Meet Kari and Kendall

Captain
Kendall White
USCG 100 Ton Master Captain  

Kendall is a lifelong waterman whose sailing journey began on the shores of Maryland and has taken him across oceans. With a USCG 100 Ton Master’s License, advanced medical certifications, and thousands of miles under sail—including a transatlantic crossing aboard a 52’ catamaran—Kendall brings both seasoned seamanship and a calm, confident command to every charter.

His connection to the sea runs deep. At 14, Kendall was working the crab boats of the Chesapeake Bay. By high school, he was racing Hobie Cats and exploring the coastline on Catalina sailboats. Twelve years of service in the U.S. Navy sharpened his discipline and navigation skills, including four years stationed in Sardinia where he honed his yacht handling aboard a 12-meter Bruce Roberts cutter in the Mediterranean.

Today, Kendall is exactly where he belongs—sharing his passion for the water with guests aboard Paradigm Shift. As captain, his approach is equal parts professional and personal. He’s known for his easygoing nature, thoughtful leadership, and deep love for creating unforgettable moments under sail. Guests consistently remark on how quickly they feel at ease aboard, free to relax and truly disconnect.

Ask anyone who knows Kendall, and they’ll tell you—few people are more at home on the water. The only one who might rival him is his wife and first mate, Kari.

First Mate & Chef Kari White

Kari is a foodie at heart. The table is the place where she believes everyone can come together and share the love. Her travels to Italy, Greece, Mexico, and Japan have heavily influenced her menus. She holds STCW safety training and an advanced certificate from The Private Chef Academy. Kari grew up in California’s Central Valley, where her earliest memories were shaped by the culinary aromas of her family’s cafe. She spent her young adult life working in many of the beloved restaurants of the Monterey Peninsula. Freshly caught seafood, seasonal produce, and vibrant flavors became part of her culinary language by working at Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana and the world-renowned Pebble Beach resort.

As chef and first mate aboard Paradigm Shift, Kari brings a laid-back California-coastal approach to her cuisine—colorful, clean, and deeply satisfying. Her dishes often feature fresh herbs, citrus, and subtle spices, all crafted with a nurturing spirit that makes guests feel cared for from the first bite. 

Kari’s nurturing, inclusive energy comes naturally—she’s a mom herself and instinctively creates a space where guests feel safe, seen, and well-fed. Whether she’s serving island-style drinks & appetizers, guiding a morning stretch on the deck, or leading a paddleboard session in a quiet anchorage, she creates the kind of atmosphere where guests can exhale, feel at home, and savor every moment. Together with her husband Kendall, she brings ease, warmth, and joy to life on the water.

Your Paradigm Shift Awaits

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