CREW

Captain Chris Besser, 33, American

Captain Besser is a perfect host who combines his educational background in environmental studies, outdoor recreation and tourism with his first love, sailing. 

He hails from Burlington, Vermont where he began boating as a young boy learning to handle small motor and sailing vessels on Lake Champlain.  Later, Chris taught sailing to kids 7 - 14 for a boat club and raced for the University of Vermont sailing team. 

His first foray into the charter industry was managing a fleet of 35 bareboats for a St. Thomas based company.  Heading  back to New England, he served two summers as mate aboard the classic 83’ Fife ketch Isabelle, chartering out of Newport, RI.  Chris has crewed aboard well-known private and charter sailing yachts including the 80’ Alden schooner Lelanta, the Frers 71’ sloop Gitana, and the very successful charter yacht Ciao Bella, a Swan 64.

Chef/Hostess Katherine Lee, 31, Canadian

Katherine is proud to say that her first cooking lessons were from her mother, Virginia Lee, a Master Chef and published author of a series of cookbooks. 

An avid and accomplished sailor, Katie has served as crew on many vessels from 53 foot sloops to 154 foot schooners. She takes pride in creating healthy meals to accommodate the preferences and special dietary needs of charter guests.  Her culinary interests include traditional, international, French, West Indian and Thai cuisines.

Katherine has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts, is a trained lifeguard and certified for Outdoor Emergency Care, Level III First Aid.  She was on the ski patrol at Whistler and Blackcomb ski resorts with special training in avalanche safety -- reflecting her exceptional level of competence and ability to handle almost any situation.  Besides being a fantastic chef, she's outgoing, personable, kind and sincere and loves to pamper her guests. 

Katherine and Chris have worked side by side as charter crew for over five years.  They will make sure your vacation on SELENE is enjoyable from the first moment to the last … a vacation you'll remember for a lifetime!