The Crew

Maria

I am the owner and captain of SAONA. I was on my way to a law degree, but I realized just in time that my place was far from an office. In 2017, I left my studies, my apartment in Berlin, and a job that made me happy to set sail across the Atlantic. During that crossing, I fell in love with the ocean and the simplicity of life at sea. Finally, in January 2019, after gaining experience on other vessels, I fulfilled the dream of having my own sailboat: SAONA.

Since then, I live on and for the boat. When I’m not on an adventure aboard SAONA, you’ll likely find me working on a catamaran. I adore nature, and that is why I strive to bring my crews closer to the marine environment.

As for my sea time, I have two Atlantic crossings under my belt, along with several Mediterranean passages, most of them solo. I hold a Yacht Captain license and I am a Spanish Professional Skipper (PPER).

Oli

He has more hours at sea than many captains. Officially enrolled as First Mate, though rumors say he lacks any formal certification. He spends his days sleeping and his nights on deck, keeping a sharp eye on the graveyard watch.

Originally from Manacor, he started sailing at just three months old during a passage from Mallorca to Sant Carles de la Ràpita. He has lived aboard year-round ever since.

He is a fan of anything with bones or fish spines, and while he enjoys a good scratch, he prefers it strictly on his own terms.