Catamaran Tortuga

Captain Jace Cosentino

Jace was born and raised in Chicago. He excelled at sports and schooling in his youth and became a staple on the Honor Roll and All State team for football. He chose Illinois State for college and majored in psychology, graduating in four years. When confronted with the choice of footing the bill for grad school or entering the working world, Jace got a job at a recruiting firm called Aerotek. Within a year and half he was promoted to business development manager. About two years later, something changed, Jace realized he wasn’t happy. He didn’t want his life to be about his car, his watch, his biggest sale, his next promotion. He didn’t want to wear a suit and tie everyday. He wanted to do something he loved and had a passion for. Jace put in his two week notice and tried to figure out what was next. Hawaii was his answer. He moved to the Big Island where he fell into a snorkel job, swimming with dolphins during the day and manta rays at night. Since then, he has lived in various locations including St. Croix, Alaska, Bonaire, and Maui, working on his diving and boating. Jace now has over 3300 dives and is a Master Scuba Diver Instructor. He also holds a 100-ton USCG license and is proficient on a variety of boats including sailing vessels. He has delivered multiple boats in the past few years, accumulating over 5000 nautical miles. Jace recently transitioned from running day trips to doing term charters for Charter Caribe, and is eager to share his passion for the ocean with you.

Chef/First Mate Mackenzie Araiza
Mackenzie grew up in a small hill country town in Texas (before you ask, yes everything is bigger there). She attended Texas State university where she got her BA in psychology. How did she end up here in the Virgin Islands" Well it all started with a crazy backpacking trip through Asia, and the rest is history. Mackenzie loves to tell stories, and even won a regional competition storytelling in 4th grade, so ask anytime! Her passions are traveling, the ocean, sailing, scuba diving, hiking, and making people laugh. Mackenzie is a Alliance certified 200hr Yoga Teacher, and a PADI divemaster. She has eight years of experience providing a high level of customer service, working as a bartender, chef, and server. Mackenzie looks forward to getting to know each and every person that climbs aboard the Tortuga!

Jace and Mackenzie met by chance on a small island called Koh Phi Phi in Thailand. Mackenzie was celebrating her college graduation from Texas State and Jace was preparing to sail from Thailand to the Maldives. They had an immediate connection and enjoyed each other’s company for a matter of days. When it came time for Jace to sail to the Maldives, they said their goodbyes. Eleven days later, when Jace sailed a broken down boat to the south coast of Sri Lanka, he disembarked the boat with no intention of returning, and phoned Mackenzie. Within two days, she flew from Bali, Indonesia, to Sri Lanka. From there, they traveled Asia for four months as inseparable adventure partners. Their love grew from there as they traveled through Central America, boating and diving every chance they had.
Since then, they have traveled and worked together on various boats in Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean. Through great service, informative briefings, and an exploratory spirit, they are beyond excited to share their love for the ocean, sailing, and the Virgin Islands with you!