DISCOVER generally charters with 4 crew.
Owner Operator Captain Ben Swanson (Left in photo) has, literally, a lifetime of experience in SE Alaska and along the Pacific NW Inside Passage. His parents were among the first to pioneer this industry, and the torch has long been passed to him!
Ben can be described as calm, competent and adventurous... with a joy for life that is contagious. A passionate naturalist and guide, his accumulated knowledge of wildlife habits and habitat comes from first hand experience. He has many colorful stories of classic yachts and the Alaska of old that make for lively conversation in the wheelhouse and at the dinner table.
Ben is a second generation Captain and lifetime lover of the water who grew up on boats in Washington and Alaska and has been cruising the coastal waterways of the Inside Passage for more than 30 years. A marine mechanic, electrician and jack of all trades, Ben has been full-time Captain and partner in DISCOVERY since 1998 and in 2010 took over the boat.
DISCOVERY is still very much a family affair as Ben continues the legacy of eco-responsible small ship cruising and sharing with guests an appreciation of the natural world and his love for a classic wooden boat.
Susi Zimmermann is delightful, has been aboard DISCOVERY for many years. An avid photographer and wildlife enthusiast, Susi is an experienced wilderness guide. She has been guiding in Southeast Alaska for more than 12 years including annual bear viewing trips to Pack Creek and Anan Creek Bear Observatory. Her interests extend to the flora and bird life of the Pacific Northwest and she leads many shore excursions and skiff tours.
There is value in a diverse range of talents on a small boat and you will also see Susi take a wheel watch, help in the galley and keep the boat ship shape. She genuinely cares for the comfort of our guests and crew. Susi has travelled the world working and sightseeing as many Australians tend to do. Fortunately for us, she has found Alaska and DISCOVERY special enough to stay for ‘one more year’ since 2007.
Ben and Susi are joined by 2 additional crew members as Chef and Mate.