KORU

Captain Ben:
I grew up in Canada surrounded by nature and spent my summers exploring its beautiful lakes, where my love for boating and adventure began. I’ve always enjoyed being on the water, whether it’s cruising, wakeboarding, tubing, or just soaking up the sun. I’m passionate about creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere onboard, making sure everyone feels included and has a great time. When I’m not sailing, I love sharing stories, good music, and a few laughs with guests. My goal is to make every trip memorable, with a perfect balance of adventure, connection, and laid-back enjoyment.

Chef Chanel:
Born in South Africa and raised in a Thai household, Chef Chanel grew up surrounded by two vibrant cultures that shaped both her palate and her passion for hospitality. Splitting her childhood between South Africa and Thailand, she developed a love for travel and a deep appreciation for the way food connects people across cultures.

Her journey into the culinary world began at home, helping her mother prepare traditional Thai dishes for guests at a guesthouse during school holidays. What started as simple curiosity soon became a lifelong passion. After completing her culinary training in Cape Town, Chanel combined her love for flavor and hospitality into a career that allows her to create memorable dining experiences at sea. Her journey has now led her to S/V Koru, where she continues to celebrate her heritage and travels through every dish she creates.
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Welcoming New Crew for Next Season:
Captain Frank Barton and Chef Mila Bertassoni

Frank was born and raised in Colorado and grew up climbing, hiking, camping, and fishing. That adventurous childhood and love of the outdoors led him to move to the USVI to originally work in the national park. Down here, Frank was introduced to sailing and was immediately hooked. Since then he’s achieved his Yachtmaster Offshore certification and was a sailing instructor at a local sailing club.

Frank combines hands-on outdoor and marine experience with a calm, welcoming approach that makes guests feel immediately at home. With experience working aboard vessels up to 60ft, as well as years leading teams and guiding volunteers in demanding outdoor environments, he brings both professionalism and an easygoing energy to every trip.

Frank loves sharing the hidden beaches, anchorages, and local culture that make the Caribbean special. Whether exploring quiet coves, snorkeling crystal-clear waters, or simply enjoying sunset drinks on deck, he strives to create experiences that feel adventurous, personal, and unforgettable.
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Mila was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where her early love for nature and the sea became a defining part of who she is. Inspired by the amazing cooking of the women in her family, combined with years of traveling and culinary training around the world, these experiences have shaped her cooking style — rich, diverse, and full of global flavors, while always tailored to guests’ tastes.
Her culinary background includes training at Le Cordon Bleu in Sydney, Australia, Vegan Culinary in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and multiple yacht chef programs in Spain, Croatia, and the USVI.
Now heading into her fifth season in the Caribbean and proudly holding her RYA Day Skipper license, she’s as comfortable in the galley as she is jumping into any operational task on deck.