Perpetual Blue

Captain Kendrick Oppenhuizen
Captain Kendrick is an accomplished sailor with a deep passion for exploration, adventure, and life at sea. Most recently, he completed a solo transatlantic crossing from Florida to Scotland aboard Spindrift, his Southern Cross 35, marking a major milestone in his lifelong dream of sailing solo around the world. Now taking a brief pause from that pursuit, Kendrick is excited to return to the Caribbean for an unforgettable charter season.

A native of California, Kendrick grew up racing dinghies and instructing sailors from a young age, including adaptive sailing for individuals with disabilities. He also served as a volunteer Watch Leader aboard tall ships in Canada, an early introduction to leadership and seamanship that helped shape his career. With over 20 years of experience teaching sailing at all levels, from beginner dinghy sailing to offshore cruising, he brings both expertise and patience to every voyage.

Kendrick earned his sea legs running charters in California’s Channel Islands before working several seasons in the British Virgin Islands. His love for island life is matched by his enthusiasm for exploration, whether discovering hidden coves, hiking lush island trails, scuba diving vibrant reefs, or tracing historic routes once sailed by pirates evading the Royal Navy.

An avid traveler and reader, Kendrick has a special love for remote and wild places. Personal highlights include backpacking the Isle of Skye, snorkeling with sharks in Tahiti, and sailing through the Western Isles of Scotland.

For Kendrick, nothing compares to dropping anchor in a quiet bay and sharing stories and laughter as the sun sets over the sea. With a spirit of adventure and deep respect for the ocean, he invites guests to experience the magic of sailing and the timeless charm of the Caribbean.

Chef Mia Jackson
Chef Mia brings a beautiful balance of culinary expertise and a deep love for the ocean to every charter experience. Her journey to becoming a yacht chef has been shaped by two lifelong passions: the professional kitchens where she trained and the sailing adventures that have taken her across oceans.

Mia began her culinary career as the sole cook in a busy children’s nursery, preparing nutritious, balanced meals for up to 40 children daily. This role honed her ability to meet a wide range of dietary needs, including allergies, intolerances, and specific preferences, with care, creativity, and flexibility. It was there she developed a foundational skill that remains a hallmark of her cooking today: crafting menus that are both accommodating and inspired.

She later earned her SVQ Level 4 in Professional Cookery while working in award-winning restaurants, where she fine-tuned her attention to detail, flavor, and presentation. These years instilled a love for high-quality cooking and the joy of delighting others through food.

Sailing has always been in Mia’s blood. As a child, she sailed halfway around the world with her family, sparking a lifelong love for the sea. In recent years, she has logged more than 6,000 nautical miles aboard both monohulls and catamarans, sailing from South Africa to the Caribbean. Along the way, she mastered provisioning in remote locations, using local ingredients creatively, and preparing comforting, flavorful meals in challenging conditions.

For Mia, cooking on a yacht is about more than food; it is about creating unforgettable moments. Whether serving breakfast at anchor, vibrant sharing plates after a swim, or a beautifully plated dinner under the stars, she takes pride in tailoring each dish to guests’ tastes and needs.

When she is not in the galley, Mia enjoys being on deck, hiking ashore, or unwinding with good music and a book. Her calm presence, passion for service, and love of land and sea make her an exceptional addition to any charter.