Your Crew
CAPTAIN Pepijn Burgers & CHEF Nicole AldenKamp
Captain – Pepijn Burgers
Pepijn has been sailing for as long as he can remember. In fact, his very first time on a sailboat was as an infant, securely sitting in a car seat, tied to a fender for safety! Growing up in the Netherlands, his love for the ocean only grew stronger, and by the time he was thirteen, he was already navigating the challenging waters of the North Sea on a small boat with his brother.
Yachting isn't just a career for Pepijn; it's a lifelong calling. Over the years, he has collected numerous advanced sailing licenses and maritime certifications, turning his deep-seated passion into a professional career. During his university years, he spent his summers skippering across the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, exploring Europe’s coastlines, and honing his skills in high-end hospitality.
After finishing university, Pepijn soon realized that a traditional desk job could never compete with the freedom of the open ocean. He chose to follow his heart and fully dedicate himself to the yachting industry, where he has since built a strong reputation for delivering safe, exceptional, and tailored charter experiences.
As the Captain of Aurora, Pepijn is excited to share his passion for the sea with his guests. He looks forward to welcoming you on board and ensuring a stress-free, unforgettable adventure on the water.
Chef – Nicole Aldenkamp
Nicole has been immersed in the world of hospitality and catering for the past decade. Cooking has always brought her into her happiest place; whether it’s whipping up a feast for friends and family, or hosting lively dinner parties. There is something magical about bringing people together over a great meal.
Nicole has also been sailing since she was a child. Growing up, she spent countless hours on the water with family and friends, and quickly became the go-to person for creating delicious meals onboard. This passion for cooking at sea led her to spend any amount of spare time she had in recent years sailing throughout the Mediterranean, further developing her culinary skills in a professional yachting environment.
After several years working as a chef on board sailing yachts with Pepijn, including the past seasons in the British Virgin Islands, Nicole has developed a strong sense for what makes dining on board truly special. From relaxed breakfasts to long evenings around the table, she enjoys tailoring each experience to her guests. As the Chef of Aurora, she is excited to share her love for food, hospitality, and life at sea.
Stew TBA
Previous reviews for Pepijn and Nicole
March 2026
Sailing with Pepijn and Nicole was amazing. I've never felt so spoiled in my entire life!
When my friends ask about the trip, I start by asking them to imagine having three meals per day that are better than they've ever had at the best restaurants they've ever been to.
Pepijn and Nicole are an amazing team. Consummate professionals. They both have a truly impressive to multitask while making it all look effortless and providing our family with an amazing experience. This was truly one of the best travel experiences I've ever had.
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February 2026
We brought our daughters again along with our closest friends, and it truly was one of those “core memory” trips. The setting was spectacular, of course, but what really made it exceptional was the crew you paired us with.
Nicole was absolutely phenomenal. Her homemade dishes were to die for! Every single breakfast, lunch, and dinner felt like it came from a five-star restaurant. She somehow managed to top herself with each meal, and the girls are still talking about their favorites. It added such a special touch to the whole experience.
And Pepijn was just as outstanding. From the moment we stepped onboard, his professionalism and calm leadership were evident. He made our safety and well-being his top priority at all times, and that peace of mind allowed us to fully relax and enjoy every minute. On top of that, he was just a great presence to have leading the adventure.
You truly hit it out of the park with this crew. Thank you again for making the entire process seamless and for continuing to take such great care of our family and friends.
We’re already looking forward to the next one!
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December 2025
Wow! Wow! Wow! Pepijn and Nicole!
We were a group of 8 sailors who have bare boated in the BVI many times. We have never had the experience a fully crewed charter before. One of our group described this perfectly. When you bare boat it is an adventure, but when you have the perfect Captain and Chef it is a vacation!
Pepijn,
You are the most amazing Captain! Your professionalism, your sailing experience and handling of our yacht were bar none! I felt so safe and comfortable. Your ability to fix most anything that may break, like the generator belt on our last night (thank goodness!), your kind and confident presence, and your cocktail making skills are pretty great as well!
Nicole,
You are an amazing Chef! Every meal, 3x a day, was absolutely mouth watering and delicious! From your fresh baked breads, sweets and deserts, to your amazing gourmet lunches and dinners! Your freshly made pasta! On a boat! Wow! Your ginger shots! Home made Pizza night under the stars on the bow, with the beautifully set table was incredible! All of your food and your table settings, everything was amazing!
Pepijn and Nicole are a highly skilled and competent team that work extremely well together. I feel that their partnership is what made our experience so incredible! They were always there when you needed them but never hovering or intrusive. They are a very synergistic team!
Thank you Pepijn and Nicole for giving us a vacation of a life time!
The Lewis Group
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December 2024
I could not have imagined a better experience. Pepijn is an extremely accomplished, experienced, knowledgeable and polite professional. His attention to detail is superb. Nicole is an amazing chef. I have been privileged to have eaten many places around the world at Michelin rated restaurants and without question, Nicole’s meals are among the best I have ever had, all the way to the fantastic presentation from dinners to snacks…The fact that she does all of her cooking in a small galley makes it even more amazing…I have already recommended the two, as a team, to several of my friends… I could not imagine have a better experience. There is no question the next time we charter it will be with Pepijn and Nicole…