Azure Yacht Charter

Captain: Nic Buford

Captain Nic Buford

Captain Nick is an experienced and energetic skipper with a deep passion for sailing and adventure. With years of experience sailing the Caribbean and Mediterranean, particularly around the beautiful islands of Greece and Croatia, Nick has honed his skills in navigating both calm and challenging waters.

Beyond sailing, Nick is an enthusiast of various water sports, including free diving, surfing and fishing, always eager to introduce guests to new ways of enjoying the ocean. An avid rock climber and runner, he brings boundless energy and enthusiasm to every trip.

With a natural flair for making guests feel at ease, Nick is dedicated to ensuring everyone aboard experiences the thrill of sailing. His love for the ocean and sense of adventure is contagious, making every journey aboard his catamaran an unforgettable one. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-timer, Nick is passionate about passing on his knowledge and ensuring everyone leaves with lasting memories and a newfound love for the sea.

Chef Maria

I’m a Cypriot-Greek chef and hostess, with a background as a visual artist and classical soprano that brings creativity and balance to my cuisine. Rooted in the flavours of Cyprus and Greece, my cooking is enriched by inspirations from Italy, Spain, France, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Asia. I take pride in sourcing the finest seasonal produce, delicatessen ingredients, and fresh market fish, and I work closely with trusted butchers to select premium cuts of meat.

Each menu is designed for the charter at hand: delicately grilled seafood, slow-braised lamb, elegant vegetarian plates, and refined sides, dips, and salads - all kept light, colourful, and full of life. My goal is to offer meals that feel relaxed yet refined, where quality ingredients, balanced flavours, and artistic presentation come together to celebrate the warmth and abundance of the Mediterranean and beyond.

Stew Chanel
I am a driven and independent individual. I was born in South-Africa after my mom immigrated over from Thailand. I have travelled to Thailand often, I am fluent in Thai, English & Afrikaans. I am always eager to immerse myself in new experiences and learn from the people I meet along the way. Speaking of people, I have a genuine fascination for different cultures. I enjoy working and meeting people and learning about their traditions, languages, and unique perspectives



December/January Crew:
Captain Devon Wishart

Being from Cape Town, South Africa, the ocean has always been something I have been drawn to. With a year living on board a vessel and traveling the Caribbean, and two Atlantic crossings under the belt; I knew sailing had to be my career choice. That is when I found the British Virgin Islands. After spending over nine years in the BVI, I now consider this beautiful sanctuary home. I have operated small monohulls to large catamarans, and strive to give guests vacations of a lifetime with safety being my main priority. I feel so privileged to show guests why I fell in love with these islands and how they are truly nature's little secret.

Chef Mercédes.

Mercédes was born in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and grew up close to the sea, where the untamed winds and powerful waves of the North Sea shaped her adventurous spirit. Initially pursuing a dream of becoming a prima ballerina, she studied at the Dutch National Ballet Academy and later danced with a company in New York. Despite her success, Mercédes felt compelled to a new path and returned to the Netherlands to study modern dance and choreography, as well as being irresistibly drawn to the sea.

Her love for the ocean led her to the marine industry, where she began working as a hostess and chef aboard yachts, combining her passion for wellness with the art of hospitality. Sailing through the Mediterranean, Mercédes crafted experiences that nourished both body and soul, drawing on her expertise in yoga, Pilates, and wholesome living to curate menus and environments that promote health and well-being.

Mercédes’ journey into wellness naturally extended to food, as she became passionate about the power of nourishing the body through mindful food preparation. In recent years, she took her love for cooking further, working on various yachts throughout the Mediterranean, where she blends her knowledge of wellness with her culinary creativity. As both a hostess and a chef, Mercédes connects deeply with people, ensuring that everyone she serves feels cared for, nourished, and inspired to embrace a wholesome lifestyle.

Stew Chanel

I am a driven and independent individual. I was born in South-Africa after my mom immigrated over from Thailand. I have travelled to Thailand often, I am fluent in Thai, English & Afrikaans. I am always eager to immerse myself in new experiences and learn from the people I meet along the way. Speaking of people, I have a genuine fascination for different cultures. I enjoy working and meeting people and learning about their traditions, languages, and unique perspectives