CAPTAIN TIMOTHY LAUGHRIDGE | American
A “captain’s captain,” Timothy has more than three decades of professional experience and holds a U.S. Coast Guard 1600/3000 gross tons Master’s license. Timothy has logged more than 300,000 sea miles, done multiple transatlantic and transpacific crossings, and completed two global circumnavigations. He has captained numerous large vessels—both sail and power—competed in prestigious regattas and offshore races throughout the world, and overseen the construction or major refit of a variety of yachts. Additional accomplishments include being one of the founders of the high-profile Bucket Regattas in Newport (originally in Nantucket) and St. Barth’s. When not in command of LADY VICTORIA, you may cross his path around the globe participating in the many Superyacht regattas. Hailing from New England, Timothy is very familiar with the cruising grounds spanning from Nova Scotia to as far south as Key West. He has had many successful charters over the years in Florida, the Caribbean and the Bahamas. During the 9+ years that Timothy has been working with LADY VICTORIA's charter program, he has completed over 50 successful charters, and has garnered a reputation for keeping his boats in impeccable condition both in the guest areas and below deck. Timothy was instrumental in sourcing the newer larger “LADY VICTORIA “ and over seeing the new upgrades. Captain Timothy brings together an experienced, professional, compatible, and fun-loving crew, and with Timothy's creative and energetic flair for entertaining, the crew of LADY VICTORIA aim to exceed the expectations of the most demanding clients.
CHEF GAYLINN FAST | American
Chef Gaylinn Fast has been a chef on both private and charter yachts for the past five years, including M/Y CHERISH II and M/Y GO. Gaylinn’s previous career was in the hospitality industry: she owned a successful boutique bed and breakfast for over 10 years in Litchfield County, Connecticut, as well as an event and catering company where her clients included Chanel, Ivanka Trump, Martha Stewart, Museum of Modern Art, Victoria’s Secret, and Fine Cooking. Gaylinn has worked for and with many celebrity chefs, was a chef and food stylist for Better Homes & Gardens, and is a graduate of PLANTLAB Culinary. Gaylinn has traveled extensively and creates dishes that reflect those experiences. She is especially fond of Mediterranean and garden-to-table cuisine, and her specialties on LADY VICTORIA include seasonal freshly pressed juices, farm-to-table, plant based, raw, gluten-free, scratch foods, hors d’oeuvres, and baked goods.
FIRST MATE DANIEL SAMPIERO | American
Born and raised in Coconut Grove Florida, Dan began sailing at the age of six, and became enthralled with racing one designs, small keel boats, and all manner of making a sailing vessel go fast. His dedication and focus to sailboat speed and racing performance led to his first summer job at fourteen as a sailmaker’s apprentice. Dan’s thrill-seeking nature compelled him to pursue auto-cross, then motorcycle racing, and eventually, he settled on kitesurfing to satiate his need for adrenaline. In that time worked in the motorcycle industry, then transitioned into communication technology, and finally business to business sales. After over ten years in retail sales management and training Dan decided to cut off his tie, trade his dress shoes for no-shoes and took a job as captain on charter boats in the Florida Keys. Five years later, Dan earned his Divemaster rating, and covered over 15,000 nautical miles under sail, and was Captain for over 70 week-long charter excursions in Florida, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Dan still loves sailing but has a deep appreciation for the utility of all watercraft. As a member of Captains for Clean Water, Dan comes to our team with a passion for conservation and environmental stewardship.
STEWARDESS LIGA STURE | Latvian
Liga has an extensive experience from stewardess and deckhand positions held on a variety of notable charter yachts including M/Y CETACEA 140’ Feadship; M/Y B&B 130’ Westport; M/Y PLAN A, 130’ Westport; S/Y AXIA, 123’ Palmer Johnson , and S/Y ZENJI, 183’ Perini Navi; and M/Y APRICITY, 163’ Mangusta. Outside of the yachting experience, Liga’s background includes waitressing, bartending, and customer service. Liga is dedicated to delivering superior guest service, is meticulously organized, and has a warm and easy-going personality. She looks forward to treating you to a wonderful charter holiday onboard LADY VICTORIA. Liga’s hobbies include sailing, sky diving, scuba diving, archery, painting, traveling, photography, fitness, and reading.
ROTATIONAL ENGINEER EDISON "SONNY" PARKER | American
A native of Key West, “Sonny” has been exploring and learning the waters of Florida from the very beginning. From early adventures with the family and the Scouts, to extensive kayak tours in college years, an intimate knowledge of the State’s flora and fauna developed. Though starting out in the biology field, the irresistible pull of the sea led him to a career as a professional mariner. These days, he can usually be found in LADY VICTORIA’s engine room, listening to jazz while carefully tending to her various onboard systems. In keeping with his diverse skill sets, he is often visible helping his fellow crewmembers, and is equally comfortable on deck and in the wheelhouse. For him, the greatest reward is the opportunity to grow through experience while keeping LADY VICTORIA in a condition befitting of her fine character.
ROTATIONAL ENGINEER JAMES HARRISON | English
Originally from England, James has lived and has raised his family in Newport, RI for many years. James has been in the yachting industry for over 30 years working in various facets of the industry from first mate to engineer, on both sail and motor yachts. He has had the pleasure to sail on the top super sail yachts in the world in various regattas. James keeps LADY VICTORIA’s systems running smoothly. He’s a team player and personable with an infectious smile.
