Your Crew
CAPTAIN Nelson FRANCK & CHEF Soumaya ZAGHDOUD
CAPTAIN: Nelson FRANCK
French
Yachtmaster 200 – STCW 2010
Professional Sailing Instructor Certificate – Cruising Endorsement
Languages: English
Originally from the South of France, Nelson grew up in the yachting industry, where his family operated a charter company in both the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. For him, the classroom was the sea.
After graduating, he began his professional career early as a Captain and Sailing Instructor in the Mediterranean. He later joined regatta sailing teams for several seasons before moving on to numerous charter catamarans in the Caribbean — working with private owners, established charter companies, and more recently, managing his own
Nelson has developed a strong mastery of all aspects of yacht operations, combining solid technical knowledge with exceptional guest service. His experience ensures vessels are always perfectly maintained, and every charter runs smoothly.
Easy-going by nature, with a highly professional and service-oriented approach, Nelson maintains a constant focus on guest satisfaction, creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere on board.
His racing background brings precision and a challenger’s spirit, guaranteeing smooth and safe cruising while always finding the best spots to anchor and explore.
CHEF: Soumaya ZAGHDOUD
French
STCW
Languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, Bahasa
With a journey shaped by travel, sailing, and life between continents, Soumaya brings a naturally versatile and intuitive approach to cooking. Her experience spans luxury yachts such as Sorana and Persistence and land-based kitchens around the world, allowing her to adapt to different tastes, cultures, and dining styles.
Soumaya’s cuisine is inspired by a blend of Mediterranean and Caribbean roots, vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients — enriched by global influences gathered from time spent in Asia, Australia, and islands around the world.
Guided by close connections to nature and hands-on experience growing food, she favors seasonal produce and well-balanced dishes that feel both nourishing and indulgent, whether for relaxed lunches or elegant dinners on board.
Comfortable both in the galley and at sea, her understanding of life on board naturally supports the rhythm of cruising. Her calm presence, attention to detail, and passion for quality ingredients ensure an unforgettable culinary experience.
STEW/DECKHAND: Anwar HAMZAOUI
French
STCW - ENG1
Language: English
Originally from Paris, Anwar’s maritime journey began in Saint Martin, where he moved to manage two busy restaurants. It was there that he fell in love with the ocean, leading to a six-year stay in the Caribbean. After several years of sailing and connecting with the yachting community, he transitioned into the industry full-time.
Over the last three years, Anwar has honed his skills on superyachts as a deckhand and steward. This dual experience, combined with his high-end hospitality background in Paris, makes him a uniquely versatile crew member.
For the past two years, Anwar has been a proud member of the FRENCH WEST team. Whether he is handling lines on deck or crafting the perfect cocktail for guests, his professionalism and attention to detail ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience on board.
CHARTER on June 3-17, 2026 from the BVI to St Martin / American couple on their Honeymoon
Dear Captain Nelson, Anwar and Maya,
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making our honeymoon on French West so unforgettable. ☺
For almost 2 weeks you made this boat feel like our little floating home. Full of beauty, calm, laughter, delicious food and kind of care that we will always remember!
Captain Nelson, thank you for guiding us safely through the sea and showing us such beautiful places. Anwar, thank you for taking such good care of us every day with kindness and attention. Maya, thank you for feeding us with so much love, every meal felt special.
You were such an important part of the beginning of our married life and we will carry these memories with us forever.
With love and gratitude.
J&T
CHARTER on May 25-30, 2026 in/out St Martin / a family of 4 from the US
To the INCREDIBLE French West Crew—<br />
What a special week it was with you three! Everything was absolutely incredible. From all the well planned destinations, the fun activities, the ammenities, THE FOOD ... it all made us memories we will never forget!<br />
<br />
CAPTAIN NELSON—Thank you for all your hard work + perfect knowledge of all the destinations that made this week so spectacular. Your attention to detail + genuine care for showing our family a wonderful time is so appreciated! Thank you for setting up my dives and helping me do something that I will cherish forever. You are a wonderful leader + a true expert on the seas!<br />
<br />
ANWAR—You bring all the fun! Thank you for your quick smile every day + always jumping in to help us have the best time! Both kids said your tubing pulls were their favorite part of the week—next time you have full permission to fling them into the water! Thank you for being so cool + so attentive to all our needs + questions!<br />
<br />
Beautiful Soumaya! What an ARTIST you are! Every meal I would say "it can't possibly get any better than this!" Then somehow you would top it! Thank you for sharing your talent, kindness, calming presence, + sweet smiles with us! From the Michelin-worthy meals to the snack plates for the kids, EVERYTHING was delicious + you really have a gift!<br />
<br />
Thank you all for being so attentive + fun all week. I am taking lessons from my new French West friends on how to relax + enjoy all that the ocean (my happy place) has to offer.<br />
Leaving will be so difficult for our family but we all hope to meet again next year.<br />
<br />
From the bottom of our hearts—thank you! You all have a place to stay if you ever come to Austin, TX where it will be our turn to return all the hospitality you showed us!<br />
<br />
'Til next time! ♡♡<br />
C, B, E, + B .H<br />
<br />
Captain: 5/5<br />
Rest of the crew: 5/5<br />
How would you qualify the yacht (comfort, features, general maintenance, etc) 5/5<br />
How would you qualify the itinerary 5/5<br />
How would you qualify the sports and leisure activities/equipment on board 5/5<br />
How would you qualify the food and drinks 5/5<br />
How would you qualify the entire experience of your trip 5/5<br />
Can we share this feedback on our website? Yes<br />
PLEASE ADD ANY OTHER COMMENTS TO LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN IMPROVE:<br />
This was the best week of our life. Everything… truly, EVERYTHING, was so well taken care of. <br />
Our family was able to connect and spend time relaxing while under the fantastic care of Captain Nelson, Anwar, and Soumaya. Their exceptional dedication to our needs and desire to explore all the week had to offer was unmatched.. and the French West could not have been a more beautiful boat.<br />