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Southern Cross Club’s Peter Hillenbrand Honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award

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Peter Hillenbrand

Hillenbrand Purchased a Failing Property on Little Cayman 20 Years Ago and Transformed it into a Beloved Resort  

“It was love at first sight. The Southern Cross Club and Little Cayman have been in my heart and on my mind ever since.” Peter Hillenbrand is describing the moment in1981 that changed his life forever. He was on a dive trip to Little Cayman with his father but he began to dream about possibilities. And when the opportunity to buy the resort came up years later, Hillenbrand didn’t hesitate.

“The Southern Cross Club was a run-down resort when I took over management in May of 1995. And it was a rather huge task to see its potential and put in the work – mentally, physically, and financially – to bring it to what it is today,” he says.

Today the award-winning Southern Cross Club, a rare cocktail of elegance and rusticity described as barefoot elegance, is consistently voted one of the best resorts in the Cayman Islands. It’s stunning location, distinct personality and outstanding service barefoot keep its guests returning year after year, and most of them refer to it as “home.”

For his work and dedication to the Southern Cross Club, Little Cayman and the environment, Peter Hillenbrand, owner of the resort was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Cayman Islands Tourism Association during the annual Stingray Awards gala. Deeply honored by the recognition of his peers in the industry, Hillenbrand says he has not done this alone.

“The Southern Cross Club is the proudest achievement in my life, but it is not for me to take the credit. Without the many people who worked with me and put everything into building the mission and the resort, I would never be receiving this award,” he said.

Peter Hillenbrand

Hillenbrand singles out General Manager Jennifer Mills and Neil van Niekerk who have been with the resort for years and have been very instrumental, along with many others, in making the Southern Cross Club the success it is today.

“Pete thoroughly deserves his Lifetime achievement award; we are all extremely pleased for him and proud of him here at Southern Cross Club. He is a great boss, a much-valued friend and someone for whom I have the utmost respect. I congratulate him on this milestone and look forward to what lies ahead.”

As for the success of the Southern Cross Club, Mills says they take their cue from the boss.

“He is a very unique individual; an unusual combination of entrepreneur, high profile business man, environmentalist, conservationist and easy going, fun loving guy. Pete is a motivated, enthusiastic and ambitious person who is very hard working and not afraid to get his hands dirty when necessary. He is passionate about the environment and the tourism industry alike; someone who strives for success but not at the expense of moral reasoning,” she said.

Mills says Hillenbrand also embraces and respects the environment around him, the community in which he lives, and he shows immense generosity and kindness to his neighbors, friends, family and employees.

‘The rare blend of these characteristics, beliefs, and the vision that Pete encompasses are what drive and shape the Southern Cross Club; emanating down the chain of command through management to the Staff and in turn to the Guests,” she said. “Pete has helped create the resort’s personality, its’ “vibe” – making it the very special place that it is.”

Peter Hillenbrand, who is also a board member for the Central Caribbean Marine Institute, a research facility based on Little Cayman, is not finished with his dreams for the Southern Cross Club and Little Cayman.

“I look forward to continuing to improve on my product, and to hopefully help guide the direction of Little Cayman’s continued development. There are no accessible places like Little Cayman left in the Caribbean. What she is, and what she means to those of us who love her, is precious beyond compare. It would be devastating to me to see her take a direction other than the laid back tranquility and pristine natural environment that our guests are so in love with.”

Peter Hillenbrand

About the Southern Cross Club

The casually sophisticated Southern Cross Club Fish & Dive Resort is Little Cayman’s original resort. It features 14 beachfront bungalows complete with a top-rated, professional in-house diving and fishing operation. A unique blend of rusticity and elegance the resort is often described as “Barefoot Luxury”. Little Cayman is renowned for its breath-taking coral reefs and pristine environment, and the Green Globe certified Southern Cross Club sets sustainability standards to protect it. The resort was awarded the 2013 Cayman Islands Tourism Association CEPTS Stingray Award for its exceptionally good stewardship of the environment and its ongoing commitment to preserving it. Guests to the Southern Cross Club can expect friendly and diligent service, delicious award-winning food, inviting rooms with breath-taking views and a comfortable dive boat ― a few of the things that bring them back year after year. The resort’s beach-based location also provides flats fisherman with access to Bonefish and Permit just minutes away.

For reservations or more information:
Telephone: 1 (800) 899-CLUB (2582)
Outside the USA: (619) 563-0017(619) 563-0017
E-mail info@southerncrossclub.com
Website: www.southerncrossclub.com
Facebook:  www.facebook/SouthernCrossClub

Gear News

Say Goodbye to Jellyfish Stings – Meet Stingblade, the Must-Have for Divers

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jellyfish stings

Let’s be honest—getting stung by a jellyfish can ruin an otherwise perfect dive. One minute you’re drifting over a stunning reef, the next—zap! That sharp, burning pain hits, and suddenly you’re in survival mode. Worse yet, treating it is often a guessing game. Vinegar? Hot water? Scraping with a dive knife or a credit card? Half the time, you make it worse.

But now, there’s a solution designed specifically for this problem. Meet Stingblade—the first tool made for divers, lifeguards, and water pros to quickly and safely deal with jellyfish stings. Compact, effective, and eco-friendly, Stingblade is about to become an essential part of every dive kit.

The Problem with Jellyfish Stings

Most divers have had at least one run-in with a jellyfish. Whether it’s a box jellyfish, a lion’s mane, or a stray tentacle from a Portuguese man o’ war, the sting is brutal. The burning pain, red welts, and potential for an allergic reaction can turn a great dive into a painful memory.

Removing the stingers is where things usually go wrong. Old-school tricks like vinegar or scraping with whatever’s on hand often make the situation worse by triggering micro-barbs, releasing more venom. That’s where Stingblade changes the game.

How Stingblade Works

Stingblade’s secret is its smart scraping design. The blade removes jellyfish stingers and venom without triggering micro-barbs—which means less pain and faster recovery. It’s fast, clean, and way more effective than DIY solutions.

And here’s the clever part: Stingblade floats. Drop it mid-dive? No problem—it won’t disappear into the deep. Plus, it’s made from recycled fishing nets, so you’re helping protect the ocean while protecting yourself.

Two Versions for Every Kind of Diver

Whether you’re a recreational diver or a pro, Stingblade has you covered:

Stingblade Personal Sport – Small and lightweight, perfect for recreational divers and beach lovers. Fits easily in your dive bag or BCD pocket.

Stingblade Super Blade Professional – Built tough for dive instructors, lifeguards, and medics. Designed for heavy use in high-stress situations.

Eco-Friendly and Built to Last

As divers, we care about the ocean. That’s why Stingblade is crafted from reclaimed fishing nets, helping reduce plastic waste. It also has interchangeable blades, so it’s not a single-use gadget—it’s designed to last. And since it floats, you don’t have to worry about losing it in the water.

From the Creator

Mark Dyer, the founder of Stingblade, knows the struggle. “Jellyfish stings have always been a tough problem to solve,” says Dyer. “I wanted to create something that works immediately, reduces pain, and helps people feel safer in the water.”

Mission accomplished. Stingblade isn’t just effective—it gives divers confidence and peace of mind.

An Essential for Every Dive Kit

Whether you’re exploring a tropical reef or guiding a dive trip, Stingblade is the tool you didn’t know you needed. Small enough to clip to your BCD, tough enough for professional use, and designed to work when you need it most.

Next time a jellyfish gets too close, you’ll be ready. No more panic, no more pain—just quick relief and back to the dive.

Get yours at: www.stingblade.com

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International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Celebrates Women in the Industry with 2025 Inductees

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international scuba diving hall of fame

The 2025 inductees to the prestigious International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF) are unique as it is the first time that all members being inducted are women. The Board of Directors of the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF) and the Cayman Islands Ministry and Department of Tourism are pleased to announce and celebrate the new members of the ISDHF on International Women’s Day.

Established by the Cayman Islands Ministry of Tourism in 2000, the ISDHF celebrates dive industry leaders who have contributed to the success of recreational scuba diving worldwide through innovation and advancements made in the areas of dive tourism, equipment design, dive safety, inclusivity, exploration, adventure, innovation and more.

This year’s inductees include Simone Melchoir-Cousteau (France) and Women Divers Hall of Fame (United States of America) as Early Pioneers, Michelle Cove (Bahamas), Anne Hasson (United States of America), and Rosemary E. Lunn (United Kingdom) as Inductees and Hidy Yu Hiu-Tung (Hong Kong) as Trailblazer, which is a new category for the ISDHF. They join other notable women in the industry in the ISDHF including Jill Heinerth (2020), Dr. Eugenie Clark (2010), and Cathy Church (2008).

The 2025 inductees will be formally inducted into the hall of fame at a ceremony in the Cayman Islands on 20 September 2025.

This year’s inductees were selected for their significant contributions to the diving industry:

Simone Melchoir-Cousteau (France)

Simone Melchoir-Cousteau was a pioneering French explorer, widely recognized as the first woman scuba diver and aquanaut, and the beloved wife and partner of legendary oceanographer, Jacques-Yves Cousteau. She was key in his co-invention of the Aqualung, a revolutionary invention that transformed scuba diving, introducing him to the engineer and the funding. Simone witnessed the first successful test of the Aqualung prototype in the Marne River.

She was instrumental in the acquisition of Calypso, the Cousteau family’s famed research vessel, and played a key role in the operation at sea. For the Calypso’s early expeditions, she sold her family jewels and fur coats to purchase fuel and essential navigation instruments for the vessel. She was known as “La Bergere,” the Shepherdess, as she acted as nurse, psychiatrist and mother to the all-male crew for 40 years.

In 1963, Simone made history by becoming the world’s first female aquanaut when she visited the Conshelf II undersea habitat in the Red Sea. Her legacy as a pioneering woman in scuba diving and ocean exploration continues to inspire generations of explorers and conservationists worldwide.

Women Divers Hall of Fame (United States of America)

Dedicated to recognizing and honoring the contributions of women divers, and supporting the next generation of divers, the Women Divers Hall of Fame™ (WDHOF) is an international, non-profit, professional honor society whose member contributions span a wide variety of fields including: The Arts, Science, Medicine, Exploration & Technology, Underwater Archaeology, Business, Media, Training & Education, Safety, Commercial & Military Diving, Free Diving, and Underwater Sports.

WDHOF inducted its first class of 71 members in 2000 featuring some of the most influential women in diving history, such as Dr. Sylvia Earle, renowned oceanographer, and Dr. Eugenie Clark, famously known as the “Shark Lady,” recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to marine science and exploration. As of 2024 there are 260 members in the Hall, hailing from 30 U.S. states and Territories and 22 countries worldwide. WDHOF Members are selected on an annual basis.

The founders of WDHOF included Jennifer King, founder of the Women’s Scuba Association; Patty Newell Mortara, co-founder of Women Underwater; Carol Rose, President of the Underwater Society of America; Hillary Viders, Ph.D., an award-winning writer and speaker; Capt. Kathy Weydig, Instructor Trainer and Course Director with NAUI and SDI/TDI and Zig Zighan, President of Beneath the Sea, Inc.

Since 2002, WDHOF has awarded $915,000 in scholarships and training grants to support 700 women and men pursuing diving-related careers or advancing their underwater skills. Through their collective efforts, the Women Divers Hall of Fame continues to inspire future generations of divers and leaders in the underwater world.

For profiles of WDHOF members and nomination criteria, visit the website: www.wdhof.org

Michelle Cove (Bahamas)

Michelle Cove was instrumental in developing Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas into one of the Caribbean’s largest dive operations. She secured and grew watersports and diving concessions for major partners like Atlantis Resort, Baha Mar, Carnival Cruise Lines, and private clubs. Under her leadership, the company developed a diverse range of offerings, including SCUBA, SNUBA, SEA TREK, SUB (Submersible Underwater Bubble), snorkeling, watersports, and underwater photography and video, making world-class ocean experiences accessible to visitors worldwide.

A skilled shark dive leader, Michelle is a lifelong shark safety, education, and marine conservation advocate. Her collaboration with the PEW Environmental Group and Bahamas National Trust led to the creation of the Bahamas Shark Sanctuary in 2011, the first of its kind in the Atlantic. She has also been a key advocate in invasive lionfish awareness and eradication efforts, as well as coral conservation, nursery implementation, and out planting initiatives to help restore vital reef ecosystems.

A PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, Michelle has introduced countless divers to the beauty of the Bahamas, inspiring ocean conservation. She was integral in establishing Ocean Watch Bahamas and Children on the Reef organizations focused on educating Bahamian youth about the ocean, fostering careers in the watersports industry and marine conservation.

Michelle’s expertise extends to the film and television industry, where she has trained numerous television and movie personalities to dive and served as a safety diver, on-camera talent, and stunt performer. Her work includes major productions such as James Bond, Into the Blue, Flipper, and projects for Discovery Channel, National Geographic, BBC Natural History Unit, Food Network and History Channel.

Today, Michelle’s company Resort Lifestyle Ltd. owns and operates Albany and Lyford Cay Watersports, offering premier diving, snorkeling, and watersports experiences in the Bahamas.

Anne Hasson (United States of America)

Anne Hasson’s pioneering efforts revolutionized the liveaboard scuba diving industry having launched the renowned Cayman Aggressor in 1984. As Vice President of Aggressor Adventures, Anne oversees the Reservations, Marketing and Advertising departments, maintaining the integrity and image of the forty-one-year-old company’s brand and corporate identity. Today, Aggressor Adventures sets new standards for dive and adventure tourism worldwide.

Under her leadership, Aggressor Adventures has expanded to include 24 international liveaboard dive yachts, signature lodges, bird watching and river cruises, operating in premier locations such as the Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Islands, Galapagos, Egypt, Maldives, and beyond. A passionate advocate for sustainable diving, Anne promotes eco-friendly travel practices to protect marine ecosystems at all Aggressor locations. She is also instrumental in establishing high customer service standards, solidifying Aggressor Adventures as a worldwide leader in the tourism industry.

Anne also serves on the Board of Directors for the Sea of Change Foundation, contributing to global conservation and is an inductee into the Women Divers Hall of Fame (2010).

Rosemary E. Lunn (United Kingdom)

Rosemary E. Lunn is a highly respected figure in the global diving community. Her induction marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first British woman to receive this esteemed honour.

Bringing decades of expertise to her diverse contributions, Rosemary has played a pivotal role in shaping the diving industry. She is a valued professional, prolific journalist, speaker, educator, event organiser, and an advocate for dive safety and education.

An accomplished diving instructor, Rosemary holds certifications as a PADI IDC Staff Instructor, BSAC Advanced Instructor, and a Trimix and CCR diver, with extensive teaching experience in the UK and internationally.

Her influence extends beyond recreational and technical diving—she is the first non-military civilian and first female diver to join the UK Ministry of Defence as part of the Defence Diving Standards Team. As a Senior Diving Standards Inspector, she works alongside serving and former military divers and personnel, to assure and enhance safety protocols for military personnel. She is also an Associate Member of the Royal Navy Clearance Divers Association.

An innovator in technical diving, Rosemary is a co-founder of EUROTEK, Europe’s premier biennial advanced and technical diving symposium, an event she has organised since 2008. She also established TEKDiveUSA, a major meeting in the tech diving calendar, and coordinated Rebreather Forum 3 on behalf of AAUS, DAN, and PADI, advancing safety and innovation in rebreather diving.

In 2022, she launched the Defence Diving Symposium on behalf of the Superintendent of Defence Diving. This annual conference brings together personnel from all facets of military diving to discuss safety, share the latest research, and exchange critical information.

Beyond her work in diving safety, Rosemary is a key industry networker, bridging communities and bringing influential figures together for strategic collaborations. She has served on the Scuba Industries Trade Association (SITA) board and sits on the British Diving Safety Group (BDSG), where she continues to shape industry standards and best practices.

Her outstanding contributions have earned her recognition, including the SSI Platinum Diver Award, and she is an Associate Member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame.

Hidy Yu Hiu-Tung (Hong Kong) 

Hidy Yu Hiu-Tung is an acclaimed international actress and model with over 19 years of scuba diving experience, blending her passion for the ocean with a dynamic career in the public eye. As a certified scuba diving instructor, technical diver, and free diver, Hidy Yu has not only mastered the art of underwater exploration but has also become a dedicated advocate for marine conservation.

In 2011, she was appointed the spokeswoman for Miss Scuba International, using her influence to champion the protection of marine ecosystems. Her commitment to ocean advocacy deepened in 2016 when she became an ambassador for the Asia Dive Expo (ADEX), where she continues to deliver compelling talks on marine conservation to international audiences.

Hidy Yu takes direct action in protecting marine environments, having led ghost net cleanup initiatives in Hong Kong since 2019. In 2023, she was named Ghost Net Ambassador for ADEX Singapore and undertook an extraordinary 23-hour non-stop ocean cleanup in Sabah, highlighting her dedication to tangible conservation efforts. Hidy’s contributions to the diving community and environmental protection have earned her several prestigious accolades, including the Industry Advocator Rising Star Award at ADEX China in 2018 and the NAUI Outstanding Service Award in 2021.

In 2024, Hidy Yu co-founded the Bling Bling Ocean Foundation, an organization committed to promoting ocean conservation through charitable initiatives and educational outreach. Leveraging her platform as a public figure, she continually raises awareness on critical environmental issues and organizes regular conservation activities.

Find out more about the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame at isdhf.visitcaymanislands.com/en-us/home.

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