Rufus & Kate Brand
With a background that spans owning, refitting, and sailing our own cruising yacht internationally, we bring a rare combination of personal insight and professional expertise to every yachting project. Our hands-on experience in both cruising and managing charter and private super yachts gives us a deep understanding of vessels from the dual perspective of owners and crew. We offer strong technical knowledge, proven systems and procedures, and an adaptable, solutions-driven approach shaped by working across diverse cultures and countries. Whether it’s project management, operations, or refit oversight, we deliver with precision, care, and real-world understanding.
Rufus
Rufus’s yachting journey began at 18 with an Atlantic crossing from South Africa to Brazil, and he hasn’t looked back since. With a career spanning roles as skipper, yacht technician and project manager on sailing yachts, charter vessels, private super yachts, and even as a tall ship engineer, Rufus brings deep technical expertise and a calm, solutions-focused mindset to every project.
He recently prepared the South African entry and skippered the first leg of the Ocean Globe Race 2023, adding to his already extensive offshore experience. Known for his strong leadership, relationship management, and pursuit of excellence, Rufus thrives in complex, high-pressure environments—always with a hands-on, can-do approach.
He has built relationships with Southern Wind, Gunboat, CNB, Knierim, Sunreef and more.
Yachting Qualifications Include:
- RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Commercially Endorced
- South African CoC Yachtmaster 200GT STCW Commercial
- Long Range Radio CoC
- MCA STCW Medical Care
- MCA Approved Engine Course
- STWC Basic Safety Training
Kate
Kate’s true sailing journey began after marrying Rufus in 2008, when the two refitted their own cruising yacht from the ground up and set off across the Atlantic, eventually sailing through the Panama Canal to the Pacific Islands. Since then, she’s worked alongside Rufus in various roles—mate, stewardess, and chef—aboard private and charter yachts. Today, Kate focuses on the management of private vessels, bringing strengths in procedures, planning, administration, and interior outfitting.
With a background in corporate operations and training in design, Kate brings a unique blend of structure, creativity, and adaptability to yacht management. Her experience spans both land-based and yacht-based roles across multiple countries in both hemispheres, where she’s proven her ability to thrive in diverse environments and work effectively with limited resources. From refitting a cruising yacht to planning, outfitting, and managing interiors on private vessels, Kate is detail-driven and solutions-oriented—she finds genuine satisfaction in delivering exceptional luxury experiences and seamless operations.