Captain: Christian Stollery
Languages: Spanish, English, French, Italian

Captain Chris was brought up in Spain in a family with a long sailing tradition. At a very young age, he developed a strong passion for the sea which, once combined with extensive sailing experience (including seven Atlantic crossings as well as passages from the Northern Europe or Red Sea to the Med), has made him a reliable and highly professional Captain. Over the years, Chris has acquired excellent knowledge of a wide range of sailing areas around the world. He soon grew fond of water sports, especially kitesurfing, wakeboarding and diving. Moreover, he holds a Dive Instructor certification. All water sports enthusiasts may rest assured that Chris will be the most welcoming host. Together with his partner, Natalia, they have created a reputable team, highly valued by charter guests for their easy disposition, excellent hospitality skills, which are a guarantee of a relaxing and enjoyable holiday on board VIVA LA VIDA.


Chef: Natalia Sanchez
Languages: Spanish, English, Italian

Natalia’s passion for cooking started to grow from a very young age when she spent her days watching the art of cooking being practiced in her family’s restaurant. In the course of her professional career, she has acquired rich experience as a chef on a number of charter yachts operating in a number of sailing areas, including the Red Sea, East & West Med and the Caribbean. In addition to creating culinary works of art, tailored for the most demanding guests, Natali is very keen on water sports, especially diving and wakeboarding, and will be happy to assist guests with water activities. Natali is an excellent host who will make it her personal responsibility to provide guests of VIVA LA VIDA with the highest standard of service, anticipating and being attentive to their individual preferences, making their yachting holiday a memorable one.

Deckhand: Brandon Graff
Languages: English

With a longstanding boating background, Brandon is a skilled deckhand with a passion for aquatics and water sports.
Dynamic and full of motivation, he has built over a decade of experience as a swim instructor and lifeguard. He then learned how to sail and started his career as a marine technician, doing warranty service and repair on yachts, which gave him great knowledge of vessels. The next logical step for him was to sail. His time outside of the industry offered him many highly transferable skills used now.
Very outgoing and versatile, Brandon is capable of taking on whatever he sets his mind to. He is also eager to provide the absolute best in terms of service, professionalism, and dedication. 

Stewardess: Leisha Taylor
Languages: English

Coming from New Zealand, Leisha has a passion for travelling and sailing. Having lived on yachts back home for a large majority of her childhood she is very comfortable on and around the water.
Leisha has a very warm and welcoming presence, she takes care in her work and building a professional, yet fun environment for her guests.
Having previous work experience on board yachts as well as in hospitality and service, she knows the small details that will make a charter special. She is a positive and outgoing Stewardess who will always strive to exceed expectations.
As an added skill, Leisha also has a background in Tai Chi and meditation, having studied with her father back in NZ.