Catamaran Mistral

Chef David Ogren

Dave Ogren is a versatile chef with over 20 years of upscale culinary experience and a passion for bringing happiness to others through his culinary creations. Whether a simple grilled cheese sandwich or an intricate multi-course tasting menu, you can taste the love he has for his craft.

As a Michigan native, Chef Dave spent summer days of his childhood on the shores of Lake Michigan picking cherries and catching wild Perch. At this young age he discovered his love of cooking. After attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, Dave went on to work in some of the top kitchens in New York City, Boston, and Cape Cod, including working under world famous chef Thomas Keller at the French Laundry in Yountville, California.

After a long and successful career in restaurants, Dave changed his heading to pursue new opportunities as a private chef. Dave has cooked aboard multiple motor and sailing yachts cruising the Caribbean, Bahamas, North Eastern United States, Mexico and Tahiti.

On his off-time, Dave enjoys the cultural experiences of traveling, he is an avid scuba diver and loves to enjoy nature through kayaking, camping, hiking and mountain biking.

Deckhand/ Divemaster Herman Bester

First Mate Herman Bester hails from a small town on the west coast of South Africa called Saldanha. Herman has always had a love for the ocean as he grew up practically right next to the beach where he always found himself snorkeling, fishing, surfing and everything in between. He has a degree in Sports science but then found a new passion for scuba diving. His diving qualifications were done during the winter in South Africa so you might hear him joking about literally sweating while diving in the Caribbean’s beautiful warm waters. Ensuring that the guests are safe, happy and comfortable throughout all stages of a dive is something that he always strives for. With an eye for detail and a love for upkeep Herman takes great pride in the appearance of any vessel he works on. His experience in hospitality assures that he always leaves guests with a smile on their faces and a lasting memory to go along with it.