AQUASITION
Previously named BIG ZIP
CREW PROFILES

TitleNameNationBornLicenses
CaptainAndrew M. Lasek USA 0
First OfficerSamuel Higham New Zealand 0
Number of Crew: 8Languages:

Crew Profiles:
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: Jay Daunoras
Jay grew up in Shamong, New Jersey. His family had a second home in Long Beach Island, New Jersey where he spent all of his summers on the water. He spent every summer fishing, surfing, lifeguarding and enjoying time with his family. After a few years in the casino industry Jay decided that he wanted a change and moved to Florida to get into the yachting industry. Through his experiences and knowledge Jay has gained his captain’s license and is currently upgrading to a bigger license.


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: Kaden Godwin
Kaden was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in May 2023 to pursue a career in the yachting industry. She is a very spontaneous and outgoing individual who enjoys travel, the outdoors and meeting new people. Kaden looks forward to delivering exceptional service to you and your guests to ensure your experience is unforgettable.

Chef: Matthew Vaughn
Chef Matthew, a Florida native, was raised sailing, surfing, diving and fishing on the waters of the Gulf Coast. He holds a degree in culinary arts from the Florida Culinary Institute. After relocating to Hawaii in search of the perfect wave, it was on the island of Maui where Matthew was trained by the great chefs of Pacific Rim cooking. Later he discovered private yachts and has been traveling and taking in the world’s culinary wonders that he shares in his eclectic culinary style.


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!

Andrew Lasek
Captain


Jay Daunoras
First Officer


Morgan Thursfield
Engineer


Nick Lamie
Deckhand


Samantha Stewart
Chief Stewardess


Isabella Ocampo
Second Stewardess


Kaden Godwin
Third Stewardess


Matthew Vaughn
Chef


Slip Aweigh Charters Inc.