CIRRUS Yachtcharter

Meet Captain Erik & Chef Elizabeth – Your Hosts Aboard S/Y CIRRUS — a married American couple whose shared passion for sailing, fine cuisine, and warm hospitality ensures an unforgettable charter experience.

Captain Erik Samuels brings over a decade of hands-on sailing experience and holds a Yachtmaster Offshore license. Erik grew up on the North Fork of Long Island, New York, a coastal farming area with a large sailing community. His family had small motor and sailing boats, and as a result, sailing played a large part in his life from an early age. Erik and his older sister grew up sailing and teaching sailing together, having started lessons on a Sunfish and then progressed onto 420s and Lasers, and eventually Erik became a sailing instructor, which has proven really helpful as he can include guests of any sailing skill level to be a part of the sailing charter experience as they desire.

Erik has always been active in many sports since a young child. In elementary, and high school, he played lacrosse, tennis, and ran cross country. In college, he was on the USC sailing team and competed nationally. Today Erik enjoys other sports such as wakeboarding, scuba diving and cruising around on their Boston Whaler and J80.

Erik studied at the University of Southern California obtaining a BA in International Relations. After he finished college, he was delighted to discover that he could sail for a living in the yachting industry, so he promptly moved to Spain, became certified and starting his yachting career. Since then Erik has captained classic and modern sailing yachts up to 35 meters throughout the Caribbean, New England, and Europe. He is calm, knowledgeable, and deeply respectful of the sea, and with his focus on safety, smooth itineraries, and tailored adventures creates a relaxed and confident environment for guests. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful island-hop or a hands-on sailing experience, Erik is the perfect guide.

Erik’s hobbies in his spare time include hiking, scuba diving, travel, trying new restaurants and spending time with family. His friends describe him as Funny, Knowledgeable and Caring, the perfect qualities for a Captain and Host. And Erik’s motto? “Any day on the water is a good day.”

As a married couple with a strong background in chartering together, Erik and Elizabeth create a seamless and welcoming atmosphere onboard. They’ve worked side-by-side aboard renowned yachts such as Encore, Titania, and Amorous, offering elegant service, personalized guest experiences, and the natural teamwork that comes from both love and professionalism.

Guests often arrive as clients and leave as friends — a testament to the thoughtful care and genuine concern Erik and Elizabeth bring to every voyage.