crewed@visailing.com | (800)382-9666 | (941)966-9387
WANDERLUST - CREW BIO
Dean's childhood on farms laid the foundation for his enduring love for nature. However, it was at age 12, a passion for diving shared with him by his father, that ignited his love for the ocean. From that moment, the waves became his calling. At 18, Dean earned his Dive Master certification, swiftly progressing to become an instructor. Seeking to venture deeper in the oceans, he ventured to Cape Town, where he not only sailed competitively but also embarked on a remarkable journey from Cape Town to St. Helena in the Atlantic, discovering the joys of freediving and spearfishing along the way. The transformative experience led him to obtain certifications as a free diving instructor and a Staff instructor in scuba diving, solidifying his commitment to exploring and preserving the wonders of the ocean.
Charne too, found her love for nature in her South African upbringing. Introduced to diving by Dean, she dove head first into the wonders that the ocean has to offer. Working alongside Dean at a dive resort in Sodwana Bay, she immersed herself in daily dives, cultivating a passion that propelled her towards the path of becoming a Dive Master. Beyond the depths, Charne's upbringing in South Africa, a country with an extremely diverse culinary culture, her culinary enthusiasm blossomed from a young age evolving into a profound love for cooking and baking. Her experimentation with diverse cuisines became a cherished past time.
Together, Dean and Charne, for a dynamic duo, not only as life partners but also as seasoned professionals in the chartering industry since June 2022. Their maritime adventure have taken them across the vast waters of the Caribbean, chartering in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Maarten, St. Barths, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands. The duo have crewed as Captain and Chef/First Mate on vessels ranging from 50' to 67', undertaking numerous deliveries and charters. Dean and Charne continue to share their love for the ocean, weaving a tapestry of unforgettable experiences for those who embark on charters with them. As Captain and First Mate/Cook, they seamlessly blend their expertise in diving, sailing, and culinary arts, crafting a unique adventurous life on the seas.
Captain Dean De Witt
Qualifications and Skills
RYA YachtMaster Offshore (Commercially Endorsed)
STCW
PADI Staff Instructor
BVI Boatmasters
RYA SRC VHF
PB2 and RIB Master
PADI Freediving Instructor
EFR Instructor
ENG 1
Chef/ First Mate Charne De Witt
Qualifications and Skills
STCW
ENG 1
Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene
Elementary Seamanship
RYA Day Skipper
RYA SRC VHF
SYCA Chef Certificate
PADI Rescue Diver (Divemaster in Training)
Hostess/Stewardess training
CargoWise Professional
crewed@visailing.com | (800)382-9666 | (941)966-9387