Captain: Kieran Bown

Kieran & Michelle met back in 2012 in Mexico whilst working in the dive industry as instructors and photographers. Since then they have been on an unstoppable adventure that has taken them across the Caribbean, Americas, Europe & SE Asia.

They have now been in the charter industry for 5 years and are definitely enjoying their home in the British Virgin Islands. A country full of history and secrets that has allowed them to slowly discover more and more as their adventure continues.

Both Kieran & Michelle were led to the ocean by a passion for scuba diving and adventure, it is was this passion that formed the foundation for a life destined on the ocean. Being on boats has been an integral part of their lives since they were young and it was a natural progression to move on to running sailing yachts in the Caribbean.

Michelle is a trained chef, completing the Ashburton Chefs academy in 2017 to add to her extensive personal experience of working under an array of incredible Yacht & Restaurant Chefs. She also has dive instructor rating and is a qualified captain that thrives on deck.

Kieran is an accomplished diver as well as Captain. He enjoys most water sports and has a keen interest in marine life.

Following Irma & Maria in 2017, Kieran & Michelle spent 15 months living on Tortola rebuilding a hurricane damaged catamaran and returned it to the charter fleet. This was an invaluable experience for any charter crew rebuilding a yacht from the ground up and learning every aspect of the rebuild, repairs and upgrades along the way. Here they collectively developed a strong knowledge of Boat Building, Project Management and general Marine Engineering.

In addition to working on charter yachts, Kieran & Michelle’s other passion is adventure and photography. It is this combination that led to the birth of Panga Expedtions. For the past 6 years they have been travelling the world, capturing incredible footage from both above and below the surface and have been featured on countless National TV Channels/Online Media Oulets including Nat Geo, Discovery, Shark Week, GoPro & Google. Whilst enjoying brief sponsorships from GoPro, Light & Motion and other adventure sport companies to help capture incredible footage.

They’re now working on developing a worldwide itinerary that will include guided trips to participate in; Humpback Whales in water interactions, Tiger Shark Dives, Wakeboarding, Whitewater Kayaking, Mountain Biking whilst being filmed in 4K. This will be operated during the hurricane season and will allow them the opportunity to both charter and pursue their dream of running expeditions.

Twin Flame will be accompanied with a third crew member

First Mate: Michelle Preciado

Certificate in Professional Cookery

Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering

PADI Open Water Instructor

STCW-95

RYA Competent Crew

RYA Day Skipper

ENG-1

RYA VHF Certified

DAN Insured

AIDA Level 2 (Freediving)

EFR Instructor

Michelle, Kieran & Bubba,

Where do we start to tell you how much this week meant tour two families. Twin Flame gave us the opportunity to bring it back to basics. “Family, Fun, Love and Adventure”. Everything from the first night at Willy T (for future guests “The drinks are strong and don’t be surprised at the occasional naked guy cannonball: snorkeling, hiking, cliff jumping, Moms lounging on the flybridge, surfing, foiling, wakeboarding, etc. There was something for everyone.

Michelle your quiet grace and strength made everyone feel welcome and your meals were totally awesome. Kieran your sense of adventure, curiosity and a little bit of mischievousness made our trip. Bubba, thank you for the gift of fishing, friendship and wonder. You made the kids fishing adventures the best. 

We couldn’t imagine this trip without you. You will have a place in our hearts forever. Please come visit us.

Kieran, Michelle and Bubba, 

What a delightful week! You took the very best care of us, the sights, the food and the service were exceptional! Thanks so much for helping us make more great memories. How will we ever forget the “Bag Ladies”. If you ever need a place to stay in Florida call us!

Thank you for a wonderful escape into paradise. All of you are so kind and thoughtful. Michelle your meals are an inspiration. If I can only do your lunch meals I’ll be happy! Kieran we felt secure in your mastery of this boat and you are a very well read young man. Bubba with your kind Texas hospitality you were ready to meet our every need (or want). I liked the enthusiasm that all of you have for sailing and adventure! God Bless all of you in your lives going forward.

WOW! Is there a word for “Five Star” the entire crew was professional, competent, courteous and just plain great! Thanks Kieran, Michelle & Bubba. The Boat, The Activities, The Activities. All the Best!

Kieran, Michelle & Bubba

Wow. What an amazing week! We fit in so much activities it felt like a month. Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication! You all went out of your way to make sure we were all happy. Kieran, thank you for your patience in teaching us how to foil, teaching the kids how to scuba and of course teaching Micky how to player power. Michelle, thank you for all your hard work in the galley preparing our wonderful meals. I know it wasn’t easy to make separate meals for our kids. Bubba, thank you for anticipating our needs, for beverages, ferrying us to the beaches, taking care of our cabins and of course the wake foiling and fishing! Much Love

The universe makes Sense! It makes all the sense in the world that we got to experience this trip together. Our deepest gratitude for the way you shared your gifts with us. Kieran, thank you for your adventurous, patient, knowledgeable and fun leadership. Michelle, thank you for your grounded, nourishing, intuitive and kind companionship (your meals were incredible). Bubba, thank you for your enthusiastic, open, explorative, honesty and loving care for us. We loved our time exploring these deep and beautiful seas with such incredible souls. Heres to sailing and soulful connections. We love you guys.

Kieran & Michelle,

It was another great trip! We appreciate your friendship and look forward to making many more memories together. Michelle you have a great spirit about you and Kieran I love our laughs together and our common love for Watersports. Come visit us in the US soon and we will host you, keep in touch until we hang again.

Our first trip was amazing but this was a trip filled with so many unforgettable memories. Thanks for the hospitality and having us on your boat again. You are definitely both lifetime friends. Can’t wait to come back again. Love you guys.

Kieran & Michelle

Originally Twin Flame was presented as the Watersports activity boat. Being a bit older and carrying our Wisconsin COVID weight we were a bit tentative. As soon as hit the deck the no shame zone encapsulated us. With Michelle and Kieran’s gentle love and encouragement we were able to experience the job of flying and the wonders of the sea below. All the time safe,  secure and with confidence. Thank you so very much, all our love.