Your Crew
David Crafa Head Captain
Crew Profile
Captain David CrafaDavid Crafa is an accomplished yacht charter captain with over 35 years of sailing experience. He holds a US Coast Guard 100 Ton Master Mariner license and spends an impressive average of 250 days on the water annually, demonstrating his dedication and passion for sailing.
David says his favorite sailing location is New England. He grew up sailing the Long Island Sound and still remembers the first time he sailed to Block Island, as he was captivated by all the mast lights that lit up the harbor in the great salt pond. From that moment on, he knew he was going to be a lifelong sailor.
He pursued his academic interests at Berklee College of Music and later transferred to New York University, where he earned dual degrees in Music Technology and Computer Science. He also owns and founded The Cutting Room Studios in his senior year of college at age 21. Based in New York City with an illustrious 30-year history, this studio boasts an internationally recognized brand that has produced platinum sales awards for world-famous celebrities and contributed to the creation of academy award winning feature films, documentaries, and TV shows worldwide.
Captain David Crafa has extensive cruising and racing experience. Some of his notable voyages include:
● 2023-24 East Hampton to Nassua,Bahamas to Saint Thomas, USVI to Palm Beach
● 2018: East Hampton, NY to The Abaco Islands, Bahamas
● 2017: Cuba to East Hampton, NY and British Virgin Islands to Cuba 2017 Rolex Fastnet Race
● 2016: Montauk, NY to St. Thomas and return, aboard Hylas 54 Vanishing Point
● 2015: Montauk, NY to St. Thomas, Ft Lauderdale, FL to Montauk, NY, and St. Thomas to Annapolis as First Mate on Hylas 70 Archangel
● 2014: St. Thomas to Annapolis and Annapolis to Tortola, BVI as First Mate on Hylas 70 Archangel
From 2011 to 2013, he participated in the Caribbean 1500 rally and ARC with the World Cruising Club, covering 4500 nautical miles through the Eastern Caribbean as skipper and owner of a Hunter Passage 420. His bluewater experience includes single-handed voyages and challenging races like the 2007 Rolex Fastnet Race, known for extreme weather conditions.
Since 2015, Captain David Crafa has specialized in chartering guests aboard the Hylas 54 sailing yacht, Vanishing Point, navigating the picturesque waters of New England during the summer and the US Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Virgin Islands and Cuba during the winter. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to safety while ensuring his guests are comfortable and at ease have led to a flawless safety record throughout his extensive charter career. Furthermore, David worked in the past as a trained Recreational Rehabilitation Therapist for clients with mobility issues, and this experience has proven to be a great asset for Vanishing Point as he has the extra alertness and concern for clients whilst on charter.
Captain David Crafa's expertise extends beyond navigation. He played a pivotal role in designing and building the award-winning Hylas 57 Vanishing Point, which earned multiple accolades including Boat of the Year by Cruising World Magazine in 2022. As the Director of Field Marketing for Hylas Yachts, he has demonstrated his deep understanding of yacht systems, contributing significantly to the brand's prestige. From 2022 to 2023, he conducted test sails and charters for Hylas Yacht’s clientele, covering areas such as the Abaco Islands and East Hampton, New York.
His sailing qualifications from the American Sailing Association (ASA) include Basic Keelboat, Basic Coastal Cruising, Coastal Navigation, Bareboat, and ASA Weather courses. He is a member of the Manhattan Sailing Club and has attended the Offshore Symposium for the Bermuda Cup. Additionally, he is a certified SCUBA diver with advanced open water and NITROX certifications.
Captain David, fondly known as ‘Stormy’, is described by his friends as enduring, open minded, and companionate. David enjoys keeping active and embracing all that life offers; he lists his spare time interests as Music maker, Sailing/racing, Motorcycle enthusiast, Bike rider, Cat lover, Rock Climbing/ mountaineering, and not necessarily in that order.
Chef Wesley Hufstader
My passion for sailing and cooking blossomed during my youth, summers spent navigating the waters of New England aboard my parents’ boat. Fond memories flood back of those days, particularly of my mother patiently teaching me the art of preparing local delicacies and seasonal catches.
As I ventured into adulthood, my culinary journey continued while I catered for small gatherings in vibrant locales like New Orleans and Asheville, North Carolina. It was during this time that I stumbled upon charter employment—a delightful blend of my love for hospitality and the sea. For the past two years, I’ve wholeheartedly embraced this profession.
I’ve found genuine joy in ensuring charter guests feel at home, striving to enhance their vacation experience with every interaction. My aim? To craft moments that linger in the memories of all who come aboard.
