Born in California to sailing parents, Jay has spent most of his life on the water. He learned to sail in the Persian Gulf during his early years in Saudi Arabia, developing his skills on small boats like Lightnings, Sunfish, and Lasers. By age 11, he had already completed a formative six-month family voyage through the Mediterranean aboard a 27-foot Albin Vega—an experience that set the course for a lifelong career at sea.
Jay has since built an extensive career as a professional yacht captain, working on both sail and power vessels across a wide range of cruising grounds, including the U.S. East and West Coasts, the Caribbean and British Virgin Islands, the Hawaiian Islands, and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. With over 200,000 nautical miles logged, he brings a deep well of experience, sound judgment, and a calm, capable presence to every voyage. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard Master’s License and a RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore certification for both sail and power.
Known for his steady leadership and commitment to safety, Jay takes pride in creating an environment where guests can fully relax and enjoy their time on the water. When he’s not aboard, he enjoys sailing, riding motorcycles, and traveling the world.
Since beginning his professional sailing career in 2013, Chris has dedicated himself to the world of classic and antique sailing yachts, where craftsmanship, tradition, and seamanship come together. Raised in the foothills of Appalachia in South Carolina, his early years were shaped by a strong sense of community, hands-on work, and a deep appreciation for restoring and preserving things built to last—values that naturally led him to life at sea.
For more than a decade, Chris has worked aboard traditional wooden sailing vessels, where no two days are the same. Whether he’s at the helm, hauling lines on deck, or getting his hands dirty in the engine room, he brings focus, skill, and pride to every aspect of the vessel’s operation. Just as naturally, he connects with guests—always ready with a story, a laugh, or a moment of shared experience that makes time aboard Eros truly memorable.
Chris is deeply committed to the safe and seamless running of the ship, while creating an atmosphere that is both welcoming and authentic. He is proud to call the mighty windship Eros his home and looks forward to sharing the experience of sailing her with every guest who steps aboard.
Alex Lira is a James Beard Award semifinalist and a respected figure in Charleston’s vibrant culinary scene. He began his career in New York City at Craft under acclaimed chef Tom Colicchio, where he built a strong foundation in technique and ingredient-driven cooking. He went on to refine his style in Brooklyn at the celebrated restaurants Diner and Marlow & Sons, where a focus on simplicity, seasonality, and genuine hospitality continues to influence his approach today.
Known for thoughtful menus and memorable dining experiences, Alex developed a devoted following at The Lot on James Island and later earned national recognition as a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef during his time at Bar Normandy. He is currently co-owner of Bar George, named Restaurant of the Year by Eater Charleston in 2021.
Now embracing a more adventurous chapter, Alex brings his talents to sea as chef aboard Eros. His cooking on board reflects both refinement and adaptability—fresh, seasonal, and perfectly suited to life at sea. Just as importantly, he shares the crew’s commitment to safety, teamwork, and creating an exceptional guest experience.
When he’s not in the galley, Alex is most at home on the water—an avid sailor and surfer, and even a banjo player—bringing the same sense of creativity, rhythm, and authenticity to his life as he does to his cuisine.
Maddy grew up on Jamestown Island in the heart of Narragansett Bay, where her adventurous spirit and connection to the ocean took root early. From surfing the New England coast to working on an oyster farm and helping out at her father’s boatyard, she developed a deep appreciation for life on the water and the rhythms of the sea.
An accomplished sailor, Maddy has completed multiple Newport-to-Bermuda races as well as a transatlantic passage, building both offshore experience and confidence in a wide range of conditions. She holds a degree in Fisheries Biology from the University of Vermont, combining her academic background with a hands-on understanding of marine environments.
Maddy now owns a liveaboard cruising sailboat with her partner and is passionate about a life centered around exploration, seamanship, and connection to the ocean. Aboard Eros, she brings a positive, capable presence and a genuine enthusiasm for sharing the experience of being at sea. Her focus on safety, teamwork, and guest comfort helps ensure that everyone on board feels relaxed, cared for, and fully at home on the water.
Sean grew up in New Jersey, spending his summers fishing along the shore and winters skiing in Vermont, where he developed a lasting appreciation for the New England landscape and its resilient, hands-on way of life. After graduating from the University of Vermont, he set out on an extended journey that took him across the United States and through Central and South America, shaping his love for exploration and self-reliance.
He eventually found his footing aboard his first sailboat while farming mushrooms and vegetables near Lake Champlain. There, he immersed himself in learning the fundamentals of sailing, boat maintenance, and life afloat. Before long, he and his partner set their sights south, harvesting the last of their onboard-grown produce and heading into coastal waters, sailing extensively along the U.S. East Coast and into Canada.
Sean brings a thoughtful, resourceful approach to life on the water, along with a natural enthusiasm for adventure. Aboard Eros, he is dedicated to creating a safe, enjoyable experience for guests, combining practical seamanship with a relaxed, welcoming presence that helps everyone feel at ease.
Sailing a large classic like Eros is pure joy for veteran and novice sailors alike. Under a warm, tropical breeze, she heels gently and accelerates to ten knots or more, easily keeping pace with lighter and newer yachts. Guests can hoist sails, grind winches, take the wheel, or sit back and watch the crew at their positions; all once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Experienced sailors are welcome to charter Eros for one of the several classic yacht regattas she participates in during the year.
The safety of our guests is our highest priority. All crewmembers are trained in CPR, and Eros is stocked with adult and child-size life jackets as well as a complete medical first aid kit. On board satellite phone and Wi-Fi internet keep us in contact with the mainland, and our sailing routes mean we are never far from medical facilities if needed.