Tortuga

Captain Lars Lindstrom
Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Captain Lars first fell in love with sailing at the age of nine during a summer sailing camp on local lakes. His early passion quickly grew into leadership, eventually becoming head counselor at the very same camp.

After college, Lars settled in Austin, Texas, where he spent seven years working in engineering. But the call of the sea never faded. In 2012, a friend (quite easily) convinced him to purchase his first bluewater sailboat in Florida. He spent every vacation day exploring the Bahamas before taking the leap and embarking on a year-long sailing sabbatical.

That adventure took Lars and 34 friends island-hopping throughout the Caribbean, sailing from Florida to Trinidad and back aboard a 39-foot Beneteau. Returning home, he realized life behind a desk was no longer for him and began a professional yachting career as a watch leader and engineer aboard 100-foot-plus performance sailing yachts.

Over the next eight years, Lars sailed extensively throughout the Pacific, Caribbean, and Mediterranean. Eventually, he found himself drawn back to the freedom and connection that come with smaller sailing yachts. Together with his partner, Jasmine, he returned to the Caribbean to run sailing charters, sharing his passion for adventure and life under sail.

A sailor at heart, Lars never misses an opportunity to hoist the sails and shut off the engines. Most recently, he and Jasmine have specialized in kiteboarding and wingfoiling charters, where he loves introducing guests to the thrill of harnessing the wind—or enjoying it himself whenever conditions are just right.

Chef Jasmine "Jaz" Johnson
Jasmine—known to most as “Jaz”—grew up a true East Coast girl. Born in Pennsylvania and raised in Baltimore and North Carolina before eventually settling in Florida, she developed a lifelong passion for wellness, travel, and life on the water. She studied exercise physiology and nutrition before moving to New York City to pursue a career in fitness.

After a decade in the city, Jaz discovered a deeper calling that led her to teach yoga around the world before opening her own studio in Key West. As a certified personal trainer and yoga instructor, she brings a flexible, personalized approach to movement, tailoring each session to her guests’ experience level, interests, and energy. Classes may incorporate yoga, mat Pilates, mobility, stretching, and core-focused training—creating a fun and approachable experience for complete beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

From an early age, Jaz was equally at home on the water—diving and fishing with her father and learning to sail Hobie Cats with her mother in the harbors of Key West.

The yachting industry became the perfect blend of her many passions, combining hospitality, craft cocktails, wellness, and her lifelong connection to the sea. After advancing to Chief Stewardess aboard both sailing and motor yachts, Jaz followed another dream by completing French culinary training and transitioning into the role of yacht chef.

Her cuisine is inspired by global travel, fresh local ingredients, and the comforting family recipes she grew up preparing with loved ones. With her warm personality, adventurous spirit, and diverse background, Chef Jaz brings an unforgettable blend of flavor, creativity, wellness, and heartfelt hospitality to every charter.

Third Mate Chuck
Chuck Shark is a chocolate tricolor Cavapoo, born in Floyd, Virginia and raised in the Caribbean.

After establishing Tortuga as both a vacation destination and a home, it became obvious we were missing one very important crew member: a furry one.

Chuck joined our family on land during hurricane season and is quickly growing into his role as a world traveler, elite swimmer, and everyone’s favorite sailing buddy.

He’s hypoallergenic, K9-academy trained, is learning Spanish, and—true to his name—swims like a shark. With his low-shedding coat, big personality, and an impressive talent for turning every room into his personal playground, Chuck is already making himself at home wherever Tortuga takes us.

He’s equal parts adventure buddy, professional cuddler, and tiny first mate in training!