Elite Yacht Charter Motor Boat

Crew Profile

Captain: Gus Bolanos
Captain Gus was born in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, the yachting capital of the world. He spent much of his childhood in Bimini, Bahamas with his grandparents learning how to fish, dive, and navigate small boats through the local waters. He has always had a connection with the sea and was an avid sailor and boater all throughout his teenage years
When he graduated boarding school in 2000 he went to sea working for the Seafarers International Union (SIU) as an Ordinary Seaman on ocean going ships. After several years of hard work and great experiences in the SIU he started working on sport fishing boats and yachts in South Florida cruising through the Bahamas, Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Central and South America and eventually settled in St. Thomas, in the USVI in the Caribbean,
Gus has worked on boats, yachts, and ships for 19 years and has logged over 20,000 nautical miles at sea; he holds a US Coast Guard 200 Ton Master License. He has spent the last 10 years on the beautiful waters of the USVI, BVI, and Spanish Virgin Islands, and has performed more than 65 day charters in the Virgins.
Languages: English, Spanish

First Mate: Jonathan Hardin
Jonathan found his love for the water and the outdoors as an Eagle Scout growing up in South Carolina. In college he learned to sail in the Charleston Oceanic Sailing Association regattas. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, Jonathan moved to St. Thomas where he became the head bartender at the famous Duffy’s Love Shack and he fell in love with the Virgin Islands and diving.
In 2011 he bought a sailboat and became a US Coast Guard licensed captain, spending the next seven years chartering and exploring the Virgin Islands. Jonathan and Katie are excited to share to magic of the Virgin Islands and create new adventures and memories with you aboard M/Y ELITE!
Languages: English

Chef: Katie Saunders
Katie is a small town girl with big world experience and is excited to bring her knowledge of food and fun to your vacation! With a background in catering, resort event planning, cafes and organic eateries, Katie has always had a passion for cooking and hosting.
Her career brought her to the sunny island of St. Thomas, where she fell in love with the simple, sweet way of island life and met her future love and partner, mate Jonathan Hardin.
Soon after, the opportunity to cook on the water presented itself and she jumped into the world of yachting. As a luxury yacht chef and chief stewardess Katie was able to take her love of food and entertaining to a higher level. With five years of experience running luxury yacht charters throughout the Caribbean, she will amaze you with her incredible food and warm hospitality.
Languages: English