Captain Name: Jose Garcia
Captain Nationality: Spanish
Number of Crew: 3
Captain: Jose Garcia, born in 1960
Nationality: French & Spanish
Diploma: STCW 2010, RYA Yachtmaster offshore, Master 200 gt, Chief engineer, Medical care level 3, CGO.
Languages: Spanish and French: mother tongues; English; Italian
José was born in Spain and is bilingual French/Spanish as well as fluent in English. José is a captain and a half! – he has many years of experience, especially on big sailing boats, as both captain and professional racer. He has managed project refits, and been technical consultant and engineer for many yachts. His knowledge also covers marine engineering, rigging technology, hydraulics, and management software; he is a problem solver, and also a professional diver! During his career he combined regattas with ocean crossing and has sailed in the Atlantic, the Caribbean, the Pacific, the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, the Baltic Sea and more, clocking up over 250,000 nautical miles. You will be in very competent, safe hands with this Captain – and his stories of seagoing adventures will impress even the most well travelled guests.
He loves sailing, creates a real energy on board and doesn’t hesitate to share the secrets of sailing with his customers.
José is friendly, discreet, and flexible; he works effectively and efficiently as part of a team, he adapts easily to new situations and communicates well with all age groups. His downtime hobbies are skiing and paragliding sand yachting, books and music.
Chef/Hostess: Sylwia FILIPCZAK, born in 1978
Nationality: Polish
Diploma: STCW 98, ENG 98, Seaman’s book, Sailing instructor’s licence, Yacht coastal skipper patent
Languages: Polish: mother tongue; English and Spanish : advanced; French : basic
Sylwia was born and brought up in Poland and speaks excellent English, Spanish and some French. She studied law and worked as a legal adviser in the banking world for several years, but always made time for sailing each summer.
Having worked as cook, stewardess and a sailing instructor during holiday seasons on 40-50ft boats for some 15 years, she decided to leave Poland and the business world and become a full-time hostess on boats. She has sailing instructor and lifeguard licenses and has childcare experience.
During her first season on board, she met José; their similar tastes for adventure and travel merged, and they have been together ever since.
Sylwia is an excellent self-taught cook, always keen to discover new recipes. Her menus are inspired from her travels and her favorite dishes will include fish, shellfish and vegetables, at their freshest to ensure even more flavor and finesse.
She has a warm personality, is conscientious and hardworking, empathetic and patient, and has a good sense of humor. She likes the idea of welcoming guests to this “luxury hotel on the water”, is very attentive to guests’ needs and will ensure that your stay on board will be smooth and relaxing.
When not working, Sylwia can be found running – marathons, cross-country races, and triathlons! She also loves photography, swimming, sand yachting – and interior decor.
A third crew member is engaged for the summer season.