Meet Our Team
The majesty of the ocean captivated me early on, guiding me through adventures from the Chesapeake to the Caribbean. It was also the backdrop to my formal education, where I developed my culinary craft and earned a Master’s degree in Food Studies from NYU, alongside a culinary degree from the Institute of Culinary Education. This combination of academic training and time at sea made my transition from land-based kitchens to yachting seamless, leading to a fulfilling decade as a yacht chef.
Over the years, working onboard yachts across different programs, I gained firsthand experience of both the rewards and the challenges of the industry. Like many, I learned through trial and error, moving through a few “wrong fits” before finding a yacht in Rhode Island where I truly flourished. That experience, and many similar conversations with fellow crew, shaped how I view placement, opportunity, and long-term success in yachting.
After a decade at sea and some time ashore to reflect, I decided to channel my experience into building something that addressed what I had seen missing in the industry. Nauti Crew Agency was born from encouragement from crew mates and a shared desire to create more meaningful, lasting connections between yachts and crew. The goal was simple: help good people find good boats, and help vessels connect with reliable, skilled professionals who genuinely fit their program.
NCA is built on the belief that successful placements come from understanding people- not just CVs. I bring a hands-on perspective as a former chef and crew member, along with a commitment to supporting talent beyond the initial introduction. Watching crew grow, thrive, and build lasting careers within the industry is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Today, Nauti Crew Agency continues to grow as a trusted community within yachting. It reflects a straightforward philosophy I’ve carried throughout my career: if you focus on doing right by people, building honest relationships, and putting in the work, you create something that lasts.
Rue Homola supports Nauti Crew Agency’s digital presence as Social Media Coordinator, contributing to a curated and thoughtful brand voice. Having lived the day-to-day of the industry, she understands what sets great crew apart and aims to reflect that through content that is both refined and authentic - positioning Nauti Crew as a trusted, modern resource with a particular interest in the people and dynamics behind great crew.
Maya Wierzbicki started out in yachting as a chef, working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where details matter and expectations are high. It taught her how to stay a step ahead, read the room, and deliver without needing to overcomplicate things.
She later built a private chef business, working closely with UHNW clients in more personal settings. That sharpened her understanding of discretion, trust, and what good service actually looks like day to day.
Now she work in marketing across the yachting industry, including with Nauti Crew Agency and other brokerages. She focuses on hands-on execution and making sure what’s put out there actually reflects how things run onboard, not just how they’re presented.
Featured in
Dockwalk Magazine
Nauti Crew Agency is a proud long-standing member of the International Super Yacht Society.
