Captain Forrest Shropshire Originally from Georgia, Forrest holds a 1600-ton U.S. Coast Guard Open Ocean License, the equivalent of the UK’s 3000- on Master’s License. He has been cruising the waters of the Caribbean and the U.S. East Coast for more than thirty years,and takes great pleasure in showing guests his favorite destinations. An excellent teacher, he will be happy to offer you the helm, explain how celestial navigation works, or show you how to take a sextant reading. Widely experienced in yachting, Forrest previously managed a small marina and boatyard. He is a PADI open water diver as well as a skilled windsurfer, kayaker, and former water skiing instructor. His dedication to fishing means you are almost guaranteed some fresh mahi mahi or tuna during your cruise.
Chef Susie O'Leary
Susie's career started out in Computer Aided Design which she enjoyed but did not fulfill her passion for cooking or sailing. Growing up within a close family in the famous sailing town of Crosshaven, Ireland, Susie was never too far from the sea and most of the time on it.
A graduate of the Cordon Bleu cookery school in London Susie has been working as chef on premier yachts for the past 4 years cooking and cruising along the East coast of the United States, as well as throughout the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Susie loves to experiment and indulge in all sorts of cuisines, and looks forward to making her guests holiday a “culinary experience” on board MELINKA.
A second-generation professional sailor, Jace grew up on the stunning waters that surround his native Antigua, and he loves sharing his local knowledge of the Caribbean islands.A delight to be around, he attends to guests’ needs with exceptional care and graciousness.
Before embarking on a career under sail, Jace worked for several years as a master rigger in boatyards in both Antigua and Maine. When time off allows, he enjoys picking up his racquet for a few games of squash or tennis. Jace always has a smile on his face and his laughter and singing brighten every day on board.