Rotation | Captain Tyler + Captain Shawn

Our captains follow a four-on, four-off rotation schedule, which balances their professional duties with personal time. This structure not only allows our veteran captains to cherish quality moments with their families and pursue personal growth but also ensures they return to their roles rejuvenated and committed to our Ohana values.

The rotation schedule currently begins on the 15th of each month, though this may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on who will be working during your charter please inquire.

2024: May-Aug, Shawn | Aug-Nov, Tyler | Nov-Dec Shawn
2025: Jan-March, Shawn | March-July, Tyler | July-Nov, Shawn | Nov-Dec, Tyler
2026: Jan-March, Tyler | March-July, Shawn | July-Nov, Tyler | Nov-March 2027, Shawn

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Captain | Tyler Boruff

Tyler is always on the move and ready for an adventure. He is a man of many hobbies and easily relates to others. He grew up fishing, boating, wake-boarding and water-skiing. When he was ten he sailed for the first time and he quickly became hooked. In college, he worked as a wind surfing and scuba instructor. His passion for being on the water followed him to the East Coast where he owned fishing boats and served as a first mate/instructor on several dive boats.

Tyler is an outdoors-man; whether it’s hunting or backpacking in the mountains of North Carolina, where he calls home, cave diving in North Florida or free diving in the Keys. He satisfies his land-based tendencies by hiking around on the islands and finding the best jumping spots to plunge into the ocean. On the water, he enjoys throwing out a line or diving for lobsters in the USVI and in the BVI he enjoys kite boarding. In the water, he is an avid free diver and exceptional at fish identification.

He is no stranger to hospitality. Tyler has years of experience in guest service management and is even a licensed bartender. As your captain, Tyler will make sure you have a fun, safe time on Ohana.

He is dedicated to helping his guests create unique memories. Tyler will work with you to make sure your trip is full of destinations and adventures that fulfill your island vacation bucket list.

Tyler's Qualifications:

—Yachting—
Master 200 GT Oceans Captain's License | USCG
Endorsements: STCW II/3, Sailing, Towing
Medical Persons in Charge (MED PIC) | USCG
Qualified Member of the Engine Department - Oiler (QMED) | USCG
First Aid + CPR, AED, O2 Administration | USCG

—Water Safety + Scuba Diving—
First Aid + CPR, O2 Administration Instructor | American Red Cross
Lifeguard, Beach | American Red Cross
Scuba Diving Course Director | NAUI #54354 L
Scuba Diving Gold Level Instructor | SSI #65840
Scuba Technical Diving Instructor | TDI #21125
Emergency First Responder Instructor | PADI
Cylinder Hazmat + Fill Station Operations | PSI-PCI
Service Tech | Scuba Pro
Specialized Training: Freediving, Lobstering/Spearfishing, Full Cave Diver (GUE), Water Sports

—Hospitality—
Bartending License | American Bartenders' Association

—Industry Awards + Achievements—
Best Crew In Show 2017 | USVI VIPCA Charter Yacht Show
Best In Show (Under 50') 2017 | USVI VIPCA Charter Yacht Show

—Wellness—
Interests: Triathlons, IronMan Athlete, Cycling, Trail Running, Deep Sea Fishing

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Captain | Shawn Hardesty

Shawn grew up on the coast of North Carolina, where hobbies such as scuba diving, surfing and sailing started at an early age. His love for this life lead him to pursue a career as a USCG Captain. Shawn’s yachting experience started as a second engineer on motor yachts before finding his niche as a captain on sailing catamarans. His background on super yachts allow him to bring a high-level of service to his craft - an eye for detail and a
pride in service.

While Shawn’s charter captain career has centered in the Caribbean, he has had some remarkable opportunities all over the world.
Shawn has spent time cruising the Rivas province of SW Pacific side of Nicaragua leading boat trips tailored for fishing and surfing. The past several years he has been captaining in Europe and French Polynesia. His chartering experience includes extensive cruising in the Caribbean Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the South Pacific.

Wherever he is in the world, you can notice his passion for being outdoors which allows him to connect his body and mind through water. Catching surf or wind, he is always up for an adventure.

Shawn will make sure your trip on Ohana is full of the best activities and locations to cater to your dream trip to the islands.

Shawn’s Qualifications:

—Yachting—
Master 200 GT Oceans Captain’s License | USCG
Endorsements: STCW II/3, Sailing, Towing
Able Body Seaman (AB), Lifeboatman | USCG
CPR, AED, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen Provider | USCG

—Water Safety + Scuba Diving—
Scuba Diving Instructor | NAUI #61521
Professional Surf Guiding: Pacific Coast of Central America

—Wellness—
Interests: Trail Running, Hiking, Surfing, Kiteboarding, Foiling, Yoga

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Chef | Katie Saunders

Chef Saunders is a small town girl with big world experience and is excited to bring her knowledge of food and fine dining to your vacation. With a background in catering, resort event planning, cafes and organic eateries, Katie has always had a passion for cooking and entertaining. Her career brought her to the sunny island of St Thomas, where she fell in love with the simple, sweet way of island life. Soon after, the opportunity to cook on the water presented itself and she dove into the world of yachting! As a luxury yacht chef and chief stewardess with eight plus years experience operating luxury yacht charters throughout Caribbean, she will amaze you with her incredible food and warm hospitality.

@katie_paints_the_plate

Katie's Qualifications:

—Yachting—
STCW | USCG

—Culinary + Hospitality—
Bronze Level Graduate | White Pepper Chef Academy & Cookery School
Food Safety and Hygiene Certification, Level Two | White Pepper Chef Academy & Cookery School, City & Guild Assured

—Industry Awards + Achievements—
First Place, Top Rum Cocktail 2020 | USVI VIPCA Charter Yacht Show
First Place, Top Dessert 2020 | USVI VIPCA Charter Yacht Show
Second Place, Top Entree 2020 | USVI VIPCA Charter Yacht Show
First Place, Top Dessert 2018 | USVI VIPCA Charter Yacht Show

—Wellness—
Interests: Running, Hiking

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Mate + Dive Instructor | Josh Mergenthaler

Josh has been on the water for as long as he can remember. Growing up, Josh learned to wakeboard and water ski. He spent his spare time fouling and sailing boats of all sizes for pleasure and racing. He was always drawn to the water’s edge. It didn’t take long for him to plunge in and get hooked on all that diving had to offer. Under the surface, he found a whole new level of passion after he took his junior open water course that would follow him into adulthood.

Josh became a scuba instructor in the hopes that he could explore exotic places. This has led him to have a myriad of jobs all over the
Caribbean. He has worked on some of the most notable liveaboards and worked in partnership with companies like National Geographic.

Josh has also served as a rescue diver, worked as a support diver for environmental studies, learned to be a salvage diver and even mapped/surveyed dive sites. His diving resume is impressive giving him a comfort and ease underwater. Noticeable as he serves as Ohana’s lead dive instructor. Josh also has a knack for engineering which is crucial to his role as the mate.

His journey started on Ohana when he got the rare opportunity to cross the Atlantic and from then he was instantly itching to get back onboard. Josh is here to make sure you also cannot wait to be back onboard too!

Josh's Qualifications:

—Yachting—
Master 100 GT Captain’s License | USCG
Endorsements: STCW
AEC 1/Approved Engine Course | MCA
Level 1 US Sailing Instructor | US Sailing

—Water Safety + Scuba Diving—
Dive Instructor | PADI
First Aid + CPR, AED Administration | PADI
PADI Specialty Instructor/Adaptive Techniques | PADI
Deep Diver | PADI
Emergency Oxygen Provider | PADI
Enriched Air, Nitrox Max 40% O2 Equipment Specialist | PADI
Self-Reliant Diver | PADI
Level One Technician | Scubapro

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Chief Stewardess | Maddy Tupper

Despite growing up in a landlocked province in Canada, Maddy’s passion for aquatic pursuits has always been undeniable. She started scuba diving at age ten and has experience as a lifeguard and swim instructor. Maddy spent her summers wake surfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Recently graduated from university, with five years as a varsity student-athlete, Maddy's competitive spirit makes her always up for a beach game, a hike, or family board game. Her sense of team-work and commitment to the best experience radiates through everything she does. She will ensure each moment aboard Ohana is filled with laughter, relaxation, and joy accompanied by the hydrating drink of your choice!

Maddy has a background in the high-end service industry. She has pursued continuing education which has earned her key knowledge when it comes to pairing your wines, whipping up custom cocktails, and making sure your cravings are catered to. Her creative side and attention to detail shines when it comes to curated party planning, laying beautiful table scapes, and ensuring your space
onboard exceeds your expectations.

Maddy's journey with Ohana began as a guest. She chartered with Tyler three times and spent the entirety of her last charter repeatedly badgering Tyler for a job. So, heed this warning: the beauty of the BVI and the unforgettable experience aboard Ohana will keep you coming back, maybe indefinitely!

Maddy's Qualifications:

—Yachting—
STCW | USCG
Pleasure Craft Operator License | Transport Canada

—Water Safety + Scuba Diving—
CPR/AED Level C | National CPR Foundation
National Lifeguard | Lifesaving Society
Water Safety Instructor | Canadian Red Cross
Dive Master | NAUI
Specialized Training: Swim Instruction

—Culinary + Hospitality—
Food + Wine Level 1 | WSET
Food + Wine Level 2 | WEST
Alberta ProServe Certification | AGLC

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This crew's strong background in water safety and background in scuba diving makes them capable of providing an extra level of security to all of their guests.

Combined, their experience on the water, hospitality, and love for fun will ensure your vacation is full of unforgettable memories. You can guarantee Ohana is the best destination for your vacation.

ALL CREW HAVE BEEN FULLY VACCINATED FOR COVID-19

Chef Katie’s menus focus on featuring local items in a creative and sophisticated way. This means fresh-farmed eggs, hand picked microgreens, and island-farmed vegetables when available. Local hot sauces, inspired infused flavors and supporting local every chance we get. 

Breads and baked goods are all made in the galley or sourced from local bakeries. She uses organic and high quality ingredients. Ohana supports keeping sustainability a priority when selecting meats and fish for our guests. 

Dietary requirements and preferences can be met with advance notice. We are happy to accommodate everyone from picky eaters to those on medical diets. Most menu options can be served in a gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian or pescetarian modification easily. Certain diets require high-cost provisioning and may be subject to an additional cost. 

Menus and planned meals are subject to change at any time due to remote provisioning restrictions, guest requests, sailing plans or at the chef’s discretion. 

For celebrations requiring special items, themed decoration or large dessert requests, the guests may be asked to take Happy Hour on shore to give the crew time to set up, set the mood, and aim for a beautiful surprise. Please give advance notice for celebration cakes. 

For additional food photos follow @katie_paints_the_plate 🍴

Ohana Sample Menu

Breakfast Plates 

 Bacon & Leek Quiche   
Served With Side Of Chicken Sausage & Topped With Locally Grown Kale Microgreens Salad 

Passionfruit Eggs Benedict 
Poached Egg, Sweet Plantain Cakes, Pork Belly & Passionfruit Hollandaise 

French Omelet
 Served With A Fresh Baked Croissant & Thick Cut Applewood Smoked Bacon 

Stuffed Sweet Potato 
Roasted Sweet Potatoes Stuffed With Sautéed Apple, Cinnamon, Banana With Side Of Sliced Brie & Thick Cut Applewood Smoked Bacon

 Bacon Egg & Cheese Bagels 
Applewood Smoked Bacon, Aged Cheddar Cheese & Egg On Fresh Made Bagels With Side of Hash Browns 

Huevos Rancheros 
Two Sunny Side Up Eggs Over Black Bean & Roasted Red Pepper Puree, Fresh Pico De Gallo, Roasted Salsa, Cotija Cheese, Avocado Over Warm Corn Tortilla With Lime Cheeks & Cilantro 

 Pancakes 
Buttermilk Pancakes With Choice of Fruit Topping, Canadian Maple Syrup Served With Applewood Smoked Chicken Sausage 

Scotch Eggs
Two Soft Boiled Eggs Encased In Breakfast Style Sausage Over Savory Porridge & Sautéed Spinach 

Frangelico French Toast 
Infused French Toast Topped With Maple Whipped Ricotta Cheese & Bacon Crumble

Lox & Bagel
Freshly Made Everything Bagels, Smoked Lox, Whipped Herb Cream Cheese, Capers, Pickled Red Onions, Sliced Cucumbers, Tomatoes & Kale Micogreens. Served With Side Of Soft Boiled Quail Eggs & Bacon  

Duck Confit Hash 
Caribbean Sweet Potato, Shredded Duck Confit, Fresh Herbs & Parmesan Cheese With Side Of Thick Cut Bacon & Toasted Loaf 

Lunch Plates

Mahi & Burrata Salad
Locally Caught Mahi Over Ovation Greens, Creamy Italian Burrata, Cherry Tomatoes & Asparagus Tips, Topped With Basil Pesto & Radish

Hand Rolled Sushi With Edamame & Seaweed Salad
Everything Bagel Salmon Roll
Salmon, Cream Cheese, Avocado, Cucumber & Capers, Deep Fried Panko Crust
Spicy Tuna Roll
 Honey, Soy, Ginger Marinated Tuna, Cucumber, Carrot, Avocado & Sriracha Aioli 
Rancher Roll (Non-Fish/Vegan Option) 
Chicken, Bacon, Carrot & Avocado Topped With Buttermilk Ranch, BBQ, Bacon, Chive & Bacon Fat Panko Crunchies  
Tuna Sushi Balls
Tuna & Nori Rice Balls Topped With Honey Soy Reduction & Toasted Sesame Seeds 

Seared Wild Caught Salmon & Grapefruit Salad 
Crispy, Skin-On Salmon Over Locally Grown Ovation Greens, Grapefruit Supreme, Shaved Green Apples, Fennel, Fire Roasted Kumquats, Avocado Creme & Feta, Topped With Grapefruit Vinaigrette 

Roasted Beet Salad
Roasted Red & Golden Beets, Baby Arugula, Shaved Red Onion, Zhoug, Puffed Quinoa, Whipped Labneh & Pistachio Crumble  

Marinated Ahi Tuna Bowls 
Ginger, Soy & Honey Marinated Sake Tuna Over Shaved Carrots, Red Cabbage, Radish & Sticky Rice With Shiitake Sesame Dressing & Avocado 

Cuban 
Thick Cut Ham, Slow Roasted Pork, Aged Swiss Cheese, Boat-made Pickles, Dijon Mustard On Crispy Grilled Loaf With Sweet Potato Parmesan Fries 

 

Starter Plates 

Arancini 
 Crispy Italian Rice Balls Stuffed With Mozzarella & Herbs, Coated In Bread Crumbs Over Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese Puree 

Crispy Tuna Wonton Nachos 
Fresh Marinated Tuna Over Warm Wonton Nachos, Edamame, Shaved Radish, Green Onion, Purple Cabbage, Topped With Sweet & Tangy Soy Marinate, Sriracha & Wasabi Aioli 

Baked Brie 
Creamy, Melted Brie & Fig Wrapped In Crispy Warm Filo Dough Served with Fresh Fruit & Crackers 

Rocket & Strawberry Salad
Baby Rocket, Strawberries, Toasted Shaved Almonds Tossed In Strawberry Vinaigrette Topped With Feta & Lemon Zest 

Foie Gras 
Pan Seared Served With Rich Red Wine Port Sauce, Green Grapes & Crusty Loaf 

Shrimp & Tuna Tartare 
Diced Spicy Marinated Shrimp &Tuna With Avocado In Cucumber Coulis   

 

Dinner Plates 

Sea Bass 
Crispy Seared Sea Bass Over Garlic Whipped Pomme Puree, Asparagus, Beurre Blanc & Passion Fruit Butter

Filet Mignon 
Grass-Fed New Zealand Tenderloin Medallions Over Creamy Smoked Gouda Polenta, Roasted Heirloom Carrots, Fondant Potato, With Port Red Wine Reduction

Snapper
Crispy Skin Snapper Over Pea Risotto, Radish, Sweet Corn Foam & Prosciutto

Braised Short Rib Tagliatelle 
Boat-Made Tagliatelle Pasta Tossed in Red Wine Braised Short Rib Ragu, Topped With Shaved Spring Truffles & Basil Microgreens

Duck 
Seared Duck Over Cauliflower Puree, Tatsoi, Asparagus, Bunashimeji, Duck Fat Potato Terrine & Duck Demi-glace 

Octopus 
Grilled Octopus Over Heriloom Tomato Mole, Charred Corn Ribs, Hasselback Potatoes, Broccolini, Chimichurri & Toasted Almond 

Caribbean Lobster
Butter Poached Caribbean Lobster Tails Over Cream Sweet Corn Puree, Haricot Vert & Cherry “Bomb” Tomatoes 

Lamb
Chimichurri Encrusted Lamb Lollipops Over Grilled Vegetable Couscous & Labneh 

Scallops 
Seared Scallops Over Pancetta & Tomato Corn Salad Tossed In Warm Bacon Vinaigrette, Crispy Prosciutto & Avocado Foam 

Pork 
Pork Schnitzel Over Celeriac & Apple Remoulade & Fried Local Egg 

 

Dessert Plates 

Award Winning Vegan Chocolate Torte With Strawberries & Chocolate Shavings 

Lemon Curd With Raspberries, Bee Pollen, Raspberry Dust & 14K Gold

Pavlova Kisses With Fresh Strawberries, Kiwi, Strawberry Coulis & Strawberry Dust 

Flourless Chocolate Torte Topped With Chocolate Ganache & Fresh Berries 

Browned Butter Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches

Classic Tiramisu 

Lemon Posset With Mint & Berries 

Spice Island Carrot Cake 

Chilled Red Wine Poached Pears With Pistachio Crumble & Boat-Made Vanilla Ice Cream