exterior images are credited to Nicolas Claris
Crew Profile
Captain: Lea Schneider (23)
Lea's first encounters with sailing were during family holidays whilst she was growing up. Fresh out of high school she decided it was to be her preferred way of travelling the world. After spending a winter in the Mediterranean she made her way to the Caribbean where she obtained her sailing certificates and started working straight away. Lea's eagerness to learn and can do attitude has got to her to where she is today.
She loves the outdoors and in her spare time enjoys kite surfing, diving, climbing, horse riding and more.
Languages spoken: German (Mother tongue), English (Fluent), Spanish (Basic), French (Basic)
Chef/ Stew: Natalia Ogrzewalska (28)
Natalia was raised by a family of sailors, so you could say it is in her blood. She has been sailing since she was 2 months old and has barely stopped since, building her sea miles in the challenging waters of the Baltic Sea and Atlantic Ocean. She spent many years living and sailing on her own catamaran before working on crewed sailing yachts and obtaining all her yachting qualifications.
Now fully focused on guests, Natalia is a welcoming presence on board, seeing to the safety and needs of others at all time.
She loves healthy cooking and in her spare time enjoys photography and travelling the world.
Languages: Polish (mother tongue), English (fluent), Italian (basic), Spanish (basic)
Layout
GiGi of Lymington is a CNB66 which is a mini version of the popular CNB76.
GiGi’s flowing and well-proportioned lines conceal her exceptional volume. With in and out elegance combined with simplicity through her equipment and fittings, Jean-Marc Piaton has succeeded in giving the CNB66 a contemporary style while retaining a nautical feel.
The living area is particularly large and has a bar linking the saloon and galley, it is bathed in light from the panoramic windows. All three guest cabins are forward of the saloon, all with en-suite. The crew cabin is aft opposite the galley. Her cockpit table is offset with seating is on the left side making it functional at all times.
GiGi is used mostly as an owners yacht so there are only a few weeks available for those lucky enough.
Testimonials
Some testimonials from their previous position
8 September 2018
Our family of four took a seven day Christmas Grenadines islands cruise on a catamaran with Captain Sam and crew Zina. It was a truly wonderful experience!
While the boat is very luxurious and well appointed, the real treat is the service provided by Sam and Zina. First the food: prior to our cruise we were asked about our food and beverage preferences, which we provided by email. Every meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner, contained scrumptious, healthy variety, all personally prepared by Zina, with Sam’s assistance. Fresh fish, meats prepared on the outdoor grill, and the bread and pasta were always made from scratch. Interesting and delicious appetizers, specialty drinks, and combinations of food that we had never experienced before. We HAD to ask them for their interesting and delicious meatball recipe.
Next, the service: Sam and Zina brought a youthful exuberance and energy to the sometimes difficult and challenging tasks during the Christmas winds, that was fun and inspiring to watch. Our every request was greeted with a “can do” attitude, and our expectations were usually exceeded. Sam is quite an accomplished sailor, and Zina is the perfect crew. We must also mention that the boat was kept incredibly clean and fresh. We cannot more highly recommend an excursion with Captain Sam and Zina. We greatly look forward to our next opportunity to sail with them.
14 March 2018
We had the privilege of sailing with Sam and Zina in SVG and they were amazing. Zina sure can cook and we loved when Sam would yell “Captains Cocktails”. We ended up buying into the Trade Winds Club just because of them. If we could request Sam and Zina every sail we would!
4 March 2018
These two are an awesome couple and a fantastic crew. Our family had an amazing week, Zina is a sweetheart and great chef and Sam is an excellent captain with the perfect balance of confidence and chill.
10 February 2018
Amazing couple and even better crew. Totally in tune to our vacation and what we wanted. They’re passionate about serving the passengers and even more passionate about their jobs!!!
7 May 2017
Sam and Zina, thanks for making our trip so memorable!!!!!
23 April 2017
Captain SAM & 1st Mate ZINA - What a team .. Thanks Zina for the fabulous 5* food and Sam I'm gonna miss those awesome cocktails ! And to top it off we made some great friends! Thank you to all - It was a blast ! Just want to do it all again .. NOW!
19 March 2017
Such a unique holiday. Sailing was new to us - it was great! The conversations with other guests, the beautiful islands, the wonderful tasty food and drink, Captain Sams great sense of humour were all part of the package
28 February 2017
We had a fabulous time with Sam and Zina. They are the perfect mix of professionalism and fun! We enjoyed every minute and hope to sail with them again!
23 January 2017
This was our first all inclusive vacation and it was amazing! Sam and Zina did an awesome job in all areas on our trip. Sam was skilful witty and fun! Zina was gracious, inventive and a great chef! We hated to leave, and hope to have a reunion soon!
27 November 2016
Sam and Zina did a great job of making our family feel right at home the entire time! They made sure that everyone felt included in all activities. They made us feel like part of the family and even made a traditional turkey dinner for thanksgiving!
30 October 2016
A great vacation with Sam and Zina! They were adorable and had a terrific time! Would highly recommend this to my friends.
18 June 2016
Amazing week with Sam and Zina. This was our very first Catamaran adventure and will definitely not be our last. They both made my family feel very comfortable and went the extra mile to make sure we had fun. Cheers to both and to new friends.
8th May 2016
We had a great time on board. Sam is a fantastic captain and very good drink maker He worked hard to make us happy! We felt very comfortable! Zina was a great chef - we got excellent food.
