On A Whim III

Crew Profile

Captain Alexander Haywood

Maritime Qualifications

Maritime at UKSA, Cowes, Isle of Wight
RYA Cruising Instructor
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
RYA Yachtmaster Coastal
RYA Short
Range Radio
RYA Professional Practices & Responsibilities
MCA Elementary First Aid
MCA Personal Survival Technique
RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance
RYA Radar
RYA Competent Crew
RYA Day
Skipper Shore based Practical Sail & Power
ENG1
STCW

Alex knew from an early age that he wanted to live a life of adventure. Growing up in the Cotswolds, England he was never too far away from the natural lakes. With his love for life, sports, fitness and his free spirit, at the age 18 he moved to London in the search of finding himself and his purpose, during this time he worked as a waiter in the first ever high-end Balthazar restaurant. 

At the age of 21 he took the leap to travel Australia for 3 years, where his journey consisted of working on Banana farms. After embarking on his self discovery journey through his travels in Australia and Southeast Asia, he dedicated himself to a career of sailing through an amazing sponsorship opportunity. This allowed him to learn how to sail in one of the trickiest parts of the world… The Solent, England, from 2019 onwards.

This sponsorship allowed him to pursue a career in the Yachting Industry as a successful and seasoned RYA Captain and RYA Cruising Instructor. Since then, he‘s never looked back and has accumulated over 15,000 nautical miles in a variety of conditions, all over the world.

Over the course of his 5 years in the industry as a seasoned Captain, Alex has sailed in England, Greece, Croatia and the BVI. Captaining boats from 45ft - 53ft Sailing and Power Catamarans.

Chef Renee Harris-Miles

Renee with her bubbly and glowing personality and like Alex, a free-spirit and love for life, knew from an early age life was for the taking. Brought up in the fast paced city life in London and Birmingham, England; Renee was always in search for the nearest peaceful nature walk and the closest place to the tranquility of nature. At the age of 19, Renee took the leap to move away from home in the City and moved to the Gloucestershire countryside to study a BSC (HONS) Equestrian Sports Science at Hartpury University to discover both herself and her passions.

Alongside studying, Renee also worked in the 4* Hilton hotel and waitressed at the prestigious Cheltenham races for exclusive clientele.

Her time at university is where she discovered herself as a person and opened her eyes to life and all the amazing things it has to offer. This is where she also discovered that the equestrian industry wasn’t for her and yet decided to continue studying for her degree, while in search for a new career venture. 

She discovered her love for fitness and adventure and it is also how Renee and Alex met at their local gym in Gloucestershire, while they were both in search for finding their purpose and a life of freedom. 

While their relationship was blossoming, naturally Renee was introduced to the Yachting Industry and the tranquil sea’s through the safe hands of Captain Alex. This is where she fell in love with the ocean (+turtles) and discovered there really is nothing like vitamin sea. 

Using their ball of sunshine personalities and strong high-end luxury hospitality backgrounds they have sailed together in the North and South Ionian and the British Virgin Islands. 

In addition, Renee has also come from a family of foodies and Bakers. She grew up surrounded by her passionate culinary family members. An early memory of hers was helping her Great- Grandnanny bake a delicious Jamaican Rum cake, which was always something that brought the family together. From this early memory her love for baking and cooking has only flourished. Creating tasty and flavourful nutritious meals is a great passion of hers and comes organically (pun intended, she loves organic natural foods).

Together, as a Crewed Captain and Chef Couple, they not only compliment each other as life partners, as confident and skilled Maritime professionals, they go above and beyond in every aspect of the Charter. Creating a once in a life time luxury Yacht Charter, ensuring you’ll have a vacation of a lifetime.

Maritime Qualifications:
STCW Basic Safety Training
Proficiency in Security Awareness
ENG1 MCA

Culinary Qualifications:
Scoolinary Cooking Academy Certifications
Rouxbe Culinary School, Seafood Literacy
Rouxbe Culinary School, Culinary RX
Gordon Ramsey Academy, half day Italian course
Gordon Ramsey Academy, Fish and Seafood Masterclass
Food Handler Certification
Level 2 Food Certification
European Bartending School Certification, 2024

Sample Menu

More Locations Details

Summer Operations
Caribbean Virgin Islands (US/BVI), Caribbean Virgin Islands (US), Caribbean Virgin Islands (BVI)

Winter Operations
Caribbean Virgin Islands (US/BVI), Caribbean Virgin Islands (US), Caribbean Virgin Islands (BVI)