FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Old Saybrook, CT – April 20, 2013 – Ten years and 176, 000 passengers later Lady Katharine Cruises is sailing at full throttle. Lady Katharine Cruises luxury yacht Mystique continues to host events and celebrations, sharing life on the water with people from around the state and beyond. Owners Jon Manafort and Ken Marino have many reasons to be proud of their employees. It hasn’t been an easy course for the company. Ken Marino’s wife Carol who was a partner and played a vital role in running the business, sadly passed away in 2012. Less than eight months later Alan Percoski, Operations Manager passed away suddenly. If there was ever a time the Lady Katharine Cruises family needed strength and support from each other, it was surely last year. In an industry where individuals tend to move around, Lady Katharine Cruises is proud to say most of their crew has remained with the company since the beginning. Captain Kevin Turner has been working on Mystique in New York, since he was a teenager and has witnessed the yacht’s transformation to her current luxurious interior and the growth of the business. His expertise and familiarity with the boat landed him the Captain position back aboard Mystique when she was brought to the Connecticut River in 2004. Captain Kevin is inspired to make each journey better than the next. His motto being: “Try to be better than you were yesterday, and most of all, keep the customers smiling.” Captain Jim LeGeyt joined the team and began doing lunch charters over just a few days a week. He would sit around the dock in Hartford and invite passer-bys aboard for a lunch cruise. Within one year, right on cue, Mystique had been completely refurbished and waves of passengers began taking more interest in the idea of enjoying fabulous meals and cruising the Connecticut River. When asked why people enjoy the charters so much he replied, “People are more relaxed here. They can sit and observe the river birds and the river’s shoreline. Seeing a recognizable spot from another vantage point is exciting.” Captain Jim has always felt Mystique’s air of first class has been attributed to his crew and the passion they have for the water. He says there has always been a sense of teamwork within their ranks and being afloat always draws people closer together. Even full time Captain Mark Chomicz can confirm after only one year with the staff. The three Captains work together in serving the countless weddings, corporate events, high school proms, and scores of public cruises. Who says you can’t have more than one captain on a ship? Have we mentioned the food? Chef John Coyne started with Lady Katherine Cruises in June of 2005 without any prior experience on cruise ships. After the first day he fell in love with the job, the crew, and the lifestyle. Early on in his position on the ship, he served meals to 50 people a time. He now serves 100-200 patrons each charter. His passion as Chef aboard Mystique is derived from his crew as well. Everyone helps one other. Whether it’s a party of 300 or a dinner date for two, Mystique and her crew make a lasting impression on all who step aboard. The Captains and crew invite you to come and be part of Lady Katharine Cruises 10th year celebration this season, sailing from March through December. Come and see what really happens when you spend time on the water. The Captains and crew can attest… Everything really is better on the water!
