About Us
Our Team
At PNW Yacht Charters we strive to provide guests with the most exciting yachting experience in the Pacific NorthWest, Western Canada and
Alaska. Ensuring a great time while out on the water is certain, however your SAFETY is always at the forefront. Our small team consists of
Captain, Mate and if desired, an onboard Chef. Our group has been boating the local waters (and beyond) for many years, ensuring familiarity
with numerous hidden gems which most people never have an opportunity to experience. We look forward to sharing our
local area experience with you on your next yacht charter trip.
Captain Rich
Captain Rich grew up in the outback of Alaska and has been affiliated with boating and small aircraft most of his life. After moving to Seattle in the 1990's he worked in the technology development industry for 20 years. Rich and his partners sold the engineering firm in 2015 and he moved on to warmer climates, "Costa Rica", where he lived for 3 years in the tropics running his own offshore sportfishing company consisting of a fleet of 5 yachts. After returning to the States, Rich continued pursuing
his passion captaining private yachts in Alaska,
PNW, Canada, Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Rich is an avid fisherman and prefers
to be out on the water exploring with guests.
Captain Rich maintains a current
USCG MASTER 100ton Maritime Captains License,
complimented with necessary Safety/Medical Credentials.
Chef Laurel
Many would say Chef Laurel’s culinary journey started 25 years ago, but it is worth noting that marrying a Pakistani and being immersed in the food culture of that region of the world was the beginning. Her love of learning about different spices and methods that created such flavorful dishes was truly the beginning of the journey. Laurel attended Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in 2004 and opened her first restaurant, after working with several respected chefs. Mackinaws Restaurant and Curious (The Bar’s) success was greatly inspired by her time working in Chicago at "TRU", with Chef Rick Trumonto. After 16 years in the restaurant business, her boys took the reins carrying on the legacy. Chef Laurel then continued on, pursuing her longtime dream of owning and cheffing dinner cruises aboard her own private yacht. She now shares her worldly experience cooking for guest aboard private yachts cruising the waters of the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands and Canadian waters… saying
“A dream come true”…”the water is my home!”
