Your Crew
CAPTAIN Evanne Soeten & MATE/CHEF Stijn van der Bruggen
Captain Evanne
Evanne grew up in the Netherlands, where her love for the sea was shaped by childhood days cruising the Dutch canals with her parents. From an early age, coastal cities, island exploration, sailing, and watersports played a major role in her life—fostering a deep connection to the water that has only grown stronger over time.
With Indonesian roots and a family that embraced the bon vivant lifestyle, Evanne was raised in a home where delicious food, long dinners, and joyful gatherings were the norm. Hospitality and a love for the good life came naturally. After earning a degree in International Hospitality Studies & Entrepreneurship, she built a successful career in restaurants—working as a hostess, barista, and mixologist. Her growing passion for wine led her to the Wine Academy in Amsterdam, where she completed the Wine & Spirits Educational Trust (WSET) program. She went on to work as a sommelier in several Michelin-starred restaurants in the Netherlands and Denmark, including Geranium, the World’s Best Restaurant in 2022.
Despite her success in fine dining, Evanne’s passion for the ocean never faded. She went on to earn her RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certification in South Africa and began working charters throughout the Mediterranean, particularly in Croatia and Greece. It was during this time that the world of yachting revealed a new path—one where she could merge her hospitality expertise with her love of sailing.
Evanne made the bold decision to leave her sommelier career behind and fully embrace life at sea as a skipper. Together with her partner, Chef Stijn, she now brings over six years of shared experience, hospitality excellence, and adventurous spirit to every charter. Well-acquainted with the waters, islands, and local gems of the British Virgin Islands, Evanne and Stijn delight in creating extraordinary guest experiences—from uncovering secret anchorages to recommending the best land-based activities. Their passion for sailing, travel, and warm, genuine service makes them a dynamic team dedicated to crafting unforgettable memories on the water.
Chef Stijn
Growing up in the south of the Netherlands, Chef Stijn knew from an early age that he was destined for the kitchen. He began refining his culinary skills under the mentorship of top chefs and later graduated from the prestigious Cas Spijkers Academy, renowned for its rigorous training in classical French techniques.
His career launched in Michelin-starred kitchens, where he spent six years mastering every station—eventually rising to Chef de Partie and Sous Chef. Always eager to broaden his culinary horizons, Stijn ventured abroad to Norway and Denmark, where he embraced the purity and innovation of Nordic cuisine.
Passionate about both food and travel, Stijn spent a year exploring Asia, immersing himself in its diverse flavors, techniques, and culinary traditions. These experiences continue to inspire his globally influenced cooking style, blending refined European classics with vibrant African flavors, delicate Asian dishes, and timeless American favorites.
His yachting journey began with two successful charter seasons in the Mediterranean before leading him to the Caribbean, where he served as a private chef for ultra-high-net-worth guests on exclusive estates and islands, including Necker Island and Moskito Island.
With a foundation rooted in French technique and a creative approach that knows no borders, Stijn brings both precision and passion to the galley. He bakes artisanal sourdough bread, crafts pastries and gelato from scratch, and is always ready to prepare the freshest catch with flair. His attention to dietary needs and culinary preferences ensures every guest enjoys meals that are not only delicious but tailored to their lifestyle.
Now returning to the water alongside Captain Evanne aboard Bacchus, Chef Stijn blends fine-dining sophistication with bistro-style warmth and global inspiration—creating unforgettable culinary experiences at sea.
February 2026
We came to cruise the Virgin Islands but ended up cruising the world!
What could be better than experiencing a brand new charter boat! The Bacchus is a a beautiful 59 feet cat that is fitted out so well. The furnishings provided comfort and space for our party to both join together for wonderful meals and sunsets but also have plenty of room and different hideaways to enjoy personal time.
We loved all the toys on the boat -- the sea bobs, paddle boards, floating sofa and lily pad, and the e-foil. One of our party even achieved vertical lift off thanks to Stijn's expert tuition.
Evanne is a brilliant captain who briefed us daily on the plans for the week and specifics for each day and mastered all the crossings from point to point both under sail and power brilliantly. She is calm, capable and charming but very much in control as Captain. She is also a knowledgeable sommelier and makes a mean margarita!
Stijn is an amazing chef! He produced Michelin star quality food for breakfast, lunch and dinner and never repeated himself. We had delicious cuisine from around the world -- Italian, Mexican, Korean, Caribbean and Dutch to name but a few. He cooks with passion and a deep knowledge of how to prepare and present fabulous meals. When complimented with Evanne's sommelier experience this makes for very memorable meals which we looked forward to with great anticipation.
Together Evanne and Stijn are the perfect package, their commitment to make their clients feel at home with every wish anticipated and catered for, makes for an unforgettable experience.
We leave with massive smiles on our faces and definite plans to return.
James & Victoria Corcoran
June 2025
Sincere thanks and appreciation for everything you have done for us this past month. You both were beyond amazing, you are both so great at your jobs, and you are also such nice genuine people who really take pride in everything you do. We are so grateful (and lucky) that we landed you two as our crew this past month. As I’ve told you multiple times, you both made our trip special. So special, that when we come back for a month next year, we can’t imagine not having you with us. We have so much respect for you both, and for how hard you work all day every day. As we wrote in the Borrowed Bounty book, you represent your company so well, they should be very proud and appreciative to have you on their team. We view you both as friends at this point and look forward to staying in touch between now and our trip back to BVI next May. We wish you both the very best, and if there is every anything we can do for you please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Thanks again for making this trip so memorable!