On board SOPHIA.

When you charter SOPHIA, you discover a crew that excels in creating an exceptional charter experience. We talk to Todd, Erika, Kristie and Alex, members of the amazing crew who make it all happen…

Kristie Paul, Yoga Instructor

Alex Wolf, The Waterman

Erika Yamada, Spa Therapist

SOPHIA's crew maxim is: ‘Excellence is never an accident.’

The phrase, from the Greek philosopher Aristotle, perfectly encapsulates SOPHIA's approach to her hand-picked crew. They are the heartbeat of the yacht and deliver a truly excellent charter experience, like no other. 

So how do the crew elevate your charter and make is exceptional? From the highly skilled team of 32, we have asked four of the outstanding crew whose skill set takes the SOPHIA charter experience to another level. 

‘Personally, I love to see our guests’ eyes light up,’ says Erika, SOPHIA's dedicated spa therapist. ‘And this is only the beginning, when they first step on board - before we have really shown them what we can do!’

Erika is a new recruit to SOPHIA, with her Japanese origins, her approach is the epitome of the Japanese tradition of Omotenashi - the benchmark for exceptional client-focused service and hospitality. ‘I believe in alignment of the body, mind, heart and soul. So, I like to provide a treatment journey to help each guest to find true relaxation and healing. I have learned to "read the air" - which allows me to anticipate my clients’ moods and emotions, and respond to their needs.’

'I love it when a guest comes to me for a consultation, and we can talk through their needs. It is my mission to give each guest a deep sense of peace in their minds, relaxation in their body, and joy in their heart.'

The beautiful spa suite is Erika’s workspace, and she has a sense of pride in what she can offer there, ‘when you step into the wellness area you feel cocooned in nature and warmth, a zone of zen. Having a hammam and snow room is unique to SOPHIA, to take your senses deeper and release mind and body,' says Erika.

When it comes to anticipating your every need, SOPHIA has it covered. ‘The modern butler is less formal than the traditional butler, but with the same level of service,’ explains Todd. ‘I am the port of call for guests’ enquiries, and I quickly learn their preferences to ensure that their charter holiday is seamless.’

Todd has a natural passion for service. He epitomises the British gentleman and has the skill to home in intuitively on individual needs to provide a bespoke and elite-level service experience. ‘For example, guests love to enjoy the bar in the beach club. It is a space that I can interact with guests and provide them with another dimension to their time on board.’ says Todd. 'Imagine listening to the water lapping as I talk you through the wines and spirits, discussing the nuanced palate each offers - and sharing the experience with your friends and family.’

‘I love that each day is tailored to the guest’s personal requirements. The crew work together to pull this off seamlessly - all departments working as a well-oiled machine,’ says Kristie, SOPHIA's onboard yoga instructor and masseuse. 'I like to hold an early morning yoga practice on the foredeck, here we are removed from the rest of the guests, it's so peaceful. It's the perfect place to empty your mind of stress and allow yourself to look within.

'I tailor the yoga stances to each person - to their physical needs, and mind and emotional state. By the end of the session, they have achieved balance on each level - and they take that with them into the rest of their day.'

Kristie has been practising yoga for several years and completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training as part of her holistic approach to health and wellbeing.

Alex, our deckhand, has a strong connection and passion for the ocean and feels he is most peaceful when diving down to meditate on the sea floor. ‘I am thankful for my upbringing, sailing with my parents on a 40ft sailing yacht; it gave me a deep love for the ocean. I love to see others feeling the healing nature of water as well.’

‘The beach club is one of a kind. The three opening platforms open the space right up for parties, or simply relaxing and watching the world go by. The sun reflecting through the pool in the daytime creates to special ambience,’ says Alex. ‘Of course, the beach club is where I come in to my own, helping guests discover the ocean in their own way – be it getting up on a wakeboard, helping land their biggest fish or diving beneath the waves.’

It is clear that this crew bring their unique skills and personalities to the SOPHIA charter experience. ‘We strive to deliver an amazing charter experience for our guests, from start to finish,’ explains Kristie.

‘As a boat and as a crew, we are for guests,’ agrees Todd. ‘It is our purpose. Like an aeroplane is happiest in flight, SOPHIA is happiest delivering exceptional service and experiences to our guests.’

Those lucky enough to charter SOPHIA will discover this exceptional charter experience for themselves. The only question remains, when are you coming aboard?

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.

- Yachts, prices and availability are correct at the time of publication.