MAINSAIL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Chief Stewardess, Northern Ireland
Alice hails from Belfast, Northern Ireland. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Criminology, she held various jobs in retail and then became VIP manager for a well-known local nightclub. A keen sports enthusiast, Alice became team leader of the Red Bull Ireland Wings Team, and also spent more than ten years playing high level netball, representing Northern Ireland and Ulster University. After embarking on a journey of self-discovery, Alice spent a month in India where she obtained her 200 Hours Yoga Teacher Training Certification. Having enriched herself in so many disciplines, Alice decided to join the yachting industry in 2017 and hasn't looked back since! Yachting has allowed her to incorporate her love of adventure and travel with her passion for high end service. Alice looks forward to greeting guests with a flute of champagne and a warm smile, ensuring that they will enjoy every aspect that LADY JOY has to offer.
Job Titles:
- Travel Agent
- Travel Specialist
Carol, a travel agent for over 31 years, is Mainsail's travel expert. She has worked in the corporate and leisure travel industry for several leading agencies such as American Express and Thomas Cook, as well as several smaller agencies. Carol has extensive knowledge and is very creative with ideas to make traveling to the islands a breeze. Dealing with groups is her specialty. She is in the airline computer system everyday looking up flights for clients, so she is always current with available specials and deals. Having Carol in the office offers Mainsail's clients the advantage of "one-stop shopping." She can find the best flights and schedules to meet your needs, and give expert advice on hotels. Let Carol coordinate your charter with flights and hotels and streamline your whole charter vacation.
Job Titles:
- Captain
- Captain ( Rotation ), UK
Raised on the South Coast of England, Chris started sailing at an early age and travelled Europe sailing both competitively and for pleasure. Now a father of two, time for hobbies is limited, but whenever an opportunity arises, he loves to introduce his children to boat life on the family sailing yacht or take to the water windsurfing. His safety consciousness is more pronounced as a father than ever, and he ensures that safety is of paramount importance on board LADY JOY. When maritime weather conditions are unsuitable, Chris is more than likely to be enjoying a round of golf or a game of squash. Chris's professional yachting career began over twenty years ago, during which time he has also graduated from the University of Plymouth with a BSC honors degree in Marine Technology, and completed his "MCA Master of Yachts License". Chris has lost count of the number of times he has crossed the Atlantic, and knows the Mediterranean and Caribbean like the back of his hand; he has also spent time cruising the Baltic, Indian Ocean and west and east coasts of the United States. Chris has several exciting itineraries in mind to suit your cruising dreams. You can be sure that Chris will put his all into making your stay on board LADY JOY the holiday of a lifetime.
Dan began his career in 2005 as a cadet in the Merchant Navy and completed a Bachelor of Science in Marine Studies at Plymouth University in England. During his cadetship, he circumnavigated the globe on a variety of commercial ships including several months on a sail training vessel teaching disabled passengers. Since then, he has worked his way through the ranks on a variety of yachts up to 160 meters in length. In his spare time, he enjoys going to the gym and running, but his real passion is fishing. Dan's adventures have ranged from catching 200lb catfish in Spain to salmon fishing in Alaska! He is also a keen diver and some of his best ones have included swimming with hammerheads in the Galapagos Islands and hand-feeding bull sharks in Fiji. Whether you are looking for a chilled beach holiday or an action-packed adventure, Dan will always go out of his way to make sure that your stay on board LADY JOY is one you will never forget.
Delana Mae has 4 guest cabins, 3 with en-suite bathrooms equipped with a full shower, electric flush toilet, and vanity. The cabins also include their own A/C controls, 110Volt and USB outlets, and 2 reading lights. the 4th is a double midship cabin, suitable for children.
DENISE ROSE, formerly Lady Sharon Gale, is a highly customized 112' Broward superyacht. Indulge in a yacht that offers classic styling, elegant interiors, an energetic crew and gourmet chef at a remarkable rate. This luxurious charter yacht offers unusually large spaces and lavish features. Imagine relaxing with a signature cocktail and panoramic views from the sundeck Jacuzzi. Enjoy the passing shoreline from the fully-equipped bar, or the roomy table surrounded by plush banquette seating. Interiors are designed to be welcoming, upscale yet informal, stylish and comfortable. Rich, maple paneling with a soft satin finish is featured throughout. The new furnishings, fabrics and stone are of the highest quality and create an ambience of casual elegance. On the main deck, charter families and friends will enjoy canapés and conversation in the newly furnished salon. Indulge in a signature cocktail from the bar, or be entertained with music and videos on the yacht's updated system. Dine in the formal dining area, or al fresco with sea breezes and stunning views on the aft deck or sundeck. Gather together in the all-new sky lounge with JL Audio sound and LED lighting. Guest accommodations are wonderful for extended families and groups of colleagues and friends. There are four staterooms with six berths positioned on the lower deck level. The primary stateroom features a king size bed, cedar lined closet and his-and-her facilities. The VIP stateroom occupies the entire bow area and is nearly equal to the primary. It features a queen size bed, plenty of storage and sizable bathroom with shower. Two guest staterooms are furnished with one double bed and one twin bed, so extra berths for children, single guests or staff. Staterooms are updated with new bedding, pillows, linens and towels. DENISE ROSE is ideal for island hopping. Powered by Detroit Diesel engines of 1800 HP each, she reaches a speedy 18 knots and happily cruises at 12 knots. Come aboard in St Thomas USVI and enjoy cruising the beautiful Virgin islands.
Dylan is an energetic, enthusiastic, and efficient person who loves his career. He always likes to find the positive in everything and this rubs off on those around him. Having grown up in multiple countries including South Africa where he was born, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and England, he developed a passion for the ocean and the outdoors. He loves physical activities and from the adrenaline seekers to the shy beginners, he has been told that he has a knack for getting people to enjoy themselves! He is particularly good with kids, helping them to improve their skills and partake in all the activities the yacht has to offer while always participating in an exciting yet safe manner.
Keith moved to the Virgin Islands as a young man in the 1980's. Almost immediately, he found his passion aboard yachts. He started his career on sailboats, and worked diligently to upgrade his knowledge and certifications until achieving his first Captain's license in 1986. He has added hours and experience ever since and now holds a 1600-ton USCG license.
Captain Keith honed his precise maneuvering skills running commercial vessels; ferry boats and ocean-going tugboats. He also worked for ten years aboard charter fishing yachts in Corpus Christi, Texas. Aboard the fishing yachts he was the entire crew; captain, cook, mate and stew. This multi-talented skipper knows how to run a ship from the inside out and flawlessly. Guests who love fishing, from the cockpit or the tender, are in for a thrilling time. Even experienced fishermen are likely to pick up a few tips.
Keith oversaw an extensive refit on LADY SHARON GALE in 2018 and worked aboard as Captain for two more years. He is now back by popular demand! and is intimately familiar with the yacht.
He always enjoys hosting guests on charter and is adept at putting even first-timers completely at ease. He is a Master Diver and enjoys all types of water sports activities. Should guests want to try something new or improve their skill level, Keith makes every endeavor a rewarding experience. Besides his love of sailing, fishing, and diving, Keith is an avid runner, so he is able to keep up with even the most active guests! He is easy going, accommodating, flexible and fun. Let Keith and his crew launch your perfect vacation aboard LADY SHARON GALE!
CHEF MIKE LOMBARDI was born on Staten Island New York and grew up along the Jersey Shore. The tradition of his grandmother's customary Sunday meal with all the love and energy that went into it, and a beloved beloved uncle who acted as chef for Team USA at the Olympic games were strong influences and inspirations for him. Although Michael favors rustic Italian food over all others, he is also a master of West Indian Caribbean Cuisine and of Sushi, plus he delightedly serves up lots of other creative fusion dishes inspired by the Americas, the Caribbean and Asia.
After a move to the Caribbean, Mike worked as a restauranteur and chef, and as well found himself hosting smaller dinner parties and catering. The word got around, and as his following developed, he and the world of yacht charter discovered one another. Today, working onboard yachts is his favorite job ever. Not only does he love having a great ocean view, he really enjoys creating exquisite meals for a small number of guests, and being able to tailor dishes to individuals.
Chef Mike works well with dietary restrictions and preferences, and is happy to customize menus for guests. He likes to anticipate guests' needs and looks forward to seeing empty plates coming back…often followed by a round of applause! He works with the rest of the crew to make each meal pleasingly ambient, and feels his creations bring people together.
Before the charter Chef Mike can be found visiting the island markets for fresh local produce. Inspiration can be driven by a catch of the day, fresh, organic vegetables/herbs and engaging with local farmers. He strives to source sustainably and buy local wherever possible, following today's trends toward healthier eating and desire for local ingredients.
Job Titles:
- Owner
- Owner of Mainsail Yacht Charters
Kevin is the owner of Mainsail Yacht Charters. He experienced his first crewed Caribbean sailing charter in 1996 with his wife Carol and several friends aboard a 55' catamaran, and knew instantly he had found the perfect vacation. He started Mainsail in 1999 along with his wife after taking their third charter in two years. Since then the family has been on over twenty charters throughout the Caribbean. Kevin continues to improve and build Mainsail; in thirteen years he has taken Mainsail from infancy to its position as one of the top charter companies in the Caribbean. In order to best serve Mainsail's clients, Kevin attends every boat show in the Caribbean and on the East Coast. He personally inspects every yacht that he recommends and interviews the crews. His extensive knowledge about chartering in the Caribbean, especially the BVIs, and his excellent relationships with the crews, means that your experience chartering through Mainsail will be unmatched in terms of creating your own fantastic sailing holiday. Over the last 20+ years, thousands of satisfied charter groups can attest to the service and attention that Kevin gives each client, making outstanding customer care the trademark of a Mainsail charter. Kevin wants you to have the finest island chartering experience possible! In addition to heading up Mainsail Yacht Charters, Kevin is also a commercial airline pilot with over 35 years in the industry. His knowledge and experience comes in handy when assisting clients with their travel questions; he knows airports and airline schedules inside-out and can help make your air travel plans hassle-free. He is also an avid SCUBA diver with certificates in PADI and IANTD, so if you have dive questions, he can direct you to the best places to explore in the islands. Call us and let Mainsail show you the vacation of a lifetime!
LADY JOY is not listed for sale and the owner is happy to commit to charters well in advance! Holiday Rate (Christmas/New Year's) $225,000 per week ++ (10-night minimum unless Christmas week is booked first).
Growing up close to London, Lily was born with a passion for cooking, influenced by the chefs in her family and her travels around the world. She pursued a career as a private chef on yachts after completing her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Geographical Sciences and Environmental Policy and Management at the University of Bristol, in United Kingdom. As a manager at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships for 5 years, Lily also enjoys hosting and has a high standard for guest interactions.
When it comes to her creativity in the kitchen, she enjoys incorporating fresh local ingredients and loves immersing herself in culture. She has signature dishes that are heavily influenced by her travels to Mexico, Italy, and Spain. Lily isn't afraid to merge local, sometimes exotic ingredients into her dishes. Making her style unique, and giving her an ever expanding menu.
Job Titles:
- Crewed Charter Specialist
Mary started with Mainsail in 1999, working at trade shows sharing the excitement of crewed yacht vacations. Canoeing and motor boating on Lake Winnipesaukee, sailing on Long Island Sound and rowing on the Banana River, she has long had a love for the water. With a diverse background in hospitality and travel, Mary is experienced working with families, Fortune 500 corporate clients and specialty groups. Visiting the Caribbean regularly, she inspects the boats and interviews the crews. From flights to hotels to limos, she will arrange your entire private yacht experience, matching you with the perfect boat and crew. As a charter broker Mary will see to every detail to make your charter a trip of a lifetime.
Job Titles:
- Chef ( Rotation ), France
Although Nicolas grew up in the South of France, he has lived in England since 2001. A highly qualified French Chef with over thirteen years of experience, he has worked on various yachts ranging from 43m to 75m in length. Before joining the yachting industry, Nicolas spent ten years working in various fine dining hotels and restaurants in England and on the Côte D'Azur. His culinary style is very diverse, incorporating global flavors from classic French/Mediterranean dishes to Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine. Nicolas is happy to cater to any specific dietary requirements and looks forward to sharing his expertise with all guests on board LADY JOY.
Growing up just outside London, Nik was captivated by the food scene that surrounded him. This led to him training as a chef and working in various roles within hospitality at some of the capital's most prestigious restaurants and hotels. Nik's sailing career started in dinghies, sailing in lakes and braving the elements along the UK's coast. As his passion developed so did his desire for a slightly warmer climate which led him to Greece and slightly bigger boats.
Whilst in Greece and the Med, Nik married his love for hospitality and sailing. Working as a flotilla skipper and charter skipper exposing him to an array of different yachts and destinations. More recently Nik has been back in the UK putting his experience to good use training new sailors and running adventure cruises.
Nik has a real love for the sea and the unique perspective that sailing gives. He is as much at home in the sea doing water sports as he is exploring the shores. You can expect him to uncover the local haunts for excursions ashore and dropping the hook in bays that provide the perfect backdrop for sunset cocktails.
Job Titles:
- Chief Engineer ( Rotation ), UK / USA
Sam was born in Norwich, England and grew up in a small village in the countryside. Surrounded by the rivers and canals of the Norfolk broads, Sam spent much of his childhood sailing and now considers himself an accomplished sailor. After completing high school, he trained to be an electrician, but soon decided he would rather be traveling and spent a year in Australia. Returning from Australia Sam realized he didn't want to stop traveling and so decided to complete the required courses at the UK Sailing Academy to gain the qualifications needed to work on yachts. Following that he flew to Fort Lauderdale in the United States to join his first yacht as a professional crew member at the start of 2014. Sam first worked on LADY JOY as second engineer in 2015 and has now returned to LADY JOY for his second stint onboard, this time as chief engineer after completing a commercial engineering license and achieving his chief engineering certification. He is interested in a variety of watersports including sailing, scuba diving and surfing and is also a passionate musician and guitarist.
Stjepan Ćesić was born and raised in Split, Croatia. He has 23 years of sailing experience in "optimist", "laser", "470" and large sailing yachts. He won two silver medals at Optimist World Championship.
After faculty of kinesiology he worked as a professional sailing coach for 6 years and spent the last 8 summers skippering across the Adriatic Sea as well as delivered many yachts across Europe.
Job Titles:
- Chief Engineer ( Rotation ), UK
Terry grew up in the coastal town of South Shields, located in the mouth of the river Tyne in northeast England. As South Shields has a long and proud tradition of seafaring and shipbuilding, it was a natural progression for Terry, along with his passion for marine engineering, to enter the yachting industry. Over the years, he worked his way up the ranks to become Chief Engineer on board LADY JOY. Along with his love for Motocross and motorcycle restoration, Terry keeps fit and active in his spare time with boxing, kickboxing, and martial arts.
Job Titles:
- Chef ( Rotation ), France
Originally from Cannes in the south of France, Vincent grew up in a typical French family that loved to cook. He attended culinary school at age sixteen and graduated two years later. Since then, Chef Vincent has worked around the world in fine dining restaurants, luxury hotels and for a British Premier League Football Club. Having worked in the yachting industry for over twelve years, his extensive travels have naturally inspired and enriched his culinary expertise. Whether it be French, Italian, Mediterranean or Asian, it will be Chef Vincent's pleasure to treat our guests to his wide array of menus and to cater to any requests they may have.