Crew Profiles: Since launching in 2002, owner-operators John & Joanne Van Strien have logged over 40,000 miles on "Western Grace" in all conditions in British Columbia, Mexico, Alaska, California, El Salvador, Costa Rica & Hawaii. They speak English and Dutch, and were both were born, raised and educated in Holland. John started going to sea at age 9 on his uncle's North Sea trawlers on summer holidays. After completing nautical college at Oranje Nassua in Delfzyl, he logged 60,000 miles as crew on a Baltic Sea ship. After time ashore in Holland, Joanne & John founded Nanaimo Charters & Sailing School in British Columbia, Canada. If guests are interested, they can provide excellent hands-on instruction in the full range of cruising skills through offshore passagemaking.
John's certifications:
CYA Basic Sail
CYA Basic Power Boat
CYA Intermediate Sail
CYA Intermediate Power Boat
CYA Coastal navigation
Restricted Radio operators certificate
First Aid MarineMarine
Emergency Duties A-1
Joanne's certifications:
CYA Basic Sail
Restricted Radio operators certificate
First Aid Marine
Medi A-1 Ticket
Regency Yacht Vacations, Ltd. - Kathleen Mullen
PO Box 2238, Road Town, Tortola, VG1110, Virgin Islands
