FELIX

Captain: Zack Gustat

MEET YOUR CREW FOR THE 2022/23 SEASON

Zack and Taylor met under the sunny skies of the US Virgin Islands. While enjoying the last days of vacation in the islands, Taylor swam up to the stage at the famous Rock the Boat event and just happened to catch her eye on a handsome Captain Zack. They struck up a conversation that would open up a world of adventure and inspiration that continued beyond a simple vacation. Taylor then moved down to the islands in short order. They shared many adventures, island hopping, and discovering the hidden gems of the Caribbean. Then they hopped in Zack's camper van and drove around the US appreciating the modern American art form of craft beer, moving from wild spaces to far off places.

Growing up in Ohio, believe it or not there is water up there, Zack began boating as boy, on a little lake just outside of Cleveland. Here the tide began to turn on the rise of the ocean as the centerpiece of his life. His father taught him handling, and his mother taught him patience.

Fast-forward past the “formative” years to the beginning of the wandering ones. Zack first began sailing in St Augustine, Florida 5 years ago on the Schooner Freedom. Coming from a service industry background, the transition to charter sailing was quite suitable. Learning to sail on a traditionally rigged vessel gave a great appreciation for the art of sailing and instilled a love for it that Zack applies to anything he does in or on the ocean. He also took his first dives during that time and became Open Water certified.

After a couple years, Zack moved on to work with Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic. As an immersive, high-end cruising operation, this world taught the ins and outs of liveaboard work and cruising to exceed the expectations of high end clientele. As a licensed deckhand Zack ran onshore and offshore expeditions in remote and wild areas, which gives a sense and awareness in exploring unique locales in a safe and enjoyable manner. It also brought him close to some amazing wildlife, geology, and oceanography, which has enhanced his knowledge base and ability to engage and educate clientele. This also allowed Zack to save up to complete his Divemaster course with PADI, which he did in Roatan, Honduras. Here he fell “deeper” in love with the ocean, exploring the wild and wonderful world of the reef. Wall dives, swim throughs, caves, and wrecks are his favorites…but anything under the ocean further drives the engine of passion.

Following this Zack went on to run private charter sails in Bar Harbor, Maine, which gave him the experience of managing his own vessel and guest experiences. Working in these waters gave him an advanced appreciation for the magnificent forces of the ocean and a continued wonder for how this world has shaped itself through the ages.

This will be Zack’s second season in the Caribbean. All of the experiences of a beautiful first year down here provide the knowledge base to help cultivate unique itineraries of adventure, relaxation, and wonder.

Growing up in the small North Carolina town of Surf City by salty water has always been home and where Taylor’s passions for all things ocean blossomed. At a young age she was introduced to cooking, boating, and fishing. The love for all of those things just grew even stronger over time.

Taylor got started in the kitchen early. During her younger years she always enjoyed being with her mother while she was cooking. She quickly picked up on things and started assisting. Not too long after that she was making family dinners herself. Taylor comes from a southern and Asian background that is full of tradition Her love for food and excitement was a catalyst to expand her knowledge in the culinary world that led to her working in many different types of restaurants for over a decade. Taylor’s main interest lies in preparing seafood dishes of many different sorts.

While the kitchen was the heart of her home, the sea was her love. Boating and fishing became a key part of Taylor’s everyday life. She spent a lot of time with her dad fishing. They would travel about eighty miles offshore to the gulf. At the age of fourteen she acquired her boating license. She worked at the local marina in the summers cleaning and detailing boats allowing her to meet several fishermen in the area. She became a part time first-mate and would work for several different captains throughout her time off from school from spring to fall. Together they would day charter guests inshore and offshore to catch an array of different species. She acquired a specific set of skills that led to her toughest and longest fight reeling in a 450-pound marlin. Growing up around the water and in the boating world she learned a lot about how to properly maintain and take care of boats.

Throughout life Taylor has built up lots of strengths and passions. Her mission is to make all who encounter her feel special and important. Taylor thrives from showing kindness, love, and compassion. All experiences are better with smiles, laughter, exceptional food, and memories that will last a lifetime.