20 Belize Sailing Stories: Crew Feature – Kainie Manuel
Until things were drastically put on hold earlier in 2020, Kainie was working her 8th season at BSV, so we asked her to share some of her memories, experiences and also some advice for guests. Kainie strives for constant self-improvement and has an enormous passion for her work, which is evident in so many of her special touches, embellishments and luxuries that guests get to enjoy. Highlights include her “spa afternoons” at tiny islands using boat made natural ingredients including coffee, brown sugar & coconut oil; or some of the epic celebrations she has staged for New Years’, anniversaries, birthdays and reunions. Her cooking is truly from the heart and staged meticulously, if you are lucky enough to get fresh catch her coconut seafood medley is heavenly! Here are a few things we asked Kainie to share:
- What have been some of your most memorable charter moments?
It’s hard to choose, there have been so many. Celebrating milestones in guest’s lives ranks up there. Having someone spearfish for the first time and cooking their catch in the galley is another favorite. You know, that adventure of the marine wilderness, catching your own meal. It’s pretty awesome. Seeing islands through the guest’s eyes. That awe in them. It never gets old to watch.
- Where is your favorite place to visit on charter?
Haha again there are so many. And each spot is unique in its very own right. Rendezvous Caye is pretty awesome. Great for snorkeling, considering that the caye sits right on Belize’s Barrier Reef. The coral is outstanding providing a nice snorkel adventure all around the caye. It has a nice beach for sunbathing, the perfect beach day and it’s nice for our spa days (the days we get to use our boat made coffee, brown sugar, coconut oil body scrub). I like the Drowned Cayes too. The channels weaving and curving through are the perfect backdrop for a nice kayak or stand up paddleboard outing. While out kayaking we have seen manatees and dolphins … makes it that much more rad!
- What advice would you give to guests before arrival, eg packing tips, what to bring?
– Tip #1 probably half of the clothes you are bringing, you won’t need.
– Bring socks… we tend to use them for the fins when snorkeling.
– Let us know what you like on your guest preference form, especially what you don’t like (don’t be shy). This, after all, will be your home while in Belize! The better we know these details, the sooner we can get to spoil you.
- What are your favorite 3 dishes to serve on charter?
Everything! Hahaha. But in all sincerity, we love spoiling our guests and food is definitely the way I do it.
– For breakfast fresh speared lobster huevos rancheros – I mean, it doesn’t get better than fresh lobster meat tossed in a homemade salsa for breakfast.
– Another guest favorite is fresh tamarind slow simmered with garlic and ginger. This tart sauce compliments our roast pork tenderloin so wonderfully.
– I also enjoy indulging guests with Belize’s organic chocolate that has been grown, harvested and produced all in the country using traditional farming techniques. To turn these treats into a sauce for a yummy chocolate fruit dipped dessert is a perfect way to end a perfect day out in the water.
It’s no wonder Kainie’s name is frequently attached to glowing reviews on TripAdvisor with reviews like this from Gevelyn, “The comfort on board is all thanks to Kainie, who kept the cabins tidy, collected dry clothes from the deck every night, and of course, made the most delicious meals. We truly enjoyed every single breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, and dessert! We also celebrated our one-year wedding anniversary while onboard and Kainie surprised us with a festively decorated lobster dinner! Above and beyond.”
Email us at reservations@belizesailingvacations.com to book your next charter with Kainie and the rest of our awesome crew!
