Meet Captain Wikus on board MAVERICK

Captain Wikus Botes and the multi-award-winning MAVERICK are embarking on an exciting charter season in the Mediterranean. With his dynamic crew, Wikus is on a mission to make this your best-ever charter

At 39.8m (130.5ft) MAVERICK is a superyacht that punches above its weight in the charter market, and that is down to Wikus and his hand-picked crew. Since he joined the yacht in March 2024, Wikus has been laser-focused on one goal - to make MAVERICK the charter yacht that guests want to return to year after year.

‘We have a new charter programme and an amazing crew - it is looking very positive,’ says Wikus. ‘We want guests to have the charter holiday that they have always hoped for – and to go beyond their expectations.'

‘There will be an itinerary, and within that we will tailor each day to the guests’ interests and mood, whether that’s an elegant lunch in Amalfi, or taking a dive trip. I am a PADI dive instructor with over a thousand dives under my belt. I love scuba diving – so I am excited to take guests out myself.’

Wikus started his career on yachts as a deckhand in 2013, and his career has been as fast-paced as you might expect from this ex-professional athlete. ‘I grew up next to the ocean in South Africa, and I was always out on - or in - the water. I played professional rugby in my early twenties, and teamwork is still my mantra today.

‘I believe in the crew helping each other out when needed,’ explains Wikus. ‘Everything trickles down from the top and I hold myself to being proactive as well. I'll be happy to jump in a tender to take guests ashore or to take them on a fishing trip.'

‘We want our guests to switch off from real life and enjoy the yacht from the moment they step on board. MAVERICK offers so much - with the yacht’s huge sun deck and 10-person jacuzzi to the new watertoys - and it’s down to us to deliver.'

This summer, MAVERICK’s guests will be embarking in Nice and cruising along to Monaco, and then possibly south to Corscia and Sardinia. ‘Bonifacio is a beautiful port to visit, and there are the tiny Lavezzi Islands just offshore that I like to take guests to – they are the perfect destination for the crew to create an evening beach set up for guests.

‘Then on to Porto Cervo, another stunning port. The designer shops there are very popular.’

‘If the crew is happy, the guests are smiling. The crew bring the positive vibe – we just want our guests to have a fantastic time. It’s such a privilege to work on this yacht, and we are proud of what we do.’

If you are inspired to book MAVERICK for this season, talk to the Burgess Charter team. Captain Wikus and his crew promise to make this charter one you will want to repeat.