Bart van der Horst - Captain
Education/Certifications: USCG 500 Ton license Upon Oceans (all oceans), Radar Observer Unlimited, GMDSS, Advanced Fire Fighting, Medical First Aid Provider, STCW Basic Training, Ordinary Seaman, Wiper
Languages Spoken: English, Conversational Spanish
Meet Captain Bart van der Horst, whose seafaring tale begins in the picturesque Netherlands and unfolds along the enchanting Connecticut shoreline, where he spent his formative years with two brothers and a sister. From a tender age, Bart found solace on the waters, igniting a passion that would become the focal point of his life—a tale that unfolds like the ebb and flow of the tides. Bart's connection with the sea transcends mere profession; it's a calling. His aquatic adventures span the vast expanses of the US East Coast, navigating the intricate channels of the St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes, traversing both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Central America, exploring the azure waters of the Mediterranean, threading through the captivating Red Sea, embracing a slice of the Pacific Northwest, and discovering the maritime wonders of Australia. Amidst these nautical escapades, the Bahamas and the Caribbean emerged as not just destinations but cherished havens, etching their place as two of Bart's most beloved corners of the world. A seasoned yachtie, Captain Bart's illustrious career, marked by accomplishments and milestones, seamlessly transitioned from commanding private yachts to the dynamic realm of charters. In 2021, he took the helm of PIPE DREAM, setting sail on a new chapter. As a working captain, Bart's leadership ethos revolves around setting the example, fostering a united crew, and cultivating a harmonious environment. Together, they are dedicated to crafting unparalleled charter experiences, ensuring guests embark on a journey that lingers in their memories, beckoning them back time and again.
Beyond the helm, Bart's leisure pursuits mirror his love for the sea—boating, stand-up paddleboarding, and idyllic beach trips. A globetrotter at heart, he nurtures a profound desire to traverse every country, both by land and sea, a bucket-list quest that speaks to his insatiable wanderlust.
Captain Bart van der Horst—more than a mariner, he's a custodian of unforgettable seafaring tales, a navigator of dreams, and the orchestrator of charters that transcend the ordinary.
Andrew Maxwell - First Officer
Languages Spoken: English
Andrew, the adept First Officer has brought his versatile skill set onboard Motor Yacht Pipe Dream. Hailing from the picturesque lakes of Minnesota, Andrew's journey unfolds with an impressive array of degrees and certifications, including an Associates in Electrical Engineering, expertise in Underwater Welding, Commercial Diving, a 200 Ton Captains License, and the esteemed title of Dive Master. Growing up in the lakeside beauty of Minnesota alongside his two brothers, Andrew developed a love for boating early on. His childhood hobbies included exploring the waterways and forging lasting memories on the lakeshores. In 2010, Andrew embarked on a yachting career, enticed by the prospect of a rewarding job. Over the past eight years, he has been a stalwart presence on charter boats, accumulating a wealth of experience.
Before delving into yachting, Andrew carved a niche for himself as a commercial diver, showcasing his affinity for underwater exploration. His boating adventures have taken him to varied destinations, with notable cruises in Alaska, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Central America, and New England. Each locale has left an indelible mark, contributing to Andrew's rich tapestry of experiences. In the yachting industry, Andrew aspires to secure a stable income that affords him the freedom to spend quality time with his son. His genuine desire is for charter guests to derive immense enjoyment and create lasting memories during their charter experience. Beyond the yacht, Andrew finds comfort and passion in fishing, diving, hunting, and the exhilarating pursuit of motorcycle rides.
With a motto that resonates with efficiency and wisdom, "Work smarter not harder," Andrew brings his pragmatic approach and wealth of yachting expertise to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey aboard Motor Yacht Pipe Dream. As the First Officer, Andrew is an invaluable asset, dedicated to enhancing the overall charter experience and crafting moments that linger in the hearts of all on board.
Samantha "Sammi" Mujica Torrealba - Chief Stew
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Sammi, the accomplished Chief Stewardess aboard Motor Yacht Pipe Dream, infusing the yacht with her vibrant spirit and two months of dedicated service. Originally from Venezuela, Sammi brings a unique blend of linguistic prowess, fitness expertise, and a rich cultural background to the yachting world. Educationally, Sammi holds a degree in Modern Languages, specializing in French and Portuguese, along with certifications as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and a 500-hour Certified Yoga Teacher. Growing up in the bustling city of Caracas, Venezuela, alongside her older brother and sister, Sammi discovered her passion for the arts early on. A voiceover actress since the age of 14, she also delved into dancing and martial arts, setting the stage for her multifaceted talents. Fluent in both English and Spanish, with conversational skills in Portuguese and basic French, Sammi embarked on her yachting journey in 2014. Fascinated by the service industry and fueled by a desire to explore the world, she found the perfect convergence in yachting, taking a leap that led to a fulfilling career. Sammi's yachting experience includes notable vessels such as M/Y Horizons II, M/Y Atomic, M/Y Frisky Lady, and a substantial five-year tenure on M/Y Attitude. Prior to her yachting endeavors, she excelled as a Language Teacher, Voiceover Actress, and Yoga Teacher, showcasing her versatility. As the Chief Stewardess on Pipe Dream, Sammi's greatest assets shine through her teamwork, attention to detail, leadership skills, and eagerness to both teach and learn. She prioritizes creating an exceptional guest experience, contributing to the seamless functioning of the crew. Having cruised many destinations from New England to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, Sammi's favorite charter location remains the enchanting Caribbean. Beyond yachting, Thailand holds a special place in her heart, where she completed her yoga trainings amidst breathtaking landscapes and met beautiful souls. In the yachting industry, Sammi aims to continue learning and applying valuable skills, while outside it, she aspires to pursue her fitness and wellness career, with dreams of opening her own studio. For charter guests, Sammi desires to craft a special and unique experience, leaving them with cherished memories. During her spare time, Sammi shares her passion for movement, offering personalized workouts and yoga sessions.
Her motto, "Becoming better is more important than being seen as the best," reflects her commitment to growth and self-improvement. Sammi invites you to join her on the extraordinary journey aboard Motor Yacht Pipe Dream, where every moment is crafted with excellence and warmth.
Paige - Second Stew
Languages Spoken: English
Meet Paige, the vibrant Second Stewardess aboard Motor Yacht Pipe Dream, gracing the yacht industry with her infectious enthusiasm and a year-long tenure on board. Hailing from the heart of Kansas City, MO, Paige possesses a diverse skill set that includes STCW, bartending expertise, food safety proficiency, and the finesse of Silver Service. Paige's affinity for the ocean blossomed in 2021, propelling her into the world of yachting. A genuine love for the water, nurtured by idyllic memories at the Lake of the Ozarks, became the compass guiding her yachting pursuits. Prior to her yachting adventures, Paige lent her skills to the realm of hospitality, laying a solid foundation for her current role as the lively and quirky Second Stewardess on Pipe Dream. Her yachting journey unfurls across vessels like To-Kalon and Nadan, each chapter contributing to her wealth of experience. From the sun-kissed Bahamas and the captivating keys to the scenic allure of New England, Paige's cruising destinations are as diverse as her vibrant spirit. Yet, her favorite place on Earth transcends geographical boundaries—it's wherever her loved ones gather, encapsulating the essence of her warm and inclusive nature. In the yachting industry, Paige aspires to amass new life experiences and forge lasting friendships. Outside of yachting, her ambitions intertwine with cosmetology, envisioning a seamless fusion with the yachting world. As the Second Stewardess, Paige crafts charters to be unforgettable experiences, aiming for every guest to ride the waves of joy and relaxation. During her downtime, Paige finds solace in the company of friends and family, cherishing moments that create a tapestry of cherished memories. Her greatest passion lies in the art of connection, and while navigating the seas, Paige brings a unique blend of warmth and expertise to the yacht's ambiance.
Embodying the motto "Eventually, all waves settle," Paige invites you to sail with her on Pipe Dream, where each moment is a ripple of hospitality, laughter, and the promise of unforgettable charter.
Emma Farndale - Chef
Languages Spoken: English
Emma, a seasoned chef aboard Motor Yacht Pipe Dream, has been tantalizing taste buds for a year. Born in the UK, with a distinguished BA from the University of St. Andrews, she hails from the national park in the northeast rangeland on the border with Scotland. Having spent her early days on a remote farm, Emma's journey led her to boarding school and university in St Andrews, Scotland. Here, she discovered her love for racing sailboats at the tender age of 5, a passion she carried into university, representing Scotland at international sailing events. Post-university, Emma delved into the culinary world, honing her skills in London's vibrant kitchens. With a desire to combine her love for cooking with the sea, she embarked on a yachting career, starting as a chef on sailboats in the Mediterranean. With over 15 years in yachting, Emma's culinary expertise has graced esteemed vessels such as M/Y King Baby, M/Y Sheherazade, M/Y Carte Blanche, M/Y Unbridled, and M/Y Big Aron. She has sailed through the Caribbean, the Med, Brazil, the Bahamas, New England, and even embarked on a thrilling sailboat journey from the Azores to Gibraltar. In the yachting industry, Emma aspires to achieve recognition as Time Person of The Year, showcasing her ambition beyond culinary realms. Emma's mission is to transform meal times into cherished memories for guests. Fresh, flavorful, and reflective of both their tastes and the stunning surroundings, each dish is a culinary journey. Specializing in a spectrum of cuisines—from fresh and healthy to Asian and classic BBQ—Emma caters to diverse dietary needs, including gluten-free, sugar-free, vegan, specific allergies, FODMAP, and even creates bespoke children's meals. Beyond the galley, Emma's spare time is a unique blend of renting out a lake every Sunday in Fort Lauderdale exclusively for her Great Danes and experimenting with culinary delights in her backyard kitchen. In the immortal words of Anthony Bourdain, Emma lives by the motto, "Your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride."
With every meal, let the culinary adventure aboard Motor Yacht Pipe Dream commence!
Brandon Ferguson - Engineer
Education/Certifications: USCG Designated Duty Engineer 4000 HP, QMED Motor with RFPEW, Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats, Medical first aid provider, Person in charge of medical care, Advanced fire fighting, Lifeboatman, MTU customer mechanic certification for MTU 4000 series; Associates Degree in Wireless and Advanced Communications
Languages Spoken: English
Brandon Ferguson was raised on a small farm in Humptulips, Washington, in the Pacific Northwest, where he played a variety of sports – including soccer – along with his two younger brothers. At a young age, he began boating on local lakes and rivers, eventually working on an Alaskan commercial fishing boat. In the off-season, Brandon worked in his family's lumber mill, and after obtaining his Associate's degree, he was an industrial mechanic and heavy equipment operator/mechanic until he got his first taste of the yachting industry in 2011.
With Alaska and the Bahamas as his top two favorite destinations, his yachting career has taken him to Turks and Caicos, US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, the Caribbean, Colombia, Panama, Mexico, the US West Coast, Northeastern US, and Roatan. Brandon joined the crew of PIPE DREAM two years ago, bringing his mechanical expertise, attention to detail, outstanding work ethic and sparkling disposition.
On PIPE DREAM, Brandon's primary goal is to make sure charter guests have an experience they'll never forget. His professional goals include continuing his education and working on fun projects on boats. Outside of boating, he enjoys golfing, landscaping, and reading in his spare time.
Meghan Depew - Deckhand
Languages Spoken: English
Meghan, the Deckhand on Motor Yacht Pipe Dream, has brought her enthusiasm and a wealth of experience on board. Armed with a Bachelors Degree from Florida State University, Meghan's journey is marked by a genuine love for outdoor activities, particularly those centered around water. Growing up in Upstate New York, Meghan spent her summers on Lake Ontario and winters near Albany. Her childhood hobbies included racing sailboats, swimming, and reveling in various outdoor adventures. In August of last year, she ventured into the yachting industry, drawn by her lifelong love for boating and the allure of being on the water. Before joining the yachting world, Meghan held multiple roles, including lifeguarding, bartending, serving, and directing a sailing school where she imparted her knowledge to young sailing enthusiasts. In her current role as a deckhand, Meghan is responsible for ensuring the exterior of the yacht is in impeccable condition, showcasing her skills as a "chamois master." Her greatest asset lies in her eagerness to learn and her versatility as an all-around team player. Meghan's yachting adventures have taken her to the Exumas, leaving an indelible mark on her. In her spare time, she indulges in swimming, sailing, beach outings, and quality time with friends and family. Swimming against the tide of monotony, Meghan believes that "everything happens for a reason," embracing the journey and looking forward to the learning experiences that yachting has to offer.
As Meghan continues to navigate her yachting journey, her genuine wish is for charter guests to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, creating memories that linger long after they disembark. With her passion for outdoor activities and a positive outlook on life, Meghan is poised to contribute to the vibrant energy aboard Motor Yacht Pipe Dream.
