MEMENTO VIVERE

Captain: Austin McClure

Nationality: American

Captain Austin McClure
From the keel up, Austin knows boats and how they operate. As a Merchant Marine and graduate of Texas A&M Maritime Academy with a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Transportation, he received extensive training on vessels and life at sea. Austin currently holds a USCG 1600GRT Master license as well as a 2nd Mate Unlimited. Austin has a passion for the sea and all the adventure within it. He has traveled the world aboard many types of commercial vessels such as Jones Act ships, OSVs, and offshore tugs. As Austin transitioned into the sunnier side of the industry, he has been in command of chartered sail and motor yachts up to 150’. His travels have taken him to places and ports around America as well as all over the Caribbean, Hawaiian and Micronesian Islands, Philippines, Singapore, Panama Canal, Middle East, Black Sea. With Austin’s competency in seamanship and hospitality, he is ready to take you anywhere and deliver world class customer service.


Mate Sam Smith
Sam grew up fishing and boating on small lakes in Indiana and eventually sparked an interest in sailing on the Great Lakes. He graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, IL with a BA in Business Administration and a Master’s in Finance. After school, Sam started working in Chicago and eventually decided to purchase a sailboat, a 28’ sloop. He quickly realized he has a strong desire to be on the water full-time, so he decided it was time to move to the yachting capital of the world, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Sam has a strong desire for adventure which has helped him develop his skills on the water. Sam has spent the first 3 years of his yachting career in the Bahamas and Caribbean where he furthered his learning in key skills such as shallow water navigation, finding and diving deep coral reefs, and fishing in a variety of ways. On his time off, you can find Sam and his wife managing Crew Haven, crew housing based in Fort Lauderdale.—


Chef Christiana Goohs
Born and raised in DC, Christiana Goohs grew up in a family who had a deep appreciation for food. As her passion for cooking grew, Christiana attended the Culinary Institute of America where she graduated with an Associates in Pastry Arts and Bachelor’s in Business Management. With all of her travels through Europe and Asia it is no surprise to find most of Christiana's favorite dishes are internationally influenced. It was at the CIA that she discovered her love of wine – after working as a chef for multiple fine dining and Michelin star restaurants around the world, she cut her teeth at a Washington, DC wine bar and ultimately passed the Sommelier exam and WSET level 3 in wine. Currently, she utilizes her wine knowledge to help guests pair their meals with specific bottles. Christiana's enthusiastic energy, innovative menu, and top-notch cooking skills allow her to provide her guests an extraordinary vacation.


Chief Stewardess Molly Poorman
Born and raised in beautiful Miami, Florida. I grew up where my family and i would spend our weekends on the water. From fishing, to sailing or just enjoying the beaches of the east coast. Ive been in the hospitality industry for over 15 years, graduating from Florida international university, one of the top hospitality programs in the nation. After college i realized sitting behind a desk was not for me. I have a natural inclination to work with people and that is how i realized that merging my love for the ocean and people can be done through yachting. Throughout my time in the industry, I’ve worked for prestigious programs in all aspects of the interior. I have true a passion for great service and making people happy in anyway possible. I've traveled all through Alaska, New England , The Caribbean, Central America, South America, South East Asia, And the Mediterranean. I truly enjoy experiencing and learning the different cultures that come with every destination. In my free time i enjoy being outdoors. From Skiing, to wake surfing, or just doing yoga on the beach ( or on the teak!) , Serenity seems to always accompany me.


Second Stewardess Katie Wyn
Meet Katie, the vibrant and adventurous 2nd Stewardess aboard luxury yachts. Hailing from the heartland of Indianapolis, Indiana, Katie's journey began in a city renowned for the high-octane excitement of the annual Indy 500. Her roots are firmly planted in education, having earned her Bachelor's in Elementary Education at Indiana University. Katie's initial career was dedicated to shaping the minds of young learners in under-resourced and low-income communities, where she found immense fulfillment in making a positive impact on her students' lives. After six years in the education sector, a desire for new horizons led Katie to embark on a life-altering adventure. Leaving behind the familiarity of Indiana, she traded her classroom for a backpack, venturing across Southeast Asia, Europe, and Central America. Over the last four years, Katie has embraced the nomadic lifestyle, immersing herself in diverse cultures and capturing her experiences through captivating social media content. Her passion for travel goes beyond personal exploration – she aims to inspire others to discover the world around them. Now, as the 2nd Stewardess on luxury yachts, Katie seamlessly blends her dedication to service with her love for travel. She thrives on challenges and takes immense pride in delivering unparalleled service, ensuring that every moment onboard is exclusive and unforgettable. When not orchestrating seamless yacht experiences, you'll find Katie trekking through foreign countries, exploring the roads less traveled and creating a life that embodies the spirit of adventure.


Deckhand/Stewardess Hailey Birkett
Meet Hailey Birkett, our vivacious Deck Stew, injecting a fresh breeze of enthusiasm into our maritime family. Hailing from the heart of Philadelphia, she brings the vibrant energy of the city of brotherly love aboard. A recent graduate from Pennsylvania State University, armed with a degree in Business Management and Marketing, Hailey combines her academic prowess with a natural flair for creating memorable experiences.
Although new to the maritime world, Hailey's passion for connecting with people sets her apart. Her warm demeanor and genuine interest in others transform every interaction into a meaningful connection. Beyond the confines of the ship, you'll find her embracing the outdoors, basking in the sun's embrace, and infusing radiant energy into everything she does.


Chief Engineer Vladimir Zujovic
Vlad is an accomplished engineer from Serbia with a hands-on approach to his work.
With an impressive 14 years of experience in the yachting industry, Vlad possesses extensive knowledge of the intricacies and demands of maritime settings, further enhancing his credibility as an engineer.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Vlad is a professional underwater photographer, demonstrating a keen eye for capturing moments beneath the surface. His passion for freediving during his free time not only reflects a love for the sea but also suggests a deep connection with the environments he works in.
In summary, Vlad is a seasoned engineer with a remarkable career in the yachting industry, adept at leading diverse teams in challenging environments. His commitment to safety, dedication to excellence, and diverse interests, including underwater photography, freediving, and cryptocurrency trading, make him a well-rounded and valuable professional.


Deckhand/Bosun Michael Pinero
Growing up in Cape Cod Massachusetts, Michael was fortunate to be surrounded by the salty sea air and picturesque beaches. From an early age, Michael was drawn to boats, an interest that was cultivated through the expertise of his father, who is employed at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and his grandfather, who served as an Admiral in the U.S. Navy.
After relocating to Florida, Michael was introduced to the world of mega-yachts, a discovery that cemented his passion for maritime Life. When Michael isn’t on the water, you’ll catch him watching sports and creating great laughs with his friends and family.