CREW PROFILE

Kate and Ben have worked together for a number of years in the commercial yacht industry creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere welcoming all guests and families who have sailed with them, both as skippers and as a skipper/ chef team. They have boundless energy and enthusiasm, which they channel into making your time on board extra special.

Their mature professional manner is such that they can be so discreet that you would not know they were there, however should you so wish they are equally as happy entertaining you. Ben especially enjoys getting guests of all ages aboard involved in sailing. He is an outstanding teacher with a very patient and understanding nature. He spent a number of years as coach for the Great Britain Students Rugby League team and effortlessly applies his coaching skills to budding sailors.

Ben has been on the sea since he was 15 years old and started his nautical career as a professional clearance diver for the British Royal Navy where he also worked in the bomb disposal team diving to depths of 200 meters. He will be happy to accompany qualified divers but hopes there will be no need to defuse any bombs! He is a very calm and controlled person with some great stories from his extensive global travels.

As an MCA Skipper 200 tonnes unlimited he has sailed extensively as a professional skipper for deliveries and charter, (he has covered over 100 000 miles at sea) and also owns a beautiful Trintella yacht. He has built boats in wood and fiberglass and has run his own yacht maintenance business and is a competent all-round yachtsman.

Although Kate is English she has only lived in the UK for five years, with most of her time spent in Germany, Austria and France where she studied and worked. Kate speaks fluent French and German as well as her mother tongue English. Kate is a dedicated “foodie”, her culinary background includes working in Paris for seven years as a buyer for high end American food and cookware retailers. During her time there she made full use of the restaurants, wine tasting and spent considerable time learning to cook from the French.

Kate has worked on yachts as a successful chef for charter and private guests and has even been asked by guests to come and cook in their restaurant during times onshore so has a variety of experience in different kitchens. She recently refreshed her cooking skills at the acclaimed Rosie Davies Culinary School undertaking a four week residential course. Kate likes to concentrate her cooking emphasizing the use of fresh local produce and lets her travels influence her varied menus.

As well as being an RYA Yachtmaster, Kate holds a professional Ski instructor qualification. Kate loves the outdoors, jogging and hiking. She is great with children of all ages having taught huge numbers during her ski seasons in Austria. Kate also enjoys dinghy sailing, kayaking, wind surfing and waterskiing so she can help you have fun with all the toys on board.

Ben and Kates’ unique approach to crewing offers you the very best experience aboard, from being able to kick back and relax in a secluded anchorage, get involved sailing should you so wish or savour some fine dining aboard.