2024 wrapped
Meet the team aboard SOPHIA.
Published 07 July 2022
SOPHIA is iconic. A yacht designed and run with zero-compromise, she was built by a discerning owner and has been honed over five years of private operation and now provides the ultimate charter platform for you and your guests. Meet the people who make it all happen aboard this stellar yacht from building snowmen in the Caribbean to baking an Amalfi lemon tart…
On the bridge with... Captain Luke and Captain Nick
When you charter SOPHIA you are in the safe hands of Captain Nick and Captain Luke. Both have years of seafaring experience under their collective belts, and an intimate knowledge of SOPHIA and her cruising grounds.
'I was that child who spent his days walking up and down the dock, ' says Captain Nick. 'I went straight to sea after finishing my studies and never looked back. In the 20 years since then, I have circumnavigated the globe and chartered in almost every destination possible.'
Captain Luke, 'I'm Australian Master Mariner with 27 years in the game (time flies when you’re having fun)! For the past 19 years I have worked on charter and private yachts. Every day is an adventure - you never know what lies just around the next headland...'
Now you can discover what is around the next headland when you charter FAITH in the Mediterranean this summer, and the Caribbean and Bahamas next winter.
What sets SOPHIA apart from other yachts?
Nick
SOPHIA is an icon of her generation and one of the most recognisable yachts in the world. There is no compromise in what SOPHIA offers - which is the comment we hear most frequently from our guests.
Luke
I’d add that, without doubt, a truly unique experience onboard SOPHIA is the snow room. Where else can you build and dress a 4ft snowman during winter in the Caribbean when it’s 35 degrees outside! Not only is it loads of fun for everyone, the health benefits are also amazing.
Tell us about the SOPHIA crew…
Nick
The crew have a level of energy and cohesion which is immediately felt by our guests. We have a reputation for providing guests with their best ever yachting experience and I put a large part of that down to the crew’s passion and desire to exceed expectations.
What do guests' enjoy about SOPHIA?
Nick
Like most things in life, balance is the key and our guests have that on SOPHIA. It may be that one day they’re feeling adventurous with watersports, and the next day wish to focus on self-care in our wellness centre.
A formal dinner one evening can contrast with a more casual ‘make your own pizza’ experience on the sun deck the following night. Being flexible while still maintaining the highest level of service imaginable is the SOPHIA standard.
Where is SOPHIA going to be cruising next winter?
Luke
The Exumas (one of my favourite places to cruise) is an absolute must on anyone’s bucket list who want to enjoy a very special natural marine experience - while also enjoying all the comforts SOPHIA has to offer!
Whether it be diving with the nurse sharks at Compass Quay, swimming with the pigs at Big Major Cay, taking a jetski across the sand flats at Shroud Cay or the most picturesque and private beach BBQ you could ever hope to imagine, there’s something for everyone.
In the galley with... Head Chef Henrik and Chef Alan
Whether you are in the mood for a full seven-course tasting menu with accompanying wines, or a simple margarita pizza with fresh mozzarella and basil, aboard SOPHIA you have it - thanks to the skills of two gifted chefs, Henrik and Alan. SOPHIA is equipped with a wood fired pizza oven, charcoal BBQ and bar on the sun deck, wine cellar and a full beach BBQ set-up, so you only need to ask for it to happen.
Head Chef Henrik first entered the superyacht world after he was headhunted... 'About 10 years ago I was invited to work on a superyacht, and I have loved this life ever since. I honed my skills in restaurants in France and Italy - then I hopped the Atlantic to work the US.'
Chef Alan started his career as a young chef in London's Savoy Hotel. 'Then I progressed down the path of Michelin-starred restaurants. This is where I really learned how to cook, working with very talented chefs from all over the globe.'
How does it feel to be a chef on the most beautiful yacht on the charter market?
Henrik
Happy and proud. The team on board are fantastic and hard-working - which means everything.
Working ashore vs a superyacht chef?
Henrik
To work on yachts can be different and challenging. That mixed together with the passion to manage and provide anything and everything for our guests, wherever we are in the world, is incredible and rewarding.
Alan
I have always had a passion for travel, I enjoy exploring different cultures and discovering their cuisine, so yachting is the perfect fit. As an executive chef I get to work with and meet some amazing people and cook with such diversity.
What do you love to cook?
Alan
When our guests arrive on board its show time! Time to show off our skills as chefs - dishes such as our citrus cured Ora king salmon with avocado puree and Beluga royal caviar is always a favourite.
Equally I love nothing more than pizza night on sun deck where we have our wood fired pizza oven for authentic Italian style pizza at its best.
How would you describe your style of cuisine?
Henrik
Fresh, clean, tasty and vibrant. Food that makes you feel good. We love to cook all varieties of different cuisines to keep things interesting - and to keep learning!
Do you have a favourite dish that is always a winner?
Henrik
Ah wow, that’s a difficult one. Off the top of my head, spaghetti vongole. Cakes for birthdays and celebrations are always popular too.
Where do you go shopping?
Alan
We use some of the world’s finest provisioners, where quality is paramount. We also like to use local artisan suppliers, whether that’s an amazing fishmonger who has the freshest line-caught seabass, or stunning fruit and vegetables from the market - there’s nothing better than making a lemon tart with lemons straight from the coast of Amalfi.
Do guests sometimes join you in the galley?
Alan
Our guests are always welcome to come into the galley, there’s nothing better than guest interaction. I am more than happy to pass on some of our skills, that could be a little cookery demonstration or more hands on for the guests to do a little cooking themselves - anything is possible.
Available in the Mediterranean this summer, and in the Caribbean this winter, the immaculate 96.6m (316.8ft) SOPHIA welcomes 12 guests in seven cabins. Please enquire for rates.
To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.
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