The captains rotate:
2025: Aug 1 – Sept 15, Brian | Sept 15 – Nov 1, Tyler | Nov 1- Dec 15, Brian | Dec 15 – Feb 1, Tyler
2026: Jan, Tyler | Feb-March, Brian | April-May, Tyler | June-July, Brian | Aug-Sept, Tyler | Oct-Nov, Brian | Nov, Tyler | Dec, Brian
2027: Jan, Brian | Feb-March, Tyler | April-May, Brian | June-July, Tyler | Aug-Sept, Brian | Oct-Nov, Tyler | Dec, Brian
CAPTAIN BRIAN
A lifelong ocean enthusiast, Brian has built a career around his deep connection to the sea. Raised in the picturesque coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, Brian began his aquatic journey early on as a junior lifeguard, developing a strong foundation in water safety and ocean awareness from a young age. Pursuing his interest in hospitality, Brian earned a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Management before relocating to Southern California. There, he discovered a passion for sailing in the vibrant waters of San Diego Bay. It was in those early days at the helm of small sailboats that his love for navigation and seamanship truly took hold.
In 2017, Brian made a bold decision to leave the corporate world behind and fully dedicate himself to a career in the maritime industry. Since then, he has accumulated over a decade of hands-on yachting experience, demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt across a wide range of vessels—from nimble sailboats to luxurious motor yachts.
His versatile background includes leading week-long charter adventures, executing offshore yacht deliveries, managing private family cruises, and operating live-aboard charter programs. Brian thrives in the dynamic, ever-changing environment that life at sea offers. He takes great pride in curating immersive itineraries that align with his guests’ desires, and he’s known for creating a welcoming atmosphere built on trust, safety, and genuine enjoyment.
As a captain, Brian blends professionalism with approachability. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, safety, and a spirit of fun, ensuring every voyage is not only smooth and memorable. Brian brings dedication, energy, and a deep love for the ocean to every charter, ensuring each voyage is not only smooth and secure but also personalized, unforgettable, and filled with exceptional service.
CAPTAIN TYLER
Always on the move and ready for the next adventure, Tyler is a true waterman with a deep love for the outdoors and a talent for connecting with people. Raised on fishing, boating, wakeboarding, and waterskiing, his passion for life on the water began early. At just ten years old, he went sailing for the first time and he was hooked.
During college, Tyler worked as both a windsurfing and scuba diving instructor, combining his love for the ocean with his natural ease in teaching and leadership. His journey later took him to the East Coast, where he owned and operated fishing boats and served as a first mate and dive instructor on several charter and dive vessels. After earning his degree in finance with a minor in business, he set out for a corporate job. He was simply too dry.
When he’s not on the water, Tyler is likely deep in the wilderness. A true outdoorsman, he enjoys backpacking and hunting in the mountains of North Carolina, his home base. He also enjoys cave diving in North Florida and freediving the reefs of the Florida Keys. Island life suits him perfectly: he’s often found exploring trails, searching for cliff-jumping spots, or diving for lobsters in the USVI. In the BVI, you’ll likely catch him kiteboarding when the breeze is right. An expert freediver with a keen eye for marine life, Tyler is also known for his impressive fish identification skills.
Hospitality comes naturally to him. With years of experience in guest service and management, and even a bartender’s license, Tyler understands how to create an inviting and memorable guest experience. As your captain aboard Ohana, he combines his love for adventure with a strong focus on safety, professionalism, and good times.
Tyler began his yachting journey alongside his wife, Erika, who worked as his chef. Together, they formed a dynamic duo, bringing exceptional hospitality and heart to every charter. In 2023, they welcomed their baby girl into the world. A milestone that inspired them to step back from full-time yachting. Since then, Tyler has transitioned to a rotation schedule, allowing him to balance family life with being a charter yacht captain.
Tyler is passionate about helping guests turn their dream island vacations into unforgettable memories. He’ll work closely with you to design a custom itinerary full of adventure, relaxation, and bucket-list moments, ensuring your time aboard Ohana is as fun and fulfilling as the islands themselves.
Chef’s Rotation: Three-On, Three-Off (months)
Chef Dominic + Chef Sam
The rotation schedule currently begins on the 15th of each month (unless noted), though this may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on who will be working during your charter, please inquire.
CHEF DOMINIC
Dominic’s culinary journey began in the picturesque village of Schreiersgrün, Germany, where his early connection to nature and food was nurtured by his grandparents’ gardens and the surrounding forests. Foraging for wild herbs, vegetables, and mushrooms sparked a fascination that led him to begin his culinary career at just 16.
He launched his apprenticeship at a Michelin-starred restaurant within a renowned spa hotel in the German countryside, where he quickly discovered a love for precision, creativity, and exceeding expectations. Over the next decade, Dominic thrived in Michelin-caliber kitchens, mastering the art of refined cuisine. His dedication and skill were ultimately recognized when, as head chef, he helped lead his restaurant to earn its own Michelin star—an achievement that remains a proud milestone in his career.
After years of high-level success, Dominic was ready for a new adventure. He relocated to the Caribbean, where his connection to nature deepened—this time through the sea. Embracing freediving and scuba diving, he explored vibrant marine life and diverse island ecosystems, finding new inspiration in every dive. It was here, in the British Virgin Islands, that he and his wife chose to make their home.
Now with over 18 years of experience in hospitality and fine dining, Dominic brings a calm confidence and thoughtful approach to every table. As a rotating yacht chef, he has found the perfect harmony between his love for exploration and his dedication to delivering unforgettable culinary experiences. His cuisine blends the elegance of Mediterranean techniques with bold Asian influences and a hint of Caribbean soul, tailored to delight Ohana’s guests with every bite.
CHEF SAM
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Sam is a trained chef with a deep-rooted passion for crafting thoughtful, ingredient-driven cuisine. After completing culinary school in his hometown, he honed his skills in the dynamic food scene of Nashville, Tennessee, working under some of the city’s most respected chefs. Through dedication and creativity, Sam quickly rose through the ranks to become Executive Chef at one of Nashville’s culinary mainstays.
In 2020, Sam started a Supper Club in Nashville. Developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to give people an opportunity to get together in a small, safe environment when options were scarce. His first taste of cooking in a more intimate and private setting.
After six successful years in Music City, Sam set his sights beyond the restaurant world, exchanging brick-and-mortar kitchens for a life at sea. As a yacht chef, he now brings together his love of scratch cooking and his appetite for adventure, drawing inspiration from global flavors and techniques discovered through his culinary travels.
Recently, Sam discovered a new passion for skydiving and paragliding. Adrenaline-fueled pursuits that perfectly complement his adventurous spirit. These high-flying hobbies have sparked a renewed drive for exploration, learning, and pushing boundaries. The thrill of jumping and traveling inspired him to shift to a rotational schedule, offering the freedom to chase new experiences while maintaining his love for life at sea.
When he’s not in the sky or on the water, Sam stays connected to his culinary roots. His time off allows him to continue hosting his signature Supper Club and collaborate with fellow chefs in Nashville, keeping his creativity sharp and his menus ever-evolving.
Sam’s boundless curiosity, eye for detail and commitment to excellence make him a skilled chef. He designs bespoke, handcrafted menus tailored to each guest, making every meal a memorable experience on Ohana.
MATE/DIVE INSTRUCTOR FABIAN
Growing up in London, far from the sea, Fabian always felt a profound connection to the ocean. As a child, he eagerly awaited summer trips to the coast, where he fell in love with fishing and snorkeling. Back in London, his passions revolved around football and skateboarding, but the pull of the water never left him. Channeling his love for sports and adventure, Fabian pursued roles as a personal trainer and swimming instructor while studying Geography at the University of Exeter. During his studies, his oceanic passion deepened—he traded skateboarding for surfing and spent his summers working as a kayak and coastal exploration guide.
These experiences cemented Fabian’s lifelong dedication to the water. Before long, he discovered his true calling beneath the waves, becoming a scuba diving instructor. This role has taken him to breathtaking dive sites across the globe, including Egypt’s Red Sea, Sri Lanka, the Mediterranean, and Thailand, where he completed his divemaster and instructor certifications. Sharing the awe-inspiring wonders of the ocean with others has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his journey—a passion he’s excited to bring to you.
Fabian also has a strong background in hospitality, having worked as both a bartender and a barista. For over two years, he has thrived in the maritime world, working aboard vessels ranging from 60 to 230 feet. His adventures have taken him across the Mediterranean, on an Atlantic crossing, and now to the Caribbean. Along the way, Fabian has taken on diverse and vital roles, from managing engineering tasks to leading professional dives around shipwrecks and archaeological sites. His focus is always on creating safe, unforgettable experiences for those on board Ohana.
CHIEF STEWARDESS MADDY
Despite growing up in a landlocked province in Canada, Maddy’s passion for aquatic pursuits has always been undeniable. She started scuba diving at age ten and has experience as a lifeguard and swim instructor. Maddy spent her summers wake-surfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Recently graduated from university, with five years as a varsity student-athlete, Maddy’s competitive spirit makes her always up for a beach game, a hike, or a family board game. Her sense of teamwork and commitment to the best experience radiate through everything she does. She will ensure each moment aboard Ohana is filled with laughter, relaxation, and joy, accompanied by the hydrating drink of your choice!
Maddy has a background in the high-end service industry. She has pursued continuing education, which has earned her key knowledge when it comes to pairing your wines, whipping up custom cocktails, and making sure your cravings are catered to. Her creative side and attention to detail shine when it comes to curated party planning, laying beautiful tablescapes, and ensuring your space onboard exceeds your expectations.
Maddy’s journey with Ohana began as a guest. She chartered with Tyler three times and spent the entirety of her last charter repeatedly badgering Tyler for a job. So, heed this warning: the beauty of the BVI and the unforgettable experience aboard Ohana will keep you coming back, maybe indefinitely!
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Location: British Virgin Islands
