CHAMPAGNE Yacht Charter Catamaran

Captain

Crew

Brief

Captain Chris & Chef/First Mate Annika

Captain Chris

Chris grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, but was raised in both Alabama and Massachusetts. His dad was a US Airforce Command Chief Master Sgt. so his first passion was flying. After school, he went to Conway South Carolina where he studied Commercial Aviation at the North American Institute of Aviation. Chris went on to study Culinary and restaurant management, working in multiple James Beard award restaurants including Bottega and Chez Fon Fon alongside head chef Frank Stitt. He then went to join water life as a chef on several first-class yachts in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and the Eastern seaboard of the United States.

He eventually landed on classically rigged Tall ships where his love for sailing overpowered his love of cuisine and flying. Making his move to the deck department, he traveled the world “learning the ropes” before earning his way to first mate of the 125-foot Liberty Clipper out of Boston harbor. His first command was a classic 67’ spruce and white oak Portland Schooner named the Liberty Star out of Maine. Chris has now been in the charter industry for the last 7 years captaining and also sometimes highlighting his favorite dish on charter for his guests!

Chef Annika

Annika was born and raised in the Napa Valley in Northern California. From a young age, Annika has been drawn to the water. Growing up she was an athlete on a competitive club swim team for 12 years. She continued this journey by competing on a collegiate swim team. Annika has also played a total of 8 years of water polo, 4 of which were collegiate at Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University which she graduated with her master’s degree in sociology.

As soon as she was able to, Annika received her lifeguard certification. She has utilized this for many years by helping communities both with lifeguarding and teaching various age ranges how to swim and the basics of water safety. After Annika graduated college she fell in love with not only being in the water but being on the water. She picked up a passion for boating, sailing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and all things water activities.

She has worked in many high-end restaurants in the Napa Valley over the years being a part of the fine dining industry and learning the ins and outs. She has had a passion for cooking at a young age and wanted to incorporate that into her love for hospitality and water island life. She has traveled to many countries over the years and plans on continuing in the future to learn more cultures and cuisine.

Annika brings high energy and her funny personality to guests on charter. From her dancing to her impressions, she’ll be sure to have you laughing every day.