Meet the Shearwater Crew

The Shearwater is crewed by a team of 4 - the captain, first mate, mate and a server. Read the profile of our crew members here.

Thomas Berton President An entrepreneur for most of his life, Tom was born and raised in Lower Manhattan and graduated from Williams College (BA '87-'88 in Japanese/U.S. comparative studies). He has lived in Japan and speaks fluent Japanese. He bought the Shearwater in the spring of 2001 after volunteering over 11 years on the Petrel. In his private time, Tom practices Qi-Gong Tai Ji Chuan under the tutelage of Wu Tang Tao priest and healer Master Ru Yu Wen.

Chris Van Nes Captain Chris is one of the Shearwater's captains and is as capable in the engine room as at the wheel. Chris Van Nes has sailed on the finest wood and steel craft in salt water, including Pilot, Nina, Petrel, Yankee and Shearwater.

Matthew John Beck Captain Matt Beck is one of Shearwater's long time captains.

Some of our servers