Ben and Nikki are a young, energetic, professional yachting team. Together they have a deep passion for living life afloat and sharing it with others. As a couple, they offer a charming graciousness that helps people to feel comfortable and fully relaxed. They also offer adventure and activity for those who want to explore.
Ben and Nikki both came to Soterion after working aboard charter yachts in Alaska's Inside Passage. While they loved the chilly afternoons, whale watching, and glacier walks, they are excited to be sailing the Caribbean again.
Hailing from the United States, a New England native, Ben grew up in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Ben has worked as a charter captain, yacht delivery captain, commercial tug boat crew, whitewater guide, fisherman, and shipwright.
Ben is a skilled, knowledgeable seaman with hours upon hours of logged sea time on a variety of vessels. He is a US Coast Guard licensed captain and a registered Maine guide. As Captain aboard Soterion, Ben's business is your safety, comfort, and fun. Whether you are sailing, snorkeling, wake boarding, spear fishing, or just relaxing, Captain Ben will make it memorable.
Nikki calls the Pacific Northwest her home. Born on the rugged and beautiful Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, Nikki learned at an early age that the world is a great thing to explore - especially by boat!
Life long learning is Nikki's passion. Before attaining her US Coast Guard Captain's License, Nikki earned her Master's degree in Education at Antioch University. Prior to setting sail, she worked as a grade school teacher, and a rock climbing guide for almost 10 years.
Nikki understands the subtleties of customer service. She enjoys entertaining and loves to cook. Her big smile and relaxed demeanor add a special flavor aboard Soterion, as does her healthy cooking.
As Mate and Chef aboard Soterion, Nikki's business is your comfort. She has a unique way of helping all guests feel right at home and enjoy every minute of their time spent aboard.
A fine example Ben and Nikki's adventurous spirit is their most recent boating adventure - they successfully sailed their 32 ft sailboat from Seattle, WA to Portsmouth, New Hampshire via the Panama Canal.
Guest Comments:
Ben and Nikki were incredibly awesome! They could not have been more accommodating or attentive to our groups needs! We found them to be so friendly and easy to get along with! On a scale of 1-10, I would give them a 20 +!!!! I am not kidding!!
Nikki is an amazing chef! Her food was very well presented and she and Ben work as a well oiled machine together!
- Did you enjoy your sailing itinerary in the British Virgin Islands?
Very much. Each area we visited was different and Ben was very interested in what we wanted to do and see and had great suggestions and always open to our input.
This vacation was more than we ever could have expected! It was absolutely the MOST relaxing vacation we have ever experienced in our marriage.
Ben and Nikki were so attentive and always seemed to know what we needed and their service and hospitality was remarkable! Even though we were with 2 other couples, there was so much space that we all had time to relax and unwind and enjoy the vacation our own way.
Reann C.
|