Keith has a natural knack for service and people, developed over years of work, travel and adventure. His adventurous spirit comes from an extremely nomadic family, mostly spread between Kenya, the U.K., U.S.A. and of course Australia, where he grew up. Fortunate enough to have been raised as a well travelled youth, Keith grew into someone who can build rapport and friendships with people from many different walks of life and cultures. A trait invaluable when considering the multicultural and close-knit conditions living and working aboard a yacht.

His career has seen him do it all from working on high-profile super yachts that sailed the Eastern Seaboard from Fort Lauderdale to Rhode Island, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard; to inshore racing, boat building and several long, off shore passages. After nearly six years in the industry, Keith has recognized that his heart and true passion is in sailing and the calm two hulls of a catamaran in the Virgin Islands. Having sailed around almost all of the windward and leeward isles, Panama, the Andalusian coast of Spain and Ibiza, Portugal, Morocco, Croatia and the Greek Islands of the Saronic Gulf in the Mediterranean, Keith’s got a few stories to share. Keith's favorite part about skippering on yachts is hunting for unique bays and the little hidden gems of the islands; from the best beach bars to reef full of life that can only be reached by boat and discovered with a mask and snorkel

Keith is a certified divemaster (and, soon to be Instructor for the 23/24 season) and free diver who loves hunting for fresh spiny lobster to serve, butterflied and grilled in his signature style paired with one of his craft cocktails. A passionate waterman, sailor, adventurer and enthusiastic lover of the natural world, Keith’s easy going humor and passion for the ocean will put you at ease. Whether it’s chauffeuring guests to dinner by tender or sailing deep downwind in the Sir Francis Drake channel, you are in safe and capable hands with Keith at the helm.

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 Keith Allen

Qualifications

RYA YACHTMASTER OFFSHORE (SAIL) / MCA 200GT
COMMERCIAL ENDORSEMENT
• PADI DIVE INSTRUCTOR (250+ dives)
• PADI LEVEL 2 FREEDIVER (24M / 80FT)
• MCA APPROVED ENGINE COURSE 1 & 2
• MCA EFFICIENT DECKHAND (COURSEWORK)
• RYA POWERBOAT II
• EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE CPR/AED
• RYA VHF SRC
• STCW BST 2010

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