JOANNE AND ROBERT CARNEY

Your hosts, Joanne and Robert, purchased the the Jolly Breeze of Saint Andrews Tall Ship in 2004. Forming Jolly Breeze Whale Adventures, we were able to combining three of our biggest loves… Natural Wonders, Sailing Ships and Smiling People.

We started sailing soon after we met in 1993 on a 21 foot sailboat, then a 26 foot Contessa and finally we built our 37 foot Sparkman and Steven’s live aboard sailboat from a hull and deck. We lived on that sailboat with our cat ‘Catch-A-Mouse’ full time for 9 years and sailed to Cuba, Bahamas, and the East coast of the US, Maine to Florida and back. Robert’s parents live in Saint Andrews and we fell in love with the area and the sailing community when we sailed into port. We also fell in love with the Tall Ship.

We hope that you enjoy your tour, the wildlife and the boat as much as we do! Yarr Matey.

CAPTAIN RANDY:

Randy started working for the Jolly Breeze at the age of 14 when he stowed away on the Tall Ship after a whale watching tour.

Since 2005, he has progressed from crew, to Engineer and then to Captain extraordinaire of the VIP Nautica and Zodiac vessels. He is known to spot whales from more than a mile away and has an uncanny sense of where they will come up next. In the winter months, he teaches pottery, having trained for two years at the NB college, and has also become an award winning carver of whales, other wildlife and creating model sailboats. You may find some of his carvings for sale around town. Having grown up right here in Charlotte county and with so many years experience on the water, Randy has proven to be an excellent whale finding scurvy scallywag.

CAPTAIN TAEO

This fearless rogue began working on Tall Ships at the age of 15, having started out in Toronto on the STV Pathfinder of Toronto Brigantine. He continued working on ships of all sizes in the Great Lakes, from the sweltering heat of the Caribbean south, across the Atlantic ocean to the frigid north of Europe and faced many storms, becalmed days, and even pirates. Taeo has worked on/off for the Jolly Breeze since 2010 and is now here to stay, working as Captain, Engineer and pirate extraordinaire.

Scandalous, bombastic, dominating; these are the words that some would use to describe Captain Taeo Tsagkaris, however in practice this sailor has a heart of silver and a belly full of compassion.

COURTNEY: Marine Biologist and Manager

Hi, I’m Courtney and I have been spending my summers as a naturalist and marine biologist on the Jolly Breeze since 2012.

I have a degree in Marine Biology from UNB Saint John, and have been interested in all things marine for as long as I can remember! Seal pups, “Minke Mittens”, and the more rare shark sighting are a few of my favourite things to see while on the water. Whales and sea turtles hold a special place in my heart, and I have spent time in the Caribbean working on both a whale watching boat and turtle nesting projects.

I am also involved with conservation projects working to protect the areas and animals we are lucky enough to visit while whale watching in the Bay of Fundy!  See you on the water this summer!

ERIN: Biologist/Zodiac Captain

I grew up on Deer Island, New Brunswick. For as long as I can remember I have loved going out on the boat around the Western Isles, especially to go whale watching. Needless to say this is an absolute dream job.  I work as both a biologist on the Tall Ship and as a Captain of the VIP Nautica and zodiac.

I’m extremely passionate about the marine environment and love educating others about the wonders of the Bay of Fundy.

I studied at the University of New Brunswick and have a degree in Biology. For the past few years I have worked on the Jolly Breeze during the summer months, then traveled to warmer climates during the winter. So far I’ve been to Southeast Asia, Costa Rica, parts of Europe, Australia, and Fiji. Where to next?

Update 2022:  My partner Grant and I started our own business with Dome Glamping.  Book with us at Tidal Retreat Glamping!

BRITTANY: Environmental scientist/Crew engineer

My name is Brittany and I have been working on the Jolly Breeze since the summer of 2017.

I graduated from UNB with a BSC in Environmental and Natural Resource Management. I am passionate about my job, the ocean and conservation… and of course whales!

I am a local and have grown up surrounded by the Bay of Fundy and happy I have found a job that has incorporated doing what I love and the place I love as well.

What is a cetacean’s favourite TV show?… Whale of Fortune.

NICOLE: Crew engineer/manager/whale whisperer!

I received a BA degree from Trent University, in Peterborough Ontario and graduated in Psychology and Environmental Studies, while at the same time broadening my education in other areas, women’s studies, philosophy, cultural studies, and biology. I am a naturalist by heart, an artist, musician, and trained yoga instructor and have a great passion for wildlife, interconnectedness, and life itself, encouraging others to take risks, embrace the moment, learn and experience as much as one can. For the past few years I have been working as an Education Assistant in the colder months, and put everything aside for her love for the whales and sea-life working on the Jolly Breeze in the warmer months. Although I grew up in Southern Ontario, I feel right at home next to the Sea in St Andrews when I came here for a summer job in 2005 and have had a hard time leaving ever since.

UPDATE:  I am currently on a temporary leave raising my 2 young children, including providing them with lots of whale knowledge and wildlife conservation information!

SHAUNA: Marine biologist/Engineer crew

I joined the Jolly Breeze team as a biologist in the fall of 2013 and hold a B.Sc from the University of New Brunswick Saint John (majoring in Marine Biology) and also a diploma in Wildlife Conservation Technology from Holland College. My favourite thing about working on the Jolly Breeze is meeting people from all over the world and being able to chat endlessly about my favourite subject: whales.

Although I work full time in the environment section for the Town of Saint John, I make sure that I still come down on the weekends to share my enthusiasm about marine mammals and other marine life to the visitors of St. Andrews.

MAYA: Biologist/Zodiac Captain

Hi, I’m Maya and I graduated from the Biology program at the University of British Columbia.

Recently, I was a part of a marine ecology field course and got to study marine organisms all along the west coast from BC to California! I have spent most of my life snorkeling and exploring marine life all across the globe and recently became a certified diver, getting the chance to get up close to sea turtles, stingrays and sharks! I grew up in New Brunswick and have spent several summers on the bay of Fundy, so I am looking forward to getting back to such a special place and working with the Jolly Breeze!

I was proud to get certified as a Captain of the VIP Nautica!

UPDATE 2022.  I am continuing my training to be a medical doctor but still love to come to Saint Andrews and visit my whale friends when I can.

BOB: Engineer

I am Bob, Dad or what ever title fits!

I am one of the Engineers and story-tellers on the Jolly Breeze. I have been a member of the crew from inception of the business but now, being in my eightieth year, I am on the brink of retirement (but they won’t let me retire…).

In my earlier years, I was an entrepreneur – upholsterer, short order cook, furniture store owner and restauranteur. In retirement I have become a wood carver specializing in birds. I also teach woodcarving, having approximately 20 students, who range in age from 14 to nearly 80. During the summer months I have been happy to assist my daughter-in-law Joanne and son Rob with their whale watching and nature observing business.

UPDATE 2022:  currently retired but still a behind the scenes helper!

ERICA: Crew Engineer/Zoologist

PRISCILLA: Bilingual guide

On board everybody!

My name is Priscilla, but friends call me ‘’Cissy’’. I am passionate about avial fauna and marine biology. As a child, I always looked for birds, frogs and squirrels to observe and later photograph them. My heart melted the first time I saw a whale! I went from ornithology (birds!) to marine biology. I was a marine biology guide-interpreter and educator in Quebec, harvesting organisms for touch tanks and sharing my passion for whales and research, before I found paradise on earth, St-Andrews-by-the-sea! Being part of the Jolly Breeze crew is a dream come true! Minke whales and green sea urchins are my personal favourites! I am a young soul biologist, I am still amazed no matter what marine mammal comes out to surprise us.

Whales, seals, rocks, birds, algae, sharks, invertebrates! Bring on your questions, English or French, I will have an answer for you or I will find it! Come and share my enthusiasm and we’ll discover all the natural treasures of the Fundy bay!

Bienvenue à bord!

Je me nomme Priscilla, mais on me surnomme ‘’Cissy’’. Je suis passionnée par la faune aviaire et la biologie marine. Enfant, j’ai toujours poursuivis oiseaux, grenouilles et écureuils en espérant les observer et plus tard les photographier. Mon coeur a fondu quand j’ai vu ma première baleine! D’ornithologue (oiseaux!), je me suis alors spécialisée en biologie marine. J’étais guide-interprète et éducatrice sur la biologie marine au Québec, récoltant des organismes pour les bassins tactiles et partageant ma passion pour les baleines et la recherche, avant de me téléporter jusqu’à ce paradis sur Terre qu’est St-Andrews-by-the-sea! Faire parti de l’équipage du Jolly Breeze est pour moi un rêve devenue réalité! Les petits rorquals et les oursins verts sont mes favoris! Biologiste au coeur d’enfant, je continue de m’émerveiller à chaque apparition de mammifère marin!

Baleines, phoques, roches, oiseaux, algues, requins, invertébrés! Posez-moi vos questions! Anglais comme français, je saurai vous répondre.

Partons à l’aventure! Venez partager mon enthousiasme et allons découvrir tout ces trésors naturels!

ELAINE: mom!

Even though I am the owner’s mother, I go on every trip I can to see whales. Have had some amazing experiences like finding three humpback whales sleeping. They stayed with us for two hours!

The Jolly Breeze is a wonderful teaching opportunity for children and adults to learn about these magnificent creatures. In the picture I am holding a beautifully carved whale made by Randy Russell (one of the employees), given to me on my 75th birthday.

AMELIA: crew

Hey! My name is Amelia Welch.

I have been a crew member aboard the Jolly Breeze since 2013 and I absolutely love my job. I have grown up in St Andrews by the Sea my whole life. From a very young age, I was introduced to the Bay of Fundy as my parents were previous owners of a whale watching vessel. I have a huge passion for marine wildlife and the ocean as a whole and can’t wait to share my knowledge with you!

Welcome Aboard!

UPDATE 2023: I have a new carrier in dentistry and am getting married this fall!

KATHERINE: Marine biologist

My name is Katherine and I started working as a Marine Biologist for the Jolly Breeze in 2015.

I earned my degree in Marine Biology from the University of New Brunswick. In the winter, I work in the school system however, my heart still draws me to return to the Jolly Breeze during the summer season to get back out on the water to visit with my whale ‘family’. I love the Tall Ship with all that it has to offer guests of all ages and I hope to be able to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with you as well.

I have gone on to get my teachers degree and share my knowledge and enthusiasm with high school students, however, I still have to get my fix each summer filling in shifts on the Jolly Breeze!

Ahoy!

CAPTAIN DAVE

Hello, My name is David and I’m one of the Captains of the Jolly Breeze Tall Ship.

I’m from Halifax, Nova Scotia. My grandfather was a fisherman and I grew up wanting to work on the water like him and my cousins who followed in his footsteps. I’ve worked on Tall Ships, supply vessels, seismic research vessels and fishing boats. Many years ago I got my captain’s license for the jolly breeze and have been very grateful for the opportunity to drive such a beautiful vessel. In the off season I also worked on a lobster boat and during the summer I love to get out for sails on my own 26 foot sail boat.

I have progressed my career by working with the Coast Guard and still love to fill in as Captain of the Tall Ship Jolly Breeze.

Basically you can find me on the Bay of Fundy most days of the year!

Ella: Environmental Science

Hi there! My name is Ella. I was born in Ontario but have always been drawn to the coast.  I am currently working on my degree in Environmental Science in PEI and then plan to further my studies in Marine Biologist to study migration patterns and breeding areas for the gentle giants that are whales! I have previously also done studies on anoxia and fish health.  I am so excited for a beautiful season of socializing with not only the whales but the diverse group of people from all over the world.  My favorite whale (which is technically a dolphin) is the Orca because of its young being a pale orange color.  I look forward to an amazing and safe season.  Welcome aboard.

GENNY: bilingual biologist

My name is Genny and my enthusiasm for marine creatures is what drives me to be on the water all summer long!

I have a degree in Biology from Mount Allison University, and even though I was born and raised in Montreal, I fell in love with the ocean when I moved to New Brunswick. I had the greatest job at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre at one point, playing with seastars all day, and feeding our two beloved seals. Since I have been sailing all my life, I moved on my sailboat for a while here in St Andrews, and soon joined the Jolly Breeze crew and fell heads over heels in love with whales and porpoises! In the winter, I am fortunate enough to be able to offer a high school environmental science class through the Ganong Nature Park. In the summer, I also run a tour company, ‘Turtle Shore Adventures’ once again sharing the very cool stories from this town to many of our guests.

Join me the next time you are in town! I enjoy sharing my passions and knowledge to all visitors, in French or English.

MAHE: bilingual marine biology intern

Hi! My name is Mahé.

I am from Ottawa, and I developed my love for the ocean traveling to France every summer since age of 5 and early on I knew studying marine mammals would be my dream job. My fascination and dedication to cetaceans has brought me to study marine biology at Dalhousie university.

I recently had a unique opportunity to study marine mammals in Greece where I led the photo identification project and was able to identify an entire local pod of dolphins in the Aegean Sea. I also assisted in many surveys throughout the Aegean waters to understand the impact of plastic and anthropogenic sound on the behaviour of dolphins. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and passion for the ocean with you whether in French or English.

LINNEA: bilingual marine biologist

Hi! My name is Linnea and I am a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from UNB in Saint John.

My love for the ocean started from a very young age with my parents bringing me to the beach or visiting my family on the local Grand Manan. Any time I was near the water I was always looking for the critters that came in with the tides or collecting as many treasures as I could carry and watching the whales from the cliffs. Now even as an adult I’m the happiest when I can smell the salt water and feel the sea breeze on my face. Since 2019, I have been enjoying being able to share my passion and knowledge with you all.

UPDATE 2022:  I am proud to report that I Captained my first tour on the VIP Nautica!

WELCOME ABOARD!

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING OUR KNOWLEDGE AND ENTHUSIASM WITH YOU!