Your Crew
Nick Nelson Head Captain
Crew Profile
MEET YOUR CREW:Captain: Nick Nelson
Chef: Luka Niehaus
Step aboard and meet the dynamic duo behind your unforgettable charter experience.
Captain Nick grew up on a remote island nestled in Lake Superior, where life moved at the rhythm of the water. He started piloting boats at just 11 years old, sparking a lifelong love for the open sea. After earning his captain’s license, Nick began guiding powerboat and kayak tours through the scenic Apostle Islands before making the leap to full-time sailing charters.
When winter rolled in, he chased the sun—completing the famed Great Loop and sailing to Cuba and the Bahamas, twice. Since 2022, he’s captained over 40 charters in the Virgin Islands, bringing both adventure and calm to every voyage. For Nick, life on the water is where freedom, simplicity, and connection come together—and sharing that energy with guests is what makes each charter special.
Chef Luka hails from a nature reserve near the coastal city of Gqeberha, South Africa, where his love for the outdoors and ocean was matched only by his passion for cooking. A competitive water polo player and open-water swimmer, he’s also been crafting flavorful, artful dishes since his teen years.
After earning a prestigious Cordon Bleu diploma from the Silwood School of Cookery in Cape Town, Luka trained in some of the most renowned kitchens in the world—including The Test Kitchen and Chef’s Warehouse. He later returned to Silwood to mentor aspiring chefs and launched The Messy Chef Collective, a bespoke private chef venture known for its imaginative, globally inspired menus.
Still, the call of the sea was too strong to ignore. Luka blended his two greatest passions—culinary artistry and ocean adventure—by stepping into the world of yacht cuisine. As both a qualified chef and skilled deckhand, he brings a perfect balance of creativity and capability to life aboard.
Together, Nick and Luka are your guides to an extraordinary charter experience aboard Salty Dog. Their passion, professionalism, and love of good living create the kind of atmosphere where every moment feels like a highlight
