CAPTAIN Thomas BIK & CHEF Kate VanVorst & MATE Glenn WARD

CAPTAIN: Thomas BIK
STCW 95
Nationality: Dutch
Language spoken: Dutch & English

Born and raised in the Netherlands, Namaste’s Captain Thomas has always had a passion for the ocean.
Because both of his parents were sailing fanatics, it was only natural that Thomas spent his childhood partaking in every water sport imaginable. It became very clear that his drive would point him toward a career on the water.

Thomas graduated from nautical college with a bachelor's in Water Management and a minor in Smart Water, followed by a master’s in Hydrology. After graduation, Thomas worked as a first officer on sailing yachts up to 500GT.

He quickly realized that the size of these yachts limited his interaction with guests. He therefore decided to obtain his Yachtmaster Offshore and Ocean certifications and become a captain on smaller sailing vessels.

While working in flotillas in the Mediterranean, he met Chef Mollie. They moved to the south Caribbean to work as a couple on luxury sailing charter yachts.


CHEF – Kate VanVorst
Nationality: American
STCW 95
Languages: English,

Chef Kate’s relationship with sea and seafood began in her childhood on the mid-Atlantic coast.

She began working in restaurants in her teens, learning from chefs in both pizza kitchens and private country clubs.
Valuing food for its prismatic ability to nurture, entertain, and bring people together, she has long enjoyed cooking for others.

After two seasons as logistics coordinator for a live-aboard summer camp in St. Martin, Kate returned to North Carolina and ran a small concert venue and bar for five years. But the ocean was calling, and Kate returned to the Caribbean as a yacht chef.

4 years and 10,000 nautical miles later, she brings her experience to Namaste.

Outside the galley, Kate loves to hike, swim, and is learning to kite surf.



STEWARDESS: Constanza PESSIO
Nationality: Urugyan
STCW
Languages: fluent Spanish, English, Portuguese, and basic Norwegian.

Constanza grew up in the rural area of San Pedro in Uruguay among fruit trees, animals, and South American cowboys “Gauchos”. This upbringing gave her a strong connection with nature that led her to develop a love of trekking, rock climbing and kite surfing.

After completing her degree in Public Relations, Constanza immersed herself in the world of hospitality both on land and at sea. She has worked on yachts for almost ten years cruising the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, and the Pacific.

Her passion for the sea and interest in maritime exploration led her to pursue and complete her PADI Divemaster certification. Constanza enjoys taking Namaste's guests on unforgettable underwater adventures.

She always strives to give guests a memorable stay, making them feel at home with her warm and welcoming personality.


FIRST MATE: Glenn WARD
Nationality: English
MCA ENG1, MCA STCW 95
RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance / VHF Operators licence
Dinghy/Keelboat/Multihull Instructor, Windsurf Instructor, PADI Open Water Diver
Languages: english

Glenn began his career as a multi qualified watersports instructor pursuing his childhood love for windsurfing, kayaking and dinghy sailing.

After teaching at a high wind resort in Egypt he started working on yachts.
After many deliveries and charters on luxury yachts, he has thousands of miles under his belt.

Glenn is also a PADI Rescue Diver and loves exploring the reefs with photography equipment.
With a degree in media and his drone pilot’s license Glenn is always happy to help guests capture special moments during their time onboard Namaste.