Expedition Captain Michael Bennett
Michael Bennett, is at home cruising in the exotic places of the world. Over the past 30 years he has piloted boats for many National Geographic magazine and film expeditions. An ardent diver and skilled Captain, Michael teamed with world-renowned photographer Flip Nicklin in Patagonia, Panama, Brazil, Hawaii, Sri Lanka, Canada and Costa Rica to document whales, dolphins and other exotics.
Prior to launching Small Planet, Michael was an Expedition Cruise Ship Captain, steering vessels through nearly every corner of the globe. He then went on to launch one of the first successful luxury yacht cruising companies. A fervent advocate for whales, Michael is past president of the Whale Watch Operators Association, and has helped develop the guidelines for responsible whale watching presently in use today. He was also one of the captains who drove Springer the orphaned Orca from the US back to her home in Canada.
His enthusiasm and respect for the wonderful places and experiences on our planet is infectious, and he is happiest when he is sharing them.
Sailing Captain Rob
Captain Rob's love of sailing started at a young age on the lakes near his home and has since taken him all over the world. From motor yachts to sailing yachts ranging in sizes up to 170' his experience is vast, and his knowledge is all encompassing from the helm to the engine room. He enjoys sharing his love of sailing with others and has many years teaching youth how to sail off the coast of New England, Maine, and Martha’s Vineyard. Captain Robert has had a very diverse career in the marine industry that includes crab fishing, marine and biological research on university vessels and catamarans in Hawaii.
Chef Ben
Ben was born in Portsmouth, UK and raised in California, USA. Although his culinary experience is not limited to these two countries. He is a nomadic chef who has trained in over 7 different countries across the world, which includes Switzerland, New Zealand, and Spain. Spending time to forage the land for fresh ingredients and reeling in fish from the back of the yacht, you can always expect a fresh meal, presented in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
Steward Sarah
Sarah has been in the yachting industry for 7 years as a stewardess ranging from vessels 48m – 68m in the United States, Europe and Africa. She has the wonderful ability to know what guests need before they realize they need it which is a great asset in a stewardess and shipmate.
Mate and 2nd Steward Becca
Becca has been racing sailboats for 3 years and knows how to work as part of a team. She has her yacht master offshore and is currently working towards her commercial endorsement. She is an easy-going, dedicated shipmate and works incredibly hard. She is very versatile in her abilities on deck and interior.
Naturalist Lee Burrows
Lee first came to Alaska in 1995. She drove from California with her dog and her kayak, exploring Alaska from the Inside Passage to the Top of the World Highway in the Yukon. It was then that the nature of Alaska and her unique communities grabbed a special place in her heart. She has paddled with Killer Whales, Humpback Whales, walked the tundra with Polar Bears, Brown Bears, and shared a beach with Walrus!
Lee has been leading exclusive yacht expeditions in Southeast and Southcentral Alaska for over twenty years. Over that time, she has developed an intimate knowledge of the waters and wildlife of coastal Alaska, and desires to share knowledge of that wilderness with her passengers. Her presentations on wildlife and culture are both educational and enjoyable.
She has a deep connection and respect for the native culture in Southeast Alaska, and many contacts within the communities in the small villages and towns.
Lee has had the opportunity to work with over 25 Yachts: the Owners, Captains, and crews, and has loved every minute of it.
