Crew Profile
Captain: Richard "Rico" Diaz
Rico grew up in the suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota, swimming in the land of ten thousand lakes. He obtained a degree in IT and spent many years in network security before leaving behind the cubicle to pursue a career as a dive instructor. After achieving the Dive Instructor Certification in the Virgin Islands, instructing in Hawaii, and diving around the world, Rico was drawn back to the warm waters of the Caribbean, where he fell in love with sailing. He spent the next few years working on sailboats, tech diving, and leading snorkeling tours at Buck Island Reef National Monument. Immediately after obtaining his USCG Master Merchant
Mariner License, he was recruited by the National Park Service as a Research Vessel Captain, scientific diver, and biologist. During his time with the Park Service, Rico treated coral diseases, tagged sharks, and collaborated with numerous scientific agencies in marine conservation efforts. Rico has decided to combine all his experiences, passions, and talents to introduce others to the wonders of the ocean as the Captain of Paradigm Shift.
Chef / Mate: Bonnie Carroll
Originally a farm girl from Western PA, Bonnie has developed a convert's zeal for ocean sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Bonnie and Steven both hold Advanced Open Water PADI dive certifications Her early career included waitressing and eventually managing several fine dining restaurants in Pittsburgh where she worked under several renowned chefs developing her own gourmet style of cooking. She presents a very eclectic menu from down home "comfort food" like fresh baked sourdough bread and chocolate chip cookies to organic free range beef tenderloin, fresh fried snapper to Fetuccini Alfredo..She uses all natural, non-processed ingredients and is as concerned about making healthy food choices as she is about over the top quality and taste. Both she and Steven love sharing their very active lifestyle and will gladly teach beginners how to snorkel, kayak and paddle board.
Second Mate & Mascot: Sailor
Sailor is a 1 yr old, 10 lb. Bichon Frieze / Toy Poodle mix that is in charge of making sure all the cushions on the boat are equally comfortable. Her other duties include chasing seagulls on the beach, drinking only fresh water with ice and keeping the Captain and First mate's bunk warm on chilly evenings. She is an extremely friendly, completely non-aggressive, people lover that is hypoallergenic to boot.
Layout
PARADIGM SHIFT can accommodate 6 guests in 3 cabins. The Master cabin has a queen size bed, shower and toilet. A Guest cabin has a queen size bed, shower and toilet. A Guest cabin has a double bed, shower and toilet. PARADIGM SHIFT is fully air conditioned through out. Crew has a separate heads and shower.
Testimonials
Late February, 2023, guests aboard catamaran PARADIGM SHIFT wrote:
New Years week, 2022/2023, guests aboard PARADIGM SHIFT wrote:
I wanted to convey our appreciation and gratitude for the care and attention to detail you both showed us on our wonderful Christmas / New Years charter….Nicole and I had fabulous week, Bonnie's food was exceptional... the freshness , variety and portions were perfect for us. Captain Steve was able to fast track the paperwork required to enter the BVI which was our goal on this trip as we had been denied entry in 2020 due to Covid restrictions. All in all an amazing trip, both relaxing and fun when we needed it…best charter ever! Thanks again Steve & Bonnie..
PS: We miss Sailor dog every minute and hope you are sneaking treats to her in our absence!!
Best,
Bernard and Nicole
May 01-08 2021:
Thank you and Steve for an amazing trip that was truly “magical”. I was blown away by the Exumas and we were reminded of just how awesome you and Steve are - individually and together. You are my badass role model.
April 20-27 2021:
| March 20-28 Bonnie, Steve and the Paradigm Shift exceeded all expectations. This is not our first rodeo. We have enjoyed sailing in the BVI's many times but this was, by far, our best overall experience, even though Covid limited our cruising area. Bonnie and Steve knew where to take us to maximize our experience. Snorkeling off Culebra was a highlight. We will definitely be back on the Paradigm Shift! APRIL 8, 2015 - DAY TRIP | ||
| Everything was perfect!! Bonnie and Steve were great!! Couldn't have ask for a more perfect day!! |
| SEPTEMBER 2014 | ||
| We returned last night from the most amazing time! Bonnie and Steve were amazing hosts and made us so comfortable. All of my family - especially the birthday boy Steve, just had a wonderful time. The accommodations were great, the food was delicious and the activities were just enough. We still had plenty of time to just relax and get to know each other better. We had our two new members of our family with us- our future son-in-laws! | ||
| MARCH 2014 | ||
| Our charter was fabulous! Paradigm Shift is modern, spacious, comfortable, plus great under sail. The Exumas are spectacular with their deserted beaches, pristine snorkeling, plus oh-so amazing water colors. We found the Exumas to have just enough establishment and entertainment on land to keep things interesting (with visits to some local marinas, bars, and restaurants plus a fun stop to see the swimming pigs), but what makes the location so unique is the feeling of truly being away from it all. In the end, what made our vacation so special was our crew of Steven, Bonnie and their little dog Tabasco. Steven is a great Captain, making you feel comfortable and safe in his care. He has a wealth of knowledge about the Bahamas and picked a perfect itinerary for our charter. Bonnie is a great Chef, producing one yummy gourmet treat after another. She's also a warm, fun, and friendly person and made us feel extremely welcome aboard. Together, they're an interesting and fun couple to spend time with and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with them. Their 3rd crew member, Tabasco, was a real treat to have around and made a perfect and lovable companion for our trip. We look forward to chartering the Paradigm Shift in the Exumas again soon. | ||
| MARCH 2014 | ||
| We had a marvelous week on Paradigm Shift. It is an absolutely stunning part of the world and even though I spent a lot of time working I was glad that I was on a yacht in the Exuma Cays! Steve and Bonnie were great, excellent hosts and they took such good care of the kids which made a huge difference for Kate and I. The yacht itself is great, lots of space, modern and well set up. I would highly recommend Steve and Bonnie as hosts and Paradigm Shift as a yacht and as you know I am a little hard to please at times!! |
