WINDQUEST Privatyacht

Max is a classically trained chef with four-year culinary arts degree from Kendall College in Chicago, Illinois. He began his culinary career in 2010 after choosing not to further pursue the physics degree he was working towards at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. After returning to the Chicago-land area, he climbed the ranks at a brand new fast-casual restaurant chain and helped them grow from one location into five separate locations. After two years of explosive expansion, Max decided to focus more on education and the potential for new experiences by transplanting to the heart of downtown Chicago. He spent the next two years soaking up all the knowledge he could through classes and also staging (unpaid temporary work) in numerous restaurants, hotels, and catering operations throughout Chicago. Upon completing his degree in culinary arts, Max set his eyes on yachting as his next career path. He packed his bags and flew to Fort Lauderdale to get his certifications and training required for this new industry. Throughout his first year in yachting, Max has been the chef on yachts up to 60m (197ft) and has cruised across the Caribbean, Bahamas, and the Mediterranean. Now on Windquest, Max is ready to tantalize guests with interesting and innovative preparations on new and classics dishes. Max is a protege of the famed Chef David Bouley and Max will be a guest chef at Bouley Restaurant in New York this fall.

Mate Ryan Beutler: American
Ryan joined the Crew of WindQuest in May, 2016. He grew up in Connecticut, learning to sail at a young age and spending many days doing so on the Long Island Sound. In fact his dad insisted on having him at least sit on the families 22-foot sailboat the day out of the hospital. With a strong desire to spend time on the water he spent the summer months while at university working as the crew aboard a 50 foot Alden sailboat with day charters and trips to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. After completing his degree in Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island, Ryan joined the crew of WindQuest. Since then he has sailed extensively with the crew, from British Columbia to the Caribbean. He is Open Water Dive Certified and currently working towards his Master of Yachts 200 Ton License.
With a strong love for the outdoors, the ocean, and sailing mixed with youthful personality and energy, Ryan hopes to help provide a delightful charter experience.

Steward Sean De Klerk: South African
Passionate about service and a life at sea, Sean De Klerk fills the position of steward on board WindQuest. Growing up in Durban, a charming seaside town on the east coast of South Africa, renowned for its sailing culture and also boasting the largest harbour in Africa, his extensive background in fine dining and hospitality, coupled with the maritime ethos of his home town, it was no surprise that Sean was to end up pursuing a career in the luxury yacht industry. His fine dining and hospitality background has equipped him with an extensive knowledge of food, wine and cocktail service as well as a superb attention to detail concerning all things related to housekeeping and guest relations. His warm and charming nature contributes in a unique way to the personable and tailored experience that all guests have on board WindQuest.