C A P T A I N | Terry Ross
C H E F | Ruth Ross

Terry has been messing around on boats since he was a child. Growing up on the east coast of Ireland, he started sailing dinghies and soon graduated onto larger boats. Even as a qualified electrician and optical technician, Terry yearned to turn his sailing hobby into a career. After his first trans-Atlantic crossing with friends, he did just that. A commercially endorsed MCA Yachtmaster (both sail and power), Terry previously served as both helm and launching authority for his local branch of Ireland’s volunteer lifeboat service.
With almost 40 years of diving experience and a passion for underwater photography, he enjoys sharing the delightful depths of the BVI with The Big Dog’s guests. Diving is included for certified divers only. For non-certified divers, the crew will arrange a rendezvous with one of the local dive companies for an introduction to the pleasures of the deep. For guests who do not wish to dive, Terry and Ruth are happy to accompany their snorkeling guests in viewing the underwater world from the surface.

Ruth also sailed the Irish east coast from a very young age. She was also a volunteer crew for the lifeboat service. Their combined lifeboat experience makes safety a priority for all on board. Before joining Terry in a sailing career Ruth was a teacher. She always enjoyed cooking however and widened her culinary expertise with courses at Ashburton Chef’s Academy in Devon, England and Dunbrody House Cookery School in Wexford, Ireland, The Ritz, Paris and Cooks Academy in Dublin. Ruth prepares a diverse range of meals and particularly loves using local fresh produce whenever possible. She will happily accommodate any special dietary requests.

Ruth and Terry have been running boats, both charter and private, for 16 years. They have clocked up tens of thousands of sea miles. They crossed the Atlantic together 4 times. They have worked in the Bahamas, many of the Caribbean Islands, the Mediterranean and around the Irish and UK coasts. When they arrived in the British Virgin Islands more than 10 years ago, the realization that this is where they would make their home was almost immediate.

They are a warm welcoming couple that works as a team in all aspects of the running of the boat. It is important to them that each guest onboard The Big Dog enjoys every moment of their stay. They especially love chartering with kids on board (and adults are welcome too!)