Captain: Shachar Ben-David (Shack)

CAPTAIN SHACHAR BEN-DAVID

Captain Shachar Ben-David began his seafaring career racing small sailboats on the lakes of northern England. After emigrating to the United States, he enlisted in the Coast Guard where he continued serving aboard vessels as a navigation officer on a wide range of craft, from small patrol boats to large high endurance cutters. First arriving in the Virgin Islands in the late 1990’s “Captain Shack” developed a love for the islands and would go on to run several vessels for the Coast Guard around the area.

After retiring from the Coast Guard, he spent a short stint at the Maritime Institute of Graduate Studies in Seattle but quickly remembered that warmer waters were his forte. After receiving his civilian qualifications aboard the Cruise Ship WESTERDAM, where he served as a watch officer and safety officer, a move back to the Islands was the obvious choice.

Since returning to the Islands, Captain Shack has worked both day and term charters around the Virgin Islands and further afield. His clients include many high-profile individuals, and businesses such as Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, and others. He has an unrivalled knowledge of the area that allows him to create itineraries that delight guests from the first-time cruiser to the most seasoned Caribbean traveler. Whether you are seeking an adventurous trip full of water sports and exploration, or a simple cruise full of relaxation and quiet coves; Captain Shack and his crew will work tirelessly to ensure your every request is met with uncompromising service and attention to detail.

Captain Shack holds a 500t Coast Guard master’s license (STCW endorsed) and an unlimited mate license with commercial radar, ECDIS, and GMDSS endorsements. He is also a qualified advanced medical care provider and vessel security officer. In his spare time, Captain Shack can be found enjoying the many outdoor adventures the Virgin Islands offer, as well as reading, cooking, and mentoring the next generation of mariners through the various local youth programs.

MICHAEL MAXIMIE

Our First Mate Michael Maximie is a native of Abaco Bahamas and has been around the ocean his entire life. Michael grew up exploring the Bahama Islands before moving to Florida where he entered the Charter business as a deckhand aboard some of the many game fish boats plying the waters of the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico.

Michael quickly moved up to a mate position aboard an expedition yacht and continued his journey by acquiring his approved engineering courses and working as Mate on 40m yachts. Michael also holds a 100t Boatmaster certification and has amassed hundreds of hours operating small craft and standing navigation watches.

On Charter, Michael prides himself on ensuring a first-class guest experience. Whether you need Jet Ski instruction, snorkel guidance, or just an extra pillow for your lounge chair, Michael will always go the extra mile to provide service that is second to none.

When not on charter, Michael is an avid cyclist and can often be found riding around the many mountainous island roads looking for secluded beach spots and perfect hilltop views.

CHEF AJ CRESSMAN

I grew up in coastal North Carolina, spent most of my childhood on the water with an uncle who was a yachtie, so I had a lot of time on boats, big yachts, small boats, fishing boats, and I got a lot of experience on boats. As a teenager, I crewed on some of the commercial fishing boats which is part of how I paid my way through college.

My love for cooking is inspired by two people in my life. First, in my young years, we understood my grandmother’s love for us through food. It's how she loved us. She was not necessarily a warm and fuzzy, affectionate grandmother, but we always understood how much she loved us and welcomed us through food.

The way that manifests in my charter chef role is on the last day of charter, assuming it fits with guests’ preferences, I prepare breakfast that my grandmother prepared for us: homemade sausage, gravy, homemade buttermilk biscuits, hash browns, and eggs to order. That was what she did for us. Her message was I want to send you on your journey with a full stomach, so that is what I give our guests on their last morning on board.

My father bought and ran a restaurant in coastal North Carolina and had an entrepreneurial spirit and love for the restaurant business. He died when I was only four but I still feel that his spirit is a big part of what I do today. He created a barbecue recipe that I still use when I do barbecue ribs or pulled pork, and share that story with our guests as well.