Ashton Pienaar

Ashton Pienaar entered the yachting industry after spending seven years in a desk job in Johannesburg, South Africa. His passion for adventure led him to quit his job and pursue yacht training in Cape Town. He secured his first yachting role on a private yacht for an Arctic expedition after traveling to the South of France. These early experiences laid the groundwork for his career in the maritime field, which later brought him to wider public attention.

Pienaar gained significant recognition through his appearances on the Bravo series ‘Below Deck’. He was a deckhand in season 6 and was promoted to Bosun in season 7. During his time on ‘Below Deck’ season 6 in 2018, he experienced a life-threatening incident when his foot became entangled in a tow line, dragging him into the water. A cameraman, Brent Freeburg, intervened and saved his life by releasing the line. Following this event, Pienaar pursued and obtained his Master of Yachts 200GT license, enabling him to work as a mate. He subsequently worked with a crew based out of Croatia and later as a First Mate/Co-Captain on a yacht in Florida.

In the years following his television appearances, Pienaar began a journey of personal development, including achieving over a year of sobriety after addressing a drinking problem during his time on ‘Below Deck’. He has since leveraged his platform to become a fitness influencer and has established his own coaching business. In 2022, Pienaar became engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Sarah McAlpine Cooper. His career progression highlights a shift from professional yachting to entrepreneurial endeavors in the fitness and wellness sector, alongside notable personal milestones.