Your Crew
Jake Dyer Head Captain
Crew Profile
MEET YOUR CREW:CAPTAIN: JAKE DYER
CHEF: MAIA GIFFORD
Born and raised in New Jersey, I discovered my passion for sailing at an early age. My journey led me to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where I studied Mathematics and Finance. During a transformative semester abroad in Switzerland, I seized the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe, deepening my love for adventure.
After realizing my heart belonged at sea, I moved to South Africa to earn my Captain's license. My maritime career took me to the Mediterranean, where I enjoyed a thrilling season sailing picturesque coastlines and the beautiful Virgin Islands where I have worked as a freelance captain.
In addition to my sailing experience, I’ve served as an EMT and a lifeguard, prioritizing safety and preparedness in all my endeavors. I also worked as a sailing coach, sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm with aspiring sailors.
Most recently, I became a Dive Master in Honduras, further enriching my skills both above and below the water. When I’m not sailing or diving, I love kitesurfing, always on the lookout for the next adventure.
Now based in the British Virgin Islands, I’m excited to share my passion for sailing with guests, offering unforgettable charter experiences filled with exploration, relaxation, and the breathtaking beauty of the open sea.
Maia grew up in a small town north of Boston, Massachusetts in a family of entertainers. Whether it was hosting extended family for Christmas Eve dinner, gathering neighbors to watch sports events, or welcoming friends for a homemade brunch, something was always going on at the Gifford house. Any good party is never complete without the food and Maia was taught from a young age that homemade is always best. Her parents ignited a desire to learn to make anything from scratch and to try to replicate favorite dishes from trips abroad.
After graduating from Worcester Polytechnic Institute with an Environmental Engineering degree, Maia hoped for something more than the typical 9-5 desk job that her degree promised and decided to take some time off to explore the world. While searching for a way to affordably travel Europe for the summer, Maia stumbled upon a position as a yacht chef. This job combined her love for cooking and entertaining with her desire for adventure and spontaneity. What was meant to be one summer has now turned into three years of working charters in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and French Polynesia. In each new location Maia has learned new skills from locals and fellow yacht chefs that she’s excited to bring to you on charter.
Jake and Maia met the summer of 2023, both working together for the same yacht company in Croatia. They became fast friends after a week trip to Albania with mutual friends that same summer. This fun active duo forward to hosting you onboard their spacious and beautiful yacht A3!
Join them for a journey where the horizon is just the beginning!
