MY LADY ALASKA

John Tinghino is a seasoned mariner and licensed 200Ton USCG captain with more than a decade of experience running private charters across some of Alaska’s most remote and aweinspiring waters. Known for his calm professionalism and deep respect for the ocean, John has built a reputation as a captain who blends technical expertise with an infectious enthusiasm for the natural world. During the offseason, John makes his home in Kodiak, Alaska, where he enjoys a quieter rhythm of life with his wife and child. When he’s not on the water, he can often be found traveling to free dive and enjoy tropical localities as well as experimenting with new dishes in the kitchen, or capturing the rugged beauty of Alaska through photography. These passions shape the way he approaches each voyage—always curious, always observing, always appreciating the details that make Alaska extraordinary. For John, the true reward of charter work isn’t measured in miles traveled or fish landed. His favorite moments are the ones when guests witness Alaska’s marine life in all its raw, breathtaking glory—whether it’s a humpback whale surfacing beside the bow, a raft of otters drifting in the kelp, or the sudden flash of an eagle diving for its catch. Seeing clients experience these wonders for the first time is, in his words, “the best part of the job,” and it’s what continues to inspire him year after year on the water.

Born between the mountains and the sea on Chile’s central coast, Eddie has always felt closely connected to nature. His bond with the ocean grew from dipping his feet in the water, to surfing, and eventually to learning navigation and fishing. A physical therapist by training, Eddie’s curiosity pushed him to leave Chile in search of new experiences. If one skill defines him, it’s learning—he thrives on exploring, trying new things, and absorbing everything life offers. “There are too many places to see and people to meet, and never enough time—so make every minute count,” he says. Six years ago, that mindset led him to Alaska with a one-way ticket and a desire to master the fishing and hunting trade from the ground up. After working his way through the deckhand ranks, he took on captain duties and excelled, becoming the skilled, experienced captain he is today. Now, Eddie channels everything he’s learned into taking care of others and sharing the magic of Alaska’s wilderness. Guiding guests through remote, awe-inspiring landscapes, he takes pride in creating experiences that leave people feeling both humbled and energized. Whether navigating quiet fjords, spotting wildlife, or teaching someone their first fishing skill, he feeds off the excitement in their eyes. That spark—the same one that drives him daily—reminds him why he chose this path. For Eddie, being a captain is more than a job; it’s a way to connect people to nature, adventure, and moments they’ll remember for a lifetime.

Tracy Clifford’s passion for food runs deep—both personally and professionally. With more than 20 years of experience in nearly every corner of the food service industry, she brings a foundation of skill, intuition, and hospitality to every dish she creates. Her eclectic repertoire ensures that each weekly menu offers variety in both flavor and presentation. In Tracy’s kitchen, the sweet and the savory receive equal devotion. Every day features a fresh, homemade bread and a thoughtfully crafted dessert to complement the meal. One of the great joys of cooking in Alaska is the unparalleled access to fresh, local seafood, and Tracy delights in bringing these gifts of the region to the table. When the season allows, foraged berries find their way into pastries and jams, and cured salmon appears on the appetizer spread. At the heart of her mission is the desire to create memorable dining experiences—where nourishment meets indulgence, and every meal feels both comforting and inspired.

Amanda works as a deckhand aboard Le Canard, with a background in wildlife photography and guiding in Katmai and Southeast Alaska. She’s spent multiple seasons working on boats around Alaska, helping guests safely experience and photograph bears, whales, and coastal wildlife—usually in places with no cell service and very good views. In the winter, Amanda works as a ski patroller and first responder, which means she’s used to staying calm in chaotic situations and spending most of her life outside in extreme weather (by choice). Whether she’s on snow or at sea, she loves being in remote places and sharing them with people who are just as excited to be there. Amanda feels most at home on a boat, especially far from towns, roads, and crowds. She loves learning about the small details of the natural world and sharing those little observations with guests, whether it’s bear behavior, whale activity, or why Alaska just feels different.

Colton Browne, 21, grew up in the small town of Elko, Nevada, where a childhood filled with outdoor adventures sparked his love for wild places. A family trip to Alaska sealed his fate—by age 12, he knew it was where he wanted to spend his life. He began working summers on boats in Alaska during high school and moved to Homer right after graduation. For the past five years, he has worked as a deckhand on fishing charters and ecotour boats, spending his days on the water surrounded by the wildlife and coastline he fell in love with as a kid. Recently, he completed his Captain’s License course, taking the next step toward leading his own trips. While Alaska will always be home, Colton has started exploring the world during the offseason. He has visited about half the U.S. states and recently traveled to Costa Rica, discovering a new kind of beauty that broadened his sense of adventure. He hopes to continue traveling internationally in the years ahead—yet every summer, he finds his way back to Alaska, the place that shaped him and continues to inspire his life on the water.