Your Crew!

Dear Guest and Future Friend,

We would like to welcome you to our home and your private getaway. Katrin and I purchased Morning Star with the idea of combining two things we love: sailing and meeting people. As we talked about the kinds of charter work we could do, we found that we weren't interested in 'cattle car' charters with many people aboard. We wanted to provide individual attention to our guests, really getting to know you to provide you with an experience unsurpassed on Aruba. We hope that through this experience you will come to enjoy the waters of Aruba as much as we do.

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to introduce our daughter Jasmine to you. She is a precocious and sweet little girl who loves the sea as much as we do. She also loves it when we go out on charter since she gets to spend time with her grand parents, which she treasures.

Regards Marciano & Katrin

Captain Marciano Geerman

I was born on the island of Aruba in 1965. I have lived and worked here for most of my life. In 1986 I joined the Dutch marines where I was recognized as a top performer of my platoon and invited to do extended training in The Netherlands in Logistics. During this time, Aruba sought its Status Aparte, and became an independent colony. In recognition of this step, the Queen of The Netherlands appointed a governor for Aruba, the highest authority on the island. In 1987, I was asked to become the personal butler and bodyguard to the first governor of Aruba. That was the beginning of a career path that would substantially change my life.

After retiring from military service, I worked as the facility manager and chief engineer in various resorts for 10 years. In 1995, I was presented with the Quality Employee of the Year award for the island of Aruba.

In 1990, I made a fateful decision, and purchased my first sailboat. It was 14 feet long and I was smitten with the sea. In 1992, I started sailing 40 foot sailboats. I participated in many boat deliveries between the United States and the Caribbean, I also have completed a transatlantic passage. In all, as I look back, I am astonished to realize I have sailed more than 6000 nautical miles, or enough distance to cross the Atlantic Ocean from New York to Great Britain twice. In 2002, I was certified by the American Sailing Association. Finally, I have been working toward getting my United States Captain's Licence, and am studying Celestial Navigation, the final requirement to complete before my application will be accepted.

When Jasmine was born, I was working 80 to 100 hours a week. I wanted to spend more time with my growing family, and came up with Morning Star. I have joined together my greatest passions, family, sailing and people! I couldn't be happier.

When we started the charter business, I took the Arubian Small Vessel Captain's License course, and was awarded a Klein Vaarbewijs license.

First Mate/Chef Katrin

I was born in Germany, and relocated to Aruba in 1994. I was blessed with a father that loved to cook, and he passed that passion on to me. After arriving in Aruba, I explored several careers, almost always as an independent business woman. For four years, I owned and operated a water sport company. I closed the business to pursue higher education in the United States.

After returning to Aruba, I got in touch with my passion for food, working as a bartender, waiter and kitchen assistant. I learned how to prepare and present various dishes and desserts.

Still I was dissatisfied with the limited customer contact working solely in a kitchen, so I started a new business, running a food wholesale company. I participated in many food and food preparation trade shows which further refined my food preparation and presentation skills.

At the end of three years, I was ready for a new challenge. Marciano and I had a daughter to consider, and I wanted to spend more time with my family. When he suggested we start Morning Star, I jumped at the opportunity. I could combine my passions, family, cooking and people!