Captain David Crafa
David Crafa is an accomplished yacht charter captain with over 35 years of sailing experience. He holds a US Coast Guard 100 Ton Master Mariner license and spends an impressive average of 250 days on the water annually, demonstrating his dedication and passion for sailing.
David says his favorite sailing location is New England. He grew up sailing the Long Island Sound and still remembers the first time he sailed to Block Island, as he was captivated by all the mast lights that lit up the harbor in the great salt pond. From that moment on, he knew he was going to be a lifelong sailor.
He pursued his academic interests at Berklee College of Music and later transferred to New York University, where he earned dual degrees in Music Technology and Computer Science. He also owns and founded The Cutting Room Studios in his senior year of college at age 21. Based in New York City with an illustrious 30-year history, this studio boasts an internationally recognized brand that has produced platinum sales awards for world-famous celebrities and contributed to the creation of academy award winning feature films, documentaries, and TV shows worldwide.
Captain David Crafa has extensive cruising and racing experience. Some of his notable voyages include:
● 2023-24 East Hampton to Nassua,Bahamas to Saint Thomas, USVI to Palm Beach
● 2018: East Hampton, NY to The Abaco Islands, Bahamas
● 2017: Cuba to East Hampton, NY and British Virgin Islands to Cuba 2017 Rolex Fastnet Race
● 2016: Montauk, NY to St. Thomas and return, aboard Hylas 54 Vanishing Point
● 2015: Montauk, NY to St. Thomas, Ft Lauderdale, FL to Montauk, NY, and St. Thomas to Annapolis as First Mate on Hylas 70 Archangel
● 2014: St. Thomas to Annapolis and Annapolis to Tortola, BVI as First Mate on Hylas 70 Archangel
From 2011 to 2013, he participated in the Caribbean 1500 rally and ARC with the World Cruising Club, covering 4500 nautical miles through the Eastern Caribbean as skipper and owner of a Hunter Passage 420. His bluewater experience includes single-handed voyages and challenging races like the 2007 Rolex Fastnet Race, known for extreme weather conditions.
Since 2015, Captain David Crafa has specialized in chartering guests aboard the Hylas 54 sailing yacht, Vanishing Point, navigating the picturesque waters of New England during the summer and the US Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Virgin Islands and Cuba during the winter. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to safety while ensuring his guests are comfortable and at ease have led to a flawless safety record throughout his extensive charter career. Furthermore, David worked in the past as a trained Recreational Rehabilitation Therapist for clients with mobility issues, and this experience has proven to be a great asset for Vanishing Point as he has the extra alertness and concern for clients whilst on charter.
Captain David Crafa's expertise extends beyond navigation. He played a pivotal role in designing and building the award-winning Hylas 57 Vanishing Point, which earned multiple accolades including Boat of the Year by Cruising World Magazine in 2022. As the Director of Field Marketing for Hylas Yachts, he has demonstrated his deep understanding of yacht systems, contributing significantly to the brand's prestige. From 2022 to 2023, he conducted test sails and charters for Hylas Yacht’s clientele, covering areas such as the Abaco Islands and East Hampton, New York.
His sailing qualifications from the American Sailing Association (ASA) include Basic Keelboat, Basic Coastal Cruising, Coastal Navigation, Bareboat, and ASA Weather courses. He is a member of the Manhattan Sailing Club and has attended the Offshore Symposium for the Bermuda Cup. Additionally, he is a certified SCUBA diver with advanced open water and NITROX certifications.
Captain David, fondly known as ‘Stormy’, is described by his friends as enduring, open minded, and companionate. David enjoys keeping active and embracing all that life offers; he lists his spare time interests as Music maker, Sailing/racing, Motorcycle enthusiast, Bike rider, Cat lover, Rock Climbing/ mountaineering, and not necessarily in that order.
Chef Profile: Amber Walker
“Do what you have to do, then you can do what you want to do.”
Amber Walker brings a vibrant, soulful energy and a globally inspired culinary approach to every voyage. Born in Las Vegas and raised in the heart of Hershey, Pennsylvania, Amber’s earliest lessons in the kitchen came from her father and beloved grandmother igniting a passion for food that shaped her life and career.
As the founder and executive chef of SZND (pronounced “seasoned”), Amber created a brand built on scratch cooking, artistic presentation, and bold, diverse flavors. Her uisine blends international influences—French, Japanese, Mediterranean, and especially Puerto Rican—with the comfort and richness of Southern classics. From plated fine dining to golden egg tiramisu dessert theatrics, she curates elevated food experiences that guests rave about long after their charter ends.
A self-taught chef with a strong business background, Amber has led kitchens from boutique restaurants to award-winning catering teams, and now brings her talents to sea for the first time —a dream she’s long held. Her style is interactive, immersive, and engaging, connecting with guests through culinary storytelling and participatory service.
Guest favorites include her soulful Southern-style dishes and custom dessert presentations. Her culinary philosophy is simple: “People eat with their eyes first and then their mouths,” and every plate reflects that belief.
When not in the galley, Amber enjoys painting, basketball, the beach, and spending time with her niece. She’s also passionate about mentoring youth, embodying a work ethic and positive energy that inspire everyone around her. Fun, ambitious, and empathetic, Chef Amber Walker is ready to bring warmth, creativity, and
five-star flavor to your next unforgettable voyage.
Certifications: ServSafe, RAMP Certified (PA Dept. of Agriculture)
