Your Crew
CAPTAIN Henru Strampe & MATE/CHEF Clara Balina
Henru is a licensed Captain and certified Divemaster from the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa—a place where the ocean is part of daily life and adventure is never far away. He has had the privilege of navigating some of the world’s most breathtaking waters and guiding dives that turn “just another day” into “the best day ever.”
For him, the joy isn’t only in spotting dolphins or gliding past coral gardens—it’s in seeing a guest’s face light up when they experience it for the first time. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or a seasoned diver, his goal is always to keep you safe, keep you smiling, and make sure you head home with salt in your hair and a story worth telling.
With a steady hand at the helm, a deep respect for the sea, and a love for a good laugh along the way, he aims to make every trip unforgettable—for all the right reasons. Out here, the only schedule that matters is the tide.
Clara is the First Mate and onboard Chef, splitting her time between helping run the ship and ensuring guests’ taste buds have as much fun as they do. Born in Argentina and raised for much of her life in South Africa, her cooking blends Latin passion with fresh coastal flavors.For Clara, food is more than fuel—it’s joy, comfort, and a way to connect. She delights in watching guests light up at the first bite or when a meal sparks laughter and conversation around the table. Whether serving breakfast at sunrise or a seafood feast under the stars, she pours her heart into every dish.A true people person, Clara thrives on engaging with guests, sharing stories, and making every moment onboard feel warm, welcoming, and unforgettable.
Captain Henru Strampe
Qualifications and Skills
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail 200 ton
RYA Yachtmaster Coastal
RYA Day Skipper
RYA Competent Crew
RYA Powerboat level ll
RYA PWC Jet Ski
RYA Superyacht Deckhand
RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance
RYA Radar
SRC/VHF Radio
SAS Category C <9m Skippers
SAS Yachtmaster Coastal
PADI Dive Master
PADI Advanced Open Water
PADI Rescue Diver
Clara Balina
Qualifications and Skills
STCW
PDSD
Interior Introduction Course
Basic Food Service; Wine, Bartending and Mixology
Bartending Course
Food Health Safety Level ll
Crowd Management & Passanger Safety
Past Reviews for Henru and Clara 2025-26 Season
<p>We could not have asked for a more perfet adventure. Everything from Hog Heaven (what a view!), Scrub Island massages and especially to us getting to Anegada (which was beyond special and a fantastic day and night), it all worked out so seamlessly. We also felt so accomplished finally pronouncing Henru’s name right by the end of the week. Your hospitality was extraordinary, somehow you always knew what we needed even before we did. We were all floored by Clara’s thoughtful, healthy and creative meals. Smoothies for EVERY breakfast!! We were made to feel right at home by Clara and Henru throughout our voyage which is not an easy task given the close quarters for 7 days. Sitting with Henru at the helm, along with Clara, between our destinations was such a relaxing experience. His patience and knowledge of boating always made us feel secure. Top notch trip all the way around. A trip that we will always remember with smiles and laughter,<br><br>Until next time,<br><br>Liz + Scott<br>Chris and Jane<br>Elizabeth + Jeff<br>♡<br><br>Barrington, RI<br> </p><p><br> </p><p><strong>February 2026 BVI Charter</strong></p><p><strong>Henru & Clara,</strong></p><p><strong>We’ve been waiting years to make a vacation like this happen, and we feel so lucky that it was with you and On a Whim!!!</strong></p><p><strong>This experience exceeded all expectations and left us with lifelong memories — including our visit to The Baths and the adventurous swim in and out, floats in the tube with delicious cocktails, and making the most of the weather conditions (we loved our lunch at Hog Heaven!).</strong></p><p><strong>Of course, the AMAZING food we had while on board! Thank you again for making this exceed our highest expectations and for leaving us wanting to come back to explore even more — hopefully with you once again!</strong></p><p><strong>With gratitude,</strong></p><p><strong>Lana & Chris</strong></p><p><br> </p><p><br> </p><p><strong>January 2026 BVI Charter</strong></p><p><br> </p><p>Thank you so very much for the best week ever! I wouldn't change one single moment. I am so appreciative of all of your hard work. We felt so comfortable the moment we stepped onto the boat. You two are amazing and will always have a special place in our hearts. It was a joy to meet you!<br>With gratitude<br>The Ditty's<br><br>Henru and Clara<br>Where to begin! this has been the vacation of a lifetime and that is truly because of Henru and Clara! They went out of their way to make sure we had a wonderful vacation! Henru is an incredible captain and we felt so safe. Clara's meals were all amazing and better than any restaurants we went to. Our group looked so forward to Clara's meals. Even her snacks were out of this world. As I write this on my last evening, I am feeling so blessed to have met these two very special. We had such an amazing week with these two that we will request them on our future vacations.<br>Thank you<br>Dan and Kate<br><br>Henru, Clara, and On A Whim III,<br>Thank you guys for the trip of a lifetime!!<br>This vacation exceeded all of our expectations, and truly it was all due to both of you. Clara whips of meals that are better than any Michelin Star restaurant! Henru organized the itinerary of our dreams and was an outstanding captain, better than any captain we would have hoped for. Thank you for making this a truly special and unforgettable week!<br>-Shane and Nicole<br> </p><p><br> </p><p><strong>January 2026 BVI Charter</strong></p><p><strong>Henru and Clara were fantastic - our 4 person group was well fed and thoroughly entertained all week in the BVI. Their teamwork, energy and hospitality made the trip effortless and memorable.</strong><br><strong>-Melissa and Jeremy</strong><br><br><strong>We had the best time ever. Thanks for everything, Clara and Henru! We will definitely be looking for the two of you when we come back again! Please let us know when you make it to Alaska!!</strong><br><strong>Chris and Janelle</strong><br> </p><p><br> </p><p><strong>NYE 205 BVI Charter</strong></p><p><strong>Henru and Clara,</strong><br><strong>From the first 5 minutes with you both we felt at ease. The one week trip was beautiful, relaxing, and a special time to catch up with old friends. Starting our morning everyday with a pleasant "good morning" and gourmet food was amazing. We don't know how you both get so much done and do it with a smile on your face. This has been a trip Andy, wanted to do for years and it exceeded our expectations in terms of service, beautiful weather, food and relaxation. We wish you the best in what is certainly to be a beautiful life together.</strong><br><strong>Sincerely,</strong><br><strong>Andy, Diane, Judy and Adrian</strong><br> </p><p><br> </p><p><strong>Christmas 2025 BIV Charter</strong></p><p>Clara and Henru,<br>What and incredible week we had on On A Whim! Thank you for showing us the beauty of the BVI- this place is a very special slice of heaven. The two of you could not have been more wonderful. You were always attentive to our ever "whim" - whether it was equipping us for a snorkel adventure, setting us up for the perfect beach afternoon or nixing up the ideal drink to take in the sunset - Henru, you are and incredible captain! Clara - we are leaving this week bellies full and inspired to try new recipes in the kitchen! Thank you for the countless delicious meals. You were above and beyond! Until next time!<br>With deep gratitude,<br>the Jaconis<br> </p><p><br> </p><p><strong>November 2025 BVI Charter </strong></p><p>Thank you for an incredible trip! Your aura of kindness and constant positivity made every moment special. You both were always smiling, welcoming, and wonderfully accommodating. We are so grateful for the way you kept our family safe and created an experience that was both adventure and relaxing! Thank you Henru and Clar!<br><br>love Angela<br><br>You guys made our trip! beautiful people.<br>-Clay<br> </p><p><br> </p>
April 2026 BVI Charter
<p>Deanna and I had a wonderful time sailing around the BVI with Captain Mike and Tessa. They were both so professional and courteous. Tessa's cooking (along with help from Mike was absolutely AWESOME! Very creative cuisine with great flavors and very fresh. We were well taken care of by Captain Mike and Tessa. We highly recommend them, they are AWESOME!<br>Bryan and Deanna<br>Randal and Cindy <br>Mark and Cindy</p>