Your Crew
CAPTAIN Evanne Soeten & 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.
