Darren & Amanda
Meet the crew at outer passage
Welcoming You Aboard the Journey
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Our crew knows that the sea changes people, it certainly changed them. Once curious adventurers, now seasoned sailors, they welcome you aboard with the knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to help you begin your own sailing journey.
Darren + Amanda
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Founders | Sailing Panda | US Coast Guard Licensed Masters
Darren and Amanda are full-time liveaboard sailors whoβve logged over 60,000 nautical miles across a monohull, trimaran, and now a catamaranβsailing the Viking route to Greenland, exploring the Mediterranean, and completing six TransAtlantic crossings.
Over the past six years, theyβve weathered storms, navigated icebergs, and embraced the freedom of life at sea. Their hands-on experience spans seamanship, safety, maintenance, provisioning and of course, the stories only the ocean can write.
Today, they share that knowledge and passion through immersive sail training passages, helping aspiring cruisers gain the skills and confidence to start their own journeys. Their philosophy is simple: do what you love. Whether afloat or ashore, they believe adventure is for everyone and theyβre living proof that a different life is possible when youβre willing to chase it.
Darren | Founder + Fix it man
Although Darren was born and raised in land-locked Reno Nevada, there was no shortage of adventure in his life. He began racing go-karts, flying aeroplanes, and competing in downhill ski racing at an early age. Transitioning to a life at sea has been no different in the planning, preparation, and safety precautions needed for an adventure on our worldβs oceans.
Darren has graduated as a Mechanical Engineer from the University of Nevada, Reno; and has over a decade of experience working for Siemens in the power generation industry. Undoubtedly, his years of racing cars, skis, and really, anything that moves, has given him the knowledge to repair, fix, and upgrade all parts of the sailing vessel, giving him the title of βAll-around fix-it manβ.
When he isnβt elbows deep in a boat project, Darren enjoys riding bikes, exploring the underwater world, and getting lost in a new town. At the end of the day, he appreciates a good beer or Scotch and can fall asleep promptly after a delicious sweet.
Amanda | Founder + Bread Master
Raised on Floridaβs east coast, Amanda, fondly known as βPandaβ, has always felt at home near the ocean. Though she grew up surrounded by water, her passion for sailing truly ignited when she took off cruising aboard her own boat. It was there, under open skies and salt-sprayed decks, that she found a deeper calling: living simply, exploring widely, and sharing the magic of life at sea.
Before trading spreadsheets for sea charts, Amanda built a career in the hospitality world analyzing data, building reports and maintaining databases for Marriott Vacations. Her experience behind the scenes of a global travel brand gave her a sharp eye for detail, logistics, and guest experience, skills she now brings aboard Outer Passage with effortless warmth. Organized, thoughtful, and grounded, she thrives in the ever-changing flow of life at sea.
Amanda wears many hats onboard: co-captain, cook, naturalist, and all-around morale booster. Whether sheβs whipping up a fresh, locally inspired meal in the galley or guiding guests through vibrant coral reefs, she brings joy, knowledge, and an infectious curiosity to every day. In fact, guests often say they came for the sailing, but stayed for the food.
With a deep respect for nature and a gift for hospitality, Amanda ensures that every journey is both adventurous and restorative. Her calm leadership, love of learning, and connection to the sea make her not just a capable sailor, but a trusted guide and friend to all who come aboard.
