Captain: Andrew M. Lasek
Andrew was born in New London, Connecticut and grew up living aboard his parents’ boat on the waters in and around the Eastern Long Island Sound. A true “hawsepiper,” Andrew’s journey to the wheelhouse is a veritable testament to his dedication and passion for all things maritime. After graduating New Canaan High School, Andrew took a job as deckhand aboard a 180' Feadship where he would spend the next six years mastering all aspects of yachting under the watchful eye of his mentor and now close friend Captain Jim Holman, a distinguished veteran in the industry. Captain Holman took Andrew under his wing and afforded him every opportunity to gain experience from his lifelong experience on the sea. In the spring of 2017, Andrew’s training came to fruition, and he took the final steps to completing the remaining Coast Guard licensure. It did not take long for industry insiders to take notice. Andrew now sits proudly at the helm of Aquasition, a vessel on which he has over six years of experience. Captain Andrew is delighted to have you aboard M/V Aquasition and hopes that you have a most memorable experience.
First Officer: Bill Hildebrand
A Fort Lauderdale native, Bill enjoys fishing and has been around boats his whole life. He began his career in the yachting industry 20 years ago and has done cruising itineraries everywhere from Grenada to Newfoundland. Before yachting Bill spent another 20 years in the restaurant industry where his passion for hospitality started and blossomed into his yachting career. Bill strives to give his guests a fantastic time both in and out of the water.
Chief Stewardess: Samantha Stewart
Samantha is a native of South Florida and joined yachting in 2014. Before yachting, she worked for a small animal veterinary practice for 5 years until she decided to try something drastically different. She has since then done several Caribbean, New England, and Mediterranean seasons, Atlantic crossings, the Panama Canal, and various yard periods around the world. Samantha is enthusiastic about hospitality and having fun while providing it.
Engineer: Morgan Thursfield
"Jo'burg boy" Morgan moved to America 7 years ago. He came with the intention of expanding his transportation business internationally but, found a love for fixing up yachts instead. Morgs with his infectiously happy attitude believes there is no place for a long face! He is easy going and enjoys joking around while having some fun. "My role/duty onboard is to make all problems go away. I can fix anything and everything except, for bad attitudes." Morgan finishes off by saying: "Let's get this show cruising with lots of boozing and no snoozing. Bon Voyage!"
Second Stewardess: Isabella Ocampo
Bella was born in Southern Florida and grew up between Marietta, Georgia, and the southern pacific coast of Nicaragua. Spending most of her life by the water, she loves anything by the sea or outdoors. She previously owned a swimwear brand and has a passion for creating, design and art. After working a for a couple of sailing charters in Nicaragua, as well as managing a local bar, she spent a year traveling the UK and western Europe in a van, working in various hotels and event planning spaces where her love for service and hospitality grew. Her hospitality experience makes her meticulous, outgoing, and prepared to make your trip with Aquasition one you will never forget.
Third Stewardess: Amanda Berner
Amanda was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At 21, she decided to move to Fort Lauderdale in February 2024 to pursue a career in the exciting industry of yachting. Previously, she was in university studying graphic design and serving at a local restaurant. She was introduced to the yachting industry by her aunt, who is a chef and has been in the industry for 20 years. Amanda has a fun and witty personality which everyone can get a good laugh out of. She loves to travel, explore various hobbies, dolphin/whale watch, bake, music festivals, and learn about different cultures! Amanda looks forward to providing exceptional service to not only ensure a relaxing and fun experience for you, but also an unforgettable one here on Aquasition!
Chef: Matthew Malczewski
Chef Matt, originally from Rhode Island and based out of Miami now, has been working and traveling since 2003 when he went to Northeast Australia for university studies in cultural anthropology at James Cook University. With a glimpse of world travel and adventure he went on to become a PADI scuba instructor, crew member, photographer, and chef around the world. He loves traveling and including unique cuisine from his adventures and the stories behind the dishes, creating more of a cultural experience through his food not just another meal. Matt will be seen in the galley most of the day with meal prep or his camera pointing out the window as you cruise by the incredible sites. He has been focusing on his culinary career for the last seven years and graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Providence Rhode Island in 2016. His passion for boating led him to Super Yachts which took him to Europe, The Caribbean, Central America, and the South Pacific, Pacific Northwest and now back in his backyard of South Florida. Over the years he has worked with a variety of cuisines and has designed menus for nearly every type of diet and creative craving of the taste buds. You will be welcomed into the galley and feel free to ask him about his cooking as he will be happy to share his recipes and stories of traveling and what makes those cookies so delicious. You will be asked to try the sauce or the filling for the dessert before you leave, so do not be shy and get ready for a tantalizing culinary experience, catered to your taste buds, while cruising through the incredible sites on your trip.
Deckhand: Kyler Swanner
Born and raised in Texas, Kyler grew up on one of the largest lakes, Lake Texoma. Kyler developed a lifelong love and respect for the water from an early age. That connection naturally led him into the yachting industry, where he has built a career around what he loves most — being on the water and sharing that joy with others. Kyler is known for his outgoing spirit, positive energy, and genuine love for people, which makes every day on the water feel like an adventure worth sharing.
