James hails from the North of England and has always had a love for the water. This love took its first official steps when he achieved his PADI Junior Open Water Scuba Diver at age 10, progressing on to the professional PADI Divemaster Instructor he is today. In 2015, James took up sailing at the Hartlepool Yacht Club, spending a great deal of time cruising the North Sea aboard the Black Diamond of Durham and partaking in numerous Tall Ship regattas. In 2018 James became a RYA Yachtmaster and began his career as a professional captain. Running vacations in the Mediterranean, James has taken guests on charter in Spain, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Italy and Montenegro. James has also undertaken many ocean deliveries, enjoying the tranquility of spending continuous weeks at sea. More recently James has enjoyed the sailing and diving lifestyle that the Caribbean has to offer. He is committed to delivering that “awe and wonder” experience to all those that come aboard making sure they have a truly unforgettable vacation!

Ryan was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He started working in hospitality at the age of 14. At 16 he picked up his first knife and transitioned into the kitchen. Ryan worked as a chef while trainig to be a paramedic, upon qualification, was an on duty paramedic for 2 weeks, before he realized he missed working with food. Ryan entered and won a worldwide cooking competition called Super Yacht scholarship which sent him to the top maritime academy in the world, and then to France for further culinary training. When not cooking Ryan is a ping pong champion and always travels with his paddles.

Ellen was born in England but grew up in the beautiful coastal town of Knynsa, South Africa. As a young child Ellen and her family often went on week-long camping adventures around South Africa and the neighboring countries. This thrill for adventure gave her a deep interest in traveling the world and all these fond memories of adventure have steered her towards entering the yachting industry. With a BA in Visual Communications, majoring in Graphic Desgin , Ellen loves to show her creative side with flower arrangements, table decorations, themed dinners and much more. Ellen also completed a RYA Yachtmaster Coastal under sail and is very excited to be joining a sailing catamaran. Having previously taken on roles of a deck/stew, she enjoys spending time outdoors, getting involved with waterspouts and exploring the Caribbean. She also enjoys the finer things in life such as creating a memorable experience through good service, food, and wine. Ellen is looking forward to creating an unforgettable experience for guests in the Virgin Islands.


Captain James Ellwood


Qualifications:

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore CE
RYA Powerboat Level 2
MCA Approved Engine Course
PADI Divemaster Instructor
RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities
RYA Diesel
RYA Radar
RYA VHF Radio
STCW10 exp 2028
Food Hygiene and Safety Level 2



Chef Ryan Katona

Qualifications

Serve Safe Certification, Food Safety Guys, Minnesota 2015
STCW, bluewater 2022
ENG 1, Fort Lauderdale FL, 2022
AHA Healthcare Provider CPR Certification Oakland Community College, Michigan 2013


Ellen Kay-Shuttleworth- Stewardess/Deckhand

Qualifications

STCW 10 (incl. PDSD)
Level 2 Food and Hygiene
Eng Medical 1
RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sailing (Commercially endorsed) RYA Powerboat Level 2
RYA Personal Watercraft Certificate
RYA VHF Radio

Sample Menu Chef Ryan Katona

A choice selection of breakfast items served daily would include breads and pastries, cereals, yogurts, fresh fruits, charcuterie, a variety of cheese, house made granola and fresh squeezed juices.

A variety of cooked breakfasts will also be avaialble upon request such as crepes, french toast, pancakes, waffles, eggs any way, sausage, bacon and oatmeal.

The following menu can be served either as plated meals, family style, or buffett.

 

Breakfast 

Housemade Chorizo, Russet Potatoes, Poblano Peppers, Vidalia, Onions, with Poached Eggs and Whole Grain Toast

Salmon Frittata with Tomatoes, Broccolli, Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Carrotts, Cremini Mushrooms, and Dill Ceme Fraiche

Baked Creme Brulee French Toast with a Fresh Mixed Berry Compote

Wood Roated mushroom Omelet with Shallots, Poached Garlic and Chevre

Vanilla Mascarpone Stuffed Crepes, Macerated Berries, Fresh Whipped Cream

Paoched Eggs Florentine on an English Muffin with Sauteed Spinach, Mushrooms, Onions, and Hollandaise Sauce

Banna Nut Waffles with Hazelnut Spread and Fresh Whipped Cream

Chorizo & Egg Tostados with Ranchero Sauce, Smashed Avocado, Pico De Gallo and Sour Cream

Classic Eggs Benedict

Smoked Salmon, Scrambled Eggs, and Dill Cream Cheese served on a Croissant

 

Lunch

Maple Cure Bacon, Baby Romaine, Sliced Heirloom Tomatoes, and an Avocado Aioli on Grilled Sourdough Bread

Mussels Sauteed in Casino Butter and Chef's Salad

Kansas City Style BBQ Ribs with Watermelon Mint Salad

Spice Grilled Tuna Tostados with Mango-Avocado Slaw & Asian Glaze, served with Cilantro Lime Pilaf

Pork Cheek Potato Gnocchi with Maple Glazed Root Vegetables and Natural Jus

Mac n'Cheese Stuffed Grilled Cheese Wedges in Tomato Bisque Drizzled with Chive Creme Fraiche

Caesar Salad with Grilled Salmon or Chicken

Pan Roasted Chicken with White Wine, Artichoke Hearts, Cremini Mushrooms, Tomatoes, Garlic and Fresh Herbs

 

Canape

Crispy Salami Cups Filled with Finely Diced Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Kalamata Olives, Feta and Basil

Marbled Avocado Tiles with Mango Ceviche

Wood Grilled Korea Marinated Tri-Tip Skewers with Shishito Peppers and Sweetie Drops

Roasted Sweet Red Pepper and Smoked Garlic Hummus with Crudites

Artisinal Cheese Plate with French Olives, Chutney, and Dried Fruit

Seared Ahi Tuna Sashimi with Soy Ginger Lime Sauce and Seaweed Salad

Spinach and Artichoke Bruschetta served Warm on a Toasted Crostini

 

Dinner

Crown Roast of Lamb Filled with Harvest Vegetable Couscous

Squid Ink and Truffle Fettuccini Lobster and Shrimp A La Creme

Wild Mushroom Risotto, Grean Bean Almondine, Leaf Salad

Duck Leg Confit with Vanilla Demi-Glace, Yam and Sweet Potato Au Gratin Gruyere, Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Traditional Beef Wellington

Blackened Mahi and Roasted Red Pepper Rouille

Grilled Hangar Steak with Black Fig Demi-Glace, Lemon Grass Infused Rice Pilaf, Broccoli Milanese

Spinach and Artichoke Incrusted Salmon

72-Hour Sherry Braised Beef Short Ribs, Chive and Chevre Whipped Potatoes and Sping Mix with a Roasted Tomato Vinaigrette

 

Dessert 

Frozen Amaretto and Vanilla Souffle

Tarte Tatin with Pecan Creme Fraiche

Pepermint Tartlets

Lavender Creme Brulee served with a Shot of Limoncello

Passion-Fruit Mousse with Bittersweet Chocolate, Poached Strawberries, and Candy Dust 

Spiced Rum Bread Pudding wih Dried Cranberries, Creme Anglaise, and Cinnamon Ice Cream

Classic Chocolate Fondant