About the Crew
Captain / Rotational Captain: Kris Epharimson
Nationality: American
Languages: English
Captain Kris brings a wealth of maritime expertise and a deep passion for yachting to M/Y BEACHFRONT. With a 200-ton USCG Master License, STCW, HELM, Radar Observer Unlimited, AEC Engineering Certification, and PADI Divemaster, he ensures that every charter is seamless, safe, and unforgettable. His hands-on leadership and adaptability make him a vital part of the onboard experience.
Born and raised in Newport/Little Compton, Rhode Island, Kris grew up in a close-knit family alongside his older sister. Surrounded by the ocean, he developed a love for boating at an early age. His childhood was filled with adventure, whether traveling, sailing, skiing, or golfing. His parents encouraged him to explore a variety of sports, and he spent years competing on a traveling swim team, playing golf, and enjoying winters on the slopes.
Kris’s fascination with yachts started early, inspired by the stunning vessels docked in Newport. As a child, he would sketch boats, dreaming of a future on the water. In 2003, he took his first professional step into yachting after earning his Scuba Dive Instructor certification. He soon found work on a liveaboard sailing yacht, traveling with guests and experiencing life at sea full-time.
His career progressed quickly as he worked as an engineer on a high-demand charter yacht in the Bahamas, gaining valuable technical expertise. Later, he transitioned to an owner’s program based in Nassau, completing over 15 Exumas trips annually, an experience that solidified his love for these pristine cruising grounds.
Over the years, Kris has served on a variety of prestigious yachts, including M/Y BEACHFRONT II, M/Y COMANCHE, M/Y SCOTT FREE, M/Y PATRIOT, M/Y FREEDOM, M/Y SEA DREAMS, M/Y ONE LOVE and M/Y INSIEME. Now at the helm of BEACHFRONT, he leads with a hands-on approach, ensuring smooth operations while fostering a dynamic and professional onboard atmosphere. He prides himself on his ability to adapt to any role necessary to enhance the guest experience and support his crew.
Kris has extensive cruising experience along the U.S. East Coast, from Florida to Massachusetts, enjoying the challenge of planning and executing seamless voyages. He has also spent years in the Caribbean, USVI, and BVI, but his heart lies in the Exumas - his favorite charter destination. With its crystal-clear waters, incredible fishing, and endless activities, the Exumas provide the perfect playground for adventure and relaxation.
When not on the water, Kris finds joy in Colorado, where he embraces the seasons, stunning landscapes, and outdoor adventures. Whether hiking, skiing, motorcycling, or exploring rivers, he thrives on the energy of the outdoors.
Currently working toward a larger captain’s license, Kris aspires to command a 180’-200’ yacht in the near future. Beyond yachting, he envisions running his own business, using his leadership and problem-solving skills to build something meaningful.
For Kris, the perfect charter isn’t just about luxury, it’s about creating unforgettable moments. His goal is for guests to leave BEACHFRONT with lifelong memories, feeling that they’ve just experienced their best vacation yet.
A true outdoor enthusiast, Kris enjoys motorcycling, skiing, hiking, swimming, and golf. Always eager to share his skills, he thrives on teaching and ensuring that every day, whether on land or sea, is filled with adventure and discovery.
He lives by the belief that if you can’t stop thinking about something, you shouldn’t stop working for it. Whether navigating a yacht, leading a team, or chasing new challenges, Kris pursues every endeavor with passion and purpose.
Captain / Rotational Captain: Brian Scales
Nationality: South African
Languages: English
Certificates/Education: Yachtmaster 200 ton, Unlimited Radar Watch Keeper, Power Boat Instructor, Jet Ski Instructor
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Captain Brian Matthew Scales is from George, South Africa, and has more than a decade of experience working in the yachting industry. He spent 6 years on board a 200’ world cruising charter yacht before making his way to smaller boats. Prior to yachting, Captain Brian was a professional animal trainer, specializing in big cats. He hand-raised the first white tigers in Africa and was the head animal trainer to the animal park in South Africa, specializing in husbandry training for all animals. With a strong belief in being a hands-on captain, Captain Brian is involved in all aspects of the yacht. From handling guest relations and yacht management to interior service and engineering/deck maintenance, all while providing five-star service at all times. Having been in the tourism industry for so long, ensuring guest and crew satisfaction is a natural trait of his. Captain Brian wants to make experiences as memorable as possible by tailoring each trip to the individuals on board. He likes to give guests as many options as possible so they have control over their holiday. His career has taken him through the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean, East Coast of the United States, and Scandinavia. Captain Brian loves the outdoors, and when not at sea, he enjoys surfing, bodyboarding, snowboarding, fishing, camping and golfing.
Chef: Robert “Bobby” Childs
Nationality: American/Korean
Languages: English
Description:
Education / Certifications: NVQ Level 2 & 3 Food Preparation & Cooking, NVQ Level 2 Pastry & Confectionery, Level 2 Health & Hygiene, STCW 2010, ENG1 Medical, B1/B2 U.S. Visa
Education/Certifications: The Culinary Institute of America Greystone, St. Helena, CA Associates of Occupational Studies, Culinary Arts, STCW’ 95, ENG-1, Security Duties, Serve Safe Certified Food Safety, AOS Degree Culinary Arts
Robert is an experienced chef with a strong culinary foundation in fine dining and over a decade in the yachting industry. Trained at The Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California, he built his career cooking for large numbers of guests, managing kitchens, and teaching and researching culinary techniques through live demonstrations and professional training programs, giving him a balance of classical technique and modern culinary perspective.
While fully capable of high-volume cooking, Chef Robert intentionally chose a career in private and charter yachting to focus on what he values most: creating thoughtful, personalized food. This allows him to tailor menus to individual preferences, dietary needs, and special occasions, while giving each dish the attention to detail it deserves.
His cooking style is fresh and balanced, drawing inspiration from flavors and cuisines around the world, while still delivering familiar, crave-worthy dishes when guests want something relaxed and comforting.
Robert remains calm and positive at all times, bringing a great attitude to each charter. He takes pride in creating memorable dining experiences that feel personal and well-executed, so guests enjoy every bite and leave feeling happy, impressed, and well cared for.
First Mate Nicol "Nick" Laubscher
Nationality: South African
Languages: Afrikaans
Education/Certifications: RYA Radar, Deckhand Course and PB Level 2, STCW, Yachtmaster Offshore, High School Diploma
Nick grew up around Paarl in the Western Cape, though was always happiest whenever he was near the ocean. Growing up with a younger sister, he spent his childhood split between the coast and the gym. While he spent a few years competing at a high level in athletics, he eventually traded the stadium for the open air. He's always been more at home working with his hands and exploring the outdoors than sitting in a classroom, which has shaped his practical, "get-it-done" approach to life.
Before entering the yachting industry, he worked in forestry, as a bartender, and as an athletics coach. These roles provided an ideal foundation for starting work on charter yachts in 2021, equipping him to handle physically demanding outdoor environments, thrive in hospitality settings with diverse groups of people, and contribute as a reliable team player who can offer support whenever needed.
Nick has worked on vessels such as M/Y ISLANDS HEIRESS, M/Y OCEANIC, M/Y FIFI, and is currently onboard M/Y BEACHFRONT as First Mate. He has mostly cruised around the Exumas and St. Maarten.
As First Mate, he oversees the daily operations of the deck department, ensuring the vessel remains in pristine, showroom condition. He enjoys the mechanical side of the role, taking pride in keeping the boat running smoothly in all aspects.
His goal is for guests to completely disconnect and enjoy every moment of the charter, confident that all logistics are handled. That's why he focuses on staying two steps ahead preparing the toys, the tender, and the deck so that every detail is sorted before it’s even requested.
In his spare time, Nick is usually at the gym or out on the water fishing. He's become pretty handy with a rod and reel over the last few seasons and enjoys the challenge of offshore fishing. When he's not outdoors, he's a big tech enthusiast and enjoys staying up to date with the latest hardware and troubleshooting new tech trends.
Nick's life motto is: "Stay sharp, keep moving."
Chief Stewardess: Paola Alejandra Dorantes Vasquez
Nationality: Mexican
Languages: English, Spanish
Description:
Paola began her yachting career in 2007, bringing a wealth of expertise gained from 18 years of experience in bartending, fine dining, and hospitality.
With her diverse background and dedication to excellence, she is confident in providing professional, efficient, and hospitable service to owners, guests, and crew alike. Known for her motivation, hard work, and organizational skills,
Paola is a positive influence on any team she joins.
She takes pride in creating a welcoming and luxurious atmosphere onboard, ensuring that every guest's experience is seamless and unforgettable. When she’s not busy delivering exceptional service, Paola enjoys Pilates, yoga, sightseeing, and exploring the culinary arts
Second Stewardess: Elizabeth Laubscher
Nationality: South African
Languages: Afrikaans, English
Description:
Education / Certifications: Bachelor of Accounting, STCW, Food & Hygiene Level 2, Interior Stewardess Training (Greentogold Stew School), Introductory Chef Course
Elizabeth is a dedicated South African yachting professional known for her disciplined work ethic, creative flair, and commitment to high-end hospitality. With a background as a Bachelor of Accounting graduate and a former
estate agent, she brings a unique level of organizational precision and professional maturity to the interior department.
Since transitioning into the yachting industry in 2021, Elizabeth has developed a versatile skillset across several reputable vessels, including M/Y ISLAND HEIRESS, M/Y DE-DE, and M/Y OCEANIC.
Currently serving as the 2nd Stewardess aboard M/Y BEACHFRONT, Elizabeth oversees housekeeping and laundry operations with meticulous attention to detail. Her professional foundation is supported by formal training at the
Greentogold Stew School, Food and Hygiene Level 2, and an introductory chef course.
Having cruised extensively through the Exumas and the BVI, she possesses a deep understanding of the logistics required to maintain seamless service in premier charter destinations.
Elizabeth’s service philosophy is rooted in creating a restorative and memorable environment for her guests, guided by her motto that "everything is always okay in the end". Whether managing interior aesthetics or assisting with culinary needs, she approaches every charter with a positive attitude and a goal to leave a lasting, "magical" impression on those on board. An aspiring chef, she continues to refine her skills to ensure every guest experience
is elevated by both her technical expertise and her creative passion
