Max’s love affair with the sea began early in life, and it has been a lifelong journey of adventure and discovery. Born and raised in the UK near the water, Max’s passion for sailing grew as he did. He holds a 200gt Yacht master and is happiest when at sea.

Although Max initially pursued a career in banking in the city, the call of the open water was too strong to resist and so he left the corporate world behind and embarked on a new quest as a yacht charter captain. It was a life-altering decision that allowed him to prioritize his passion.

The vibrant and diverse cruising grounds of the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Polynesia have become his second home, and he knows many hidden gems and secret coves that these regions have to offer. For Max, the British Virgin Islands are more than just a destination—they are his home. Nestled among these pristine islands, Max has cultivated deep connections with the local community, ensuring that every charter feels like a warm and inviting journey through his own backyard.

Growing up in a big, close-knit family, Max understands the importance of creating a sense of family and belonging on every charter. He strives to infuse every voyage with a welcoming atmosphere, where guests can forge lasting memories with loved ones, friends and the crew.

Elise’s culinary journey began in her family’s kitchen. As a child, she helped cultivate the garden, from which her father would select the best basil leaves and tomatoes to make fresh pasta sauce. Her family often invited friends to join them to roll homemade pasta, and everyone would gather outside to enjoy the meal as the sun was setting. This was a beloved social event. Elise’s devotion to food blossomed, and at the age of 14 she started a baking business specializing in elaborate fondant cakes. While studying anthropology and philosophy at Bowdoin College in Maine, Elise continued to explore her love of cooking by selling her homemade hummus and cooking weekly meals with her friends. It was also during her college years that she began working as a yacht chef in the Caribbean during summers and school breaks. After graduating from Bowdoin, she received a scholarship to attend an 8-week culinary course in Virginia, taught by recognized Swiss Master Chef Rolf Strub, and under the direction of Chef Antwon Brinson.

Elise’s culinary interests are informed by her world travels, which include a 9-month stay in India, a month in Nepal, and multiple stays in Europe and Central America. Her cuisine is strongly influenced by Asian, French, and Central American methods, ingredients, and philosophies of food. She believes a meal should be both a social event and an experience that titillates all of the senses. Her food is flavorful, colorful, and crafted from the freshest ingredients. She prides herself on making her own bread, pastries, sauces, and fermented goods to enhance and elevate every meal. She wakes up well before sunrise and uses time as her specialty ingredient— allowing her bread to rise, sauces to marinate, and flavors to infuse. Your meals on board will both excite you and nourish you. Elise’s dishes are exquisite; some of them can be found on her Instagram page, @galley_of_Elise.

Additionally, Elise is as comfortable at the helm as in the galley: she holds a 200gt Master of Yachts Unlimited ticket, which includes celestial navigation— please ask her about constellations!

Delphine has a true gift for creating memorable guest experiences—whether she’s hosting and serving one of Chef Elise’s exquisite meals, guiding a peaceful yoga session, or offering thoughtful wellness consultations. Born and raised near the North Sea in eastern England, she caught the travel bug at 18 and has since lived and worked in New Zealand, Fiji, Guatemala, Portugal, and Germany—sharing her versatile skills as a hostess, yoga teacher, ambient DJ, and wellness consultant.

With family roots in traditional wooden boat building, the call of the ocean has always run deep in Delphine’s veins. At 21, she joined her father on a week-long yoga retreat aboard a sailing yacht in Turkey—a life-changing experience that sparked her dream of merging land-based wellness with life at sea.

Becoming a yacht stewardess has been one of the most rewarding decisions of her life. She thrives on meeting inspiring people from around the world and curating charter weeks that feel truly special and unforgettable.

When she’s not working her magic onboard, you’ll find Delphine mixing up creative cocktails (don’t miss her signature Espresso Delphini), swimming in the ocean, learning to freedive, soaking up nature, or unwinding in a sauna. With her calm presence, diverse skill set, and heartfelt hospitality, Delphine brings a sense of ease, connection, and joy to every charter experience.