The Unforgettable Crew of HQ2
Meet Your Expert Crew
Where hospitality meets expertise, ensuring an unparalleled yachting experience.
Captain
Dylan Paynter
Dylan is the captain of HQ2, expertly navigating the waters and ensuring smooth sailing for all on board. Standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches, he skillfully docks HQ2, even using remote controls while standing on the helm ceiling! His sailing experience is vast, having crossed the Atlantic from South Africa and visited over 17 countries with his crew. Dylan’s love for farming shines through in his personal life, as he has even raised his own Russian wild boar! He and Kayla have been dating for over six years, sharing their love for the ocean and adventure. Dylan’s fondest memories of growing up in Botswana was memories of the barbel run in the Okavango Delta, tiger fishing in Shakawe and river cruising on the Chobe River. His younger years were spent operating tractors, TLB’s, loaders and excavators as well taking guests on game drives, 4×4 and quad tours. His passion for driving and operating equipment grew from there and now he is calm, comfortable and extremely competent when operating our 75ft sailing catamaran, HQ2.
Cook/Stewardess
Kayla Bray
As the cook and stewardess, Kayla brings a South African twist to the Caribbean with her culinary creations. From delicious dishes to refreshing cocktails, she knows how to delight guests onboard HQ2. With a love for scuba diving and an adventurous spirit, Kayla is also a talented content creator, sharing her passion for sailing and travel with the world. Trading up from “farm to fork” to “Sea to Spoon” Kayla realises how water activities build up a good appetite, Kayla will ensure you are completely satisfied with her bountiful portions, which are delivered in a unique style such as traditional English Roasts, Spicy Indian Curry’s or experiencing a little bit of Africa in the classic South African braais, not to mention “Catch of the Day” cooked to perfection.
First Mate
Jesse Paynter
Also raised in Botswana Dylan’s brother, Jesse, is the First Mate and the crew’s go-to rigger. He’s not afraid to tackle any task, even going up the 35-metre mast to make repairs when needed. Jesse shares the crew’s love for the ocean and is particularly passionate about freediving. His adventurous spirit has led to some memorable encounters, including a funny story about getting up close and personal with an elephant in Botswana! Jesse’s younger years were spent volunteering at a Crocodile Farm in Chobe and helping his family stock their game farm.
