Your Crew
CAPTAIN Richard Vincent & CHEF Ryan Katona
Captain Richard Vincent
Richard is a friendly, experienced, and dedicated yachting professional who has spent the past six years working as a Captain in the British Virgin Islands. During this time, he has developed an extensive knowledge of the local cruising grounds, charter operations, vessel management, and guest services. His years in the Caribbean have not only strengthened his leadership abilities but have also reinforced his commitment to safety, professionalism, and creating unforgettable experiences for every guest who steps aboard.
As a qualified Divemaster, Richard has guided countless dives throughout the British Virgin Islands and is passionate about sharing the region’s spectacular underwater world with guests. He takes great pleasure in creating memorable adventures both above and below the water.
Known for his calm and approachable nature, Richard thrives in dynamic environments and is comfortable handling the challenges that come with life at sea. His attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and proactive approach ensure that daily operations run smoothly and that guests feel relaxed, cared for, and confident in his leadership.
Richard is highly adaptable and his experience has taught him the importance of anticipating needs, solving problems efficiently, and always going the extra mile to ensure an exceptional charter experience. Guests and colleagues alike appreciate his genuine, down-to-earth personality and his ability to make everyone feel welcome and at ease.
When he is not on the water, Richard enjoys staying active through running and has a passion for travelling, exploring new places, and embracing new experiences, qualities that perfectly complement his adventurous spirit and career in yachting.
With a passion for the sea, a wealth of local knowledge, and a warm, personable approach, Richard is dedicated to creating seamless, enjoyable, and memorable experiences on board. His goal is simple: to ensure every guest feels welcomed, relaxed, and leaves with lasting memories of an incredible time on the water
Qualifications
RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean
HELM
Efficient Deckhad
AEC!
PADI Dive Master
Chef Ryan Katona
Ryan was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and began working in hospitality at just 14 years old. By the age of 16, he had transitioned into the kitchen, where he discovered his passion for cooking.
While working as a chef, Ryan trained to become a paramedic and briefly worked in the field after qualifying. However, after two weeks on duty, he realized his true passion lay in cooking and returned to the kitchen.
He went on to win a global cooking competition, the Super Yacht Scholarship. This took him to a leading maritime academy in England and followed by further culinary training in France.
Since then, Ryan has had the privilege of cooking in numerous countries aboard a wide range of yachts, from 90-meter sailing vessels to charter catamarans. He takes pride in engaging with guests on a personal level, allowing him to tailor each dining experience and ensure every meal exceeds expectations.
Outside of work, Ryan is a ping pong champion and never travels without his paddles.
Ryan and Ellen met while working together onboard a superyacht in the Caribbean islands. Their love for traveling is what brought them together and they continue to build a strong relationship. Together, life is one big adventure.
Qualifications
STCW, Bluewater
Eng Medical 1
Serve Safe Certification, Food Safety Guys, Minnesota 2015
AHA Healthcare Provider CPR Certification Oakland Community College, Michigan 2013
Voted ‘Most Valuable Employee of the Year’ at West End Tavern, Traverse City 2016
Voted ‘Best Catering Company’ at Distinctive Catering and Events by Minnesota Bride Magazine 2015
2017 Won the Chef Super Yacht Scholarship with Dockwalk
Frist Mate Ellen Kay-Shuttleworth
Ellen comes from both English and Filipino backgrounds and grew up in the beautiful coastal town of Knysna, South Africa.
Growing up in a culturally diverse family, her parents instilled a strong sense of adventure and a love for travel from an early age. These experiences inspired her to explore the world and ultimately led her into the yachting industry.
She holds a BA in Visual Communications, majoring in Graphic Design, and enjoys bringing her creativity to life through flower arrangements, table styling and themed dining experiences. Ellen also has a passion for creating memorable moments for guests through attentive service, as well as her appreciation for good food and wine.
In addition, Ellen has completed her RYA Yachtmaster and is eager to join in when hoisting the sails. With previous experience as a deck/stew on superyachts, she enjoys being active outdoors, participating in water sports and discovering the beauty of the Caribbean alongside guests.
Qualifications
STCW 10 (incl. PDSD)
Level 2 Food and Hygiene
Eng Medical 1
RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Sailing and Power RYA Powerboat Level 2
RYA Personal Watercraft Certificate
RYA VHF Radio
Jume 2026 BVI Charter
What an incredible wee we spent aboard Xandros! From the moment we stepped aboard until the last goodbye, every detail was handled with such care and professionalism and genuine warmth. Every meal was perfection (thank you Chef Ryan), every drink delectable (thank you Ellen), every adventure thoughtfully planned (thank you Captain Tyler) and every moment spent together was a gift for our family. You all somehow managed to make us feel completely pampered and completely home at the same time.<br />
A charter is only as special as the people who make it happen, and each of you was and absolute 10! Your kindness hard work, attention to detail, constant smiles, care for our children made this trip far more than a vacation. It became a collection of memories our family will cherish forever. Thank you for sharing your talents and a little piece of paradise with us.<br />
<br />
With Love and Gratitude, <br />
The de Mena Family
May 2026 BVI Charter
Dear Tyler, Ryan. and Ellen, <br />
Thank you for the best week ever!! Y'all gave us such a great vacation, and we are so grateful for everything. <br />
Ellen- you made the best drinks and always made sure we were taken care of. Thank you for being so kind, friendly, and fun to be around!<br />
Ryan- your food is the best thing we have ever had, and we were constantly amazed with the everything you made us! Thank you for always playing with Nolan, making sourdough with me, satisfying our cravings, and telling us your cool stories.<br />
Tyler- Thank you for being such a great captain and making all of our excursions possible.<br />
<br />
I mean I have never experienced anything like this. <br />
Ellen is genuinely the kindest person I've ever met with the best cocktail making abilities. Thanks for the hundreds of glasses of champagne. <br />
Ryan is not only an extraordinary chef, but he is so happy and it spreads to everyone around him. I loved his early morning fam sessions in the kitchen and the pure excitement on his face when he introduced his meals to us (which were always delicious). <br />
Our family could not have asked for a better crew. We love XANDROS!