Our Crew

‘To Bring People Together to Create Memories and Strengthen Friendships & Family Connections’

So, now meet our enthusiastic experienced crew who live in the Annapolis area, many with life-long experience boating on the Chesapeake Bay. Some of our Team members hail from the Caribbean as well as other travel destination islands. Some, are career professionals in the hospitality industry with a passion for water and wind. Others have broad experience in business and family life. We have an ideal balance for all our Guests. Let us all Welcome You Aboard!

Melvyn H. – Founder

I have 39-years of sail and power boat experience on the Chesapeake Bay, and hold a 50-Ton Merchant Mariner Credential with Auxiliary Sail Endorsement and Towing Endorsement from the U.S. Coast Guard. I’m an avid photographer, naturalist, adventurer and eternal optimist. I love adventure (a 3-month expedition to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and leadership a High Altitude Expedition to Mt. Damavand, Iran) plus a recent 11-day catamaran delivery from Annapolis to West Palm Beach, FL. Island Chill Yacht Charters is my adventure – every day!

Jamie G. – Chief of Operations

Jamie’s boating resume is extensive and broad, including 50-Ton Captain’s License. As well as a highly experienced Chesapeake Bay Boater (since 3-years old, apparently), Jamie has a 20-year career in the boating industry as engineer, project manager and in marketing. He’s a conscientious mariner with a great sense of humor, and a veteran of many ICYC boat improvement projects. 

Leslie H. – Chief Steward

Leslie was born and raised on the beautiful Island of St. Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands where she was either on the water as crew on sailboats or exploring under water, scuba diving. After college on the mainland, she returned to St. Croix for many years as a photographer and marketing ambassador for one of St. Croix’s first tourism-focused websites. She returned stateside to earn her Doctoral in Psychology. A person on the go, you can sometimes find her entertaining guests and managing at some of DC and Maryland’s historic and trendy theater and concert venues in between ICYC charters.

Aminah G. – Director, Business Development
Meet Aminah, our crew member with a lifetime of experience on the water and family roots in Barbados! Raised on the waves, she’s got saltwater in her veins and ocean in her blood. Fun, outgoing, and always ready to cast off, Aminah has spent 15 years fine-tuning her skills and sharing her passion for sailing with others. She’s also a marketing professional with marine experience in her family’s powerboat charter company in Florida and Washington, D.C. Join her on our luxury yachts and get ready for the adventure enjoyment of a lifetime!. Book your dream voyage today and let Aminah be your guide to the high seas! ?✨
Capt. John D. (Leut., U.S. Navy Ret.)

Capt John is a USCG 100 Ton, Near Coastal Master Mariner with broad experience on the Chesapeake Bay. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy and went on to serve our country as a Navigator in the United States Navy. Besides the Chesapeake, he has sailed in the Atlantic, Pacific, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Great Lakes. John currently runs a Boat Charter, Delivery & Instruction company here in Annapolis. He has plenty of fun, amazing (none embellished!) stories to tell!

Capt. Laura S.
Captain Laura “Lee” Olsen, a USCG licensed Master Mariner, loves everything about sailing and the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Her professionalism, friendly personality and passion for sailing is greatly appreciated at ICYC! You will also find her at the helm of her Catalina 36, “Miramar” (“to View the Sea”). Recently she ventured aboard other vessels to Bermuda and the Bahamas, and plans more ocean adventures. 
Ryan S. – First Mate
First Mate Ryan has been sailing for more than 25 years in large and small boats alike, He’s explored much of the central Chesapeake Bay under sail, including many overnight excursions. Ryan is a versatile sailor. In his spare time, he’s an attorney and musician, and loves introducing new friends to the beauty, history and scale of the Chesapeake. 
Jed M. – Boatswain
Jed is a seasoned member of the Island Chill Yacht Charters crew. He has been sailing and fishing since he was 5 years old, and grew up on the coast of Maryland. Jed and his family live in downtown Annapolis. On Therapy, Jed is always ahead of what’s needed and keeps the ship trim and ship-shape, especially when the wind is up. After studying Finance and Architecture at The Ohio State University, Jed now works as an Architect in Washington, D.C. when he’s not on the water with our guests.
Vanessa S. – Steward
On world travels, Vanessa gravitates to the ocean. Could this be related to being born and raised in Hawaii – who’s to say. It’s all an advantage, of course, to Vanessa’s enthusiasm for taking charters out on the Chesapeake. In her other world, Vanessa is a new-age musician, DJ and hospitality manager.
Pamela S. – Steward
Pamela grew up with the fishing boats of her neighborhood in Lima, Peru on the wild Pacific coast line. When she’s here in summer, Pamela adds the ideal balance of hospitality and seamanship aboard. She’s a great Ussie photographer! In the Winter season, Pamela is a professional crew aboard luxury yachts in Miami.