-------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMER CREW - May to November ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPTAIN: Bart de ZWART
Bart has been on the water his entire life. Raised in the Netherlands by parents who ran a sailing school and charter business, sailing was second nature from a young age. Since then, he has captained a wide variety of boats—handling deliveries, private cruises, and charter trips across the globe.
A true waterman, Bart has spent decades exploring the world by sea. After studying tourism in Holland, he set out on his own adventures—sailing 3 to 6 months a year across the Mediterranean, Red Sea, Atlantic, and Caribbean. He later combined his passion for wind and water by co-owning windsurf centers in Greece, Venezuela, and eventually Maui with his wife.
From 2005 to 2008, Bart spent three years sailing around the world with his wife and daughter, gaining extensive offshore experience and a deep appreciation for life at sea.
Bart is also known internationally as “Mr. Endurance” in the world of stand-up paddling. He has completed and led numerous SUP expeditions around the world. He’s a four-time winner of the prestigious 11-City Tour and, in 2018, won the SUP division of the Yukon 1000—the longest paddle race on Earth, covering 1,000 miles through the Canadian and Alaskan wilderness.
A licensed captain and big-wave rider, Bart is experienced in everything from long ocean crossings to surfing, windsurfing, wing foiling, and SUP racing. Calm, capable, and endlessly adventurous, he brings a deep love of the ocean and years of hands-on expertise to every charter.
CHEF: Dagmar de ZWART
Dagmar started her career as a graphic designer in Germany, but her love for the ocean soon led her in a new direction. She learned to sail in 1990 and, not long after, she and her husband began running windsurfing centers in Greece, Venezuela, and Hawaii.
From 2005 to 2008, Dagmar sailed around the world with her husband and daughter—a life-changing adventure that deepened her connection to the sea. In 2009, the family settled in Maui, where they launched a windsurf school and rental center.
Dagmar has always loved cooking and began taking advanced classes in 2019 to take her skills to the next level. Since 2020, she and her husband have been working full-time aboard a 57-foot catamaran in French Polynesia, where Dagmar serves as the Chef.
She’s known for her warm hospitality, creative cooking, and calm, can-do attitude—always making guests feel welcome and well taken care of.
STEW - MATE : Maya REYNOLDS
Born and raised on Maui, Hawaii, Maya brings a calm, uplifting energy and a passion for wellness to the crew.
She is a licensed esthetician and massage therapist with a deep love for yoga, the ocean, and travel.
When she’s not working, you’ll find her surfing, diving, or hiking—always staying active and connected to nature. Her warm spirit, positive attitude, and radiant smile make her a guest favorite and a joy to have on board.
Maya is highly motivated, discreet, and attentive, offering a thoughtful presence that enhances each guest’s experience.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- WINTER CREW - December to April ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RELIEF CAPTAIN: Andres Celada
Spanish
Diploma: Captain 200
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
Andres is a seasoned sailor and water sports professional with a lifelong passion for exploring the world's oceans.
Raised near the sea, Andres, growing up in Spain, developed a deep love for sailing, fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing from a young age.
With extensive experience in the water sports industry, Andres has worked globally, sharing his expertise in destinations such as Germany, the Canary Islands, New Zealand, South Africa, the Caribbean, and French Polynesia.
When not working as a captain on ZEN QUEST you will find him teaching paragliding in the Swiss Alps. As a highly experienced captain, Andres has clocked countless miles at sea, honing his skills and accumulating valuable knowledge.
His adventurous spirit, passion for travel, and dedication to sharing his expertise make him an invaluable asset on ZEN QUEST.
RELIEF CHEF: Thais Escalona
Spanish
Cordon Bleu Diploma
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
Thais is an accomplished Spanish chef with a passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences.
Holding a prestigious Cordon Bleu Diploma, Thais has honed her craft and successfully led her own restaurant in Spain.
With over six years as a head chef, Thais sought new horizons, embracing her love for travel and exploration with her partner Andres. She discovered a new calling as a private chef, relishing the opportunity to forge meaningful connections with guests and tailor her creations to their unique preferences.
Thais found her ideal platform on the ZEN QUEST, where she can focus on intimate, personalized experiences. Her culinary philosophy emphasizes adaptability, incorporating delicious ingredients, and infusing every dish with a touch of love.
With Thais in the kitchen, every meal becomes a memorable journey.
STEW - MATE : Maya REYNOLDS
Born and raised on Maui, Hawaii, Maya brings a calm, uplifting energy and a passion for wellness to the crew.
She is a licensed esthetician and massage therapist with a deep love for yoga, the ocean, and travel.
When she’s not working, you’ll find her surfing, diving, or hiking—always staying active and connected to nature. Her warm spirit, positive attitude, and radiant smile make her a guest favorite and a joy to have on board.
Maya is highly motivated, discreet, and attentive, offering a thoughtful presence that enhances each guest’s experience.
