Your Crew
CAPTAIN Evanne Soeten & MATE/CHEF Stijn van der Bruggen
Captain Evanne and Chef Stijn bring a rare blend of fine-dining hospitality, global travel, and confident seamanship to every charter aboard BACCHUS. With roots in the Netherlands and experience spanning Michelin-starred restaurants, Mediterranean charters, the Caribbean, and beyond, they create a warm, polished, and highly personalized experience on the water. Together, they pair thoughtful service, adventurous itineraries, and exceptional cuisine for a charter that feels both elevated and easygoing.
Click each crew profile to learn more about their background, experience, and personal story.
July 2026
<p>Dear Evanne & Stijn,</p><p> </p><p>Our week aboard Bacchus in the British Virgin Islands was truly the trip of a lifetime. From the moment we stepped onboard, we knew we were in for something special.</p><p> </p><p>Captain Evanne’s extensive knowledge of the BVI, thoughtful itinerary planning, and flexibility made exploring the islands effortless and enjoyable. Each destination was carefully selected, offering the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, beautiful scenery, and unforgettable experiences. Whether sailing between islands, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or simply enjoying the stunning views from the deck, every day brought something new to enjoy.</p><p> </p><p>Chef Stijn elevated the experience even further with his incredible culinary talent. Every meal was beautifully prepared and presented, taking us on a culinary journey around the world. From breakfast through dinner, each dish was creative, flavorful, and worthy of a five-star restaurant. We are still talking about the meals and already miss dining onboard.</p><p> </p><p>The Bacchus itself was spacious, comfortable, immaculately maintained, and perfectly suited for our group. There was plenty of room to gather together, as well as quiet spaces to relax, read, nap, or simply take in the surroundings. Every detail of the trip was thoughtfully organized, allowing us to fully unwind and enjoy our vacation.</p><p>What truly made this charter exceptional was the seamless teamwork between Captain</p><p> </p><p>Evanne and Chef Stijn. Their professionalism, attention to detail, warmth, and genuine passion for creating memorable experiences made us feel completely at home. They anticipated every need and consistently went above and beyond to ensure our trip was unforgettable.</p><p> </p><p>This was a dream vacation that exceeded every expectation and created memories that will last a lifetime. We cannot recommend Bacchus, Captain Evanne, and Chef Stijn highly enough. If you’re considering a charter in the BVI, look no further.</p><p>~The Costa, Krieg, Henkel & O’Neil Families</p>
July 2026
<p>Dear Evanne & Stijn</p><p> </p><p>If I could give this experience more than five stars, I would. Our week aboard this incredible yacht exploring the U.S. and British Virgin Islands was truly the trip of a lifetime, and it's something our family will be talking about for years to come.</p><p> </p><p>From the moment we stepped on board, we knew this wasn't going to be an ordinary vacation. Traveling with my husband, our two sons, and their friends could have been a challenge for any crew, but Evanne and Stijn made every single person feel welcomed, cared for, and completely at home. By the end of the trip, they no longer felt like our crew they felt like family.</p><p> </p><p>Evanne is simply exceptional. Before we even arrived, she took the time to understand exactly what our family enjoys and crafted the most thoughtful, personalized itinerary imaginable. Every day felt perfectly balanced between adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. We explored the breathtaking beauty of St. John, snorkeled the caves around Norman Island, visited charming Little Harbor, spent time on the famous beaches of Jost Van Dyke, and experienced the incredible Baths each destination somehow more spectacular than the last.</p><p>She always seemed one step ahead of us.</p><p>Every morning our coffee was ready before we even asked, the day's plan was thoughtfully explained, and every detail was handled seamlessly. Whether it was finding the perfect snorkeling spots, calm anchorages, or making sure everyone was comfortable, Evanne's professionalism, kindness, and genuine love for what she does made all the difference. She made every single day effortless.</p><p> </p><p>Then there's chef Stijn... and honestly, words don't do his cooking justice.</p><p>Every meal was an experience in itself. Calling him a chef almost feels like an understatement because every breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizer, and dessert felt like a work of art. His food wasn't just delicious it was a culinary journey. Every plate was beautifully presented, incredibly creative, and somehow better than the last. We found ourselves wondering every day how he could possibly top the previous meal, and somehow he always did.</p><p> </p><p>This yacht is centered around wine and food, which made it even more special for us. My husband creates wine content, so each evening became a memorable dining experience as he paired wines with Stijn's incredible menus. Watching those pairings come together against the backdrop of Caribbean sunsets was something we'll never forget. It felt like dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant every single night except surrounded by crystal clear water and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.</p><p> </p><p>Stijn also somehow managed to keep up with our very active boys. Between snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, SeaBobbing, and countless backflips off the yacht, they worked up serious appetites. Without ever being asked, he was constantly preparing fresh smoothies, protein shakes, snacks, and anything else they needed to keep the adventures going. It was such a thoughtful touch that really showed how much he cared about every guest onboard.</p><p> </p><p>The snorkeling throughout the Virgin Islands was absolutely incredible. We saw beautiful reefs, colorful fish, sea turtles, and crystal clear water everywhere we went. The SeaBobs were an absolute favorite for everyone, and watching all of the boys spend hours laughing, diving, and backflipping off the boat made this trip even more memorable. There was never a shortage of fun, but there was also plenty of time to relax, soak in the scenery, and appreciate just how lucky we were to be there.</p><p> </p><p>What made this vacation truly unforgettable wasn't just the luxury yacht, the beautiful islands, or the incredible food it was the people. Evann and Stijn poured so much heart into every detail of our trip. Their hospitality felt genuine, effortless, and incredibly personal. They anticipated our needs before we even realized we had them, celebrated alongside us, laughed with us, and created an atmosphere that felt warm, welcoming, and completely stress-free.</p><p>Thank you, Evanne, for creating the perfect itinerary and making every day feel magical. Thank you, Stijn, for feeding us some of the best meals we've ever had and making every dining experience unforgettable. You both exceeded every expectation we had and gave our family memories we'll cherish forever.</p><p> </p><p>If you're considering chartering this yacht, don't hesitate for a second. Whether you're passionate about food and wine, looking for adventure, or simply wanting to experience the beauty of the Virgin Islands in the most unforgettable way possible, this is the experience you've been dreaming of.</p><p> </p><p>We can honestly say this was one of the best vacations our family has ever taken. It was the perfect combination of luxury, adventure, incredible cuisine, outstanding hospitality, and lifelong memories. We only wish we could relive it all over again. We hope everyone gets the chance to experience something this special at least once in their lifetime.</p><p> </p><p>~The Hurleys</p>