As you are discovering from my BVI Charter Yacht Show reporting, every crew has their amazing story of courageously leaving the traditional career paths that most of us are on and launching out to unknown shores.  This is also the case with Andy Armshaw and Elli Rea as they take on the crew positions of SWISH – a 50’ luxury catamaran.  They come to the chartering crew life from very traditional careers – Andy from managing a construction company in England and Elli as an elementary school teacher.  They have been connected to the sea all of their lives.  Andy decided to fulfill his passion for the ocean by retiring from his construction company and become a skipper for a vessel that ferried crew back and forth from the offshore wind farms in the North Atlantic. ( The North Atlantic are some serious seas to gain experience as a captain.)  In the summers Andy taught windsurfing and sailing at a water sports center.  Elli was in charge of the kid’s activities at the same center which is where they met.  What I learned during our time together yesterday is they are part of the growing community of charter crew members that keep arriving in the BVI from Wales.  I have written many times about Captain Jonny and Kelly, who were my crew during my 60^th birthday celebrations.  Well, Andy and Elli were at their wedding last August along with many other of the BVI charter crews who are from Wales.  Wales and South Africa now seem to be the home base to a majority of BVI crews.  But, more to come on that topic later.

After meeting at the water sports center in Wales, Andy introduced Elli to the love of sailing.  They transitioned from it being a hobby to now being a lifestyle.  Andy started expanding his Skipper experiences after his work with the offshore wind farm work to numerous yacht deliveries, including an Atlantic crossing from Antigua to Palma De Mallorca.   He has earned his commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster license, an RYA windsurfing instructor, and an RYA powerboat instructor.  Andy’s focus as all Captains is on safety first.  But, boy is he a real character with non-stop stories of his sailing adventures around the world.  He is perfect for those guests who want to learn to sail and windsurf.  And, along with his duties as Captain he is just plane entertaining.

As the 1^st Mate and Chef, Elli has a great passion for gourmet cooking non-stop customer service.  Having worked in the hospitality industry since her early teens, she earned her teaching credentials, and never tires of finding new ways to entertain kids.  With her love for sailing Elli has earned her RYA Day Skipper license, and completed the marine hospitality and cookery course at the internationally recognized United Kingdom Sailing Academy, plus the advanced cookery course at Ashburton Cookery School where she learned from world renown chefs to expand her culinary skills further. Elli delivers cuisine from all over the world as part of her world class gourmet experience.  She prides herself in taking fresh ingredients and enhancing their healthy, natural flavours, with a few decadent desserts for good measure!

Andy and Elli have also created the SWISH “Opulent Option Packages”. These include Connoisseur Wine, Spirit & Cigar Packages, Luxury Air-Tours, and Onboard Day Spa Services. So, if you want to explore an over the top opulent addition to your unforgettable Caribbean charter vacation, just let them know.  They will gladly deliver it to you.

Every crew is unique and very special.  The charter yacht vacation is based on having the professionals on board surprise and delight you.  You will be thrilled to spend a week or two with Andy and Elli on SWHISH – promise!  Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle reporter remains on duty!