Captain Name: Mark Duncan
Captain Nationality: UK
Number of Crew: 2
Come on board AZURIA and truly have your DREAM VACATION OF A LIFETIME, on our immaculately maintained catamaran.
Mark and Sally have a high and extensive reputation for been a fun loving, highly knowledgeable, and some of the most experienced crew in the BVI!
This is demonstrated by the high number of repeat guests who come back again and again, for more relaxation, pampering and fun.
Please read our guest comments! Mark and Sally chartered for many years on their own catamaran, VIKING DREAM until she was sadly lost in Hurricane Irma in 2017.
When Mark and Sally first considered the life of the sailing couple, they were on a year’s leave from their corporate jobs in the UK, trying to find some balance in their until-then crazy lives. Sally had been Training and HR manager with a major British retail group, sorting out employees’ problems, whilst Mark had been on the other side of retail, setting up high-end malls in airports. He had 250 staff and 25 managers reporting to him and, when he wasn’t travelling for business, he was dealing with the inevitable headaches of management.
Throughout their many years together, sailing, travel and outdoor pursuits have been the hub of their relationship. So in 2001 they embarked on an invigorating world tour for 12 months. They travelled extensively through America, Canada, Alaska, Peru, Australia & New Zealand, returning over Asia and Europe. Their yachting experience includes cruising in Croatia, Greece, Turkey, the Caribbean, the Whitsundays, Malaysia and Thailand. Not to mention UK waters, and a TransAtlantic Crossing! On returning from travelling, they decided to turn a leisure activity they love into a lifestyle.
Cruising the islands and seeking out that idyllic palm fringed bay, where the sea, the sky and the sand invoke that feeling of total tranquillity, and being at one with nature, is what they love to share with their guests.
If youd like to learn about sailing they are both qualified instructors and love to impart their knowledge, but are equally happy to pass you a cushion and bring you an iced drink while they sail the yacht!
They are also very passionate about food and presenting their guests with fine cuisine, wines and cocktails. Sallys dishes are an exceptional variety of styles, reflecting her extensive travels and experience of different cultures. Marks cocktails are legendary, both self styled and classics. They are also known as Captain Cocktail and Sally in the Galley!
Mark – Youll find me in the water as much as on it, and I love to lead guided snorkelling safaris. Pointing out the amazing richness and variety of fish and wildlife the Caribbean Islands have to offer. I also love to fish and delight in helping you tempt a nice Tuna or Mahi-Mahi to your lure, or a Bonefish to your fly. When at anchor you may like to take some tuition from me on learning to Windsurf. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to assist a total novice in getting up and sailing with a little guidance and encouragement.
Sally – Having sailed with my Father from before I could walk and having helped my Mother in the kitchen from an early age Ive always had a passion for sailing and food. Graduating from University in Food Technology I have loved creating dinner parties and varied social events or taking part in competitive sailing. I aspire to ensure our guests are able to relax, enjoy good cuisine, and have fun experiencing The Caribbean on their dream vacation.
We have always gelled as a team. Guests enthuse about our attention to detail, professionalism, hospitality, good humour and desire to live life to the full. We have many guests return again and again and refer us to their friends and family.
We are now in our 15th year of chartering and excel at creating very individual, personalized, unforgettable Holidays.