Captain Name: Jon Bellemare
Captain Nationality: American
Number of Crew: 4
Captain: Jon Bellemare
Captain Jon is an “old-salt” at heart, growing up off the coast of Maine and New Hampshire working in the marine industry. He is a fully documented and certified Captain, with a RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Yachtmaster Offshore (200T). In addition, he also has a USCG (US Coast Guard) 100T Near Coastal Masters License. Captain Jon has 10 years of experience as a professional mariner, and over 30,000 nautical miles under his belt, ranging from the farthest points of the Caribbean to the most northern points of the US.
Captain Jon’s contagious enthusiasm and immense sailing knowledge help to create a one-of-a-kind charter experience. He strives for each and every guest onboard to feel safe while providing a fun and relaxed environment. Ultimately, Captain Jon will make sure you have the vacation of a lifetime, while on board BLUE GRYPHON.
Chef/Hostess: Kait Bellemare
Chef/Hostess, Kait was raised in Kennebunkport, Maine. Similar to Captain Jon, she spent most of her summers sailing the New England coast with family and developed a great love for the ocean. Kait began her culinary career when she became a full-time nanny in Denver, Colorado. When Captain Jon and Kait met in 2013, she decided to continue enhancing her culinary skills while joining Captain Jon in the charter industry.
Kait’s ability to provide guests with a luxury experience without the fuss is reflective of her own Maine roots. She provides custom menus made from locally sourced fresh foods that are prepared tastefully and to each guest’s preference. She is very flexible with a lively and outgoing personality. Kait aims to make your stay on board BLUE GRYPHON as seamless and as comfortable as possible.
Captain Jon and Chef Kait married in 2015 and have continued sharing their passion and love of the ocean with others through working in the charter industry. Together with their additional crew they make an ideal team.
Mike Haith: Engineer/Mate
Mike Haith has always had a love for the ocean. He grew up lobstering off the coast of Maine and he has recently graduated from Maine Maritime Academy with a concentration in engineering. Mike also holds a medical person in charge certificate and is happy to assist when needed on board. In addition, he was a member of the Maine Maritime off shore sailing team and a company commander in the regiment. On board Mike is responsible for the mechanical operations of the yacht, but he also serves as the water sports extraordinaire and the Captains right hand man! Mike is extremely happy to be a part of the Blue Gryphon team and he looks forward to welcoming you aboard!
Stew: Michelle Hartz
Michelle treks all the way from Melbourne, Australia to join Blue Gryphon. Michelle previously worked in the Caribbean on Board Sailing Yacht Lir and Sailing Yacht Foxy Lady. Her radiant smile and genuine warmth make guests feel immediately at ease aboard Blue Gryphon. She’s a natural with small children and when there’s a bit of spare time she’s always keen to teach paddle boarding and show guests the islands. During her career she has traveled extensively and made lifelong friends along the way. Whilst in Australia Michelle focused her studies and Career in Business Management, Hospitality and Retail.