Meet Our Crew

JENNIFER HANNA

Captain

Jennifer Hanna has cruised the waters of Puget Sound to Alaska all of her life. Her precise navigational skills and expert knowledge of seamanship are considered exceptional in the maritime industry. She has spent her life sailing the Pacific coast from Alaska to southern Mexico. Jennifer also has a Master’s of Education degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, both from Western Washington University. She has recently retired from teaching elementary and middle school in the Bellingham area. Her love of the sea is reflected in her many interests which include fishing, swimming, water skiing, sailing, snorkeling, surfing, and snowboarding. Jennifer is also a PADI Certified Scuba Diver, a Certified Nursing Assistant, and is one of Jamal’s CPR-First Aid certified crew members.

KRISTEN FISHER

Chef and First Mate

Kristen Fisher began her culinary career at an early age, with candy making and cake decorating. That led her to study chocolate science, deliciously flavorful low sodium and soy free and vegan cooking, along with gluten-free baking. For the past 10 years she has successfully maintained a local family owned bakery, perfecting a magnitude of unique sweet and savory recipes. Running a booth at the farmers market for over 15 years, Kristen continues to have access to a wide variety of fresh local organic ingredients. Her cooking is inspired by what can be freshly harvested, satisfying specific dietary needs. Her dishes change with the availability of seasonal produce and seafoods. Kristen has sailed along the Pacific Coast for over 20 years. She has cruised from Florida to the Bahamas and through the Gulf Stream. Her experience upon the high seas is extensive. She has earned credentials from the United States Coast Guard including the STCW. She is one of Jamal’s CPR First Aid certified crew members. Kristen is also well versed in engine room maintenance, plumbing, rigging, along with the intricate systems of a vessel. Her well-rounded experiences has made Kristen a valuable asset to the Jamal.

Maria Sanford

Crew

Maria has lived in Pacific Northwest Washington all her life. Being on the water started at a young age cruising with her family throughout the San Juan Islands. She loves crabbing, shrimping and camping out in the islands. Currently, Maria and her husband are outfitting their sailboat for extensive offshore cruising. When on land, Maria loves hiking, trail running, camping, and road tripping. Some of her passions are baking, woodworking, and cultivating flower gardens for her bouquet stand. Maria is also a certified Wilderness First Responder and is certified in CPR and First Aid. With almost 20 years of guest service experience, she is an expert asset in curating memorable experiences for all. Maria is very excited being a Jamal crew member, sharing her love of boating in the Pacific Northwest with each guest.

Sara Slone

Chef

Sara Slone has had a strong passion for the culinary arts all of her life. She began catering private events in 2015, and has been baking and decorating delectably unique wedding cakes for the past several years. Chef Sara’s cooking is inspired by fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. All the dishes she prepares shift to highlight the best that season has to offer. Sara has cruised onboard the Jamal throughout the Pacific Northwest and the Mexican Riviera beginning in the late 1990s. She has been in the galley with some of the best yacht chefs in the maritime industry. Sara continues attending graduate school at Western Washington University and maintains, “It’s a complete pleasure to share my culinary artistry again this summer aboard the Jamal for all to appreciate fine fabulous foods!”

Misty Cruz

Chef

Growing up in the southern Oregon wilderness, Misty Cruz spent a lifetime river fishing, hunting and gardening with her family. She was raised knowing that there is nothing better than fresh, healthy, simple seasonal foods that could become transformed into fabulous meals for all to gather and enjoy. Moving north toward the Pacific Northwest with her children, Orcas Island became Misty’s home during the summer of 2000. Along with operating island vacation cottages, she became a personal chef for private retreats. Saltwater fishing throughout the San Juan Islands increased her appetite for being on the water. Misty secured part time positions on a variety of vessels as deckhand and chef. She began managing Eastsound Sporting Goods on Orcas Island, which led her to pursue continuing her education, and joined the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Misty enrolled in maritime academy courses, and passed her USCG 100 ton merchant mariner exams. Since then, Misty and her daughter have become the owners of Eastsound Sporting Goods, which is now run by multiple generations of her family. Like the Jamal, it’s much more than just a venue, it’s a vibe.

Combining her passions of her natural love for the sea and creating delicious cuisine for others flourished when she boarded the Jamal. Initially, her position was first mate. Assisting Chef Lenore Nolan-Ryan in the galley, Misty was also hired as chef her first season, propelling her passion to cook not only on an island, but literally upon the waters surrounding it. Misty Cruz is a master at sourcing the freshest locally grown ingredients available, and preparing them into uniquely delectable fare with flare.