Oceans 8

Captain Alex Joll
Captain Alex Joll brings more than 30 years of sailing experience to the helm, with an extensive background in skippering, yacht deliveries, and competitive racing. His voyages have taken him throughout the British Virgin Islands, along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, across the Mediterranean from Portugal and Spain to Croatia, Greece, and Turkey, and as far as the Gulf of Oman.

Specializing in sailing catamarans ranging from 45 to 65 feet, Alex has completed multiple charter seasons aboard Lagoon 52s. His practical understanding of yacht systems, sails, rigging, and onboard maintenance makes him a resourceful, hands-on captain who approaches challenges with confidence and composure.

Beyond the water, Alex brings a distinctive background in food and hospitality. He spent eight years as a managing director in the industry, founding and operating a wedding catering company that successfully managed up to three weddings in a single day across England and Wales. His experience also includes running a café-bar within an arts and music venue, operating a street food restaurant, and developing an award-winning food brand distributed through major British retailers.

This combination of maritime expertise and hospitality leadership gives Alex a well-rounded understanding of what makes a successful charter, from smooth vessel operations and thoughtful provisioning to attentive guest service. Now living in France, he speaks fluent Spanish and conversational French, bringing an international perspective and a calm, capable presence to every voyage.

Chef Maria Salome Ramirez Sanchez
Chef Maria Salome Ramirez Sanchez combines a passion for Mediterranean cuisine with a genuine love of connecting with people through food. Originally from Spain, she brings the flavors and culinary traditions of her heritage to the galley, creating thoughtfully prepared dishes that complement the relaxed atmosphere of life at sea.

Her professional background in finance and production management has given her strong organizational and planning skills, which she now applies to managing provisions, coordinating menus, and tailoring dining experiences to her guests' preferences. With a particular eye for presentation, Maria believes every meal should appeal to both the palate and the senses.

Her yachting experience has taken her to Croatia, Greece, Spain, and the United States, where she has developed an appreciation for the high standards of service expected aboard charter catamarans. These international experiences have further shaped her approach to hospitality, combining traditional Mediterranean influences with careful preparation and personalized attention.

For Maria, cooking is as much about connection as it is about cuisine. She enjoys learning what her guests love, creating meals that reflect their tastes, and bringing people together around the table. Her warm approach, creativity, and dedication to quality help make dining a memorable part of every charter experience.