About Yacht Charter Agents

Hannes is a Yachtmaster Ocean and PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer with over 10,000 logged dives, and the founder of Yacht Charter Agents. His background spans years working in dive stores throughout the Caribbean, crewing and leading private yacht trips, expedition voyages, bluewater sailboat racing, and cross-ocean deliveries — including sailing the Cape to Rio Yacht Race alongside John Sanders OBE. He has completed hundreds of charters across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Seychelles, Hawaii, Thailand, Australia, South Africa, and Central and South America, crossed the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans multiple times, and worked aboard two of the top 10 largest private yachts in the world. He founded Yacht Charter Agents to bring that hands-on, hard-won expertise to every charter he books — not just a list of boats, but real answers from someone who's actually been on the water.

A writer, marketer and lifelong explorer, Julia has built her career around storytelling, travel, design and creating meaningful experiences. Her work spans marketing, community building, travel planning and project management, combining creativity with thoughtful organisation and a genuine appreciation for people, culture and place. Having travelled to more than 55 countries — including circumnavigating the globe aboard a small academic ship in 100 days, sea kayaking in Antarctica, trekking through Patagonia, and living throughout Central and South America and Europe — Julia brings a truly global perspective to every client journey. She believes that exceptional travel is about far more than reaching a destination. It is about creating experiences that are seamless, personal and memorable through thoughtful planning, authentic local connections and careful attention to the details that often make the greatest difference. At Yacht Charter Agents, Julia combines her background in writing, marketing, project management and international travel to help clients transform a yacht charter into an unforgettable experience, ensuring every stage of the journey is thoughtfully planned from the first enquiry through to returning home with lasting memories.

Brand van Dyk brings years of professional sailing, diving and charter experience to Yacht Charter Agents. Originally from Pretoria, South Africa, Brand is an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and PADI Dive Instructor who has captained charter yachts throughout the British Virgin Islands and across the Caribbean. His calm professionalism, friendly personality and genuine passion for creating memorable experiences have earned him the respect of guests, crew and industry colleagues alike. A passionate waterman, Brand enjoys fishing, kitesurfing, spearfishing, wakeboarding and exploring new destinations. He is equally passionate about exceptional food and is well known for grilling freshly caught fish and Caribbean lobster, both onboard and ashore, bringing people together over great meals after unforgettable days on the water. When he isn't working in the charter industry, Brand operates an organic farming and food supply business in South Africa, where he is committed to sustainable agriculture while helping teach and support members of his local community through practical farming knowledge. At Yacht Charter Agents, Brand combines first-hand operational experience, local destination knowledge and a genuine passion for hospitality to help clients choose the right yacht, crew and itinerary for an unforgettable charter experience.

Michael Befus is an active sailor, mentor and passionate advocate for introducing more people to life on the water. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he keeps his sailboat in Muskegon and spends much of the sailing season exploring Lake Michigan with family and friends. A firm believer that sailing is best learned by doing, Michael is actively involved in local sailing programmes that introduce both youth and adults to the sport. He enjoys helping new sailors build confidence, develop practical seamanship skills and discover the unique freedom that comes with travelling under sail. Whether enjoying an afternoon sail, an overnight cruise or mentoring someone at the helm for the first time, Michael values the friendships, confidence and lasting memories that sailing creates. He believes some of life's best conversations happen with the engine off, the sails drawing and nowhere to be except on the water. At Yacht Charter Agents, Michael brings practical sailing experience, a passion for sharing the sport and an appreciation for the slower, more meaningful style of travel that sailing offers. He enjoys helping clients discover charters that create unforgettable experiences for families, couples and groups alike.