Dieter Kuhlmann
RESPONSIBILITY:
MASTER SKIPPER & CAPTAINEXPERIENCE:
+15 YearsLOCATION:
Cape Town, South AfricaAbout Dieter
With over 15 years in the maritime industry, Dieter is an experienced Captain and Yachtmaster with a strong foundation in vessel management, from bluewater passages to shipyard refits. He has commanded both sailing and motor yachts across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, bringing hands-on expertise in seamanship, maintenance, and crew leadership.
As a qualified instructor in sailing, powerboat, and water sports, Dieter is known for his calm command, problem-solving mindset, and adaptability. He takes pride in running safe, efficient, and well-maintained vessels while creating a professional and enjoyable environment for guests and crew alike.
Notable Deliveries:
Charter Experience
- Chase boat Captain – April – September 2022 40ft Tender Following the mother ship around the Med
- Bosun / Watch leader – December 2015 – August 2016 65m M/Y Fishing Charters in Tahiti, plus voyage to Ensenada, Mexico for full refit of vessel
- Captain – November 2012 – March 2015 50ft CAT Delivery from Cape Town to Phuket Charters in Phuket
- Captain – February – May 2012 30m S/Y Charters in Antigua, St Maarten and Trinidad
- Bosun / Watch leader – January – July 2010 152ft M/Y Private owner trip in Palma plus voyage to Mexico
- Deckhand – October 2000 – April 2003 61ft S/Y Day charters – Table Bay, Cape Town
Delivery Experience
- Captain – April – July 2024: 51ft S/Y Fiji to Hawaii
- Captain – Aug – Oct 2022: 50ft CAT Seychelles to Fremantle
- Watch leader – Jan – Feb 2011: 30m S/Y Antigua to Croatia
- Watch leader – Nov – Dec 2010: 30m S/Y St Maarten- Antibes
- Watch leader – Nov – Dec 2009: 143ft S/Y Antigua – Palma
- Watch leader – Nov 2007 – Jan 2008: 45ft CAT Cape Town to Croatia
- Watch leader – Nov – Dec 2006: 61ft S/Y Cape Town to Azores
Racing Experience
- Race Crew – Oct – Nov 2015 82ft Reichell Pew Fremantle – Bali
- Race Crew – April – Oct 2011 65ft Maxi Med circuit:
- Kings Cup Palma, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, Maxi Worlds Sardinia
- Race Crew – Dec 2011- Jan 2012 46ft Robert’s Miami Key West Super
- Yacht Cup A
Experience Highlights:
Yachtmaster Instructor – March 2022 – Present (Freelance) Training yacht owners and crew in vessel handling, navigation, and safety. Conducted advanced seamanship programs across the Caribbean, Greece, and Croatia.
Cruising Instructor/PB2 Instructor – Nov 2017 – Feb 2022 RYA/MCA accredited sailing schools Cape Town, Fremantle, Palma, Sibenik Croatia and Greece
STCW 2010 (exp. 2027)
ENG1 (exp. xxx)
Yachtmaster Offshore
Yachtmaster Instructor
Powerboat Level II Instructor
All certificates commercially endorsed
“known for his calm command, problem-solving mindset, and adaptability”
Core Skills
- Vessel Command & Navigation: Extensive experience on both sailing and motor yachts up to 65m.
- Refit & Yard Periods: Skilled in refit planning, project supervision, and liaising with contractors and suppliers.
- Maintenance & Detailing: Expertise in varnishing, painting, carpentry, rigging, and general upkeep.
- Crew Leadership & Training: RYA Yachtmaster Instructor; adept at training crew in seamanship and safety protocols.
- Guest & Charter Operations: Proven record of delivering exceptional charter experiences worldwide.
- Safety & Compliance: Strong adherence to international maritime safety and environmental standards.
Skills:
- Yachtmaster Instructor
- Cruising Instructor
- PBL2 Instructor
- Varnishing, Painting,
- Detailing & Carpentry
- Engineering
- Rigging Sailing
- Surfing
- Kayaking
- Abseiling
- Wakeboarding
- Paddleboarding
- Snorkelling
- River rafting
- Fishing