Meet Your Crew:

Ruthie & Bernie

Ruthie & Bernie have been providing an excellent charter service on their yacht "Paradise" in the Caribbean for five years now!

Bernd lived in Munich, Germany, where he also went to University and got his MBA (Master of Business Administration). In the ten years
that he lived in Munich he was also a member of the voluntary fire fighters and engaged in the local rescue service.

Sailing means everything to Bernd and his enthusiasm for it is palpable. He was only seven years old when he obtained his first dinghy. He got his first license for sailing on inland seas at the age of fourteen and proved such a natural talent that he commenced giving sailing lessons thereafter. 

Together with his brother he progressed to going on long sailing tours on a Dutch Bojertjalk, which led him to Denmark, Sweden, Norway, England, Holland, and the Mediterranean. It was during this time that Bernd gained his considerable knowledge of seamanship. In1974 Bernd gained his Captains License for seagoing vessels under motor and sail on the waterways and continued his passion for sailing on his own ship within Europe. Together with his wife Ruth, he greatly expanded his seamanship by sailing a considerable number of sailing yachts belonging to various owners in the Caribbean. In 1993 the couple took theit yacht to the USA and continued to explore the American East Coast and the Bahamas under sail.

In 1996 Bernd and Ruth immigrated to British Columbia, Canada, where they opened up a Guest- and Cattle Ranch, which over the years was much frequented by guests from both America and Europe. But after years of being high and dry on his Ranch, Bernd's yearning for the ocean and for sailing became unbearable and he felt compelled to follow his calling and returned to sea.

One reason for Bernd's love of the sea may lie in the fact that Bernd's past is steeped in the history of sailing. His great grandfather and brothers were owners and captains of trimast ships. They sailed over the Atlantic and settled in Houston, Texas, where Bernd's family lives to this day. Today Bernd is once again sailing in the Caribbean on his own sailing yacht - a Irwin 60' - aboard which is a great joy for him to share his love of the beauty of the Caribbean Islands with his guests.

Ruth grew up on the Baltic Coast of Germany and from early on totally took to the water element. So it was only natural for her to learn to sail whilst still a young girl. She loved it! After finishing her schooling she worked within the Public Health Authorities and later on completed her studies in education and nutrition at University. Then she taught nutrition and cooking to youth students at school.

Ruth gained her Captains License for seagoing vessels under motor and sail on the waterways and joined Bernd in sailing to Denmark, Sweden, Norway and later to America, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. 

Guests visiting the Guest- and Cattle Ranch that she and Bernd ran in Canada got a taste of her superb cooking. Ruth even prepared her delectable food using organic vegetables and fruits harvested from her own garden. Now she loves the challenge of being chef and treating guests to delicious meals onboard their sailing yacht "Paradise" using fresh, mostly organic products as well.

It is easy to relax and enjoy the company of Bernd and Ruth. They take great pleasure in making the best out of what life has to offer them. They have the wonderful ability of making guests feel at home and enjoy sharing life aboard their sailing yacht. Guests also have the opportunity of receiving informal teaching of sailing skills if they want.