Team Bio:
Growing up on the east coast sailing and the ocean were a large part of Rich’s childhood. After
an offshore sailing trip to the Caribbean at age 18, he was convinced that a life at sea was
where he belonged. After meeting Ekaterina a few years later, they purchased their own
sailboat and cruised the east coast, Bahamas, and Caribbean. In between cruising on their own
boat they slowly began picking up jobs on yachts to fund their travels. This led to a full time
position as a captain and chef couple in charter catamarans in the Caribbean. Rich has a great
eye for detail and is very passionate about yacht maintenance, sailing, and entertaining guests.
Kate is an excellent mate helping in all aspects of sailing, all while delivering fantastic meals
from the galley. She is very passionate about using local quality ingredients in her meals,
fitness, and daily Pilates.

Richard Coning
Nationality: USA
DOB: 7/29/1990
Language: English

Captain Rich hails from a small coastal town on the Atlantic Ocean. Growing up on the ocean,
he has spent his entire life on the water. He was introduced to sailing after high school, when
he crewed on a boat headed for the Virgin Islands. Immediately he was hooked and spent the
next two years sailing and surfing the Caribbean. After meeting Kate, the two of them
purchased and rebuilt their own boat to cruise the islands. A few years later he decided to
pursue sailing professionally. After obtaining his 50 ton masters license with the UCSG, Rich
and Kate have worked on boats along the East coast, Caribbean, and Mediterranean. With
years of experience sailing together and an extensive knowledge of Virgin Islands waters, you
will be in great hands.

Rich’s main passion in life is being in the ocean and enjoying the outdoors. As an active
member of the Surfrider foundation, he is always looking for ways to live a more sustainable life.
He looks forward to sharing his passion for water sports with guests, whether it’s tracking down
waves along Tortola’s north shore, stand up paddle boarding, or wakeboarding.

His favorite part of the day is entertaining guests with craft cocktails and tales of the days
adventures while the boat effortlessly sails off into the sunset.

Ekaterina Cherkez
Nationality: USA
DOB: 1/15/1991
Languages: English, Russian

Growing up in a landlocked city in Russia, the idea of sailing the ocean had never crossed
Kate’s mind. It wasn’t until a summer exchange program brought her to the Atlantic coast where
she met Rich. Now married for 9 years and after many sailing trips on their own boat, she
couldn’t imagine life any other way.

With a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from San Diego State University, her fresh culinary style
reflects throughout a healthy fare. She channels all her incredible energy and brilliant ability to
think outside the box into creating delicious masterpieces for guests to enjoy.

Having had the opportunity to travel the world, including Egypt, Thailand, Greece, and Italy, she
has had the chance to sample many of the world's cuisines. She takes great delight in sharing
these flavors with you. Mediterranean and Asian inspired dishes enriched by quality produce
and locally sourced fresh ingredients is the mainstay of her cooking. Vegetarians and vegans
are very welcome with Chef Kate!

Kate seamlessly marries her talent in the galley with her natural ability to entertain. She is very
flexible with a lively, outgoing, and bubbly personality. Kate aims to make your vacation as
enjoyable and as fun as possible