About Us

Captain Matthew James Manninen

Matthew is from Birmingham, Michigan, a midwestern town rich in history and steeped in family values, 20 miles outside of Detroit. His family enjoyed boating on Lake Loraine and he was already learning the ropes at the age of five. As a child he was involved in lots of sports; skiing, fishing, hunting, canoeing, rock climbing, American football, soccer, baseball, and basketball. He even held the State record for hurdles in the 8th grade. Having the energy to master all sorts of challenges is something Matthew naturally excels at.

As an adult, Matthew added to his already impressive list of talents with a variety of jobs, each of which required specialized skills. He was a whitewater raft guide for 6 years in Colorado, a waiter at The Grub Steak restaurant in Estes Park, Colorado, a professional bartender at multiple bars in Austin, Texas, a professional musician for 15 years in Colorado and Austin, owned a record label and recording studio called Stardust Drive in Austin, Texas and was involved in real estate development. All successful accomplishments, which he left behind to follow his dream and sail to the Caribbean.

Guests aboard are in excellent hands. Captain Matthew has been chartering in the Exuma Cays for seventeen years and knows all the best spots. He is certified as an MCA Master of Yachts 200t/500t OOW, Bahamian Class A License, STCW 95, Security Awareness with Designated Duties, ENG1, PADI Open Water and VHF Radio Operator. He says his favorite place on earth to sail is the Bahamas, especially the Exuma’s, “because it has the clearest water in the world and every shade of Blue. I fell in love with the Bahamas seventeen years ago and it’s my home. To this day I’m still mesmerized by its beauty, charmed by the friendliness of the locals and in awe of all the Exuma has to offer. Charter with Matthew and discover living by his motto: Another Best Day Ever.

Chef/Chief Stewardess Cassandra James Manninen

Born in Cape Town, South Africa. Recently ranked the number one city in the world, Cassandra is accustomed to the finer beauties in life. Living between the vineyards and the sea, her family enjoyed fine dining, drinking remarkable wines in the vine yards and beautiful beach days eating freshly caught fish on the coast. This culinary education has become a important part of her being a well established chef within the industry. Her love for travel has also inspired a very vast palette and international understanding of different cuisine’s. From fine dining to specialized menu’s, crafted with creativity and specialized execution, you will not be disappointed.

Growing up, Cassandra enjoyed several sports and hobbies. She spent the majority of her child on the ice as a ice dancer – skating international seasons, summers on the South African west coast dams wakeboarding, surfing and life saving on the beach. her hobbies are drawing, sketching and painting. As a previous fashion designer and buyer, the creative passion she has comes through in all her theme nights, dishes and well planned boat events.

Cassandra is an experienced Chief stewardess and Head chef with a passion for delivering exceptional service in the luxury yacht industry. Cassandra has built an impressive career onboard motor yachts/sailing yachts and sailing catamarans ranging from 28-80 meters. Working her way from deck stewardess to chief stewardess and head Chef positions on prestigious vessels throughout the Bahamas, Fort Lauderdale and Rhode Island.

With extensive experience in high level service, provisioning, chef, interior management and event co-ordination, Cassandra brings a unique blend of creativity and professionalism to her role.

“The Bahama’s is my favorite place on earth. I remember seeing the color of the ocean for the first time and I thought to myself that I have never seen anything more beautiful. I call the bahamas my home. I know it like the back of my hand, there is no better place on earth”.

Knowing that Cassandra has all the necessary training and certificates should leave you feeling that you are in safe hands.

“Let me treat you in our Bahamian blues”