LA GRANDE BELLEZZA

Captain Dayne is a BVI citizen and he knows the British Virgins Islands very well. He has sailed these waters since 2017. Captain Dayne has worked for many of the top charter companies in the BVI. He has Captained a variety of Catamarans to include a 40, 46, 50 and 58ft Leopard catamarans as well as a Lagoon 50. He knows all the great places in the BVI to take La Grande Bellezza.

His years of experience running charter vessels will allow you to relax knowing you're in great hands! A well rounded waterman he is an avid sailor, sport fisherman and scuba diver, and engineer. Through his passion for everything involving the ocean, he ensures the guests will enjoy many activities during their time aboard.

He has a Boat Master License, Padi Open Water Basic & Advanced Certified. STCW 95 2015. Captain Dayne is sure to guide you to the best bays and most mystic spots around USVI and BVI. Captain Dayne is passionate about creating a bespoke charter experience for guests based on his knowledge of sailing, fishing, diving and snorkeling.

We hired Captain Dayne as he was one of the most sought after Captains in the BVI. Captain Dayne brings a new level of service with his teammate Chef and 1st Mate Kip Nesbitt to La Grande Bellezza, truly a Five Star Charter!

We are sure you are going to love going on charter with Captain Dayne and Chef Kip!

Chef Kip La'Von Nesbitt: Grew up in New York and has loved cooking from a Chef Kip La'Von Nesbitt: Grew up in New York and has loved cooking from a very young age. He has spent part of his adult life in New York. where he earned a Degree in Culinary Arts at Johnson and Wales College in 1981. He also attended La Wilson Technical School in Dix Hills NY to Food Preparation and Sanitation in form 1977-79 His cooking and service experience has included many fine restaurants since 1981. We hired Chef Kip as he has a great reputation in the BVI, and we are pleased he has joined us on La Grande Bellezza. His mother’s side of the family was from the British Virgin Island, and he has lived in the BVI for the last 32 years. Chef Kip is a USA and BVI citizen!

2017 - TV Show Below Deck Season: Head Executive Chef of staff of the Mega yacht "Valor" and "Sea Queen" (St Maarten)

2008 to Present - Charter Yacht Chef with most of the major yacht charter companies: Mooring, TMN, Festiva, Conch Charters, Dream Yacht Charters, Sunsail, Marine Max and Catamaran Charters.

Chef Kip has owned his own catering business. He has catered parties for Hon Dr. Orlando Smith, former minister of the second district, Ex Hon. Alvin Christopher as well as many lawyers, doctors, and judges.

2006-2008 - Bitter End Yacht Club - Executive Sous Chef.
2004-2005 - McConnicks & Schmicks (Maryland) Sour Chef
1999-2003 Self Employed - BVI - Executive Chef
1996-1999 Myett's Restaurant and Grille - BVI- Executive Chef
1994-1998 Village Cay Restaurant - BVI - Executive Chef
1989-1994 United States Merchant Marines - Food Preparation, preparing meals aboard Merchant Ships.
Chef Kip became Chief Steward in charge of Maintenance of the vessel he worked on.
1987-1989 Huntington Royal Carlin Hotel - Melville NY - Chef de Cuisine/ Assistant Banquet Chef

Chef Kip brings a new level of service with his teammate Captain Dayne to La Grande Bellezza, truly a Five Star Charter!
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Off Season skipper - Captain David Ruskin - August through November

Captain Dave Ruskin has a great passion for sailing, racing, coaching & mentoring. With an extensive & diverse executive career Dave is at ease with hosting any level on board.

Captain Dave has been sailing and chartering in the USVI and BVI for over 30 years Previous charter guests and team members have described Captain Dave as the perfect coach - passionate, intelligent, patient, untiring, and humble. He is known for providing a knowledgeable, safe, and fun learning experience for guests during charters. Having started sailing at age 9, He has never slowed down. Captain Dave has competed in 100’s of races, and during the 5 seasons he was teaching full time, He has successfully taught well over 1,500 people how to sail during his 30 year career in this industry.

The owner of La Grande Bellezza Sean McDonald has been very impressed with Captain Dave's ability to sail his yacht. He always has a smile on his face and has a great sense of humor!

Here is a list of Captain Dave’s' qualifications"
Yacht Master Offshore Limited 200 Ton - March 2018
STCW95 - March 2018
IYT VHF Certificate - March 2018
ENG1 - Medical Certificate - March 2018
CYA Certifications - Green, Blue and Red Instructor levels
Electrical Engineering - Ryerson, Toronto, Ontario