RIPPLE

Crew

Meet Your Crew

Captain Mark, Chef Elena Bellotti, and Steward Jesse Hearne bring together a passion for adventure, exceptional hospitality, and life on the water. Mark's extensive global sailing and diving experience is complemented by Elena's refined Italian-inspired cuisine and Jesse's enthusiasm for ocean adventures and guest service. Together, they create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where personalized experiences, outstanding meals, and unforgettable days exploring the Virgin Islands come naturally.

Click each crew profile to learn more about their background, experience, and personal story.

Mark Russell

Captain

American · English

Captain Mark Russell
Captain Mark has spent a lifetime pursuing adventure on and beneath the water. Born in Japan and raised in England by American parents, his sailing journey began at just 13 years old when he completed his RYA Day Skipper course while cruising the English and French coasts.

He later earned a degree in Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology from the University of Plymouth, where he also obtained his Yachtmaster certification while working as both a dive guide and RIB pilot. His passion for diving has taken him around the world, logging thousands of dives, including a remarkable 4.5-hour rebreather dive to 260 feet exploring a World War II wreck in Vanuatu.

For more than 17 years, Mark has built an impressive career in luxury yachting, earning both his MCA Master 3000 and Y4 Engineer licenses. Among the highlights of his career was serving aboard the race vessel Earthrace, where he and a crew of four circumnavigated the globe in just 60 days aboard a 78-foot power yacht—a world record that still stands today.

Whether introducing guests to hidden anchorages, sharing his love of the Virgin Islands, or simply delivering a safe and unforgettable charter, Mark brings extraordinary experience, professionalism, and enthusiasm to every voyage.

Elena Bellotti

Chef

Italian

Chef Elena Bellotti
Proud of her Italian heritage, Chef Elena Bellotti brings the warmth, flavors, and traditions of Italy to every meal she prepares. Formally trained in the culinary arts, she combines classic Italian techniques with international influences to create personalized menus that delight guests throughout their charter.

With more than five years of experience aboard sailing yachts and charter catamarans, Elena has developed a thoughtful approach to onboard dining, balancing creativity with careful attention to each guest's individual tastes and preferences. Her culinary training is complemented by certifications in Silver Service and second-level wine appreciation, allowing her to deliver an elevated dining experience both in the galley and at the table.

For Elena, one of the greatest joys of yachting is meeting new guests each week, learning what they love, and creating memorable meals that bring people together. She believes food is about more than nourishment—it's about sharing happiness, culture, and a little piece of Italy with every dish she serves.

Jesse Hearne

Steward

South African

Steward Jesse Hearne — Bio
Growing up just steps from the beach in Cape Town, South Africa, Jesse Hearne developed a lifelong passion for the ocean at an early age. Whether surfing, bodyboarding, wakeboarding, waterskiing, wakesurfing, or kneeboarding, life on the water has always been second nature.

Jesse began his yachting career in 2015, where he discovered a love for snorkeling and scuba diving that eventually led him to earn his PADI Divemaster certification. More recently, he has split his seasons between working as a watersports instructor and boat driver at a summer camp in Massachusetts and serving as a snorkeling guide on ocean safari tours along the spectacular coastline of Cape Town.

His enthusiasm for the marine environment, combined with his experience leading guests both on and in the water, makes him a natural fit aboard charter yachts. Whether assisting with watersports, guiding snorkeling adventures, or simply sharing his passion for the ocean, Jesse is dedicated to helping every guest experience the beauty and excitement of life at sea.

Known for his approachable personality and adventurous spirit, Jesse looks forward to welcoming guests aboard and creating unforgettable memories on the water.