Behind every great sail is a crew that knows the water, respects the wind, and genuinely enjoys sharing the experience with others. The Downeast Rover crew is made up of experienced sailors who are passionate about the Outer Banks and dedicated to making every trip memorable.
Your Guides on the Water
When you step aboard the Rover, you’re in the hands of a knowledgeable and welcoming crew who know the Roanoke Sound inside and out. From navigating the best sailing routes to pointing out local wildlife and landmarks, they help bring the experience to life.
Whether it’s your first time sailing or something you look forward to every summer, the crew is there to make you feel comfortable, informed, and fully immersed in the journey.
Owners + Captains
Kim B. Winslow, USCG licensed captain, and Kimberly Cox Winslow, former captain and a current reservationist
The Rover’s twin-named co-owners, Kim Winslow and Kim Winslow purchased the vessel in 2007 from previous owner/operator Mark Kopp, who purchased it from Bradford Gunn.
Mr. Kim boasts more than 50 years of experience with yacht ownership, charter sailing, and delivery. He maintains a 100-ton, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner Credential with a sailing endorsement, a Federal Communications Commission radio license, and EMT certification.
The Kims have a terrier mutt, Scrappy, and two adult daughters: Hailey, a television reporter living in Los Angeles, California, and Megan, a photographer and print journalist who recently returned to the family’s hometown in Gainesville, Florida, with her husband, Matt.
Christopher Storey, USCG licensed captain & shipwright
Captain Christopher Storey, a USCG license holder for more than 30 years, owns Lighthouse Shipwrights & Supplies of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and has provided professional services to many of the world’s largest mega yachts throughout the past 25 years. He lives with his wife Tami and their dog Scuppers aboard the Sea Storey, a 48-foot ketch, or two-masted sailboat.
Chris and Tami have been sailing together throughout the Caribbean and up and down the East Coast of the U.S. for more than 40 years. They spend the summers in Manteo and live in Florida, near their three adult children and three grandchildren, during the winter.
Mates
Ethan Atkinson, mate/rigging specialist
Ethan joined the Rover in 2021. He grew up and first started sailing in Raleigh, North Carolina, and moved to the coast and aboard his first vessel in 2018.
In his spare time, Ethan volunteers aboard Manteo’s Elizabeth II, a replica of one of the seven original “Lost Colony” sailing merchant vessels that ferried the first English colonists to America between 1584 and 1587. He also repairs and provides rigging services for the Rover and other local sailboats.
Ethan lives aboard his current sailboat, Kumbaya, in Manteo for the summer season, and he sails south to Florida, the Keys, and the Bahamas during the winter.
Outer Banks Sailing Experience You Can Trust
Safety and professionalism are at the core of every sail. The Downeast Rover operates with a trained crew and is fully U.S. Coast Guard inspected, ensuring a smooth and secure experience on the water.
Each crew member is experienced in handling the schooner and adapting to changing wind and water conditions, so you can relax and enjoy the ride.
From the first welcome aboard to the final return to the dock, the crew is there to make sure your time on the water is something you’ll remember long after your trip ends.
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