Touch the Sky
Crew profile

Captain: Richard Darling (USA)
Chef: Suzanne Carter (USA)

CREW FOR BAHAMAS AND 2024/2025 SEASON
Captain: Nate Riley (USA)
Chef: Hilary Gieber (USA)

Captain: Richard Darling
Captain Richard hails from a small town in upstate New York near the Lake Ontario shoreline where he learned absolutely nothing about sailing! That is until he spent some college years in Daytona, then went back to NY and was fortunate enough to enter the racing scene where he purchased his own sailboat and hasn’t stopped sailing since. In 2003, Richard moved to the Virgin Islands and acquired his USCG Master’s License. Since then, he has worked in the charter industry as Captain or Engineer on various sailing and motor yachts up to 160 feet.

Calling St. Thomas home for more than 15 years. Richard has sailed thousands of miles through the islands and beyond, and he loves sharing some of the best kept secret anchorages and dive locations along the way along with his knowledge of the stars under the beautiful Caribbean night skies.

 

 

 

Chef: Suzanne Carter
Chef Suzanne hails from Philadelphia, PA where she studied under some of the best Italian cooks on the east side. She learned at an early age that perfectly blended herbs and spices will bring your dish to the next level. Her family moved to St. Petersburg, FL where her eyes were immediately drawn to the sea. Through the years her need to be in the islands never waned nor did her desire to create mouth watering meals. Her dishes are best described as elegantly simplistic. A wide range of culinary styles beautifully blended with fresh local ingredients, a superb mixture of herbs and spices, and sprinkled with a pinch of Mama’s love will have you begging for seconds. But trust me, you are going to want to save room for dessert!

 

 

 

 

CREW FOR BAHAMAS AND 2024/2025 SEASON

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!