Touch the Sky
Crew profile

Captain: Nate Riley
In 1989, I assisted my parents in their preparation for a transatlantic crossing from California to Scotland. Though I did not get to make that voyage, it did ignite my passion for sailing and the ocean. I grew up in Michigan around the water and it always fascinated me. So, when a friend called one January asking, “Can you turn wrenches on a sailboat?” There was no decision to be made and off I went.

I began my career as an engineer on a crew of 5 and eventually earned my 200GRT/500 GT USCG license. Since then, I have worked on vessels of varying sizes; 65’ to 245’. From scuba dive liveaboards to Alaskan Summer adventure boats. During these past 25 years of being in this industry, there have been so many wonderful adventures. I have participated in organized shark feeds, visited many Islands (Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, USVI, and BVI), explored uninhabited Islands, crossed the Gulf Stream countless times, and even wrote a #1 Amazon scuba travel guide. Bahamas Bucket List for Divers: Bimini Edition.

I find enjoyment sharing my passion and knowledge for the ocean and navigation. When on land, I enjoy entering in 5k races and have also participated in a few marathons. I love to fish when on charter and have recently gotten into surfing. If there is one thing you can be certain of, I will do everything within the realm of weather and safety to make sure your vacation is the most memorable one ever. It would be my pleasure to be your Captain.

Chef: Hilary Gieber
It was a typical Michigan Winter in the Upper Peninsula (iykyk), January 2011. I was packing in the middle of a blizzard and was headed to the US Virgin Islands. It would be my first time traveling to The Caribbean. I knew nothing about sailing, and even less about the ocean and scuba diving. Growing up around the Great Lakes I had great respect for the water, but no Ocean experience. I had agreed to a job on a 104’ Custom Sailing Vessel that traveled between the Virgin Islands and the Bahamas, diving everywhere in between (Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, BVI).

Immediately I was in heaven and twelve years later here I am. During that time, I soaked up everything I could about sailing, scuba diving, and the ocean world below us. I had found the lifestyle that suited me during these years, but truly found my home in the Galley. From Florida and The Caribbean all the way to Alaska I have enjoyed feeding and entertaining guests from all over the world. Using local ingredients along the way and always taking in the latest food and drink trends. My Fiancé and Captain would call me a “foodie”, but I just love and get excited about food.

Being a part of guests’ underwater experiences has been a great pleasure of my life. Teaching them about the world below is another true passion of mine. I now hold my Rescue Diver certification, STCW, and have over ten years of sea time. On a typical day you can find me up early to exercise and getting my mind right, before starting breakfast and food prep for the day. I enjoy afternoon snorkeling, getting together with family and friends, playing cards, and anything involving the outdoors. This life has allowed me to continue traveling and exploring the world we live in, and I hope to share that and my food with all of you!