The Discovery Captain & Crew
The Discovery captain and crew.
Captain Dean Rand
Captain Dean Rand has
over 30 years experience
on Alaska's waters.
Captain and naturalist Dean Rand, his two daughters, and black lab Happy live year round aboard the Discovery in the little town of Whittier, in Western Prince William Sound. As owner/operator of Discovery Voyages and the full-time captain of the Discovery, Dean is not just another hired captain like the majority of tour operations.
Considered by many to be one of the most knowledgeable mariners in Prince William Sound, Dean's extensive involvement with a broad range of scientific research conducted throughout the Sound have provided him with a well-rounded background in the region's natural history.
Dean is a master shipwright and marine mechanic with more than 30 years of full-time service in the marine trades on the Alaska coast. The past 17 years have been exclusively in Prince William Sound.
Captain Dean Rand in the
Discovery wheelhouse.
He is active in local and national land and water use management and carries extensive experience in wilderness tourism and scientific research. He was co-recipient (with the Chugach School District of Prince William Sound) of the prestigious Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award for supporting and participating in the education of all children.
As an established and skilled, licensed marine vessel captain, Dean safely pilots you through the Sound's narrow saltwater passages and winding fjords. The Discovery is a U.S. Coast Guard inspected vessel, fully certified for passenger service in Alaska's often extreme traveling conditions.
The qualified and experienced guides and special guests that join the Discovery enrich your Alaska experience. They are hand-picked by Discovery Voyages to compliment your journey in Prince William Sound.
Chef Christine Kulcheski
Chef Christine Kulcheski
Chris has rejoined the Discovery crew for 2009, after spending the past several years building her dream home on a lovely piece of land at the end of the road in Homer, Alaska.
Her many years of Alaska life have included crew member stints onboard numerous commercial fishing vessels and research cruises, catering, restaurants, and interior design. This is in addition to being the head cook on the Discovery, and a fantastic female role model to the Rand girls who grew up onboard. A common sight onboard our summer tours is that of Chris with Hannah Rand, aprons on and slightly dusted with flour, baking some new delicacy in the oven.
Chris also is a licensed vessel captain who at times serves in that capacity, although this summer Chris’s duties will be primarily in the Galley, and as a new mother.
Sadie Youngstrom
Sadie was born and raised in Oregon on the Rogue River, and has been living in Alaska for over ten years. When she first visited at the age of 19, she started exploring the land and sea of this vast region. These explorations often took her to various jobs throughout the wilderness of Alaska, as a fish technician, wildlife researcher, kayak guide, naturalist, boat captain, even a snowcat operator.
Sadie recently graduated from Alaska Pacific University with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and Environmental Science. In the course of her studies and her own explorations, she has become an experienced naturalist, trained in identifying the wildlife, plants and marine life of Prince William Sound. She is also certified in wilderness first aid and marine safety instruction and rescue. These experiences have made her especially equipped to educate us on everything from current research going on in the Sound to the most efficient paddling techniques for kayaking.
Heather Rand
Crewmember Heather
Rand is no stranger to
working onboard the
Discovery
.
Heather is Captain Dean's oldest daughter, and has been spending her summers working on the Discovery since she turned 18. She guides on the hike and kayak excursions, keeps the boat tidy, educates our guests, and takes the helm when she can. When she has a bit of time, she also likes to jump into the kitchen and make her signature Peanut Butter Pie.
Heather grew up on the Discovery, and has spent most of her life in Prince William Sound. For the rest of it she has traveled throughout Europe and the United States, and spent a year of high school living in Japan. Currently, Heather is living in Anchorage in the winter and majoring in Languages at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. She is also studying for her 100-ton Master's License in order to be a mate on the Discovery.
Hannah Rand
Hannah Rand steps lightly
throughout the Discovery,
and is apt to appear
silently
with a plate of
fresh-baked cookies.
Though raised (and nearly born) on the Discovery, Hannah just began her crewmember duties in 2009 at the age of sixteen. In her earlier years, she spent winters participating in research charters via school projects and presentations alongside her sister, Heather, and summers dazzling guests with local knowledge and batches of fresh-baked cookies. Now graduated from high school a year early, she has begun official work on the Discovery to pay her way through college at the nearby University of Alaska, Anchorage.
Currently, her duties include keeping the boat neat and tidy, guiding and educating guests on the wildlife and natural history of Prince William Sound, offering evening music on the piano (and the harp when room allows), and tag-teaming kitchen duties with chef and new mother Chris Kulcheski. She hopes to someday take over the chef position on the Discovery, and already has plans to pursue her Captain's license.
Tess Stewart
Tess is the likely voice
you hear when you call
Discovery Voyages.
Tess is the new voice you hear when you contact the office of Discovery Voyages. Please give her a warm welcome. A long-time Alaskan and an avid lover of animals Tess also enjoys hiking, and in her spare time, knitting and creative writing. Being a mother to an adventureous three-year-old also keeps her on her toes. Tess is happy to help you in confirming your voyage on the Discovery. Give her a call today at 800.324.7602.
Happy
Black lab "Happy"
Happy is a well-trained Black lab that joined the Discovery crew in 2005.
Discovery Voyages Guides & Guests
Hugh Rose, Photographer and Natural History Guide
Hugh Rose
Hugh Rose has lived in northern climates most of his life and currently makes Fairbanks, Alaska home. Compelled by Alaska's natural beauty, he left a 10-year career in geology to explore and photograph the vast landscapes and wildlife of the north.
Both nature and a camera have intrigued Hugh since childhood and he continues to explore these worlds through photography and guiding. Hugh is a skilled birder, and with a masters degree in geology, blends a keen mix of natural history with his people and photography skills. He travels worldwide sharing the the wonders of the natural world with his clients.
Patrick J. Endres, Professional Photographer
Patrick J. Endres
Patrick has worked and photographed in Prince William Sound for 13 years, and has traveled extensively throughout Alaska photographing and observing the delicate balance of nature in the arctic and sub-arctic environments.
He holds a bachelor of arts in Theology and resides in Fairbanks, Alaska where he works professionally as a freelance photographer and photography guide. His photographs have appeared in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, USA Today, National Wildlife Magazine, National Parks Magazine, Alaska Magazine, and numerous other books and publications.
Aaron Meyer, Concert Rock Violinist
Aaron Meyer
The cutting edge music of concert violinist Aaron Meyer is a unique and powerful instrumental style bridging the gap between classical, contemporary pop/rock and world genres. Audiences of all ages genuinely connect with Meyer and his magnetic energy!
A classically trained violinist since the age of 5, Meyer soloed with the Philadelphia Orchestra at age 11, and has subsequently soloed with major international symphony orchestras, ballet companies, as well as worked with artists such as Pink Martini, Smokey Robinson, Aaron Neville, The Temptations and Everclear. Aaron is a masterful educator as well as performer, and enjoys traveling to other parts of the world regularly and engages himself in the music from other cultures. Visit www.aaronmeyer.com to find out more about the variety of Aaron’s music and performances.
