CREW PROFILE

A Pair of Captains - Winston Hovey & Cynthia Zvanut Hovey

US Coast Guard Captains Winston and Cynthia Hovey have been creating once in a lifetime vacations for charter guests for more than 10 years.  Known for their special ability to merge their “Jimmy Buffet” style and lively sense of humor with impeccable service, Winston and Cynthia are as comfortable with families as with partying adults and mature couples.

Having met on Windansea Beach in La Jolla, California, the pair planned their career paths to make way for their adventures together working on both motor and sailing yachts in the South Pacific, Pacific, Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and all facets of the Intracoastal.  Because of their delight in people and insatiable curiosity, they have interacted with guests and acquaintances from many different cultures and backgrounds.

Sharing even culinary skills, the partnership of Winston and Cynthia create wonders from the galley.  Pleasing the palette from the most healthy and nutritious to the most decadent, Cynthia provides tantalizing entrees and luscious desserts tailor-made to her guests’ desires with presentation fit for royalty.  And Winston’s mouth-watering grilling generates envy from every yacht downwind.

With their enthusiastic and capable crew, Cynthia and Winston offer an extraordinary experience in crewed yachting.

Stewardess/Deckhand -  Leah Hodges

A San Diego native, Leah is adept in being invisible when necessary and yet appearing at just the right moment when needed, whether it be in the salon with a refreshing drink or on deck with colorful fins and snorkel. 

Before starting her career in yachting, Leah attended San Diego State University graduating with a B.S. in Financial Services, honed her hospitality skills in property management, worked for seven years as a massage therapist and has traveled Europe, South America and lived in Brazil.  Her motto, “Mi Casa es Su Casa,” is evident daily in how Leah assures that guests on board feel totally at ease and relaxed, and have lots of fun in the process!

Chief Engineer George Georgoulas

George Georgoulas recognizes every hum and murmur on OCEAN PEARL, even with his eyes shut, and has been her chief engineer since 2002.  In the marine industry since 1988 and a graduate of British Columbia Institute of Technology (3^rd in his class), George holds licenses including his Automotive Inter-Provincial ticket and a 60 Ton Masters Transport Canada ticket.  He’s been solely responsible for commissioning a brand new yacht, has taken part in several refits, and his charter experience has taken him throughout the Pacific Northwest, maintaining yachts from 60-person dinner cruises to ten day family excursions as well. 

Priding himself on his Greek heritage, George loves cooking and as a devoted family man, brings his eager 5 year old son on board as his assistant in the off season in Vancouver, BC.  George adds an onslaught of crazy antics to OCEAN PEARL’s crew, all the while supplying water, electricity, and every other vital necessity to keep OCEAN PEARL humming on without a hitch.