Captain Matthew Rose & Chef Alexandra Heetebrij

The crew Captain is Matthew Rose-Innes with First Mate and Cook Alexandra Heetebrij. Matthew is from South Africa and Alexandra is from Amsterdam. The couple has been on the sea together for three years. They bring the skill required for safe operation of the vessel and professional execution of the tasks of the charter. almost as important, they also bring a zest for life and sailing that will assure our guests experience while on the good ship Shiwara. They are both about 30 years old with an impressive background at sea. they have sailed in the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, The North Seas and the Caribbean including the Virgin Islands.

Matthew is educated as an attorney in South Africa. After graduating from the University with multiple degrees in Literature and Law he practiced as a litigation lawyer in one of Cape Towns leading law firms. When not in the court room Matthew was heeding the call of the outdoor, sailing the coast, traveling the wilds in his Land Rover or looking for the perfect wave. His heart was in the sea. After 5 years in the practice of law Matthew attended the best sailing academy in South Africa and began his quest at sea. He graduated in the top of is class. He has since been sailing. in his ever-continuing quest for knowledge he has also obtained special training as a Marine Engineer and was employed as Chief Engineer on several large ships. He sailed the Mediterranean on the "Phocea", the world famous 244-foot French sailing ship that had the distinction of holding the record Trans-Atlantic crossing record for a mono-hull. Matthew is an experienced diver and water skier.

Alexandra is from Amsterdam in the Netherlands and though Matthew is gregarious, he is shadowed by the bright and perky personality of Alexandra. She has many talents and skills. Her background began as an Advertising Executive with on the top Dutch agencies. She has studied Civil Aviation and has operated her own company. She has been at sea with Matthew for 3 years in many of the seas of the world.

Both Matthew and his fiancèe Alexandra have been lead by their spirit of adventure and love of the sea (and each other) and they have come to the British Virgin Islands to, as the crew of Shiwara, bring their love and spirit to our guests. They bring a strong background of experience, are professional driven and will guide all guests to a wonderful adventure on Shiwara.