LOBA DO MAR Yacht Charter

Captain: Luis Miguel Serpa

Captain Luis Miguel Serpa

Captain Luis brings a lifetime on the water and an exceptional blend of professionalism, warmth, and seafaring expertise to every charter. Raised by the ocean in Mozambique, he began sailing at just eleven years old and has never stopped pursuing his passion for the sea. With a merchant navy captain for a father, his maritime path was a natural calling—one he embraced fully, earning his nautical qualifications and 3rd mate ticket before embarking on a lifelong career devoted to the water.

Luis has sailed around the world, covering more than 100,000 nautical miles, of which 6,000 have been single-handed.

Guests immediately feel at ease with Luis’s friendly demeanor, calm confidence, and trademark sense of humor. He is known not only as a highly skilled captain but as an engaging storyteller, and accomplished photographer with exhibitions in Geneva, Switzerland and Lisbon in Portugal. Luis is also a published writer of three books, with a fourth under way. His life experiences span global oceans and even humanitarian service during some of Africa’s most challenging moments—giving him a deeply grounded, thoughtful perspective that guests often find inspiring.

When he’s taken time off from sailing the oceans he worked as a sailing events organizer, running a charter company in the Azores, and in the travel industry organizing wine tours in private planes.

A seasoned sailor who has worked across a wide range of sea-related professions, Captain Luis is particularly drawn to the Caribbean, his favorite cruising ground for its perfect blend of conditions, culture, and natural beauty. Whether navigating remote anchorages or guiding guests to his favorite hidden gems, he brings a level of knowledge and passion that elevates every experience on board.

In his free time, Luis enjoys reading, writing, and photography—creative pursuits that mirror his appreciation for detail and artistry, both on land and at sea. He also loves to teach, happily sharing sailing techniques or nautical insights with curious guests of all ages.

Three words that best describe Captain Luis: friendly, professional, and humorous — a combination that makes him not only a capable captain, but a delightful host.

Personal Motto: “Do it well, or don’t do it.” (Except meat!)
A philosophy he brings to every voyage.

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MARÍA FELIU DE CABRERA RIERA
María is a highly capable and warm Cook/Stewardess with a lifelong connection to the sea and a strong professional sailing background. Raised in Ibiza, she grew up surrounded by sailing, nature, and Mediterranean culture, developing from an early age both seamanship skills and a deep appreciation for healthy, flavorful cuisine. With experience on both private and long-distance sailing yachts, María brings calm confidence, organization, and thoughtful service to every onboard environment.

María grew up in the countryside of Ibiza, close to the sea, where she began dinghy sailing as a child at her local nautical club. Competing in the highly competitive 420 class, she achieved several Balearic victories and placed first in a Spanish Championship. While competitive sailing shaped her discipline and teamwork, María was equally drawn to creative pursuits, reading, swimming, cycling, and hiking.

Following her racing career, she became a certified sailing instructor and spent many years teaching at the same club — an experience that formed the foundation of her professional seamanship. Her entry into the yachting industry came through a former regatta teammate who offered her a deck/stew position aboard a private sailing yacht. After gaining experience as a deckhand and stewardess, María pursued advanced maritime training, completing two years of Maritime Transport studies in Lanzarote, Canary Islands. Two years ago, she obtained her Captain’s license after completing the required sea time.

María has extensive experience cooking aboard sailing yachts, often in remote locations and with limited provisioning options. Her cooking style is best described as healthy, fresh, and balanced, with a strong Mediterranean influence and an emphasis on high-quality ingredients.
Notable Experience:
• Class C Tall Ship
Tahiti to American Samoa via the Cook Islands
Cooked daily for a family crew during a Pacific crossing, adapting meals to children and adults alike while underway.
• Cook/Stewardess – Swan 100’
Part of a three-person crew in the Caribbean (St. Martin & St. Barth). Responsible for cooking, provisioning, and full interior management. Owners praised her cuisine as particularly healthy and well balanced.
María is organized, adaptable, and calm in the galley, comfortable catering to owner preferences while maintaining nutritional value and presentation.

Friends describe María as attentive, driven, and gentle. She is naturally service-oriented and thrives in team environments, bringing a steady and positive energy onboard.
In her free time, she enjoys yoga, cooking, hiking, reading, swimming, diving, water sports, cultural activities, and music events — interests that align well with an active charter lifestyle.
While she dreams of returning to French Polynesia, María’s heart remains in Formentera, Spain, where she finds the water’s color unmatched, the landscapes authentic, and the seafood exceptional.

Maria's Motto:
“Beauty in things exists merely in the mind which contemplates them.”
“It’s not things that upset us, but our judgements about things.”