Crew Profiles:
CAPTAIN
Mente Wester

Mente is a seasoned sailor with a lifelong passion for water sports. From the age of 6 he was drawn to the water and started sailing on lasers and Hobie cats. While growing up in the Netherlands, almost all of Mente's free time would be spent sailing, and eventually he became a sailing instructor, passing on his love for the sport to others.

At the age of 16, Mente joined School at Sea, a 6 month program, covering over 11,000 miles, all while following the high school curriculum on board. It was this journey that sparked his interest in ocean sailing.

Following high school, Mente joined the 249ft 3-masted Clipper Stad Amsterdam. He worked on deck for 3 years, while also pursuing a Maritime Officer's education at Enkhuizen Nautical College.

After those 3 years of sailing around the world, Mente pursued an academic Bachelor in Science & Innovation Management, as well as a Masters Degree in Entrepreneurship. During this time, he would also run charters in Croatia and Sardinia over the summer. Now that he has successfully completed his degrees, he eagerly has returned to sailing in the BVI.

Mente loves sharing his sailing knowledge and passion with guests just as much as he enjoys showing them the blue world both above and below the water's surface. Together, Mente and Annick embody the spirit of adventure and hospitality, and are ready to welcome you aboard for an unforgettable journey on board Apricity.

CERTIFICATES
• RYA Yacht Master Offshore, Commercially Endorsed
• STCW
• GMDSS General Operator's Certificate
• PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
• BSc Science & Innovation Management
• MSc Entrepreneurship


CHEF
Annick Van Der Plas

Introducing Annick, who grew up in the Netherlands and has been sailing since she was a little girl. Whether through sailing vacations or sailing camps, she was always around water. Her journey into hospitality began at the age of 14 when she started working at a restaurant, where her positive energy and welcoming smile quickly became her signature. Her passion for hospitality led her to the International Hospitality School in the Netherlands, where she honed her skills and transformed her love for hospitality and culinary arts into a career. During her studies, she pursued an internship at a luxury hotel in Cape Town.

Surrounded by boats and water her entire life, Annick couldn't resist the sensation of the wind in her hair and the salt on her skin. After completing her studies, she combined her two passions and applied to work aboard the Stad Amsterdam, a 3-masted tall ship, where she sailed the world as a Hospitality Manager. The challenges brought on by COVID led her to transition to a land-based job and after spending 2.5 years behind a desk, Annick is thrilled to be back on the water where she belongs.

Annick owns her own 27ft sailboat and has lived on a houseboat in Amsterdam with Mente. Her greatest joy is providing friends & family with a true five-star experience on her sailboat or hosting dinner parties on their houseboat. She loves experimenting with new dishes, with Italian cuisine being her favorite. If you have any delicious Italian recipes, Annick is always eager to prepare them for you. She can't wait to share the wonders of Apricity with you and create unforgettable memories together on the water!

CERTIFICATES
• Bachelors in Hotel Management
• Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene
• Food Allergen Awareness
• STCW Basic Safety
• RYA Short Range VHF Certificate
• Project Management
• Crisis Management & Human Behavior
• Crowd Management
• PADI Advanced Open Water Diver