Your Crew
CAPTAIN Kendall White & MATE/CHEF Kari White
Captain Kendall
Captain Kendall is a lifelong waterman whose sailing journey began on the shores of Maryland and has taken him across oceans. Holding a USCG 100 Ton Master’s License, advanced medical certifications, and thousands of miles under sail—including a transatlantic crossing aboard a 52’ catamaran—Kendall brings seasoned seamanship and calm, confident command to every charter.
His connection to the sea runs deep. At just 14, Kendall was working the crab boats of the Chesapeake Bay. By high school, he was racing Hobie Cats and exploring the coastline aboard Catalina sailboats. His twelve years of service in the U.S. Navy sharpened his discipline and navigation skills, including four years stationed in Sardinia, where he refined his yacht-handling aboard a 12-meter Bruce Roberts cutter in the Mediterranean.
Today, Kendall is right where he belongs—sharing his passion for the water with guests aboard Paradigm Shift. As captain, his approach is equal parts professional and personal. He’s known for his easygoing nature, thoughtful leadership, and deep love for creating unforgettable moments under sail. Guests consistently remark on how quickly they feel at ease aboard, free to relax and truly disconnect.
Ask anyone who knows Kendall, and they’ll tell you—few people are more at home on the water. The only one who might rival him is his wife and first mate, Kari.
Chef Kari
Kari is a foodie at heart—believing the table is where everyone can come together to share love, connection, and joy. Her travels to Italy, Greece, Mexico, and Japan have deeply influenced her culinary style, bringing global inspiration to every plate she prepares. She holds STCW safety training and an advanced certificate from The Private Chef Academy.
Kari grew up in California’s Central Valley, where the aromas of her family’s café helped shape her earliest culinary memories. As a young adult, she worked in many of the beloved restaurants of the Monterey Peninsula, including Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana and the world-renowned Pebble Beach Resort. There, she developed a love for freshly caught seafood, seasonal produce, and bold, vibrant flavors—elements that continue to define her cooking today.
As chef and first mate aboard Paradigm Shift, Kari brings a laid-back, California-coastal approach to her cuisine—colorful, clean, and deeply satisfying. Her dishes highlight fresh herbs, citrus, and subtle spices, crafted with a nurturing spirit that makes guests feel truly cared for from the very first bite.
Kari’s inclusive, grounding energy comes naturally—she’s a mom herself and instinctively creates a space where guests feel safe, seen, and well-fed. Whether she’s serving island-style drinks and appetizers, guiding a morning stretch on deck, or leading a paddleboard session in a quiet anchorage, Kari helps guests exhale, feel at home, and savor every moment. Together with her husband, Captain Kendall, she brings ease, warmth, and joy to life on the water.
April 2026
Our trip on Paradigm Shift was amazing!! The boat was pristine and well equipped and Kari and Kendall were absolutely amazing!! Kendall set up a Zoom call with us prior to our trip and took down all of our wants and needs. And he ended up putting together an itinerary that was tailored to exactly what we wanted. And Kari's cooking was beyond our expectations. We ate like kings and queens. And finally, we got to know them so well that we are still in touch and they may visit us this summer. Such a lovely, lovely couple!
~Sybil
January 2026
This was my first charter experience, and here's what I learned: It’s all about the crew! From the moment we met Chef Kari, with her warm and infectious smile, and Captain Kendall, who immediately made us feel welcome, we knew we were in excellent hands! This incredible team has a chemistry that will be hard to find on any other charter. They have a way of naturally creating a positive, fun, and authentic vibe that at the end of the trip, you won't want to leave. From start to finish, we felt at home.
They took incredible care of us throughout the trip. Everything we wanted to do was thoughtfully planned. For example, when we went snorkeling (only my second time!), Kari and Kendall went with us, making sure everyone felt safe and comfortable while still having an amazing time. Great peace of mind! Plus, I could relax knowing someone was keeping an eye on me.
They even provided pirate hats and fun accessories to make our visit to Willy T’s extra memorable!
Captain Kendall was knowledgeable, friendly, and fun, all while maintaining a strong focus on safety. He knew the best places to go - for white beaches, turquoise waters, snorkeling, stargazing, sunsets and sunrises, and some secret gems along the way. We really enjoyed getting to know both of them and sharing stories over dinner and late night jam sessions (our group had 2 musicians).
The food and unique rum drinks were absolutely delicious and exactly what we were hoping for! Yummy seafood and breakfast dishes!
If you’re looking for a charter crew that anticipates your needs, checks in often, makes fantastic drinks and meals...and is ready to make your trip remarkable, I highly recommend Kari and Kendall. An unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to do it again!
-Mike and Diane