Head of Guest Happiness – Interview with Carla (Renegades Luxury Catamaran Charters)
Renegades of the Sea
In this series highlighting the people shaping hospitality in St. Maarten, we hear from Carla, co-founder of Renegades Luxury Catamaran Charters. Together with her husband André, co-founder and Head Captain, and Diane, who began as Chief Stew and has since grown into a skilled captain, Carla is part of the core crew behind Renegades—a private sailing experience defined by laid-back luxury and heartfelt hospitality.
“We launched Renegades because we wanted a life that felt more meaningful,” Carla explains. “For us, that meant slowing down, reconnecting with what matters most, and sharing time with our loved ones. Creating relaxed and meaningful moments on the water is what we love to do—and always with the sea and nature as the backdrop.”
Before Renegades officially launched in St. Maarten, Carla and André set off with their family on a four-month journey across Europe aboard Freedom, covering more than 2,000 nautical miles. Along the way, they had unforgettable experiences—including a close encounter with a pod of orcas off the Iberian Peninsula. It was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that deepened their bond with the sea and ultimately charted the course for their new life in the Caribbean.
That philosophy is carried forward by the diverse strengths of the crew. André, once a master craftsman in high-end roofing, now brings the same precision and care to his role as Head Captain, keeping Freedom in top shape and guiding guests safely across the islands. Carla’s background in guest wellbeing translates into her role as Head of Guest Happiness, ensuring every detail of a charter feels personal and thoughtfully designed. And with more than 15 years in hospitality, Diane first joined as Chief Stew and has since grown into a skilled captain—her service and warmth shaping much of what guests experience on board today.
Together, those different paths unite in Renegades’ fresh take on private sailing: thoughtful, laid-back, and rooted in connection.
The Heart of the Experience
“The best part of what we do is being invited into people’s happiest moments,” Carla shares. “We shape each sail around each guest, so their time on the water unfolds the way they want it to. Sometimes that means a day exploring, other times it’s simply about chilling and soaking it all in.”
We’ve had the pleasure of being part of some really special moments—proposals on deck, milestone birthdays with friends, even couples renewing their vows at sunset. No two sails are ever alike, and that variety keeps the work fresh—but what makes it meaningful is the people.
“Guests arrive ready to connect with each other, and we get to be part of that joy. We love being welcomed into our guests’ stories.”
We’ve got a sailing experience for everyone, from private day sails to overnight getaways across St. Maarten, Anguilla, St. Barths, or even beyond. Every charter includes onboard dining, handcrafted cocktails, our signature homemade cookies, plus all the amenities needed for fun in the sun and sea.
A fun update we’re excited about: our private day charters can now host groups of up to 16. It’s ideal for larger families or groups of friends who still want a private experience that’s tailor-made—sharing the day together without ever feeling crowded.
Renegades might be where most of our time is spent, but life on the island shapes us too. When we’re not on the water, there are a few favorite places that remind us why we love calling St. Maarten home.
Not exactly hidden, but one of my favorite pockets of calm is Terres Basses at first light. The gates are open to anyone, and with its tree-lined quiet streets, the lagoon on one side and the ocean on the other, it’s a lovely spot for an early morning walk with our dog before the heat of the day sets in.
Mullet Bay is our go-to beach, and it’s hard to beat. Every time we’re there, we still can’t quite believe this is where we live. There’s nothing better than leaning back into the calm salt water, ears just under the surface, and letting the sea hold you—like your own natural sensory deprivation tank. It’s soothing in a way that only the ocean can be, a reminder of its quiet power to reset and restore.
One of the most remarkable things about St. Maarten is the range of culinary experiences to be found here. Some of our favorites range from casual spots full of character to beachfront restaurants with unforgettable views.
Our go-to for breakfast is Rendez-Vous Lounge in Porto Cupecoy. Set in a European-style piazza overlooking the lagoon, Natalie and her team serve everything from crepes and waffles to eggs any style and freshly blended smoothies. On Sundays, their Jazz Lunch has become a much-loved tradition — a chance to gather for great food, live music, and a real sense of community.
“Are you hungry, thirsty, or both?” That’s how we’re greeted when we walk into Freedom Fighters Ital Shack, a hidden Rastafarian kitchen just outside Philipsburg. Plates come piled high with whatever’s been cooked that day: stewed vegetables, rice and peas, fried plantains, fresh greens — all plant-based, all made with love. Even Anthony Bourdain once found his way here. You leave not just full, but nourished.
And for dinner, Calmos Café in Grand Case is one of Diane’s favorites — and now ours too. With tables set right in the sand and the sunset as a backdrop, the food is unfussy and delicious — think Creole-style ribs and barbecue chicken — and the atmosphere is pure magic. And they make a delightful spicy margarita, too.
Exploring St. Maarten by sea is a must. From hidden coves to nature reserves that can only be reached by boat, the island’s beauty truly comes alive on the water.
“When we first saw the Great Salt Pond in Philipsburg, its striking, almost reddish hue caught our attention. Later, we came to understand its historical significance — how salt harvesting once shaped the island’s economy, an economy rooted in colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade. It’s an important and impactful history that needs to be remembered in its complexity, and one that visitors can acknowledge as part of the island’s story and in the social, cultural, and economic legacies that continue to shape life here today.”
St. Maarten’s story also lives in its small businesses and local spots that give the island its cultural heartbeat.
One of our favorites is Juggie’s Place in Philipsburg. It’s where we pick up his famous Magic Spice to bring a little island flavor home — and before you go, enjoy a quick drink at their “smallest bar in the world.”
Another favorite stop is the Roland Richardson Gallery Museum in Marigot. Known as the “Father of Caribbean Impressionism,” Richardson captures the island’s beauty in bold strokes and vibrant colors. His gallery, housed in a historic Creole townhouse, offers a glimpse into both his work and the island’s artistic soul.
St. Maarten is shaped by its people, its culture, and the sea itself. With Renegades, we share the beauty of these waters and the easy spirit of the island with every guest we welcome aboard.
