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Brand grew up in Middelburg, a small country town in South Africa. The beautiful region, dotted with lakes, and a dad who took his sons hiking, camping, boating and fishing, inspired Brand’s love for the mountains and exploring the outdoors. The hobie cat he commanded as a small boy ignited his passion for sailing.
It is no surprise that Brand ultimately steered a course away from the corporate world toward a career that combines his love for sailing, diving entertaining, meeting new people and exploring. He has sailed thousands of miles worldwide and has been a charter yacht captain in the British and U.S. Virgin Islands for the last four years.
While Brand knows how to host a discreet charter, he most enjoys an interactive charter. He says, “I have a few secret spots where I love to take my guests for a sundowner drink with some bubbly and I also love to show my guests the underwater world while snorkeling or diving.” Simply put, Brand eagerly shares the best of everything, above and below the waterline.
Brand has the sort of easy going personality that makes everyone feel comfortable. He’s a patient instructor and his enthusiasm can be contagious. Don’t be surprised if you’re trimming the sails, or spontaneously attempting to free dive or kiteboard with him, he inspires confidence. His goal is to make every day of every charter the most remarkable. His repeat charter guests will tell you he succeeds.
Brand and his partner, Jayde have been living and chartering in the Virgin Islands. They are both qualified Captains, Brand is certified RYA Offshore and Jayde is an RYA Coastal Skipper. In addition to skilled seamanship, this charming team is fun, energetic and intelligent, exactly what it takes to run a successful charter yacht. Impeccable reviews testify to their popularity and professionalism. They are non smokers, immaculate organizers and passionate about sailing.
Louise grew up in Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania, a truly small town (population of 197) surrounded by pastures, fields and woods. She and her three sisters were sports enthusiasts and enjoyed the great outdoors as their playground. They also taught special needs athletes and assisted their father who started and coached the Special Olympics soccer team. Every year the family vacationed on the eastern seaboard. It was a great adventure. They never visited the same spot twice. Visiting new places, meeting new people, and experiencing new things became Louise’s lifelong passion.
In 2009, Louise graduated from the Baltimore School of Massage and made the exciting move from land-locked Pennsylvania to the sandy shores of the Virgin Islands.
She recalls: “Never did I think I would work on boats until my first power boat excursion to the British Virgin Islands. I was nothing but smiles, felt extremely blessed, and made it my goal to work on the water.”
Louise is very good-natured, makes friends easily, enjoys a good joke and a sundowner now and then. She is a wonderful companion for charter guests who want to hike, snorkel, scuba dive, or have an adventure. Anegada is her favorite destination on a charter itinerary. Here locals surround the yacht to sing out their lobster recipes, white sand beach wraps the entire island, the reef is spectacular, and the ways to have fun are infinite.
Jayde is the sort of effervescent personality that never has a bad mood. The glass is always full of something wonderful. She is an intrepid adventurer who seeks out the new and exciting; exploring new places, meeting new people and learning new skills. In addition to being an excellent chef and a certified captain, she’s a scuba diver, horse rider and kite boarder. Guests aboard Seahome always compliment her cuisine as well as her ability to anticipate guests and provide for guests needs.
Jayde grew up on a farm in South Africa, surrounded by all sorts of animals amidst the beauty of nature. While the childhood setting was idyllic, it was the two months she spent every year on the seashore with her grandmother that inspired both her cooking and her wanderlust. Her most cherished memories are of time spent in Grandmas kitchen, learning cooking tips and tricks and family recipes.
Jayde says: “My favorite style of cooking is fresh, healthy and hearty meals; because that’s the way I like to eat.” Guests will tell you she adds those special gourmet touches that make her food delicious. She also excels at special diets and special requests. Even when Jayde is not in the galley whipping up something delightful, she is likely planning something special, an activity or experience, that will be a highlight for guests to remember long after their charter.
Discover Jayde’s menu below!
