Caribbean sailing yachts

Crew Profiles:
MEET THE CREW
Captain: Mike Marier
Chef/First Mate: Julie Marier
November 1 2023 - July 7th 2024

Captain: Brian Velesbir
Chef: Jessi Shipley
July 7th - August 10th, 2024

Mike and Julie met soon after high school and have been inseparable ever since. While raising their family, Mike & Julie took family vacations up north which always meant time on the water boating, fishing, skiing, biking and lots of great memories with the family. They also traveled to tropical destinations to escape the cold winter months. When they took a family trip to the Virgin Islands they knew they would be back for good at some point. They bought a sailboat in Florida after their family was raised, spent time there and made the jump to come back to the islands after selling their home and everything they owned in 2019. They have run successful charters in the Virgin Islands ever since.
Mike grew up in the land of 10,000 lakes and took full advantage of as many opportunities as he could to hit the lakes.
As a boy and young man he spent many summers up north at the family cabin taking advantage of all water sports. It’s here that Mike developed his love of being on the water. Mike has been an entrepreneur most of his life and has, along with Julie run a personal training business, owned a fitness center and worked in the oil fields. In his free time, Mike enjoys working out, reading and 'wrenching' on things. Mike looks forward to showing his guests a great time and all the amazing experiences the islands have to offer.
Julie was born in Minnesota and moved to California as a young girl. It was then that Julie fell in love with the ocean and the peace and serenity it brought her.
Julie’s love of cooking and food started at a young age as her mother was a wonderful cook and teacher and had Julie in the kitchen with her. Because of her early start, Julie worked in the service industry in many different fields after moving back to Minnesota. Julie loves to cook a wide range of foods but her favorites are comfort style, using fresh local ingredients. Julie’s hobbies are crocheting, cooking, working out with Mike and people watching :).
Julie looks forward to having you and your family join them for an unforgettable experience. They hope to help others create lasting lifetime memories in their dream destination.



MEET JESSI AND BRIAN

Captain Brian was born and raised in Connecticut and got an early start for his love of the ocean sailing on Long Island Sound and summer vacations in Rhode Island. His grandfather was one of the original crew to start a friendly sailing racing circuit on Long Island Sound. While attending the University of Rhode Island, Brian joined the sail club that gave him the confidence to explore the rest of New England. He owned and operated several sailing vessels on the east coast, until he traded in long winters and frozen dock lines for a warmer climate. Out of passion he sold everything he owned to purchase a catamaran in the Caribbean. Several years of sailing around, he has found the Virgin Islands to be his new home. While rare to find, but when not on the ocean, Brian has taken every opportunity to go back woods and helicopter skiing in the Rocky Mountains. Luckily today, he is at sea level awaiting to explore the Virgin Islands beautiful beach landscapes and marine life.

Chef/First Mate
Jessi was born and raised in South Africa, spending most of her childhood in or under the water. At the age of 12, Jessi received her first PADI Scuba certification, and in 2015 she became a PADI Specialty Dive Instructor. Working and instructing all over the world. Jessi earned a BA in Creative Brand Communication and Marketing and worked as Graphic Designer in Cape Town, but her love for the ocean was calling. Jessi moved to the Seychelles in 2017 and was introduced to the Superyacht industry and has worked on various sized boats in every department, as a Deckhand, a Stewardess, Dive Instructor, and Chef.
Jessi has always loved cooking and enjoys learning how to create exceptional food presentations, “it’s called paradise on a plate� she says. Jessi started her professional chef journey in 2019, receiving an IYT Galley Chef accreditation after completing a Chef Course at the Superyacht Culinary Academy in Cape Town, South Africa. In July 2021 she attended the prestigious Ashburton Chefs Academy in the UK and obtained a Merit Certificate in the Culinary Arts. She is always looking for ways to expand her culinary experience and enjoys creating fresh, flavorful dishes inspired by her many years of travel and living in different countries.

Brian and Jessi are highly passionate about providing a professional level of service in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.