Kismet is always crewed by a captain and first mate, whether Capt Dan or Capt Bill, or Chef Joan or Chef Randi, you are always in safe capable hands.
Captain Dan Alonso has been at the helm since childhood, beginning his sailing journey at the age of eight. Growing up on the water, he spent every summer captaining his father’s boat from Rhode Island to Maine and back, building both skill and a deep love for the sea. Over the years, Dan has gained extensive offshore experience, logging more than 50,000 nautical miles. His passion for adventure and challenge led him to compete in multiple solo passages, including the renowned Newport Bermuda Solo Race.
In addition to his sailing expertise, Dan is an accomplished scuba diver, rock climber, and skier, embracing every opportunity to explore the outdoors. His well-rounded love of adventure translates seamlessly into life on board, where he combines technical knowledge with a true appreciation for nature.
Guests often find Dan’s easygoing personality, warm demeanor, and natural sense of humor make them feel instantly comfortable. For those eager to learn, he enjoys sharing his knowledge of sailing, offering hands-on guidance in a relaxed and encouraging style. Whether charting a new course, teaching the art of seamanship, or sharing stories from his adventures, Captain Dan ensures every charter is as safe as it is unforgettable. Capt Dan has his USCG 100 ton master license.
Captain Bill brings decades of experience, adventure, and hospitality to every voyage. His journey on the water began early, working on offshore sportfishing boats then transitioning to sailing and by his early 20s, he had earned his ASA certifications, then Coast Guard Capt. license, which opened the door to independently chartering sailboats and exploring the world under sail.
Bill spent five years living aboard his Hallberg Rassy monohull on an ambitious sailing sabbatical to the Caribbean, Europe and back. Sailing over 30,000 nautical miles, a journey that deepened Bill’s love of both sailing and cultural discovery.
Before returning full-time to the yachting world, Bill had a professional background in the medical field, paired with early career experience in fine hotels and restaurants—which shaped his approach to service, hospitality, and guest care. Now retired from running his own business, he’s returned to his true passion: sailing, entertaining, and creating unforgettable moments at sea.
Whether you’re joining him for a week of island-hopping or simply enjoying a sunset sail, Captain Bill’s calm demeanor, deep knowledge, and warm hospitality ensure a safe, enriching, and memorable charter.
Joan brings a perfect balance of skill, warmth, and creativity to every yacht charter experience. With years of hospitality expertise, she began her career as a professional bartender and waitress in several high-end restaurants, where she developed a passion for fine food, excellent service, and creating memorable experiences for guests.
Joan’s love of the sea led her to combine her culinary expertise with yachting. She has worked as chef aboard Kismet, Cadence, and several other charter sailing yachts throughout the Caribbean, Adriatic, and Mediterranean. Her menus highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients and reflect the vibrant flavors of the regions she explores.
In addition to her culinary talents, Joan is a professional photographer. She delights in capturing candid moments of joy, laughter, and adventure during each charter, providing guests with beautiful images to cherish long after their voyage.
Known for her warm, welcoming personality, Joan has a natural ability to make guests feel instantly at home. Whether through delicious meals, attentive service, or thoughtful details, she ensures every charter is a truly unforgettable experience.
Randi grew up sailing the Connecticut and Rhode Island shoreline with her family aboard their 32-foot Vanguard, where she spent summers learning the art of provisioning and cooking at sea. While her brothers manned the deck with their father, Randi and her mother created hearty, comforting meals in the galley—sparking a lifelong passion for food and hospitality aboard boats.
Her professional path began in the gourmet food industry, where she rose to leadership at Hay Day, Inc., serving as Store Manager, vice president and Director of Cooking Schools for an $18M specialty food market. She went on to help establish the culinary and branding success of Tavern on Main and Riverhouse Tavern in Westport, CT, and later supported aspiring chefs as a Career Counselor at the Center for Culinary Arts.
In recent years, Randi has combined her hospitality background with her maritime roots. As chef and provisioner with Joyride Charters from 2022–2024, she cooked for 8–10 guests aboard 50-foot catamarans in the British Virgin Islands and the Greek Islands, managing everything from budgeting and provisioning to meal preparation and guest satisfaction. Alongside her culinary work, she also assisted as a deckhand, ensuring smooth and safe sailing.
With decades of experience in food, guest services, and life at sea, Randi brings creativity, professionalism, and a warm, welcoming spirit to every charter.
