Crew Profiles:
Captain Tim & Chef Julie have been a dynamic charter team for the last 25 years. Their 58’ Hatteras, McGregor II, was one of the busiest Motor Yachts in the fleet. When they lost McGregor II in hurricanes Irma & Maria, they rebounded and returned with their 60’ Jefferson Marquessa. After 5 successful charter seasons, they were asked to help in the design and construction of a new Sunreef 80 Power Cat, BLESSED. Living in Gdansk Poland for 6 months, they oversaw and managed the entire boat building process.

Hailing from Colorado, Tim graduated from CU with a degree in Environmental Biology. He has been a SCUBA diving instructor since 1979. Leaving Colorado, seeking adventure and travel, he taught SCUBA world wide, including Mexico, Tahiti, the Red Sea, and extensively throughout the Caribbean. With Tim, your snorkeling and diving experiences will always be safe, relaxed, and unforgettable.

After getting his 100 Ton US Coast Guard license, Captain Tim headed out for the Virgin Islands with his first boat, Mcgregor I. Establishing the VI as his home in 1986, he started a SCUBA school and began showing his family and friends the wonders of the Caribbean. In 1999, he met Julie Brown and they bought McGregor II. Together, they built a very successful charter business. An avid sailor as well, Tim has made several trans Atlantic crossings on 100+ sailing yachts.

Chef Julie Brown moved to the Virgin Islands from sunny California where she has been exploring the sunny coves of the VI for the last 25 years. Her culinary style specializes in the elegant balance of nutritional foods and fine wines. Julie’s cuisine features aromatic combinations of the freshest fish & meats, vibrant tropical fruits & vegetables, and of course, mouth watering desserts. Julie is also extremely skilled and happy to prepare your Paleo, Gluten Free, Keto, or Vegan cuisine. Chef Julie completed the Professional Culinary Program at the Cook Street School of Culinary Arts. Her training and outgoing personality ensures that every meal aboard BLESSED is a delightful adventure in itself!

Before joining Tim on the sea, Julie’s background in catering and her love of the ocean lured her to the warm blue waters of the Virgin Islands. Her interest in the underwater world was fueled by her years at Mary Baldwin College and the Duke University Marine Laboratory. During her final year at the Marine Lab, she spent extensive time studying and training octopuses. An avid snorkeler and SCUBA diver, Julie is always on the lookout for her eight legged friends!

Stewardess Nina Nixon joins us all the way from South Africa. Her yearning for adventure and travel led her out of SA to pursue the world of yachting. After completing her Green to Gold Course, and her South African Wine Education, she began her career on large Mega Yachts. Working extensively throughout the Mediterranean and the bays of Abu Dhabi, Nina honed her skills taking care of guests, making them feel special and valued. Her desire to make everyone around her as happy as she is shines through every day. Returning to her home in Johannesburg, Nina continued her education in one of her primary interests, Dietary Nutrition. She holds her degree in Dietetics and Sports Nutrition. She is an active participant in the busy galley on BLESSED and is a certified mixologist. Cocktails?? Yes please!!

First Mate Jacques Thirion also hails from South Africa. When Tim & Julie first contacted Jacques about joining them on BLESSED, he had to get back to them. He was busy crossing the Atlantic on a 180’ Feadship. Jacques is an active sportsman and enjoys his time at the gym, as well as excelling at cycling, golf, and numerous other sports. He has worked on multiple large mega Yachts, cruising extensively throughout the Mediterranean, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. He is certified with a Maritime Professional AEC1 Engine Course as well as an Engine Course AEC2. Jacques engineering skills will bring a level of knowledge & experience much needed on a highly technical yacht such as BLESSED. Jacque's water sports knowledge will aid in mastering the extremely popular eFoil or getting the Sea Bobs ready for an amazing zip through the water. His helpful and easy going teaching manner will assist you with the numerous Water Sports Toys that BLESSED has to offer.

Together, the team on BLESSED have a unified goal in mind, giving you the best Holiday Vacation Ever! Join us, and relax in your own special way.