Our Staff

Chris Long

Function:
Expedition Leader

Nationality:
New Zealand

E-mail
chris@oceanwidesail.com
 
Chris grew up as a part of New Zealand’s remotest family two long days hike from the nearest road at a place called Gorge River, on the South Islands West Coast, New Zealand.

His family lives as self-sufficiently as possible in a small cabin surrounded by the jungled rainforest, the rough rugged coastline, and an emerald green river. Most of their food came from a huge vegetable garden or was fished from the ocean. This wild untouched natural corner of New Zealand was Chris’s home for the first 17 years of his life, until, one day, he set out to explore what the rest of the world had to offer.

Since leaving Gorge River Chris has set out to see, explore and experience as much of the globe as possible. This constant search for adventure has seen him travel to over 60 countries on all seven continents. Along this journey, he spent two full summer seasons living and working as a field trainer at Scott Base, a New Zealand research station in Antarctica, as well as multiple voyages to the Ross Sea and East Antarctica.

Chris is also no stranger to the Arctic. He once sailed the notorious northwest passage across the top of Greenland, Canada, and Alaska and spent much of the covid pandemic living with 150 husky dogs in Tromsø, northern Norway, enduring two long cold dark Arctic winters training for long distance dog races.

Since recently returning to New Zealand, he has published an autobiography and is training for his commercial fixed-wing pilot’s license.

Toto Vermue

Function:
USA & Canada Sales Manager

Nationality:
The Netherlands

E-mail
toto@oceanwidesail.com
 
Toto is responsible for sales and client relations across North America, working closely with both partners and guests to support the booking and preparation process for expedition cruises.

Since joining Oceanwide Expeditions, she has developed a strong understanding of the operational and logistical aspects of polar travel. Her role involves coordinating reservations, advising clients and agents, and ensuring clear communication between all parties involved.

Through her firsthand experience in the Arctic, including expeditions to Svalbard, Toto is able to provide practical insight into the realities of expedition travel. This allows her to support clients with realistic expectations and detailed knowledge of destinations, vessels, and onboard experiences.

By combining operational awareness with direct field experience, she helps ensure a smooth connection between expedition planning and execution.