COLETTE

Captain: Bret Van Roden

Nationality: United States

BRET VAN RODEN, CAPTAIN:
Captain Bret Van Roden is a seasoned sailor, after circumnavigating the world on his 41 ft Ketch, Broken Compass. Following a career in Finance and Economics after landing his degree from James Madison University, Bret, his twin brother, and their Siberian Husky, Makai, notably double handed and 4 pawed across the Pacific without an auxiliary engine or autopilot.

After crossing the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans and three and a half years of exploring the world and developing a love for fishing and the Ocean, the two brothers founded Broken Compass, LLC, a fishing and tackle company. Bret notably went on to becoming a professional charter skipper, running the Lagoon 620 charter catamaran Tell Star.

As a licensed Captain, Yacht master Offshore, PADI Diving Instructor, AIDA 3 free diver, a professional fisherman, and natural Mariner, Bret now displays his years of sea experience guiding guests around the Caribbean aboard P/C Colette.

CHEF GISELLE LIOTTA brings great talent and experience to the boat and galley.
Giselle grew up in in the suburbs of Miami, Florida, often going flats fishing on the bay with her dad and three sisters. Thus began her passion for being on the water and a deep love of fishing and the ocean. As a child she participated in many activities, from tennis to ballet and piano as well.
After graduating from Florida State University in Accounting and Finance, she set off to travel around the world. In November of 2019, she attended a yacht chef training in Croatia called Quarter Deck and learned presentation techniques and food safety basics; she also took day courses in various countries to learn about local produce and culinary techniques. Her yachting career began in Sardinia, Italy, working on weekly charters with 10 guests on board; she has worked on private motor yachts as a Chef/Stew as well.

Giselle's travels have given her an international flair, she loves surprising guests with new and exotic flavors discovered on her tours. Guests are delighted on their culinary journeys; Giselle uses lots of fresh flavors that feel good to eat while on vacation on a yacht! A favorite of guests is the Vietnamese shrimp salad, made using vermicelli noodles and a fresh lime vinaigrette, they love the Thai and Asian infusion cuisine!

Giselle’s love of photography and adventure keep her traveling when not working. Summer of 2022 took her on a three-month trip through Europe, exploring different cultures and foods from the regions visited. She traveled extensively through Spain exploring the Basque region and learning new and exciting foods from this culinary capital of the world. Before that she visited Peru and was amazed with the incredible flavor combinations that they use in their dishes and she has incorporated some of those flavor combinations into her menus today.

On charter, Giselle makes all efforts to get to know guests in order make the week as personal and exciting for each group as possible. She is usually in the galley, but, given the time, loves snorkeling, horseback riding, and has even been sky diving at the request of a guest who wanted a fellow adventurer to participate!
Giselle’sMotto: Seize the day = Seas the day!