AVANTI

Crew Profile

Mark
Born and raised in South Florida, Mark has spent his life surrounded by the ocean. After school, he began his maritime career working on commercial vessels, quickly gaining the hands-on experience that would shape his lifelong profession at sea.
Over the years, he has operated ships and yachts of all sizes throughout the Caribbean, Bahamas, and U.S. East Coast, mastering a wide range of vessels and navigating some of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world. His career naturally evolved into the world of luxury chartering, where he found his true passion - creating unforgettable experiences for guests on the water.

An avid surfer, diver, and lifelong sailor, Mark brings an easygoing energy and deep respect for the ocean to every charter. Whether he’s hoisting sails for a sunset cruise, guiding guests to a hidden cove, or ensuring smooth passage on long voyages, his calm professionalism and local knowledge shine through.

Dedicated to safety, comfort, and adventure, Captain Mark takes pride in providing guests with the same sense of freedom and connection to the sea that has inspired him since childhood.


Julia

Born and raised in Germany, Julia fell in love with the ocean at a young age, spending every summer sailing the Mediterranean on small monohulls with her family. Those early adventures sparked her passion for yachting and naturally led her to stewardessing, where she gets to share her love of the sea while creating unforgettable experiences for guests.

Her approach to hospitality is all about the details - she'll make sure your coffee is exactly how you like it, your pillows are perfectly fluffed, and your day flows seamlessly from start to finish. She thrives both in the interior and on deck, whether she's dropping anchor, tying fenders, or lending a hand wherever needed. Her attention to detail and genuine care for the guests comes naturally, making everyone on board feel looked after.



Stephen

Language : French, English

Borned and Raised on Sint-Maarten Island, Stephen grew up with the idea to become a chef and a restaurant’s owner from a very young age, like his father, who owned a restaurant for several years on the island.

At 15 years old, he left his island to study in the hospitality industry for 5 years. He worked in particular in a 1-Michelin Star restaurant and a 5-Star Relais & Châteaux in Corsica, “Le Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa”.

In 2017, after Hurricane Irma, Stephen went back to Sint-Maarten, first to fix everything which was broken, and then to fix and open a restaurant with his brother. Exactly, one year after Hurricane Irma, “Be Kool” opened on September 6th, 2018, a French kitchen where people never know what’s going to be on the menu because it features the freshest ingredients of the day.

After four years, Stephen chose to sell his ownership of the restaurant to follow his passion for fitness. He obtained his diploma in personal coaching to teach people the importance of taking care of their health, nutrition, and themselves.

Stephen now joins the Avanti crew, bringing with him years of experience as a professional chef, from working in Michelin-starred kitchens to leading his own restaurant. Onboard Avanti, he transforms that expertise into an unforgettable culinary experience, crafting meals to your personal tastes while introducing you to the vibrant local flavors of the Caribbean. Passionate about food, wellness, and adventure, Stephen looks forward to sharing his creativity and enthusiasm with every guest who steps aboard.

Clay
Raised in Jupiter, Florida, Clay spent nearly all his free time on the water. A lifelong fishing and diving enthusiast and the son of a charter boat captain, he began his career as a mate on his dad’s boat, running fishing charters and snorkel excursions. After four years of teaching high school while working weekends on the water, Clay decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and earned his captain’s license in 2024.
Before joining Avanti, he captained the Pontoon Saloon in Nashville, Tennessee, a lively 200-guest party cruise where he mastered the art of keeping the atmosphere fun while ensuring everyone’s safety. Now, as Avanti’s first mate and the captain of her chase boat, Andiamo, Clay brings that same energy and professionalism to every charter. Whether he’s expertly driving Andiamo for waterskiing or wakeboarding, or free diving to point out the coolest fish (and sometimes even luring out a nurse shark for all to see), Clay makes every day on the water an unforgettable adventure. His lively spirit and commitment to safety ensure guests always feel both exhilarated and at ease.