Black Swan

Julie Morato brings a unique blend of compassion, craftsmanship, and deep sailing experience to the crew of Black Swan. She began her professional life as a nurse, working with the Red Cross in child support services. Her calling, however, soon led her to the sea—where she pursued and obtained her maritime certifications and quickly built a strong reputation as a skilled sailor. Julie’s versatility is remarkable. She has worked as a shipyard carpenter and welder, gaining hands-on technical expertise that enhances her understanding of classic vessels. Her experience extends from oyster farming and coastal fishing—where she captained a small fishing boat—to long offshore passages and regattas on some of the most iconic classic yachts. She has served as both captain and first mate, notably aboard a 36-meter schooner transporting coffee under sail between Colombia and France. Her career has included numerous Atlantic crossings and an impressive racing history, especially on the celebrated classic sailing yacht Mariquita. Julie’s passion for traditional seamanship, her deep respect for maritime heritage, and her wide-ranging skills make her an invaluable member of the Black Swan crew. She is excited to join the team, ready to contribute her knowledge, strength, and love for classic sailing to every voyage.

Born and raised in Normandy, I have been sailing since childhood, with the sea deeply rooted in my life. At 16, i entered the yachting industry, gaining experience in shipyards and competitive sailing. For five years, i managed a racing crew, honing my skills in regattas and offshore sailing. My passion for ocean crossings led me to the Caribbean, where I spent 12 years working aboard sailing yachts. I competed in numerous Caribbean regattas and specialized in luxury charters around St. Barths and St. Martin. Over the years, I completed six transatlantic crossings, refining my expertise in offshore navigation. In 2018, I returned to the French Riviera, where I captained motor yachts. However, my love for sailing never faded, and in 2024, I had the privilege of taking the helm of Black Swan, a magnificent classic yacht. As its captain, I am honored to be the guardian of this exceptional piece of maritime heritage. I am excited to keep Black Swan sailing in regattas, charters, and prestigious events, ensuring its legacy continues to thrive.

Passionate about the sea and traditional sailing, Sandra made a career shift into the yachting industry a decade ago. Growing up sailing with her family, she took on the ambitious project of fully restoring their boat herself—an experience that deepened her technical skills and love for the craft. She has worked as both a deckhand and cook aboard sailing yachts and catamarans in Corsica, combining seamanship with hospitality. This season, her determination to join Black Swan was undeniable—visiting the boat multiple times to express her motivation and enthusiasm. Now an essential part of the crew, she brings warmth, professionalism, and a deep sense of care to every guest experience. Sandra is thrilled to welcome you aboard Black Swan, where her kindness, serenity, and attentiveness will ensure a memorable time at sea.

Laurent Miller is not only a talented chef but also a passionate sailor with deep roots in the world of classic yachting. With a strong background in IRC regatta championships, Laurent has sailed extensively as crew aboard many of the most renowned classic yachts on the circuit. His knowledge of the sea is matched by his dedication and seamanship—he’s as comfortable trimming sails as he is preparing refined cuisine below deck. Originally trained as a pastry chef, Laurent began his career in the kitchens of prestigious gastronomic restaurants, where he rose to the role of sous-chef. He later managed a restaurant on the idyllic island of Porquerolles, before launching his own successful catering company. Over time, his love of sailing took center stage, and he transitioned to life at sea full-time, cooking aboard performance yachts, including a carbon Gunboat catamaran. A lover of diving and winter sports, Laurent brings an adventurous spirit to every voyage. His interest in Black Swan stems from his deep appreciation for heritage yachts and the unique blend of elegance and performance they represent. On board, Laurent combines his culinary finesse with seasoned sailing skills—ensuring guests not only dine exceptionally well but are welcomed by a crew member who is truly part of the sailing soul of the boat. He looks forward to welcoming you aboard Black Swan with his signature dishes and warm hospitality.

With a background in architecture and a passion for problem-solving, Pierre is the ultimate Swiss Army knife on board Black Swan. A true MacGyver, he has a knack for finding creative solutions to just about anything, keeping the yacht running smoothly in all conditions. His deep connection to the sea started in his childhood in Brittany, where he grew up sailing, fishing, and mastering the art of navigating the rocky coastline. His love for traditional sailing led him to work as an engineer aboard Belem, one of France’s most iconic heritage ships. Now, after two seasons on Black Swan, he knows every system on board inside out, having meticulously overhauled and optimized them. Beyond his work, he is also restoring his own sailing yacht, preparing for future adventures at sea. Passionate about maritime heritage and hands-on craftsmanship, he takes great pride in ensuring that Black Swan remains in top condition for racing, chartering, and prestigious events.