Meet Captain Erik & Chef Elizabeth – Your Hosts Aboard S/Y CIRRUS — a married American couple whose shared passion for sailing, fine cuisine, and warm hospitality ensures an unforgettable charter experience.
Captain Erik Samuels brings over a decade of hands-on sailing experience and holds a Yachtmaster Offshore license. Erik grew up on the North Fork of Long Island, New York, a coastal farming area with a large sailing community. His family had small motor and sailing boats, and as a result, sailing played a large part in his life from an early age. Erik and his older sister grew up sailing and teaching sailing together, having started lessons on a Sunfish and then progressed onto 420s and Lasers, and eventually Erik became a sailing instructor, which has proven really helpful as he can include guests of any sailing skill level to be a part of the sailing charter experience as they desire.
Erik has always been active in many sports since a young child. In elementary, and high school, he played lacrosse, tennis, and ran cross country. In college, he was on the USC sailing team and competed nationally. Today Erik enjoys other sports such as wakeboarding, scuba diving and cruising around on their Boston Whaler and J80.
Erik studied at the University of Southern California obtaining a BA in International Relations. After he finished college, he was delighted to discover that he could sail for a living in the yachting industry, so he promptly moved to Spain, became certified and starting his yachting career. Since then Erik has captained classic and modern sailing yachts up to 35 meters throughout the Caribbean, New England, and Europe. He is calm, knowledgeable, and deeply respectful of the sea, and with his focus on safety, smooth itineraries, and tailored adventures creates a relaxed and confident environment for guests. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful island-hop or a hands-on sailing experience, Erik is the perfect guide.
Erik’s hobbies in his spare time include hiking, scuba diving, travel, trying new restaurants and spending time with family. His friends describe him as Funny, Knowledgeable and Caring, the perfect qualities for a Captain and Host. And Erik’s motto? “Any day on the water is a good day.”
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Chef Elizabeth Deringer is a classically trained chef and graduate of the Austin Culinary Institute. Her menus celebrate fresh, seasonal flavors and global cuisine, with specialties in French, Mediterranean, Japanese, and more. Elizabeth expertly caters to dietary preferences including gluten-free, vegan, keto and paleo, ensuring every guest feels cared for. Her warm personality, artistic plating, and attention to detail make each meal a highlight of the charter.
Elizabeth grew up with four siblings in Montpelier, Vermont. America’s smallest capital is surrounded by beautiful mountains and farm country. As a young child she enjoyed playing soccer, basketball, track and field, and lake sailing. Every summer she went to summer camp in North Vermont and went on to be a Camp Counselor, where she was responsible for sailing, kayaking, canoeing, arts and crafts, and hiking.
Elizabeth attended the Austin Texas School of Culinary Arts for a three year certification and internship and graduated in 2010 to become Food Safety Certified with emphasis in Baking and Patisserie. She has many years experience in the service industry since the age of 15, starting out at a movie theater leading onto hostessing, server, bar tender, all the way to executive pastry chef, before working as a chef on yachts. Having a background in front of the house, moving to back of the house in fine dining is very beneficial for working on yachts. Her first break came in Fort Lauderdale when she was interviewed at a yacht club and discovered the opportunity to work on a sailing yacht. Elizabeth was also the sole Owner of a Catering Company for 3 years, focusing on up scale dinner parties, cocktail parties and small weddings.
Elizabeth says that her culinary style is “fresh is best”. Traveling in such beautiful lush places with great produce and local fish/meats she prefers using the freshest local ingredients. Guests are in for a treat as Elizabeth likes to celebrate local cuisine as well as cuisine from other countries such as Italian, Indian, Asian and so many more. Guests have raved about many of her dishes, including Tai fish curry, lamb with fresh herb sauce, white wine steamed mussels, and Antiguan salt-grilled snapper.
In her spare time Elizabeth enjoys hiking, snorkeling, sunset cruises, trying new restaurants and spending quality time with her family. Elizabeth’s friends describe her as Funny, Nice and Caring, and her motto is “We are here to help our guests have the best vacation ever!”
As a married couple with a strong background in chartering together, Erik and Elizabeth create a seamless and welcoming atmosphere onboard. They’ve worked side-by-side aboard renowned yachts such as Encore, Titania, and Amorous, offering elegant service, personalized guest experiences, and the natural teamwork that comes from both love and professionalism.
Guests often arrive as clients and leave as friends — a testament to the thoughtful care and genuine concern Erik and Elizabeth bring to every voyage.
