Crew Profiles:
Christopher Jakubowski - Captain
Chris holds the prestigious UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency Master 3000GT certification, the highest qualification in the yachting industry.
With over 17 years of global experience, particularly in Thailand and Southeast Asia, Chris began as a sailing yacht delivery captain, accumulating vast oceanic miles. As a Yachtmaster instructor, he deepened his expertise.
Transitioning to motor yachts, Chris served as Captain and Engineer on expedition yachts in remote locations, demonstrating unwavering
commitment to safety and guest satisfaction. Professional and focused, Chris balances responsibility with a sense of fun.
Based in Phuket, he enjoys a beach lifestyle and pursues interests in surfing, kiteboarding, and diverse reading in history, anthropology, philosophy, and science.
Cass Burridge - Bosun
Cas is a highly experienced officer with an MCA Chief Officer 3000gt qualification. Hailing from Devon, England, he began his maritime career as an Assistant Deckhand on the world’s largest yacht and has spent over 10 years climbing the ranks on some of the biggest vessels globally.
With cruising experience across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Pacific, Middle East, and Southeast Asia, Cas brings invaluable knowledge to Spacecat's crew. In 2019, he graduated from a UK Maritime academy with a commercial maritime officer's license and is currently pursuing a degree in Nautical Science.
In his free time, Cas enjoys staying active with gym workouts, boxing, and watersports, while also keeping up with world events and local history.
Irish Teves - Chief Stewardess
Irish strategically entered the yachting industry after proactive pursuit of hospitality-related courses, ensuring a strong foundation for her role. With over five years of experience, she excels in both traditional and modern yachting practices.
Irish is a hands-on team leader with expertise in intensive charter boats and private yachts, delivering impeccable silver service.
Committed to continuous improvement, her goal is to enhance guest care and hospitality, providing exceptional experiences that surpass expectations.
Outside of yachting, Irish enjoys outdoor activities, yoga, jungle hiking, camping, reading, and playing board games.
Jack Husbands - Chef
Jack's culinary journey began in the Wye Valley, inspired by Anthony Bourdain's *Kitchen Confidential.* After honing his skills in London's kitchens for a decade, a chance encounter in the South of France led him to work on a yacht for a respected Indonesian gentleman. This experience sparked his passion for Asian cuisine, and he has since made Indonesia his home.
Jack has been refining his expertise in Asian dishes, taking courses with Malaysian, Thai, and Indonesian chefs, and exploring Bali's vegetarian and vegan scene. He draws inspiration from the vibrant food markets of Penang, Bangkok, and Singapore, and is now incorporating more umami-rich Japanese ingredients into his cooking.
Outside the kitchen, Jack's interest in martial arts drives his exploration of nutrition for optimal performance and longevity. In his spare time, he enjoys cookbooks, and podcasts on philosophy, history, and geopolitics.
Florian Despaux - Engineer
Florian, originally from the French Riviera, began his maritime journey a decade ago in the French Navy, aspiring to be a nuclear engineer in
submarines.
Transitioning to yachting six years ago, his passion for engineering blossomed from childhood experiences with car and motorbike renovations. With a global engineering career, including managing a fleet in Dubai, Florian showcases expertise in various technical disciplines.
Patient and self-motivated, he thrives in problem-solving. Florian's goal is to continue as a chief engineer aboard yachts while pursuing his love for gaming, scuba diving, free diving, and playing the guitar during downtime.
Jerome (JJ) Estorgio - Deckhand
Jerome, born and raised in Bohol, Philippines, entered the yachting world in 2017 when he moved to Phuket. With over 5 years as a deckhand on M/Y Northern Sun, he gained significant knowledge. Joining M/Y Paraffin in 2022,
Jerome cruised Indonesian, Malaysian, and Singaporean waters, enhancing his deck skills. As a founding member of the SpaceCat crew, Jerome's reliability, hard work, and perpetual smile contribute to maintaining the yacht's optimal performance.
Sopit Matnok - Stewardess
Sopit began her yachting career in 2017 as a freelance stewardess in Phuket, Thailand. With six years of experience across the Mediterranean, North America, and Southeast Asia, she excels in housekeeping and laundry, ensuring the interior is always immaculate.
Known for her creative touches, from inventive blanket folds to stunning cheeseboards and table decorations, Sopit brings a natural optimism and the renowned Thai smile to her work. Always eager to assist, she even enjoys helping out on deck when needed.
In her free time, she loves seeking out adventures, watching movies, listening to music, reading, hiking, and camping.