Captain Justin has loved the sea since he began racing sailboats at the age of seven. He holds both British and US passports. He has an Aeronautical Engineering Diploma from East Surrey College in England.
Justin spent time in Antarctica with the United States Antarctica Program with Raytheon Polar Services. He served as mate on the 80' custom live aboard dive yacht Nekton Rorical in the Dominican Republic. He has also served as captain/manager at Waters Edge Sports overseeing the operation and maintenance of seven upscale 50' Sea Rays.
He has spent many days showing guests the wonders of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Some of his guests have included Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Cat Blanchett and Sterling Martin.
Justin holds a U.S. Masters Captains License with STCW and Sailing Endorsement. He is a PADI Certified Rescue Diver with CPR certification.
Justin's adventurous side is well balanced by his laid-back, easy-going personality. You set the pace; Justin will be at your side making sure you have a vacation filled with lifetime memories.
Chef/Mate Lauren has been associated with the crewed charter yacht business for two years. Her primary duty during this time has been as a dive instructor on various charter yachts based in the Virgin Islands. She is a PADI Certified Open Water Scuba Instructor.
Lauren studied at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington as a Scientific Research Diver, In Water and Underwater Search and Recovery and Rescue. She is Saturation and Nitrox dive certified. Before coming to the Virgin Island in 2005, she worked for NOAA as a scientific research diver, underwater photographer, research analyst, lab technician, experimental design coordinator and site analyst in Akumal, Mexico, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina and Florida.
As a teenager, Lauren worked in her mother's catering company located in North Carolina. She later attended Foreign Cuisine classes in Thailand. During the past year, Lauren has received extensive culinary training and has prepared and served numerous meals on charter.
Another side of Lauren is her love for kids. Much of her travel was as a paid professional nanny for wealthy families. She has worked extensively with learning disabled kids and those with various handicaps. Lauren's southern upbringing, quest for life, and patient, warm manner translates into a gracious yet adventuresome hostess who will delight your palette and satisfy your quest for adventure if you desire.
Justin & Lauren look forward to welcoming you aboard Hypnautic to experience the best of the Caribbean Virgin Islands!
Guest Comments:
Justin and Lauren are very friendly and were attentive to our every need while on the charter. They offered suggestions on various activities and knew the local area very well so that we always felt comfortable.
The food was absolutely amazing. Lauren and Justin both do a tremendous job with preparing and presenting wonderful dishes. All meals were well thought out and we were asked if we had a preference or a concern with any meal that was planned.
The itinerary was perfect... A wonderful blend of relaxation, exploration, adventure, and shopping. We sailed to almost every island in the USVI and BVI and one day had an amazing whale spotting adventure where we watched two humpback whales breaching for almost an hour.
This was definitely a vacation to remember and we thank you and especially Justin and Lauren for making it so memorable.
Kirk N. April 2008
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