Accomodations:

Crew Profile

MEET YOUR CREW:
Captain: Nick Nelson
Chef: Luka Niehaus


Step aboard and meet the dynamic duo behind your unforgettable charter experience.

Captain Nick grew up on a remote island nestled in Lake Superior, where life moved at the rhythm of the water. He started piloting boats at just 11 years old, sparking a lifelong love for the open sea. After earning his captain’s license, Nick began guiding powerboat and kayak tours through the scenic Apostle Islands before making the leap to full-time sailing charters.

When winter rolled in, he chased the sun—completing the famed Great Loop and sailing to Cuba and the Bahamas, twice. Since 2022, he’s captained over 40 charters in the Virgin Islands, bringing both adventure and calm to every voyage. For Nick, life on the water is where freedom, simplicity, and connection come together—and sharing that energy with guests is what makes each charter special.

Chef Luka hails from a nature reserve near the coastal city of Gqeberha, South Africa, where his love for the outdoors and ocean was matched only by his passion for cooking. A competitive water polo player and open-water swimmer, he’s also been crafting flavorful, artful dishes since his teen years.

After earning a prestigious Cordon Bleu diploma from the Silwood School of Cookery in Cape Town, Luka trained in some of the most renowned kitchens in the world—including The Test Kitchen and Chef’s Warehouse. He later returned to Silwood to mentor aspiring chefs and launched The Messy Chef Collective, a bespoke private chef venture known for its imaginative, globally inspired menus.

Still, the call of the sea was too strong to ignore. Luka blended his two greatest passions—culinary artistry and ocean adventure—by stepping into the world of yacht cuisine. As both a qualified chef and skilled deckhand, he brings a perfect balance of creativity and capability to life aboard.

Together, Nick and Luka are your guides to an extraordinary charter experience aboard Salty Dog. Their passion, professionalism, and love of good living create the kind of atmosphere where every moment feels like a highlight

Sample Menu

BREAKFAST

Mexican Eggs Benedict
Topped with spicy chorizo, smashed avocado and jalapenos, finished with chipotle hollandaise on an English muffin.

Coconut French Toast
Thick sourdough slices accompanied by creamy coconut yoghurt, macerated strawberries and finished off with a drizzle of maple syrup and crispy bacon. 

Breakfast Pita
A robust combination of balsamic bacon jam and fresh pesto fills a grilled pita with a juicy pork sausage and friend egg.

Smashed Avocado Toast 

Rustic artisanal bread loaded with avocado, confit tomatoes, creamy burrata bacon & a poached egg. 

Turkish Eggs
Garlicky yoghurt serves as the base for softly poached eggs over sautéed mushrooms & sausage. Drizzled with a spicy butter and accompanied with fresh sourdough for dipping.

Full Breakfast Fry Up 

A good ole hearty breakfast consisting of bacon, sausage, fried eggs, buttered toast, baked beans, sautéed mushrooms and roasted plum tomatoes. 

LUNCH

Creamy Tomato & Sausage Pasta
Penne pasta in a fresh tomato and herb sauce tossed with hot Italian sausage and topped with shaved parmesan. Served with a leafy arugula salad. 

Seared Tuna Poke Bowl
Served on a bed of sushi rice with avocado, mango, edamame and a spicy Gochujang mayo drizzle.

Firecracker Chicken Stir Fry
Stir-fried with vegetables, served over udon noodles with a bold Firecracker sauce.

Ludi´s Smashburgers

Beef pattys with American cheese and pickles on a toasted brioche bun, slathered with Big Mac sauce, served with rosemary salted chips.

Beef Short Ribs Tacos
Tender braised beef short ribs nestled in tacos with creamy avocado, crumbled feta, and cilantro over shredded lettuce.

Caribbean Fish Salad
Flaky salmon (or other seasonal protein) paired with sweet mango and a creamy coconut dressing atop crisp romaine lettuce and a cilantro dressing.

Cajun Shrimp Boil

Bathed in Old Bay butter with corn and baby potatoes. Served with spiced rice, ciabatta and broccolini. 

APPETIZERS
Spanish Ham Croquettes

Beetroot Tartar with mashed avocado, walnuts and feta

Crispy rice tuna tacos

Spicy Prawns with Rice Paper Chips

Sea Bass Ceviche

Seared Tuna Tataki

Beef Carpaccio with balsamic glaze, rocket and shaved parmesan

DINNER

Alessandra´s Nero Ragù Pasta
A rich and savory slow-cooked ragù paired with perfectly cooked pappardelle pasta.

Seared Sea Bass
Sea bass fillets served with a creamy herb sauce, lemon butter potatoes, herb oil and grilled asparagus.

Beef Tenderloin Medallions
Tender beef fillet topped with cowboy butter served with maple roasted carrots  and crispy seasoned chickpeas. 

African Chicken Curry
A flavorful South African favorite, served with rotis, basmati rice & a fresh.
Carrot, chilli & Lobster Risottto

A unique and colourful risotto topped with goat´s cheese risotto, beurre noisette and topped with crispy carrots.

Sticky Asian Ribs with a Basil Vinaigrette Couscous 

Served with a bacon jam Brussels sprouts and a basil vinaigrette couscous

Captains Dinner of Lamb Rack 

Pistachio crusted rack of lamb on a caramelized cauliflower purée served with pancetta wrapped French beans 

DESSERT

South African Malva Pudding with Homemade Custard

Banana Foster with Spiced Rum and Vanilla Ice Cream 

White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Passionfruit & Coconut Crumb 

Dalgona Coffee Cheesecake

Earl Grey Chocolate Mousse

Tahini Crème Brûlée

White Chocolate Panna Cotta with a Passion Fruit Granita topped with Coconut Crumb.

Standard Ships Bar

Soft drinks, sodas, water, beers and well drinks, cocktails are available  for your enjoyment.

Spirits

Vodka brands: Tito’s, Stoli, Smirnoff

Whiskey brands: Johnny Walker, Dewars, Jack Daniels

Tequila brands: Souza, Milagro

Rum brand: Cruzan

Gin brands: Gordans, Tanqueray  

Assortment of liqueurs.

Red and White Wines

Pino Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Blend, Pinot Noir, Proseco

Hard Seltzer

Highnoon, Love City, Truly, White Claw

Beer

Bud, Coors, Corona, Miller, Caribe, Presidente

Please let your broker know your preferred brand.

If you require premium wines or spirits of your choice, please notify your broker and we will be happy to source it for you and have them onboard when you arrive.

These would be at an additional cost to you.