CAPTAIN Andrew Lasek & CHEF Eric Wallen

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: Eric Wallen
Chef Eric, from Gainesville, Florida now lives in St. Augustine Beach. By ways of generations of family members who come from food and beverage in NY and Chicago, found his way to yachts in 2015, after taking a dynamic path seeking out Authentic recipes and techniques from around the world. He takes great care to seek, and source the best local, and seasonal ingredients available, after working under handfuls of extremely talented chefs between NYC, Florida, California, Montana, Mexico, Texas, Georgia, and The Caribbean. He strives to always meet, curate, and exceed your expectations. Cheers.


Deckhand: Nick Laime
Nick was born and raised in Wolfeboro, a small summer resort in the lakes region of New Hampshire. His love for the water started at a very young age at his parent’s lake house. He was introduced to the yachting industry a few years later when he was visiting some family down in South Florida and since then was lucky enough to join the Aquasition crew!