Caribbean & Mediterranean seasons

Chef Mark Farmer

Superyacht ChefOps MedicSkydiver

25+ years across superyachts, private islands and estates. Calm in a crisis, strict in the galley, guest-led on the plate.

Available: full Caribbean season, then Palma
Chef Mark Farmer in chef whites beside a helicopter
12 yrsBahamas & Exumas
25+Years in private service
12Yachts, 37m to 71m
ENG1Valid to 2027
STCW95/10, MCA & USCG
AFFInstructor & USPA Coach
01 The CV

Everything a captain needs, on one page

Read it here, or download the PDF to forward on.

Profile

Chef with 25+ years across superyachts, private estates and remote island lodges, including 12 years working the Bahamas and the Exumas. Combat-trained and calm in a crisis, quick to adapt, strict in the galley. Guest-led dining that runs from beach buffets to formal silver service, provisioned island by island.

Yachts

Bahamas and Exumas, seasonal, 2010 to 2022. Many full seasons on yachts and private estates. Between charters, private chef for special events.

YachtWhen and whereRole
Seasons and charter
M/Y Attessa III2013Private Chef
M/Y Dardanella, 40mSummers 2014, 2016, 2017Private Chef
M/Y OasisBahamas, 2015Private Chef
M/Y Eviva, 50mWinter season, AlaskaPrivate Chef
M/Y Sin or Swim, 50m1 year, Aruba to Costa RicaChef, dive voyage
M/Y Montreval, 37m2010Chef
M/Y SuriFijiHead Chef
Relief and emergency chef, 50m+ (2019 to 2025)
M/Y Um Alhoul, 71mSeychellesRelief Chef
M/Y Archimedes, 68mSingapore & VietnamRelief Chef
M/Y North Star, 63mCroatiaRelief Chef
M/Y Event, 62mHong KongRelief Chef
M/Y Princess Sarah, 49mExumasRelief Chef

Islands and estates

PlaceWhenRole
Over Yonder Cay, ExumasBahamasHead Chef
North Island, Seychelles2 seasons: 2008, 2016Exec. Head Chef
Singita Group, Lebombo & TswaluSouthern KalahariStart-up Head Chef
Private estates, UK2021 to 2024Estate Chef
Belt Creek, MontanaWinters 2019 to 2021Chef
Babylon, The Roof Gardens2001 to 2003Senior Sous Chef

Signature service

  • Chef-themed buffets. Live carving and sushi stations, BBQ nights, themed spreads for deck parties and sunset dinners.
  • Island-themed dinners. Bahamian and Exuma menus built on local seafood and produce, served as full tasting evenings.
  • Dietary range. Plant-based, vegan, paleo and keto. Allergens, intolerances, pre- and post-workout menus.
  • Formal service. Wine and menu pairing and silver service.
  • Provisioning. Last-minute supply through contacts flying Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas.

Combat and safety

  • Operational Medic (Ops Medic), S.A.M.S. 1990 to 1993.
  • Section leader with crisis communication training.
  • S.S.O. and S.M.O. held on yacht placements.

Education

  • Oxford. Psychology and Human Behaviour, Food and Anthropology (2022 to 2026, ongoing).
  • Yale University. Guest student, 45 days. Psychology studies, focused on secret societies.
  • London City University. Food Science and Nutrition.
  • Diploma in Hotel and Tourism, South Africa.

Achievements

  • "Quintessentially Chef" award, Sir Ben Elliot, 2001.
  • Staff Excellence award, Sir Richard Branson, The Roof Gardens.
References from captains, on request. Download CV (PDF)
02 On Board

Seasons at sea

03 Adventure

The chef who goes up the mast

Off duty, I jump out of aircraft and abseil down waterfalls. On board, that means a crew member who's calm at height, calm under pressure and happy to muck in anywhere on the boat.

Mark climbing a yacht mast in a harness
▲
Skydiving C-LicenceUSPA #215131
★
AFF Instructor & USPA CoachCoach rating from Skydive University, DeLand, Florida. Teaching first-time skydivers to fly
▼
BASE jumpingFixed-object jumps
≈
Howick Falls recordUnofficial world record: charity bicycle abseil down the 95m falls
+
Operational MedicOps Medic, S.A.M.S. First on scene when it matters, wherever you are
Next up: Three Falls Project, 2027
Home port

Chef Mark Farmer
Hout Bay, Cape Town

Where it started. Sunday roasts with my father, school holidays in the Mariners Wharf kitchen, and the Atlantic on the doorstep.

04 References

What captains say

"Mark's passion and joy of the culinary arts and life in general was amazing to behold… someone not easily forgotten."

Capt. Carter Corey, M/Y Attessa III

"He brings a magic to his work and environment that one cannot buy."

Capt. Andrew Cerff, M/Y Grand Illusion

"I would not hesitate to recommend him for chef position on any boat."

Chef Shaun Byers, M/Y Paper Moon

"Most importantly his meals were delicious. But I can also fully recommend him in terms of being trustworthy, prompt, reliable and committed."

Colin Price, EVP, Heidrick & Struggles

"With his delicious food and his friendly and outgoing personality, Mark contributed to the overall success of the show."

Leila Ward, Artist

"You are truly a gifted chef, and have left a lasting impression on my guests and me."

Lt. Mark A. Steliga, United States Navy

Also: Capt. William F. Bayley (M/Y Dardanella) · Roy Klabin (New York Minute Films). Full written references and contact details on request.

05 Contact

Booking for the Caribbean season

Ready to join for a full Caribbean season, then crossing to Palma for the Med.

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