Your Crew

Captain Karl Krüger has been on the water his whole life. His father began his education as a paddler when he was three years old. He taught himself to windsurf at age 12. Karl began teaching sailing when he was 17, and now holds a United States Coast Guard 100 Ton Master’s License with Sail and Tow endorsements.

For over 30 years, he has cruised extensively in the San Juan Islands, Canadian Gulf Islands, the Canadian Coast, and Alaska.

Karl has raced super G, skied backcountry objectives, set first ascents in rock, ice and alpine routes, and has guided clients in every mountain state and province.

Karl holds a B.S. in Environmental Science/ Toxicology and an A.A.S. in Ecology and Environmental Technology. He also holds current certifications for CPR and Outdoor Emergency Care.

In the 2017 Race to Alaska, Karl became the first, and only, person to paddle the 750 mile race course on a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP), completing the race in 14 days and six hours (and 17 minutes, but really. Who's counting.)

In the summers 2022 and 2023, Karl paddled a total of almost 900 miles of the Northwest Passage in the Canadian Arctic on a custom SUP. What began as a single season expedition has evolved into something much deeper: a multiyear connection with the land and the people of the Arctic. 

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Karl's also a really fun guy, but we can't talk too much about that. After all, he's the captain and someone has to keep it serious around here. 

You'll find Elyn generally scampering between the galley making fresh and delicious meals and snacks, and the foredeck getting the stays'l ready, or raising the boom. She also does a whole bunch of things behind the scene that you'll probably never see but, like good makeup, that's the point.  

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Elyn has a background in business administration and environmental sustainability and social justice education, holding an MBA and a Masters in Teaching. She enjoys  sharing fun facts and the history and geography of the places nearby.

There may be a groan-worthy pun or two included, but that's only residual from her time keeping thirty 5th graders entertained and in line. Six guests onboard? Easy. Before you know it, she'll have all your favorites dialed in AND remember your cat's birthday. 

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​Dagny grew up sailing and living on sailboats. She has crewed for Kruger Expeditions for as long as she can remember; leading hikes through the woods, sailing the boats, catering to guests and scrubbing the decks.

Dagny spent her childhood outside of work exploring the wild beaches and woods of Orcas Island. At age 5, Dagny began to take small boat sailing classes at the local Yacht Club, learning about different types of boats – Sailing and engine powered alike. When she was 14, Dagny competed in the Washington 360 (WA360), an engineless and unsupported race of 360 miles through the Puget Sound and Salish Sea, placing sixth after four days of racing with three others aboard a Melges 24. Joining the Orcas High School Race Team as a Freshman, Dagny served as Team Captain for her Sophomore and Junior years, taking her team to Women's Nationals in 2023 and 2024, all while maintaining her grades.

In 2024, her Junior year, Dagny captained a second team: A group of four teenagers who would compete in the Race to Alaska (R2AK) –  a 750-mile unsupported engineless race from Port Townsend, WA to Ketchikan, AK – as sponsored Fisheries Supply Team Juvenile Delinquents. In her free time, she hikes, surfs, skis, writes, rides horses and works on her cool truck.

Depending on where we go and what we do, we will often bring in a rotating crew of amazing individuals. From licensed captains, kayaking guides, ex-Navy pilots, you'll be sure to be in good hands and hear some good stories along the way.