Your Crew
Christian Head Captain
Crew Profile
Winners of Best Crew In Show & Best In Show at the 2024 VIPCA Charter Yacht ShowCaptain Christian
Christian grew up dreaming of one day becoming a captain. Having a father in the boating industry along with a mentor allowed Christian to acquire skills and knowledge faster and more in depth than any classroom could have offered. He realized his dream, and achieved his goal spending as much time as possible exploring above and below the waters he travels. His adventurous and fun spirit will lead all passengers on a journey they will thoroughly enjoy, especially those who want to experience the water sports One Love offers. Christian will take you to the most beautiful spots the USVI has to offer. Captain Christian Is qualified in all aspects with his Captains license, sailing and tow endorsements. As well as his STCW, AED and First Aid certification. Captain Christian enjoys guests who are interested and have questions or stories about sailing to join him at the helm. Captain Christian is a fun loving guy who loves to laugh and enjoys having a good time but also knows safety on a sailing vessel is first priority through simple but important rules to be kept on the vessel. That being said, Christian will make sure the entire trip is smooth sailing.
Chef Laura
Laura is a professionally trained chef who jumped into the culinary world after climbing the corporate ladder and not finding the satisfaction she expected to feel. Trading in her corporate suits for bathing suits has been one of the best decisions she ever made because it led her to St. Thomas, Christian, and a life on the water cooking and sharing her passion and time with the guests of One Love. Laura has combined her interest in integrative nutrition and the love of cultural foods to create a menu that not only gives you a delicious experience, but harmoniously works with your body. So whether you are in need of a satisfying treat, soother for a seasick stomach, or fuel for that next drink, she will be able to create the ideal meal. She truly believes food is love and should be shared in love, which is exactly what she will do when you are on board! Laura will call you roughly a week before you arrive, so that she can personalize a menu that everyone will enjoy.
Chef Laura and Captain Christian are expecting their first baby in April 2025! As a result, Chef Laura will be taking maternity leave starting in February. During this time, Captain Christian will continue running charters and will start paternity leave March through mid-May. Rest assured, One Love will continue to operate smoothly. Captain Christian will return to the helm of One Love in mid-May and will be accompanied by a professional yacht chef to finish out the season.
During this period (March-Mid May), we are pleased to welcome Captain Wayne Keese (previous owner operator of sailing vessel Manna) with his chef Jules, who will be stepping in to ensure our guests continue to experience the same high standards of service and hospitality. We are confident that they will do an amazing job and provide you with memorable, top-tier charters.
Captain Wayne Keese
Over the previous 11 years, Captain Wayne made the islands of the Caribbean his fulltime home. Traveling from Island to Island with a passion for learning and sharing the experience and knowledge with others. Along the way he has identified the very best in anchorages including dive and snorkel sites. The most impressive activities found on shore including the best in nightlife or you may choose to stay aboard and star gaze in the relaxing atmosphere of the upper deck. You will have that sense of feeling as though you’re a local traveling the islands and not just a tourist. With Chef Jules years of experience onboard and her amazing culinary experiences, compliments the entire experience. She has so much to share outside the gallery. Adding the magic for celebrating those special occasions, hiking, snorkeling, games are just sitting around in the evening visiting and enjoying a nice sundowner. We can honestly say, you have found the most diverse and unique Crew available to explore the Islands with.
Captain Wayne has not always lived in the islands. Like you he was land based at one time. Yet he has lived a very unique and diverse life. An entrepreneur by spirit, he became a pilot at the age of 16, enlisted in the military at age 17 with his dad’s consent volunteering to go airborne. Later he founded Eagle Flight Skydiving and spent years teaching in the civilian world earning every license USPA (United States Parachute Association) had available. He continued pursuing his education and eventually started up a successful technology-based company. Affording him the opportunity to have his own yacht built off the east coast of South Africa in 2013. He sailed her across the Atlantic and up the Caribbean chain on into Florida and joined back up with his wife Emily. With her encouragement, they together founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called “Manna for Missionaries” to utilize the Yacht in the off season, running humanitarian aid as a way of giving back. Captain Wayne as a PADI Dive Master / Open Water instructor has allowed him a way of fulfilling a passion of introducing people to the underwater world of scuba diving. With so much more to be added Captain Wayne is the real deal. One of the few that walks the talk, inspires and has helped so many others fulfill their own dreams.
Chef Jules
Jules earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from New Mexico State University. Enjoying the highly rewarding experience of helping others find the homes of their dreams for two decades as a real estate broker. In her spare time, she too discovered two true passions she never realized: cooking and sailing. Obtaining her Captain’s license along with the needed STCW certification to cross international waters. Allowing her the freedom to navigate countless Caribbean islands over the last eleven years preparing amazing meals and entertaining Guest along the way. She believes that the crystal blue waters, gentle breezes, colorful sunrises, and sunsets along with the freedom of sailing, brings a special peace and tranquility to life she so much enjoys sharing. That blissful feeling becomes evident in all the dishes she prepares, making your meals utterly delightful. Jules always looks forward to sharing her spectacular menu with a variety of delectable dishes, assuring an extraordinary culinary experience.
The bottom line: If you’re looking for that Charter Group you can trust in delivering the knowledge, skill, safety and expertise, along with the excitement to make your vacation special, look no further. The Teams at “One Love” are your ticket. Take a moment to read the reviews and you will find that either crew can customize your vacation, in becoming the vacation of a lifetime. Tell them what you want then sit back and watch the Magic happen.
Wait no longer! Come aboard and experience life in the Caribbean as it was meant to be!
