CAPTAIN Billy Blackwell & MATE Allen Polk & CHEF Ely Reyad

CAPTAIN: Billy Blackwell

Captain Billy hails from Savannah Georgia. He has spent the last 18 years working in yachting, and has been a Captain for 15 of them. He has worked aboard TASTY WAVES for 2 years. Prior to TASTY WAVES, Billy has cruised the East Coast of the US and the Caribbean, from Canada to Guadaloupe. His previous boats include DAYS LIKE THIS and SILVERFOX. Your Captain not only has a 1600 / 3000 Unlimited Masters License, he is also the yacht’s Medial Person in Charge, a Rescue Diver, and has several additional safety certifications: RADU, ARPA, and GMDSS among them.

Billy loves to take guests out on the Yellowfin tender, showing them his favorite snorkeling and fishing spots in the Exumas. Ask him where the best secluded beaches and dive bars are hidden!

At home, Billy is a dad to a 3 year old, and in his free time he enjoys deep sea fishing, spear fishing, traveling and Cross Fit. Billy’s crew describes him as experienced and thorough, easy going and relatable, and energetic. His old-fashioned Southern hospitality will ensure that your stay aboard TASTY WAVES will be unforgettable!


CHEF: Ely Reyad

Chef Ely Reyad was born and raised in Egypt before moving to the United States in 2006 after completing his studies. He spent time in Financial Sales and Restaurant Management before his love of travel, food, and the sea paved his way into the yachting industry.

His unique style of cooking is healthy yet delectable, and he enjoys introducing his guests to new dining experiences. He has visited many countries around the world in search of culinary adventure and has picked up many techniques along the way.

He is drawn to the water no matter where he may be. Fishing is one of his favorite pastimes, especially in the waters of Miami’s Intracoastal Waterway. When not at sea, you’ll find Chef Ely cycling, hiking, running, or playing soccer.


CHIEF STEWARDESS: Alexia Ledebrink

Alexia was born in a small town in Canada, amidst the beautiful vistas of Ontario. She began her career in yachting in 2013, and has since cruised the Caribbean, Bahamas, New England, the South of France, and the Canadian Great Lakes.

Alexia has been aboard TASTY WAVES for 2 years and brings some fantastic charter experience with her.
Previous yachts include LACEY KAY, DAYBREAK, PRINCEVILLE and MIA ELISE. She has extensive silver service experience as well as a lighthearted, guest-focused energy. Alexia’s crew describes her as easy going, hard-working and determined, and fantastic with all ages.

Alexia thrives in the fast-paced lifestyle that is yachting, diving into new and exotic locations, and discovering joy and excitement in all the people that she meets. She is very much into fitness and happy to host an exercise session on the sundeck. On the other hand, she will gladly concoct a fabulous Jalepeño- Infused Margarita or a mocha latte if that is more your speed!

Traveling, hiking, sport fishing, diving, cooking, and camping are high on her list of off-time activities. She is also an avid snowboarder during Canadian winters, and loves to snowmobile and ride ATV’s. Additional certifications include Barista Training, CPR, First Aid and Massage Therapy.


SECOND STEWARDESS: Chloe Vincent

Chloe is originally from the friendly Mid-West state of Minnesota. Her childhood home was a lakefront setting, here she developed a passion for being out the water and she spent much of her time on and around boats. Chloe knew right after school that she wanted to move to Florida to find a job in yachting. She has since cruised the Northeast coast of the US before joining TASTY WAVES a year ago.

She has a background in customer service, event planning, and photography. She strives to deliver the best possible service, always ensures her guests are beyond satisfied and keeps her crew smiling throughout the day. She takes pride in her work and is a reliable member of the team.

In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, fitness and has a strong passion for cars and sport motorcycles. Chloe’s crew describes her as authentic and sociable, lots of fun, bubbly, and very active. She speaks near-fluent Spanish.


FIRST MATE: Allen Polka

Allen grew up in the Rocky Mountain state of Colorado. Later, he and his family moved overseas. It is no surprise to learn he has traveled extensively around the world - from the lush rainforest of Ecuador to the volcanic islands of Indonesia.

From an early age, Allen was captivated by the ocean through the adventures of Jacques Cousteau and explorers from National Geographic. His passion for scuba diving and travel is the foundation which compelled him to become a PADI Divemaster and begin his career working on yachts. Allen has been in yachting for 4 years and has cruised the Pacific Ocean from LA to Mexico. Previous yachts include BODACIOUS, SILVER MAMA, SEAHORSE, TRUE LOVE and GOOD TIMES.

Allen enjoys getting to know charter guests and helping them discover the beauty of the ocean. He strives to make the guest's time on board both comfortable and entertaining, hoping to make each TASTY WAVES guest a repeat TASTY WAVES guest! He will gladly accompany you on your SCUBA adventure, or show you how to use the Seabobs, E-foils and Jetski. Allen’s crew describes him as fun-loving, intelligent, thoughtful, and attentive.

Prior to yachting, Allen spent 15 years working for industrial manufacturing, banking, and defense contractor companies. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Russian language, and a Master’s degree in Political Science. He enjoys hiking and mountain biking, skiing, freediving, fitness and Cross Fit. At home he is the proud parent to a 15 year old son. He speaks English, Russian and German.