Captain Paul Lawrence

Captain Paul Lawrence grew up in Warkworth, New Zealand. He started racing dinghy yachts at an early age competing in New Zealand and later in Europe.

At the age of 23 he finished his 9000 hour boat building apprenticeship with Lidgard Boat Builders in Auckland, New Zealand. After obtaining his Captain's license he skippered numerous charter boats including a Television New Zealand film boat filming the 2000 Americas Cup. In 2001 he joined the Alinghi Americas Team as weather analyst and sailor. The Alinghi team won the 6th Louis Vuitton Cup held in Auckland, New Zealand and then went on to challenge for the 2003 America’s Cup and won. This was the first European team to win the trophy and the first challenger to succeed on a first attempt.

In 2003 he decided to follow his Captains career on Motor Yachts and in 2008 joined the Chanticleer & Canim team as Captain of both vessels. Captain Lawrence enjoys the responsibility of managing not one, but two classic and historic yachts.

Captain Lawrence holds an MCA Yacht Master Ocean license, GMDSS, STCW95, New Zealand Commercial Launch Master License, New Zealand Trade Certificate Boat Builder and certified PADI diver.

He enjoys all watersports including sailing and kite boarding along with his classic Indian motorcycle and AC Cobra sports car. His delightful sense of “Kiwi” humor means fun is always close by.

Chef Victoria LaPorte

Victoria was born and raised in Warren, Michigan, where at an early age, she recognized her love for cooking and hospitality.

She attended The Culinary Institute of America, where she was trained by some of the world's most acclaimed Chef Instructors and graduated with high honors.

Upon completion of a Bachelor's of Professional Studies in Culinary Arts Management, Victoria joined the Chanticleer crew with the hopes of expanding her Culinary experiences while traveling.

Since becoming a part of the crew, Victoria has completed an STCW-95 course and was certified as a PADI open water diver.

Aside from her love for cooking and traveling, Victoria enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

Mate - Paul Phillips

Paul Phillips was born in Harbor Springs, Michigan, and graduated from University of Michigan with a BA in economics. He has been sailing the Great Lakes since a young age. He was member of Little Traverse Yacht Club Junior Racing Team and he has raced in numerous regattas in northern Michigan and assisted the LTYC race committee with many regattas. Paul recently completed an STCW-95 course furthering his yachting/crew skills.

He enjoys SCUBA diving, sailing, golfing, snow skiing, woodworking and supporting U of M and Detroit professional sports!