Denis' knowledge of sailing began at the age of 2 aboard his parents' sailboat on the Barnegat bay in New Jersey. His love of the water, the outdoors and adventure began early and never left him. At 14 he taught at a rock climbing and martial arts training gym and later he went to college to become a Spanish teacher, but soon realized this career would not satisfy his hunger for life. He moved to California and eight months later he found himself aboard a 64 foot sailing yacht on his way out of San Diego harbor destination unknown.
He has sailed half the world including the pacific coast of Central America, the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. He has been across the Atlantic Ocean 3 times and has accumulated over 30,000 nautical miles.
Rita is a creative chef and very enthusiastic to adapt her menus to your personal preferences. With a degree in art, Rita approaches cooking and food presentation with an artist's flair. She enjoys experimenting with new recipes and refining old favorites. Extensive world travel developed Rita's palette while waiting tables and tending bar refined her skills in presentation, appreciation for fine dining and superb service.
Rita spent six seasons in the western US working for ARTA River Trips as a whitewater rafting guide, instructor, cook, and area manager. She is at ease on land or on the water and has on-water and remote safety training and understands hydrology, reading currents and weather conditions. River rafting has offered her an opportunity to gain experience in customer relations, exposed her to a variety of personalities and allowed her to become creative and confident in her culinary skills.
Denis Dowling and Rita Grindle are a great combination of creativity, good-humor, pleasant nature and adventure. Their combination of talents, personalities, and ambitions make them a perfect couple onboard. They believe that the most important question they can ask their guests is, "What would you like to do today?" Making that wish come true is their ambition. Let this dynamic duo show you the BVI's in style aboard Secret Oasis.
Your third crew member will be your dive master and ship's mate. |
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