Catamaran Namaste

Ultimately having the opportunity to project manage the build and crew not one, but two, 74 feet, Privilege catamarans, Captiva 745 and now, Namaste the new Series 7.

As partners in life and business, Mark & Kristen’s passion, knowledge, and dedication is continually sought after by their clients and charter guests. The affable and confident Captain, Mark, is eager to chart the course for your next adventure on board, Namaste.

STEWARDESS-FIRST MATE: Kristen COCHRAN

Nationality: American

Language spoken: English, conversational French

Age: 44

Diplomas : OUPV Captain 100 ton, STCW 2010, Viking Cooking School: University I course, PADI Advanced diver

Born and raised just outside Atlanta, Georgia, and commencing her study of the art of dance at the age of three, Kristen Cochran has developed grace, poise and stamina that appears effortless. Eager to pamper and please, her southern hospitality and drawl will comfort you the moment you step aboard Namaste.

Growing up water skiing and wakeboarding on family weekend excursions to local lakes, her love for the water is natural. Her passion for boating was solidified with a family project refurbishing a wooden ski boat.

Her older brother’s move to the Cayman Islands was instrumental in her securing SCUBA certifications and enhanced her desire to also live and work in the Caribbean.

She met her husband, Mark, at University and their shared love for each other and water was obvious and undeniable. Continuing their pursuit for adventure, they took sailing courses that ultimately culminated in a catamaran sailing course in the BVIs.

Kristen’s first position in yachting, found her serving as Chef and Hostess on board a 65 ft., Privilege catamaran, Amazing Grace, with her husband as First Mate. Continuing her pursuit of knowledge and skills, she achieved her Captain’s license in 2001. For over 16 years, Kristen & Mark have earned their award wining reputation as a Captain and Chef team on several luxury sailing catamarans including Lagoon 570, Double Feature, Privilege 585, Sabore’, Lagoon 620, The Cure and Privilege 745, Captiva.

Today, Kristen & Mark make their home in the British Virgin Islands.

Serving as First Mate and Hostess on board Namaste, Kristen is excited to welcome you.

CHEF: Kristin CLEMENTS

Nationality: American

Language spoken: English,

Diplomas – PADI Dive Master / STCW95 / Culinary courses in Thailand, Vietnam, Austria & New Zealand

Kristin has 14 years of planning menus, dealing with suppliers, managing budgets, organizing staff, monitoring and maintaining the highest quality of food, while ensuring the galley adheres to hygiene, health and safety regulations.

Her menus and exquisite cuisines have won prestigious culinary competitions, not to mention her guests coming back for more

She is totally experienced in preparing food using a variety of cooking techniques with selected international cuisines in large or small galleys.

She has worked aboard Moto yachts as 90' Sunseeker, 110' MY La DOLCE VITA, 86' MY VIVIE RAE, 70' MY JODY LEE LAZARA, 120' MY BLACKHAWK FED SHIP.

She enjoys the challenge of preparing gourmet cuisine to the most discerning of palates

Other experiences to note are entertaining, assisting the captain, cleaning but first and foremost ensuring the guests are happy, and content at all times

Kristen hobbies are: traveling, reading, all water activities, music, shaking up a good cocktail, meeting new people and absolutely cooking. She is also an advocate of Preserving the life of the endangered sea turtles and all other sea life.

RELIEF SUMMER CREW

CAPTAIN: Willem J.M. NIEUWELINK

Nationality: Dutch

Language spoken: Dutch & English

Age: 39

Diploma: RYA Yachtmaster Offshore, MCA Commercially endorsed. PADI Dive Master.

Captain Willem hails from a small canal town in Holland where his family kept their sailboat tied to the dock at their home and has lived for sailing since he was a young boy. Later as a teenager Willem taught sailing in Greece, Mallorca and England as well as competed in dinghy racing on an international level where he collected multiple awards. As a fully qualified RYA Yacht Master Offshore, Captain Willem has an extensive list of credentials as a skipper with his well-rounded career in both the Charter & Private yacht industry.

Willem joins us from his last position which he held with the same owner & yacht for ten years. He oversaw the build of the vessel and eventually completed a circumnavigation while maintaining the owners request for the yacht to be kept up to 5-star standards. He has cultivated an extensive list of global networks which ensure exclusive connectivity no matter where Namaste ventures.

Willem is at his happiest when guests are perched happily in one of the many comfortable areas on deck while the boat sails effortlessly into the sunset. His calm nature and giddy knowledge of almost all types of yachts will elicit a true sense of happiness while onboard.

An outstanding sportsman on the water Willem looks forward to taking you waterskiing and wakeboarding or exploring the treasures under the sea as he is a certified PADI Dive Master.

Captain Willem is looking forward to this new adventure and with his natural humor and easy-going nature you are assured an unforgettable time. Willem creates specialized itineraries for each guest and will make you feel at ease afloat as he safely steers you to unique & exciting destinations on Yacht Namaste.

STEWARDESS-FIRST MATE: Alexis GARRISON

Nationality: American

Language spoken: English, conversational French & Spanish

Age: 36

Diplomas : RYA Dayskipper, WSET Level 2 in Wines, SUP Yoga Instructor, Powerboat Level II

Alexis eagerly joins Namaste with her partner Willem.

Originally from Mississippi, Alexis was born a water baby growing up within a sailing family. Her grandfather was the Commodore of the Pass Christian Yacht club for many years. Every summer as a child Alexis would spend in sailing school on the Gulf Coast and on the weekends, they would overnight to Cat Island on the family’s private sailboat. As a teenager, her family moved to the US Virgin Islands where Alexis discovered the world of yachting and she immediately set sail for exploration & adventure.

Fast forward ten years and Alexis has gained extensive knowledge of world cruising destinations which has enhanced her passion for culture & exploration. She looks forward to sharing her detailed knowledge with guests while creating unique trips specifically catered to each client’s requests. Keeping you on your toes and most likely always one step ahead she’ll perhaps make champagne magically appear at just the right moment or create dreamy custom chocolates to adorn your pillow at night.

Alexis holds her Level 2 Award in Wines & Sprits from the prestigious Wine and Education Trust of London. Not only does she take great care when creating luscious cocktails but she is passionate about sourcing the best wines from around the world for Namaste guests.

Just as happy managing the interior you’ll certainly see Alexis enjoying her time on deck and as certified Day Skipper and SUP Yoga & Pilates instructor Alexis can keep you safe and fit during your trip.

Alexis graciously welcomes you onboard and looks forward to showing guests the place where luxury meets adventure on yacht Namaste.

CHEF: Kristin CLEMENTS

Nationality: American

Language spoken: English,

Diplomas – PADI Dive Master / STCW95 / Culinary courses in Thailand, Vietnam, Austria & New Zealand

Kristin has 14 years of planning menus, dealing with suppliers, managing budgets, organizing staff, monitoring and maintaining the highest quality of food, while ensuring the galley adheres to hygiene, health and safety regulations.

Her menus and exquisite cuisines have won prestigious culinary competitions, not to mention her guests coming back for more

She is totally experienced in preparing food using a variety of cooking techniques with selected international cuisines in large or small galleys.

She has worked aboard Moto yachts as 90' Sunseeker, 110' MY La DOLCE VITA, 86' MY VIVIE RAE, 70' MY JODY LEE LAZARA, 120' MY BLACKHAWK FED SHIP.

She enjoys the challenge of preparing gourmet cuisine to the most discerning of palates

Other experiences to note are entertaining, assisting the captain, cleaning but first and foremost ensuring the guests are happy, and content at all times

Kristen hobbies are: traveling, reading, all water activities, music, shaking up a good cocktail, meeting new people and absolutely cooking. She is also an advocate of Preserving the life of the endangered sea turtles and all other sea life.