Meet Captain Harry and Chef Kristen, an adventurous couple who met on a bus while traveling through Morocco and have been exploring the world together ever since, whether on land or at sea. As seasoned sailors working in the BVIs, they love sharing their favorite secluded bays as well as the hotspots around the Caribbean. Together, they take pride in showing guests the BVI through their own eyes, from snorkeling and diving to sharing their love and knowledge of the ocean along the way.

CAPTAIN HARRY
Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Harry has always been drawn to the water. He began sailing at just six years old, racing Sabots and Flying 11 dinghies before progressing to larger yachts as a bowman. With years of professional experience in the industry, Harry has turned a lifelong passion into a rewarding career. After earning a degree in commerce, Harry quickly realized the corporate world wasn't for him. Instead, he chose to follow his love for the ocean, skippering yachts along Australia's east coast, working aboard charter superyachts, and completing sailing passages across the globe. A passionate ocean lover, Harry has been a certified SCUBA diver since age 17 and an instructor for over five years. He enjoys taking guests to vibrant reef systems and historic wrecks, sharing the unique marine life and stories of each cruising area.

Qualifications

• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail & Motor - Commercially Endorsed
• STCW 95+10
• ENG 1
• RYA VHF Short Range
• RYA Powerboat Level 2di/SSI
• SAMSA Skipper Category C 2014
• PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor
• PADI Instructor Specialties: NITROX, Deep 40, wreck, equipment specialist, night, sidemount, photography
• Technical Divers International TECH 45 &
• Advanced NITROX Diver

CHEF KRISTEN
Born and raised in Maryland, Kristen developed her love for the ocean, sailing with her family on the Chesapeake Bay. Formerly a software engineer, she left the corporate world behind to cook in eco-lodges and wellness retreats in Colombia and Costa Rica, where she fell in love with the rhythm of cooking with the seasons and sourcing from local farms. Her childhood passion for sailing eventually led her from land to a life at sea after meeting Harry, and she's since found her niche cooking nourishing meals for others aboard a boat. Kristen loves incorporating fresh, local ingredients to curate health-conscious meals that fuel both the body and the soul. She gets excited introducing guests to new and exotic Caribbean fruits and vegetables, sharing food experiences that bring people together at the dining table and turning every meal into an adventure!

Qualifications:

• Ashburton Chef's Academy - Yacht Chef Course
• Food Hygiene Level 2
• PADI Rescue SCUBA Diver
• STCW95 + 10

Harry Van Vliet

Captain

Australia

Languages: English

CAPTAIN HARRY
Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Harry has always been drawn to the water. He began sailing at just six years old, racing Sabots and Flying 11 dinghies before progressing to larger yachts as a bowman. With years of professional experience in the industry, Harry has turned a lifelong passion into a rewarding career. After earning a degree in commerce, Harry quickly realized the corporate world wasn't for him. Instead, he chose to follow his love for the ocean, skippering yachts along Australia's east coast, working aboard charter superyachts, and completing sailing passages across the globe. A passionate ocean lover, Harry has been a certified SCUBA diver since age 17 and an instructor for over five years. He enjoys taking guests to vibrant reef systems and historic wrecks, sharing the unique marine life and stories of each cruising area.

 

Qualifications

• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail & Motor - Commercially Endorsed
• STCW 95+10
• ENG 1
• RYA VHF Short Range
• RYA Powerboat Level 2di/SSI
• SAMSA Skipper Category C 2014
• PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor
• PADI Instructor Specialties: NITROX, Deep 40, wreck, equipment specialist, night, sidemount, photography
• Technical Divers International TECH 45 &
• Advanced NITROX Diver

Kristen Cornelsen

Chef / First Mate

USA

Languages: English

CHEF KRISTEN
Born and raised in Maryland, Kristen developed her love for the ocean, sailing with her family on the Chesapeake Bay. Formerly a software engineer, she left the corporate world behind to cook in eco-lodges and wellness retreats in Colombia and Costa Rica, where she fell in love with the rhythm of cooking with the seasons and sourcing from local farms. Her childhood passion for sailing eventually led her from land to a life at sea after meeting Harry, and she's since found her niche cooking nourishing meals for others aboard a boat. Kristen loves incorporating fresh, local ingredients to curate health-conscious meals that fuel both the body and the soul. She gets excited introducing guests to new and exotic Caribbean fruits and vegetables, sharing food experiences that bring people together at the dining table and turning every meal into an adventure!

 

Qualifications:

• Ashburton Chef's Academy - Yacht Chef Course
• Food Hygiene Level 2
• PADI Rescue SCUBA Diver
• STCW95 + 10