CHARTER YACHT TABULA RASA

Captain Name: Michael Vaughan

Captain Nationality: USA

Number of Crew: 2

CREW STARTING NOVEMBER 2019

CAPTAIN MICHAEL
Age: 31 | US Passport | US Drivers License | Non-smoker

-USCG 100T Master + Sailing Endorsement
-PADI Dive Master
-Radar Observer Unlimited
-STCW + Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
-Strong Engineering Background
-Adult Sailing Instructor
-Avid Fisherman
-Passionate about Photography + Videography
-Good Mechanical troubleshooting skills – small diesel engines, rigging

CHEF BRITTANY
Age: 27 | US Passport | US Drivers License | Non-smoker

-Professional Cook Certificate
-USCG 25T Master + Sailing Mate Endorsement
-Yacht Service Professional Level I
– Food Safety Level II
-STCW + Proficiency in Designated Security Duties o PADI Open Water Diver
-Passionate about Food + Wine Pairing
– Aspiring Sommelier and Mixologist
-Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sustainability

While working as a Day Charter Captain and Sailing Instructor in Chicago, Michael met Brittany as she was pursuing her goal of learning how to sail. The two of them soon realized their mutual dream of living and working on the water in the Caribbean, fell in love, and started planning to make their dream a reality.

Together they’ve sailed over 10,000 nautical miles in the Mediterranean, along the East Coast, Lake Michigan, and in the Caribbean. One of their favorite passages was sailing from Faro Portugal to Valletta Malta to deliver a sailing yacht for the Rolex Middle Sea Race. They have also worked on private super yachts, honing their hospitality skills and learning the finer points of yacht service and care.

The two of them take great pride in providing 5-star service while ensuring their guests have an unforgettable experience. When not sailing or entertaining, you’ll find Michael and Brittany scuba diving, practicing yoga, riding bikes, or enjoying a day at the beach.

Michael’s love for sailing started at a young age, when on vacation in Mexico his family charted a sailboat for a day. It was on this trip that Michael knew he had found his dream career.

Michael spent many years learning how to sail in Chicago, eventually becoming the Fleet Manager and Lead Instructor for the school that taught him so much. To this day, his passion for teaching others how to sail shows whenever he meets someone eager to learn. Many of his students have gone on to a career in sailing, including several currently working on their own circumnavigations.

Along this path, Michael has found great joy in scuba diving and focused on becoming a leader both above and below the water. As a PADI Dive Master, Michael enjoys leading certified guests of all skill levels under the waves. While diving, guests will experience a world far different than the one they leave behind when they come on vacation.

Whether fishing, free diving, snorkeling or scuba diving, Michael is a natural leader and enjoys sharing these activities with his guests. His warm, welcoming personality will make you feel right at home while relaxing in paradise.

Brittany became a professional yacht Chef through the marriage of her main passions in life: food, travel, and the great outdoors. She’s worked as a Private Chef for high profile clients and is comfortable cooking you a wide variety of cuisines.

Brittany’s love for being on the water was instilled in her from a young age where she spent her summers boating, waterskiing, and tubing on lakes in the Midwest. Thanks to the help of her handsome sailing instructor, she now holds a 25T Master USCG License with a Sailing Mate endorsement. This, coupled with her experience in the galley makes her a well rounded 1st Mate.

Brittany was blessed to be raised in a family full of good cooks, and has enjoyed cooking for friends and family from a young age. While pursuing a Bachelors degree in Environmental Sustainability, she immersed herself in the Farm-to-Table movement by working in both restaurants and on many of Chicago’s urban farms, growing specialty produce for top-tier restaurants in the Windy City. After graduation, she went on to complete an internship with one of Sonoma County’s oldest wineries, teaching her the basics of viticulture and igniting her interest in food and wine pairing.

Brittany loves bringing people together through food and looks forward to providing you with a unique culinary experience.