PRIDE

Captain: Luke Whtley

Nationality: US

Luke Whitley: Captain

With over 20 years of experience on the water, Luke’s is a capable and confident captain whose primary focus is always the safety of his passengers and the vessel.

Luke grew up in Northern Michigan and started his career in the marine industry as the Assistant Harbormaster of a luxury marina. During his time on the water he focused his attention on sailing, his true passion, by restoring several boats and successfully competing in hundreds of regattas.

After receiving a degree in Information Technologies and spending eight years as an IT Analyst, Luke decided to leave his office job behind and pursue a career full time in the yachting industry.

Since he was young Luke has had an interest in mechanics. His experience in the IT realm further helped him develop the skills he needs to diagnose and handle complex mechanical, electronic and system issues.

Luke has a 50-ton Masters license with sailing and towing endorsements and has experience as a captain on boats up to 70 feet in length. He is an advanced SCUBA diver and plans to work to become a Dive Master by the end of the winter.

Luke is very systematic, adventurous and knowledgeable. He has a thirst for learning new skills and mastering new challenges, while simultaneously being cautious and prepared.

Luke is passionate about the outdoors and loves SCUBA, paddle boarding, and driving motorcycles. In the winter he is an avid snowboarder and enjoys ice boating. He grew up hunting, camping, and fishing with his family. He truly enjoys meeting new people and learning about different cultures.



Bethany Whitley: Mate, Cook, Stew

Bethany also grew up in Northern Michigan and found her enthusiasm for boating when she met Luke in 2004. After spending several years learning the ropes, competing in regattas, and participating in restoration projects alongside Luke; Bethany was all in on making a lifestyle change and transitioning to boating full time.

Before working in the yachting industry Bethany had a successful career in Economic and Community Development. She worked with dozens of municipalities throughout Michigan to help improve the quality of life for their citizens. With a degree in Public Relations and Communications and a certificate in federal grant writing Bethany has a high degree of organizational skills which help to run each boating program she manages smoothly.

Bethany has her Merchant Mariner credentials, Standards of Training and Certified Watchkeeping certificates and is certified in SCUBA. She has a Level II Food Handlers Certificate and was formerly a trained open water lifeguard. In addition to crewing on yachts she also writes freelance sailing articles for Quantum Sailing.

Bethany has always enjoyed cooking. After managing a farmer’s market for several years, her style is influenced by fresh, local food prepared in a simple, yet elegant manner. She enjoys getting to know where the food comes from and the people who harvest it. The abundance of fresh ingredients offered in the Virgin Islands are a dream to work with and she looks forward to pleasing her guests with delicious seafood selections and specialty cocktails.

Bethany has a laid back and fun-loving, positive attitude. Her degree in Public Relations helps her remain sensitive to the needs of her guests. She understands how important vacation time is and will go above and beyond to help her guests have a wonderful experience aboard Pride. Whether it’s cooking a special meal or leading guests on a fun excursion she has the skills needed to ensure that you have a vacation to remember.

In her free time Bethany enjoys reading, and spending time outdoors hiking, snorkeling, and traveling to new places. She is a chocoholic and has a passion for animals and marine life.