN, M/Y EILEEN, M/Y TALEYA,  M/Y STAY SALTY, and is currently onboard M/Y SEA AXIS as a deckhand/divemaster.

He has cruised throughout the Mediterranean, including Greece, Italy, France, and Spain, as well as the United States, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. His favorite place so far has been either the Bahamas or the Canary Islands because of the unique sea life and amazing surf spots. Outside of chartering, his favorite places are Bali, for its nature and island lifestyle, and Livigno for its excellent skiing.

Keagan wants guests to gain amazing new experiences and memories to take with them. He wants them to have the best experience while on board, and leave with a yearning to come back. He can teach SCUBA diving, surfing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and how to drive a jet ski.

In his personal time, his hobbies include surfing, scuba diving, skating, playing the ukulele, singing, and flying his drone.

His life mottos are: “Live like Jay” and “If I am entertaining people, I am doing a good thing.”