SUN DAZE

About the Crew

CAPTAIN
Orlagh O'Donoghue

Born and raised in Ireland, Captain Orlagh O'Donoghue has always had a passion for the outdoors, travel, and adventure. Before entering the yachting industry, she spent five years working as a long-haul flight attendant with Emirates Airlines, traveling extensively while developing exceptional hospitality and guest service skills in premium cabins, and immersing in over 130 different types of cultures.

Drawn to the ocean and a more active lifestyle, Orlagh relocated to the UK to complete her RYA Yachtmaster qualification before beginning her sailing career in Greece, leading charter trips throughout the Greek islands, Croatia and the Balearic Islands.

With over seven years of professional sailing experience, including multiple ocean crossings, she has captained yachts and sailed extensively throughout the Mediterranean, Türkiye, the Caribbean, and French Polynesia. Known for her calm leadership and strong seamanship, Orlagh combines professionalism with a warm and welcoming approach to ensure every charter experience is both safe and memorable.

And being Irish, guests can also expect a good sense of humor, a great story or two, and the occasional reminder that everything runs a little smoother with fresh sea air and a bit of Irish luck on board.



CHEF
Natasha Milliken-Smith

Born and raised in the charming city of Oxford, UK, Natasha’s connection to the sea was cultivated during
summers spent on boats in the Balearic Islands. This early exposure to maritime life sparked a passion for the ocean and travel.

After finishing high school, Natasha followed this passion by training and working as a stewardess on superyachts. It was during this time that she developed a keen interest in cooking, inspired by the incredible chefs she worked alongside. Eager to transition from stewardess to chef, Natasha took on the role of crew chef, spending a season cooking and cruising through the Mediterranean.

Balancing her love for the sea with academic pursuits, Natasha returned to the UK to complete a Master's degree in Chemistry. Throughout her university years, she enriched her culinary skills by attending short cooking courses, continuously expanding her repertoire. Her summers were spent in Croatia, where she worked as a chef on smaller sailing charters, developing her style of cooking and guest experience.

Upon completing her degree, Natasha attended the UK’s prestigious White Pepper Chef's Academy, where she completed a professional chef's course, further refining her culinary expertise. With her diverse hospitality background and extensive experience, Natasha brings a unique blend of scientific precision and creative flair to her role as a yacht chef. Having sailed and cooked her way through the Mediterranean, she is excited to see what the other side of the Atlantic has to offer and is dedicated to crafting exquisite dishes whilst providing guests with an unforgettable experience.


C E R T I F I C A T E S
• STCW
• PDSD
• VHF SRC
• Powerboat Level 2
• Level 2 Award in Food Safety / Food Hygiene
• White Pepper Chef Academy Intermediate Skills
• UKSA Superyacht Hospitality Training Certificate
• GUEST Wine, Bar-tending & Mixology module
• Master’s Degree in Chemistry