Captain: Austin McClure

Austin McClure – American Captain
Languages: English

Austin McClure is a seasoned Captain with a USCG 1600GRT/3000 ITC Master License and extensive experience commanding motor and sailing yachts up to 150’. A graduate of Texas A&M Maritime Academy with a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Transportation, Austin has undergone 220 sea days of intensive training in vessel operations, navigation, and maritime safety.

His career spans private, charter, and commercial vessels, including Jones Act ships, OSVs, offshore tugs, and supply vessels. He has captained yachts across the U.S., the Caribbean, the Hawaiian and Micronesian Islands, the Philippines, Singapore, the Panama Canal, the Middle East, and the Black Sea.

Key Experience & Expertise:
Luxury Charter Captain – Successfully managed charters on yachts up to 143', overseeing guest experience, crew management, and financial operations.
Commercial Vessel Experience – Served as Chief Mate, Second Mate, and Dynamic Positioning Officer on vessels up to 350', gaining expertise in close-quarters maneuvering, offshore logistics, and navigation.
Yacht & Crew Management – Led teams of up to nine crew members, managing APA budgets, provisioning, maintenance, and guest services to ensure seamless operations.
Navigation & Safety – Extensive experience in terrestrial and celestial navigation, BRM, RADAR, ARPA, ECDIS, and vessel security procedures.
Austin’s passion for the sea and adventure fuels his commitment to delivering world-class guest experiences. Whether navigating remote islands or curating unforgettable charters, his seamanship, leadership, and hospitality skills set him apart as a top-tier captain in the industry.

Christiana Goohs – American – Chef
Bonus Skills: Wine Connoisseur & Mixology/Bartending
Languages: English

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Christiana Goohs developed a passion for culinary arts at an early age. She refined her skills at the renowned Culinary Institute of America, earning an Associate’s degree in Pastry Arts and a Bachelor’s in Business Management. Her extensive travels across Europe and Asia have deeply influenced her culinary style, inspiring globally infused flavors and innovative techniques.

With a background in fine dining and Michelin-starred kitchens, Christiana brings exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail to every dish. Her time as a sommelier at a leading Washington, D.C. wine bar honed her palate, culminating in her Sommelier certification and WSET Level 3 in Wine. This rare blend of culinary artistry and beverage expertise allows her to create unforgettable dining experiences, seamlessly pairing gourmet cuisine with world-class wines.

Her dynamic energy, creative approach, and meticulous attention to guest preferences ensure a bespoke experience for every charter. Whether crafting exquisite multi-course meals, curating wine pairings, or designing innovative cocktails, Christiana’s dedication to excellence elevates the onboard dining journey.

Key Experience & Expertise
Luxury Yacht Chef: Successfully led culinary programs on charter yachts up to 43m, serving up to 11 guests and 8 crew.
Designs and prepares bespoke menus with three-course dinners, accommodating diverse dietary needs.
Experience provisioning in remote locations while maintaining an organized, efficient galley.
Fine Dining & Culinary Excellence: Trained at the Culinary Institute of America with degrees in Pastry Arts and Business Management.
Worked in Michelin-starred and fine dining establishments, including Daniel Boulud Bar and Grill in Washington, D.C.
Expert in creating globally inspired cuisine influenced by extensive travel through Europe and Asia.
Wine & Beverage Expertise: Certified Sommelier with WSET Level 3 in Wine and WSET Level 2 in Spirits.
Former sommelier at Flight Wine Bar, specializing in international wines, pairings, and vintage profiles.
Skilled mixologist with experience curating bespoke cocktail menus for luxury yacht charters.
Yacht & Guest Services: Dual-role experience as Chef and Chief Stewardess, delivering both exceptional cuisine and five-star guest service.
Manages all interior duties, including table décor, flower arrangements, cabin turnovers, and personalized guest care.
Trained and led stewardess teams, ensuring smooth, detail-oriented service and memorable guest experiences.
Operational Support & Deck Assistance: Skilled in handling lines, fenders, and conducting watch duties during docking and navigation.
Experienced in yacht outfitting, galley organization, and maintaining guest-ready spaces.


Emma Crouch – British Stew & Cook
Bonus Skills: Emergency Medical Technician (NHS ER)
Languages: English

Emma Crouch is a seasoned First Mate, Deck/Stew, and Cook with extensive experience across both sailing and motor yachts. With over 5,000 nautical miles logged, she has worked on a variety of vessels, excelling in guest services, deck operations, provisioning, and crew mentorship.

Her expertise spans tender driving, boat maintenance, anchoring, night watch, silver service, and interior management. Emma’s adaptability and professionalism allow her to thrive in high-pressure environments, ensuring seamless operations and top-tier hospitality onboard.
Emma has held key roles on luxury charter and private yachts, including serving as a Deck/Stew Instructor at Paperboat Yacht Academy, where she trained new crew in essential maritime skills. Her experience in both guest-facing roles and crew leadership ensures that every charter is an unforgettable experience.

Originally from London, Emma has sailed everywhere from the Mediterranean and Caribbean to the Pacific, enjoying the natural beauty of life at sea. Known for going above and beyond for her guests, she takes pride in creating stunning tablescapes, handcrafted cocktails, and memorable celebrations onboard.

With a background as an Emergency Medical Technician, Emma brings a calm, quick-thinking approach to high-pressure situations, ensuring both safety and exceptional service at sea.


Storm King – Caribbean Skipper
Bonus Skills: Watersports & Fishing
Languages: English

Storm King is a highly skilled Skipper, Deckhand, and Maritime Instructor with extensive experience in both sailing and motor yachts. With a strong foundation in navigation, vessel maintenance, and crew training, he has spent nearly two years leading training programs and mentoring aspiring yachting professionals.

Specializing in safe passage planning, tender operations, anchoring, and deck maintenance, Storm has skippered and crewed on a variety of vessels across the Caribbean and Mediterranean. His ability to manage solo charters, oversee guest services, and ensure vessel readiness makes him a versatile and dependable crew member.

Having skippered multiple catamaran charters, Storm thrives on creating unforgettable experiences for guests. His passion for sailing, hands-on approach, and enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge set him apart as a natural leader.

Beyond the helm, Storm is an avid sportsman with a background in watersports and fishing, bringing an adventurous energy to every charter. His dedication to excellence, strong leadership skills, and love for the sea make him an invaluable asset to any yacht and an inspiration in the yachting world.