Captain: Jacob Bonds
Jake’s affable good nature, easy-going personality and caring demeanor have made him many, lifelong friends. He is an excellent captain and holds a USCG Master Captain 100-ton certification. He is also a true Renaissance man with an astonishing array of skills and talents. As an adult, Jake won many tournaments playing rugby for years with the Highwaymen Rugby Club. He was a licensed General Contractor and Real Estate Broker in California. Always good with his hands, he is a Master Carpenter/cabinetmaker/furniture maker/boat builder. (He put these skills to great use as a volunteer rebuilding after IRMA in Sint Maarten.)
He can play the guitar, ukulele and piano, and build giant, 6-foot sandcastles. Jake is also a PADI Dive Instructor and SV Dragonfly is stocked with brand new dive gear. He loves showing people the wonders of the underwater environment here in the Caribbean. The fun factor on an interactive charter aboard SV Dragonfly is tremendous!
Jake was born in Pittsburgh, Penn, raised with his brother outside of Atlanta, GA. and moved to California at age 15. With typical humor he says that this tri-state upbringing “resulted in a progressive spirit mixed with southern charm”. The Pacific Ocean inspired his first dreams of sailing and living on the sea. He was 16 and his best friend in high school lived on a sailboat in Sausalito, CA. This playful introduction to seamanship quickly became a lifetime passion.
Jake lives by the motto “Be the random acts of kindness you wish to see in the world”. He cares deeply about the people that come into his life and goes out of his way for them. He wants new friends coming aboard to know; “We live on the boat and consider it our home. We want our guests to feel like it is their home as well while they are with us. We want to welcome them into our lives so they can enjoy what we get to see and do every day”. Welcome to paradise aboard SV Dragonfly!
Chef/Mate: Stephanie Bonds
Stef’s motto is “Live your best life”. For her, that also means making sure that her guests are living their best lives every minute they’re on-board SV Dragonfly. She says, “Most people come on to the boat as a guest but leave as family. It is important to me to treat each guest like I would a dear friend and to pay attention to their needs”. Stef is a farm girl from Santa Rosa, California. She helped the family raise cows, chickens, sheep and pigs, and tended a huge, one-acre vegetable garden. She had 20 acres of land, trees and a creek to romp in with her brother, sister and numerous cousins. There were many family outings to nearby beaches, lakes and rivers. She was surrounded by family and love.
As soon as she could hold a spoon Stef was a kitchen helper. She learned to cook true farm-to-table meals from an early age. She says, “I was always in the kitchen alongside my Nona, Mom and Dad, preparing meals, learning how to make fresh pastas and sauces, and canning fruits and vegetables”. That is exactly what she brings to the menu aboard SV Dragonfly: fresh, local, high-quality, homemade from scratch. Guests’ favorites include, braised beef short ribs in rich red wine ragu with pimento cheese grits and Peruvian chicken over green rice with tostones, sweet plantains and aromatic green sauce.
Her friends, both old and new, describe her as loyal, sweet, kind, and a great chef. For guests interested in recipes and tips, she’s always happy to share. Stef says, “Seeing people enjoy the foods I prepare is the greatest gift. I love communicating to people how much they mean to me through food”. While her food is superb, she is also an excellent first mate, delightful hostess, dive master and patient teacher for those who need a bit of instruction with the water toys and gear.
Jake and Stef have been together for 15 years and married for 9. They worked together for several years in Northern California before starting their adventure together in the Virgin Islands. The kindness and love they share with each other and those around them is palpable. They have a blended family consisting of three grown children. They purchased a 5th wheel in the spring of 2023 so they could travel the states during their off time and visit family on the West coast. They are extremely proud of their children and will happily talk about them and share stories.
When they have time off together you can often find them underwater exploring a new or favorite dive site. They often say “I’m the happiest when underwater”. They also love to visit with other boat crews, take Parker on adventures, or hang out and recoup while watching a movie.
Cuddle Officer: “Parker”, Portuguese Water Dog
Parker is a well-behaved, adorable 35lbs, 4-year-old Portuguese Water Dog. He has hair rather than fur, so he does not shed and is hypoallergenic! He has dedicated his entire life to cuddling, swimming, paddle boarding and being charming. He enjoys dingy rides to shore for potty breaks (he is boat trained), naps on guests feet, long walks on the beach and picking up food that has fallen on the floor. Parker has never met a stranger and he might just be your favorite crew member! He is a Mama’s boy and follows Chef Stef whenever possible.
Parker has been on a charter boat since he was 9 weeks old. He has made over 400 guest friends in his first 3.5 years of duty! He loves going to the dock to visit his friends from other boats, they always have LOTS of love to share. Parker is a great comfort companion, he has a knack for making sure everyone is smiling, happy and enjoying their vacation. Parker believes he is a lifeguard; he keeps a close eye on water activities and prefers a hand be touching a float at all times. Your safety is his #1 priority!
Parker’s playful and affectionate nature has connected him to everyone he meets. He has become an integral part of Captain Jake & Chef Stef’s sailing crew. Whether lounging on deck or splashing in the water, Parker’s presence brings a sense of joy and companionship to all those around him. From Parker, “I love treats, kind people, kids of all ages, and other dogs. I hope to bring you as much happiness and comfort on charter as your pets do at home”. Join Parker on his sailing adventure and watch the bond between humans and animals that eclipses all boundaries.
**Parker can be boarded upon request**
Crew is COVID vaccinated
