Born and raised in Colorado, Jonah grew up skiing rather than sailing. But a deep love for travel & adventure was inspired by his grandparents - who retired, bought a boat, and circumnavigated the globe, completely self-taught, at the ages of 60 & 65. Over those 10 years, Jonah was able to visit the boat several times where he learned the ropes' but he had never seriously considered a career on the water.
After an engineering degree and 5 years in commercial design-build construction, Jonah took a sailing trip in Croatia in 2017 that inspired a major pivot. He quit his job, sold everything, and flew to Spain for a liveaboard Yachtmaster course. Years later, he's a seasoned sailor, having captained private charters throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, French Polynesia, and New Zealand.
At the beginning of the 2021 season, Jonah met a chef from California... himself and Nicole have been together ever since, working as a Captain/Chef duo around the world. Jonah proposed just this past March, where else other than on the bow of a sailboat. Jonah loves sharing the wonders of the Caribbean with people from all walks of life and is a wealth of knowledge, laughs, and "fun-facts". He also enjoys teaching the ins and outs of sailing to those that are eager to learn.
CERTIFICATES
• RYA Yachtmaster (Commercially Endorsed)
• STCW
• ENG1
• RYA VHF Radio
• RYA First aid
• RYA PPR
CHEF
Nicole Hall
Originally from the sunny shores of California, Nicole's love for the sea and culinary arts runs deep. She spent her childhood sailing with her grandfather, a renowned Tall Ship Captain and Sailing Instructor. These early years fostered her passion for exploration, hospitality, and cooking— skills she has seamlessly combined in her career as a yacht chef.
Nicole's professional journey began in the classroom, where she spent seven years as a teacher in Seattle. However, her love for travel and the desire to share her culinary creations eventually led her to a new path. Swapping her classroom for the galley, Nicole began working as a charter chef in Croatia in 2021 where she met her fiancé Jonah and the rest is history...
Nicole's approach to cooking is deeply influenced by her travels, and she prides herself on creating dishes that celebrate fresh local flavors from around the world. Always up for a challenge, she loves crafting bespoke menus tailored to her guests' preferences - whether that means upscale dining, themed culinary experiences, or kid-friendly options!
Outside of the galley, Nicole loves facilitating a good dance party, enjoying a paddleboard at sunrise, and hiking local trails with Jonah. Together, they can't wait to welcome you aboard Elysian for the trip of a lifetime!
CERTIFICATES
• STCW
• Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene
• Quarterdeck Host Academy
