Your Crew
CAPTAIN Bertie & CHEF Michelle
Captain Bertie
RYA Yacht Master Offshore, Dive Master
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Captain Bertie brings a wealth of technical knowledge and hands-on expertise to his role, with a background in mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering that makes him a highly capable and dependable leader on board. His problem-solving skills ensure that operations run smoothly, giving guests peace of mind knowing they are in safe and skilled hands. Beyond his technical strengths, Bertie is passionate about the ocean and the lifestyle it brings. An avid sailor, scuba diver, and deep-sea fisherman, he thrives on sharing his love for the water with others. Guests appreciate his calm, approachable manner and enthusiasm for creating memorable experiences, whether it’s a day of adventure or a relaxed sunset at anchor. When not on charter, Bertie enjoys golf, outdoor pursuits, and time spent exploring new destinations. Having cruised extensively through the Caribbean, he is deeply familiar with its culture, waters, and hidden gems. With his mix of professionalism, skill, and genuine love for the sea, Bertie creates a charter experience that is both safe and unforgettable.
Chef Michelle
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Chef Michelle brings energy, creativity, and a love for the sea to every charter. With a professional background in distribution and logistics, she built a career marked by organization, precision, and efficiency. But weekends spent sailing South Africa’s Garden Route sparked a new passion, leading her to trade the corporate world for life on the water. That bold leap allowed her to combine her adventurous spirit with her culinary talents, which she refined through training at the Superyacht Culinary Academy. In the galley, Michelle is known for her ability to craft menus that are fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. She delights in tailoring meals to guest preferences, drawing inspiration from local ingredients and international cuisines. Her training and experience ensure she can deliver everything from light coastal dishes to gourmet dining experiences, always with a focus on quality and hospitality. Life at sea is a natural fit for Michelle, where her days now revolve around cooking, snorkeling, island-hopping, and sharing her love of the ocean with guests. Known for her welcoming nature and relaxed professionalism, she transforms dining into a highlight of the charter, making every meal an experience to remember.
Family Fun
We have been chartering boats for the past 5 years. This year we booked with Authentic and it was amazing.
We have two families and spend 7 nights on the water. Chrisjan and Cleona our captain and chef took amazing care of both families. We saw all the sites and wasn't disappointed about with one thing. Highly recommend.
Very professional, very clean and amazing food.
Best Week spent with the Best Crew
Our week in the BVls aboard Rum Runner with Captain Christjan and Chef Cleona was nothing short of incredible. This was our second charter, and it far exceeded every expectation we had.
Captain Christjan was outstanding his knowledge of the islands, thoughtful itinerary planning, and professionalism made the entire experience seamless, while still keeping things fun and relaxed. We always felt like we were in the best hands.
Chef Cleona absolutely blew us away with her cooking. Every meal from breakfast to lunch to dinner was delicious and beautifully prepared. Her special South African dessert was such a unique and memorable touch!
Together, they made the perfect team. They anticipated every need with a smile and truly made us feel cared for the entire week. By the end of the trip, they felt more like family than crew.
To call this trip "perfect" almost doesn't do it justice. If you're considering a charter in the BVls, this is the team you want. We're already looking forward to booking again and hope to be back onboard with Christjan and Cleona!