CAPTAIN Edward Horak & CHEF Desiree Jackson

Captain Ed
Ed is a seasoned USCG-licensed Master with over 90,000 nautical miles of experience, including multiple transits of both the Suez and Panama Canals and crossings of the Pacific and Atlantic. His extensive five-star private and charter yacht experience spans the USA East Coast, Bahamas, U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Venezuela’s coastal islands, the ABC Islands, Tahiti, Marshall Islands, Palau, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. He’s also a proud member of the Trusty Shellbacks of King Neptune.

Growing up on the waters of Long Island’s South Shore—between New York City and the Hamptons—Ed developed a passion for the outdoors. An avid sailor, skier, and outdoorsman, he’s also a decent golfer when time allows. Most recently, Ed has enjoyed exploring the Northern and Southern Rockies in Northwest Montana during his free time.

With a Master’s Degree in Environmental Management, Ed has managed multiple charter fleets across Long Island’s North and South Shores, New York Harbor, and the Virgin Islands. He has owned his own sailing school and is experienced in business operations. Ed’s career has included roles as Captain, Chief Mate, Bosun, Engineer, and Deckhand on luxury motor yachts up to 250 feet, with global itineraries, including several circumnavigations.

Ed is now island-hopping with guests around the U.S. and British Virgin Islands aboard Memento Amori, where he helps people experience the vacation of a lifetime.


Chef Desiree
Desiree, a seasoned chef and stewardess, is your go-to professional aboard our 48ft catamaran cruising through the USVI and BVI. Born in Arkansas and raised on Long Island, Desiree's diverse upbringing, from the bustling streets of Manhattan to the rustic trails of the Ozarks, has shaped her culinary skills and adaptability. She graduated from Johnson and Wales University in Miami in 2000 and refined her craft under top chefs in vibrant locales like South Beach, the Hamptons, San Francisco, and Hawaii, before excelling as a top sales producer for Sysco Foods.

In 2016, Desiree transitioned from high-end restaurants to the dynamic world of yachting, driven by her passion for new cultures and challenges. Her culinary creations reflect her travels across 14 countries and her time living in destinations such as Bali and Bocas del Toro, where she embraced local flavors and cooking techniques. Onboard, she’s not just the chef but also the bartender and the heart of daily operations, ensuring every guest has an unforgettable experience.

Her cooking is deeply influenced by her Puerto Rican and Italian heritage, promising meals that are healthy, flavorful, and satisfying without leaving you feeling overly full. Whether she's crafting a sophisticated menu or mixing the perfect cocktail, Desiree’s boundless energy, love for the outdoors, and commitment to service excellence make her an indispensable part of our team.