Nauti Dogs

CAPTAIN MATTHEW & CHEF/MATE CHRISTINA

Matthew was born in the UK but moved to Jamaica when he was eight years old. Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, it was inevitable he would find a career on the water. Matthew is a true water baby, having both swam and played water polo for Jamaica. His journey to yachting started when his family purchased a Sadler 32′ when he was fifteen. Although learning on smaller sail boats from the age of ten, the 32′ Sadler was a great stepping stone into what would train him to become a sailor.

He worked for seven years in the field of architecture, as well as growing his honey business in Jamaica. He then decided to test the waters as a professional captain in the Mediterranean. Matthew has now worked seven summer seasons in the Med, chartering in Croatia, Greece, Italy, and Spain. He has also spent a season in the Virgin Islands and a season in the Bahamas showing guests all over the world what amazing experiences can be had on a charter yacht. Matthew is an avid yachtsman, Kiteboarder (also instructor) and Beekeeper, spending his off seasons kiteboarding and tending to his bees back home in Jamaica. Matthew has a true love for the Exumas, saying: “It’s like another planet, it’s unreal” and looks forward to showing you all it has to offer.

A true New Yorker born and raised in Staten Island from two parents who grew up in Brooklyn, Christina prides herself on her personality and respectful family values. She believes this is what has shaped the foundation for her life. As an Italian American, food has always been an important part of her life. Christina believes there is no better way to spread love than with a home cooked meal, some great wine, and really good company.

After graduating with a Masters Degree in Special Education, Christina worked as a preschool teacher in the greater New York area for over 6 years. It wasn’t until she took a volunteer trip to South Africa, that she realized her true passion. The traveling, culture, exploration and local cuisine just exceeded her expectations. It was then that she realized she was settling for a comfortable life, which she was good at, but ultimately did not feed her soul. Unexpected events, call it serendipitous or not, have brought her to the sea and she could not have been more grateful. She fell in love on the water and never looked back.

Prior to her 4 seasons in the Virgin Islands, Christina has worked multiple summer seasons as a chef & hostess in destinations such as Greece, Croatia, Sardinia, Bonifacio, and Montenegro. Over the past 5 years, Christina has continued to grow her passion by working in a variety of different settings including motor yachts, villas, and retreats. She’s always looking for new inspiration and continues to grow appreciation for the food she gets to create. As a chef Christina likes to create her meals with pizazz. (Not to be confused with Pizza, although that is Christina’s favorite meal). Christina likes to cook with the best local ingredients she can find. She believes freshness is key. Her cuisine is simple and delicious with an eclectic twist. She enjoys bringing a lot of culture to her dishes with the use of fresh ingredients, herbs and spices. Although she does like to treat people with her Italian specialties from time to time!

Christina believes everyone should have a culinary experience when they are eating. From Bahn mis in Vietnam to the classically royal Caesar salad – shouldn’t your taste buds have an adventure too? Christina wants you to remember your sailing adventure from that moment you see the breathtaking morning sunrise over the horizon, to the smell of roasted chicken coming fresh out of the boat’s oven. She truly believes that sailing is an experience for your senses and she’s fully on board to give you the best experience she possibly can.