Jako Hall
Seasoned captain and adventurer Jako Hall has extensive experience in navigation, safe vessel operation, team management, leadership, problem solving, and high-level project management. He holds a range of qualifications and certificates, including a national higher diploma in maritime studies, a PADI Open Water Diver certificate, an Advanced Ship Handling certificate, a Master of Yachts certificate, and an Advanced Polar Operations certificate.
Career History
Mr. Hall was in the South Africa Navy from 1995 to 2007, serving as a warfare officer aboard various warships ranging from frigates to fast attack crafts, including one year as an exchange officer on board the U.S. Aircraft Carrier John F. Kennedy. His final position in the navy was Operations Officer aboard a Meko A200 frigate, with a ship’s complement of 170 crew.
Professional Interests
One of Mr. Hall’s key strengths is his ability to build strong and dynamic teams, in which every member has a sense of purpose and belonging. Emotional intelligence is something he believes is a fundamental element of modern leadership. Building and developing teams is an important area of professional interest for Mr. Hall, as is A.I. in superyachts, cruising destinations off the beaten track, and human management software platforms.
Physical Fitness
Mr. Hall maintains an active, healthy lifestyle which enables him to comfortably participate in a wide range of sports and physical endeavors. These include running, cycling, and swimming. He has completed several triathlons including a Half Ironman and is comfortable swimming in open water up to four kilometers from shore. He also enjoys hiking in the mountains; he has climbed the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, and plans to tackle more peaks in the near future. Mr. Hall took up kite surfing in 2013 and since then has developed a fondness for the sport, which allows the participant to remain active even in inclement weather.
Hobbies & Interests
Spending time in nature is very important to Mr. Hall, and this is something that has inspired him to lead a “green” lifestyle and be conscious of the environmental impact of his activities, both at home and work. He enjoys a range of sports including long-distance ocean swimming, road cycling, playing squash, standup paddling boarding, and running in the mountains. He also likes to read; his favorite books include Gavin Menzies’ 1421: The Year China Discovered the World, Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Giles Milton’s Nathaniel’s Nutmeg, and Gregory David Roberts’ Shantaram.
Food and dining out are great passions of Mr. Hall, and he has enjoyed meals at world-class restaurants such as Etxebarri and Arzak. He relishes exploring differing cooking cuisines and cultures, something his working life gives him ample opportunity to do.
