OHANA

A lifelong ocean enthusiast, Brian has built a dynamic career rooted in his deep love and respect for the sea. Raised in the coastal haven of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, his connection to the water began early as a junior lifeguard, where he developed a strong foundation in ocean safety, awareness, and confidence in the surf.

His passion for hospitality led him to pursue a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Management, after which he relocated to Southern California. It was in the lively waters of San Diego Bay that Brian first fell in love with sailing. At the helm of small sailboats, he discovered a true passion for seamanship and navigation—an experience that would chart the course for his future.

In 2017, Brian made the bold decision to leave the corporate world behind and commit fully to life on the water. Since then, he has logged over a decade of hands-on experience in the maritime industry, demonstrating a unique ability to adapt across a wide variety of vessels, from nimble sailing yachts to luxurious motor yachts.

His diverse background includes leading multi-day charter adventures, offshore deliveries, private family cruising, and managing liveaboard programs. Whether curating bespoke itineraries or ensuring seamless day-to-day operations, Brian brings a calm, confident presence and an unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction. Known for his approachable leadership style, he creates a relaxed yet professional onboard atmosphere centered on safety, teamwork, and genuine enjoyment.

In 2025, after nearly a decade of yachting, Brian met his now-wife, fittingly, on a boat. The couple recently welcomed a baby boy in their UK home-base. Brian started rotating as a captain when he started his family. 

Today, Brian continues to bring his trademark energy, precision, and enthusiasm to every Ohana charter—delivering unforgettable experiences with a personal touch, one voyage at a time.

Brian’s Charter Experience | 120+ Charter weeks
(USVI/BVI), Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Italy, Ireland, French Polynesia, Seychelles, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Grenada, and the Southern Caribbean

Brian’s Ocean Experience | 25,000+ NM Offshore
Caribbean Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Straits of Gibraltar, Chesapeake Bay, USA Eastern Coast, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Poland (Sunreef Factory Build/Sea Trials), Baltic Sea, Indian Ocean

Brian’s Qualifications
—Yachting—
Master 500 GT Near Coastal Captain's License | USCG
Endorsements: STCW II/3, Sailing | USCG
Royal Yachting Association Offshore Yachtmaster License | RYA
Endorsements: Commercial 
GMDSS, EDCIS | USCG
First Aid + CPR, AED | USCG
BVI Work Permit | RYC 

—Water Safety + Scuba Diving—
Dive Instructor | PADI

—Wellness—
Interests: Scuba Diving, Freediving, Snowboarding, Running, Fine Wines 

Born and raised in the British Virgin Islands, Piers Helm naturally developed a deep connection to the ocean. Most free time was spent on or in the sea, from freediving for lobsters to teaching windsurfing during the summers. A passion for the ocean emerged at a young age, with weekends dedicated to exploring the bays and islands of the BVI aboard power and sailing boats.

Piers began sailboat racing early on, traveling to other Caribbean islands to compete in regattas. His journey in the hospitality industry started during his early teenage years, progressing from bartending to captaining day sailboats across the Virgin Islands. The joy of sailing and entertaining led him to run term charters, advancing from bareboats to crewed yachts, and eventually managing several mega yachts.

After years of chartering larger yachts, Piers transitioned to performance multihulls, pursuing his love for high-speed sailing and freediving. Following seven years of managing private yachts, he decided to return to charter boats, reigniting his passion for sharing the beauty of the BVI and his love for the ocean with charter guests once again.

Piers's Qualifications

—Yachting—

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean, Commercially Endorsed | RYA
BVI Boat Master License Grade 2 | BVI Maritime Authority
STCW 10 | USCG
Navigation and Radar | CCC
Efficient Deckhand | RYA
ENS and ARPA Simulation | CCC
GMDSS | CCC
Designated Security Duties | IMO
Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats | UK Maritime Authority

—Water Safety + Scuba Diving—

Scuba Instructor | NAUI 

Advanced PADI Diver | PADI

—Wellness—

Interests: Stand-up Paddleboarding, Freediving, Scuba Diving, Spear Fishing, Fishing, Cooking for Friends

Dominic’s culinary journey began in the picturesque village of Schreiersgrün, Germany, where his early connection to nature and food was nurtured by his grandparents’ gardens and the surrounding forests. Foraging for wild herbs, vegetables, and mushrooms sparked a fascination that led him to begin his culinary career at just 16.

He launched his apprenticeship at a Michelin-starred restaurant within a renowned spa hotel in the German countryside, where he quickly discovered a love for precision, creativity, and exceeding expectations. Over the next decade, Dominic thrived in Michelin-caliber kitchens, mastering the art of refined cuisine. His dedication and skill were ultimately recognized when, as head chef, he helped lead his restaurant to earn its own Michelin star—an achievement that remains a proud milestone in his career.

After years of high-level success, Dominic was ready for a new adventure. He relocated to the Caribbean, where his connection to nature deepened—this time through the sea. Embracing freediving and scuba diving, he explored vibrant marine life and diverse island ecosystems, finding new inspiration in every dive. It was here, in the British Virgin Islands, that he and his wife chose to make their home.

Now with over 18 years of experience in hospitality and fine dining, Dominic brings a calm confidence and thoughtful approach to every table. As a rotating yacht chef, he has found the perfect harmony between his love for exploration and his dedication to delivering unforgettable culinary experiences. His cuisine blends the elegance of Mediterranean techniques with bold Asian influences and a hint of Caribbean soul—tailored to delight Ohana's guests with every bite.

Dominic's Qualifications
—Culinary + Hospitality—
Degree of Culinary Arts | German Restaurant + Hotel Association (DEHOGA)
Culinary Studies | German Restaurant + Hotel Association (DEHOGA)
Sommelier Degree | ISC

—Yachting—
STCW | USCG
ENG 1 | MCA
BVI Work Permit | RYC 

—Water Safety + Scuba Diving—
Scuba Diver 

—Industry Awards + Achievements— 
Wine Pairing Award First Place Winner 2016 | Bordeaux Wine Boot Camp
Michelin Star Award, Restaurant Carrousel Head Chef, 2015 | Michelin Guide 
Culinary Competition for the German State of Brandenburg First Place Winner 2009 | Rudolf Achenbach Preis

—Wellness—
Interests: Freediving, Foraging, Hiking, Travel 

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Sam is a trained chef with a deep-rooted passion for crafting thoughtful, ingredient-driven cuisine. After completing culinary school in his hometown, he honed his skills in the dynamic food scene of Nashville, Tennessee, working under some of the city's most respected chefs. Through dedication and creativity, Sam quickly rose through the ranks to become Executive Chef at one of Nashville’s culinary mainstays.

In 2020, Sam started a Supper Club in Nashville. Developed during the covid-19 pandemic to give people an opportunity to get together in a small, safe environment when options were scarce. His first taste of cooking in a more intimate and private setting. 

After six successful years in Music City, Sam set his sights beyond the restaurant world—exchanging brick-and-mortar kitchens for a life at sea. As a yacht chef, he now brings together his love of scratch cooking and his appetite for adventure, drawing inspiration from global flavors and techniques discovered through his culinary travels. 

Recently, Sam discovered a new passion for skydiving and paragliding. Adrenaline-fueled pursuits that perfectly complement his adventurous spirit. These high-flying hobbies have sparked a renewed drive for exploration, learning, and pushing boundaries. The thrill of jumping and traveling inspired him to shift to a rotational schedule, offering the freedom to chase new experiences while maintaining his love for life at sea.

When he’s not in the sky or on the water, Sam stays connected to his culinary roots. His time off allows him to continue hosting his signature Supper Club and collaborate with fellow chefs in Nashville, keeping his creativity sharp and his menus ever-evolving.

Sam's boundless curiosity, eye for detail and commitment to excellence make him a skilled chef. He designs bespoke, handcrafted menus tailored to each guest, making every meal a memorable experience on Ohana.

Sam's Qualifications
—Culinary + Hospitality—
Degree of Culinary Art | STLCC 

—Yachting—
STCW | USCG
BVI Work Permit | RYC 

—Water Safety + Scuba Diving—
Advanced Scuba Diver (Dive Master Canidate) | NAUI

—Industry Awards + Achievements— 
Best Crew In Show 2022 | USVI VIPCA Charter Yacht Show 
Best Crew In Show Runner-Up 2023 | USVI VIPCA Charter Yacht Show

—Wellness—
Skydiving B License | USPA
Paragliding 2 | USHPA 

Born in London but raised in Cape Town, South Africa, from a young age, Connor grew up around the ocean and has always felt most at home on or in the water. His love for water sports, diving and adventure eventually led him to a career at sea. When he’s not working onboard, he spends much of his free time in Namibia, where he has developed a real passion for wildlife, nature and conservation.

Connor started his yachting career in 2022 aboard a newly built 80-foot sailing catamaran in Gdańsk, Poland. What began in the Baltic quickly turned into an adventure that took him through the Kiel Canal, into the Mediterranean and across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. Since then, he has sailed throughout the Bahamas and along the East Coast of the United States, completing two transatlantic crossings and clocking up more than 30,000 nautical miles along the way.

Life on the water is something Connor genuinely loves, and sharing that with guests is one of his favorite parts of working on charter yachts. As a scuba diving Instructor, he’s always keen to get beneath the surface, but he’s just as happy e-foiling, fishing, wakeboarding, snorkeling or heading out on the tender. Whether he’s helping someone try a new water sport for the first time or taking guests out to explore a great dive or snorkel spot, he brings plenty of energy while always keeping safety and enjoyment at the forefront.

Behind the scenes, Connor enjoys the hands-on side of yachting just as much. His experience includes tender operations, exterior maintenance, sail handling, solo offshore watches and the day-to-day work that keeps a busy charter yacht running smoothly. Having worked with owners and charter guests from around the world, he understands the balance between being professional and attentive while still helping create the relaxed, fun atmosphere that makes a great charter.

Away from yachting, Connor enjoys keeping active and challenging himself. He’s a keen runner and endurance athlete and has completed an Ironman 70.3. When he gets the chance to slow things down, he’s equally happy getting off the beaten track, exploring somewhere new or spending time surrounded by nature.

Easy-going, adventurous and always up for a challenge, Connor takes pride in making sure guests feel comfortable, safe and able to make the most of every moment onboard. As Mate aboard Ohana, he’s excited to share his love of the ocean, the outdoors and a good adventure with everyone who comes aboard.

Connor’s Charter/ Delivery Experience | 30,000+ NM 

Caribbean: British Virgin Islands (BVI), US Virgin Islands (USVI), St. Maarten, Anguilla, St. Barths, Antigua, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Bonaire & Curacao (ABC)

Greater Caribbean & Atlantic: Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Dominican Republic

USA East Coast: Florida, South Carolina, Newport (Rhode Island), Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard 

Mediterranean: Spain (Barcelona, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca), France, Corsica, Sardinia

Baltic & Northern Europe: Poland, Baltic Sea, Kiel Canal, Bay of Biscay, Atlantic Crossing (westbound) x2

Connor's Qualifications

—Yachting—

STCW 95 | SAMSA 
Advanced Deckhand Course | RYA

Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory | RYA
Powerboat Level 2 | RYA

Dayskipper | RYA
Competent Crew for Sail and Power Craft | RYA
VHF Radio Operation | RYA
Radar | RYA
Diesel Engine Course | SAMSA 
Personal Watercraft Certificate of Proficiency | RYA 
BVI Work Permit | RYC

—Water Safety + Scuba Diving—

PADI Divemaster (Instructor Candidate) 
Elementary First Aid
Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
Personal Survival Techniques

—Wellness—

Interests: Hiking, Triathlons, IronMan Athlete, Water Polo, Board Sports, Running, E-Foiling