The Crew

Captain Frank Ficken and Chef Sue Ficken

Frank grew up in Vermont, boating on Lake Champlain most weekends with his family (when the ice was out!).  He began sailing out of Newport, RI in the 1980’s and began his professional yachting career 20 years ago.  Frank brings many years of experience running large sailing yachts to SY LATITUDE including SY GEORGIA, the classic schooner TREE OF LIFE and SY MARAE. With 20 years experience in the Caribbean and New England charter world, Frank knows all of the quietest anchorages and hottest nightspots.

Frank is very easy going and loves teaching guests about sailing. If you feel like dragging yourself away from comfort of the cockpit settees, you may get a chance to take her helm! Frank is also a qualified Rescue Diver. When he’s not sailing, he enjoys water sports, reading and photography.

Sue brings her formal culinary training as well as 12 years of yacht chef experience to SY Latitude. Since training at the International Culinary School in Ft Lauderdale, Sue has worked as the chef aboard a number of large yachts including SY ISLANDIA, SY GEORGIA and SY MARAE.

Sue has a very flexible style, allowing her to customize a menu for your charter that fulfills all your epicurean desires. She prides herself on creating imaginative dishes from fresh local ingredients with great presentation. With many years of provisioning experience in most of the major charter ports, Sue knows where to procure the best meats and fish and the freshest vegetables.  She is also renowned for her desserts!

When not thinking up ways to delight guest’s palates, Sue enjoys snorkeling, reading and hiking.