Karma
Crew profile

Captain: Benjamin Cox (USA)
Chef/First Mate: Daisy Brooks (USA)

Captain: Benjamin Cox
My name is Benjamin Cox, and I hail from Ramseur, North Carolina, where I was raised on the land of a seventh-generation farming family. Yet, my heart has always been drawn to the water. From my earliest memories, I found solace and excitement in fishing. After serving in the army, I faced the need to reinvent myself. Searching for my true passion, I gravitated back to the water, leading me to the captivating shores of the Florida Keys.

In Key West, I began my journey by washing charter boats, eagerly awaiting any opportunity to be on the water. One fortuitous day, fate smiled upon me when I was called to fill in on a charter. That moment was a turning point. From then on, I immersed myself in the maritime world, volunteering aboard a private sportfishing yacht, exchanging my labor for invaluable experience. With each passing day, my skills grew, and my love for the sea deepened. I became a certified captain, mastering the art of navigating the waves and honing my expertise in fishing. Yet, it wasn’t until I discovered the wonders of scuba diving that I truly found my calling. The underwater realm became my sanctuary, and I resolved to build a life that would allow me to explore its depths endlessly.

My diving adventures have taken me to some of the most remarkable destinations on Earth, including the thrilling Tiger Beach in the Bahamas and the majestic Socorro Islands. As the captain of dive expeditions to the Dry Tortugas, I’ve led daring explorations into the mysterious depths, sharing the wonders of the underwater world with fellow enthusiasts. In pursuit of this dream, I embarked on a daring adventure, acquiring a 1989 Beneteau Moorings 432 in Galveston, Texas. With nothing but the wind and my determination as companions, I solo-sailed to St. Thomas, where I have since made my home. For the past two years, I’ve been sharing my passion for the ocean with others, leading fishing charters amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Caribbean.

As a captain, my mission is not just to navigate the seas but to inspire others to discover the magic that lies beneath the surface. With each journey, I strive to instill a sense of wonder and reverence for the ocean, guiding my guests on unforgettable adventures and forging connections that last a lifetime.

Qualifications
-USCG 100T with Sail Endorsement
-Padi Dive Instructor
-Professional Angler
-STCW
-Emergency First Responder (CPR/AED)

Chef/First Mate: Daisy Brooks
My name is Daisy, and I am from majestic mountains of Colorado, where my days are spent hiking to pristine glacier lakes, foraging wild foods, and taking invigorating cold plunges amidst every weather condition imaginable. When I’m not exploring the forests, I am exploring the seas, navigating through the gulf, the Bahamas, and the Virgin Islands. Trolling for mahi or free diving to collect conch and lobster for fresh dinners, and discovering secluded coves for moments of meditation and yoga are among my oceanic passions.

My culinary journey began at Whole Foods Market, where I served as a consultant, traveling, and imparting the art of healthy eating. Now as as a private chef for a mountain retreat, I craft dishes with the ultimate farm-to-table ethos, using ingredients that are grown, hunted, and foraged. To me food is a blend of science and art, and I delight in finding inspiration from the land and sea around me to create innovative dishes. Sharing my culinary creations brings me immense joy, especially when I witness the satisfaction the bring to others. There is nothing that brings me more joy than seeing someone relish in a dish I’ve crafted with love and care.

Ben and Daisy met in the Virgin Islands in 2022 while Ben was captaining fishing excursions, and Daisy was a charter chef. Soon after they found themselves sailing together from Florida through the Abacos and Exumas in the Bahamas, really getting to know each other. This trip led them to the decision to run charters together in Virgin Islands. Their passion for the sea and their complimentary skills made them a dynamic duo. Each experience is a testament to their dedication and love for what they do, and they will leave guests with stories to tell and a longing to return.

Qualifications:
-Padi Open Water
-STCW
-First Aid & CPR