Jack
Taryn
Blake
Richard
Julia
Captain
Captain Jack was born and raised in Maryland sailing the waters of the Chesapeake. He started sailing as a young boy with his father. He studied at the University of Maryland and served in the US Navy. Jack has a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland and was trained in the Navy's Nuclear Power Program were he served on Submarines.
After leaving the Navy, Jack worked as a Nuclear Engineering consultant for 14 years during which time he obtained a Master's in Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University. Jack built sea miles in the Navy, and doing deliveries and passages throughout his years in the corporate world. Finally, Jack decided to fulfill his lifelong dream of being a sea Captain and left the US. Jack sailed, single handed, across the Atlantic and has completed many other crossings and long distance deliveries. Jack has also skippered numerous recreational vessels, including day sail vessels, dive boats, as well as working on Tall Ships.
Jack is passionate about being on the water. He has spent the past 12 years in the Caribbean working in the private yacht industry, running day charters and Captaining term charter vessels with up to 10 guests. Jack is also qualified Dive Master.
Jack has a contagious joy for life. If you are looking for a fun, exhilarating yet luxurious vacation that is exactly what you will get with the SOL team.
Chef
Chef Taryne hails from South Africa, where she grew up surfing and boogie boarding along the East Coast in Durban. She first studied graphic and web design and worked for a multi-media production company before taking time off to travel through Europe. It was here that her passion for food was ignited and her career as a chef on yachts began.- Read less
She completed her advanced diploma in culinary training at the Silwood School of Cookery in Cape Town and her land-based experience includes restaurants, wine estates and a fine dining safari lodge.
Taryne’s chef experience has exposed her to numerous motor and sailing yachts, even crewing for the RORC Transatlantic Race, the Rolex Middle Sea Race, St Barth’s Bucket Regatta, and Newport day sails. Now, ten years later, she is pleased to join the unique charter program aboard SÓL as Chef.
In her free time, Taryne loves to travel, surf, hike, and mountain bike.
Co-Chief Stewardess
With dreams of seeing the world, Minnesota native Blake spent her summers in Croatia working as a chef/sole stewardess on sailing boats. She loved it so much she moved to the Caribbean to pursue her career. Blake enjoys sharing travel stories with guests.- Read less
A Minnesota native with a passion for adventure and a knack for creating unforgettable experiences, Blake grew up cruising the many lakes of her home state, fostering a deep respect for the great outdoors. Blake’s journey continued in the heart of Minnesota at the University of St. Thomas, where she pursued studies in business management and the Spanish language.
Her desire to explore the world was ignited during a chance encounter with a group of seafarers, leading her to spend three memorable summers in the Mediterranean as a chef and sole stewardess on small sailing boats. Her love for the industry grew so strong that she decided to turn it into her full-time career and has served aboard catamarans and monohulls since 2018.
Blake is thrilled to be embarking on a new adventure with the SÓL team. Her “Minnesota Nice” charm and her talent for mixing delightful cocktails make her the perfect host on the high seas. She’s ready to welcome and care for guests while sailing the Caribbean waters, ensuring every voyage is a wonderful experience.
Co-Chief Stewardess
Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Julia spent her childhood on the beach or on the water on her father’s small fishing boat. Summers were spent visiting her mother’s family in Switzerland and a joint love for water and travel was formed.- Read less
After graduating from Florida Gulf Coast University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Marketing, she worked as an auditor. Her aspirations to see the world took over and she left her corporate job and home with just a backpack.
Over two years and twenty countries later, Julia discovered the world of yachting, which lead her to working on private and charter yachts in Southeast Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and The Bahamas. An avid scuba diver and kiteboarder, Julia obtained her PADI Advanced Open Water certification in Egypt and her IKO Kite Instructor certification in the Dominican Republic.
Julia brings a passion for adventure to the SÓL program and looks forward to elevating the guest experience with every charter.
First Mate
Hailing from Delaware, First Officer Richard's yachting journey began on the U.S. East Coast when he joined a sailing delivery to the Caribbean at age 19. Since then, he has navigated waters throughout the Caribbean, Mediterranean and U.S. eastern seaboard.- Read less
Richard is an experienced sailor, a photographer, and a passionate water sports enthusiast. He radiates positivity and provides exceptional service, always prioritizing safety, thanks to his background as an ocean lifeguard. Richard’s affinity for engineering, coupled with his USCG 50- and 100-ton Masters Licenses, has earned him a reputation as an exceptional mariner. With his diverse skills and unwavering love for the ocean, Richard is your go-to guide for an extraordinary maritime adventure.
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