Andiamo

Nick Cheney

Captain Nicholas Chaney grew up sailing on the Great Lakes, where early exposure to life on the water formed a strong foundation in seamanship and vessel handling. After several years of college studying electrical engineering, he was introduced to the professional yachting industry by a close friend whose family owned a yacht in Florida. Drawn to the scale, technical sophistication, and global scope of yachting, he transitioned directly into the industry and has remained dedicated to it ever since .

With nearly two decades of experience, Captain Chaney is a USCG-licensed Master who has captained and engineered yachts from 80’ to 120’ in both private and charter service. His cruising experience includes the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, U.S. East Coast, Bahamas, Bermuda, two transatlantic crossings, and an active Mediterranean charter season cruising the South of France and the Italian coastline, as well as extensive Caribbean operations to Grenada .

Technically proficient and highly hands-on, Nicholas is well regarded for his expertise in diesel propulsion, generators, HVAC, modern marine IT, AV and Starlink systems, and advanced electrical distribution platforms including Octoplex and C-Zone. He has also managed major refits and yard periods, bringing a practical, cost-conscious approach that benefits both owners and charter guests.

Calm, professional, and guest-focused, Captain Chaney combines strong leadership with an engineer’s mindset to deliver safe, efficient, and seamless charter experiences.

Lindsey Wells

Lindsey Wells brings a diverse maritime background spanning private yachts, commercial vessels, offshore racing, and towing operations. Holding a USCG 100 Ton Master License with Sail and Towing Endorsements, STCW certification, ENG1, and advanced medical qualifications, she combines professional seamanship with a strong guest-focused approach.

With experience aboard vessels ranging from 30-foot sailboats to 118-meter superyachts, Lindsey has developed a reputation for reliability, adaptability, and a positive team-oriented attitude. Her background includes deck operations, tender driving, line handling, navigation support, towing operations, vessel maintenance, and charter preparation. She has also accumulated extensive offshore sailing experience, logging thousands of nautical miles on ocean passages and competitive race campaigns.

Onboard Andiamo, Lindsey serves in a dual Stew/Mate role, assisting with guest hospitality, watersports, tender excursions, docking operations, and the day-to-day presentation of the yacht. Her hospitality experience, bartending skills, strong organizational abilities, and attention to detail allow her to provide attentive service while seamlessly supporting deck operations and vessel safety.

Guests appreciate Lindsey’s energetic personality, calm demeanor, and genuine passion for life on the water. Whether assisting with a beach picnic, leading a tender excursion, supporting watersports activities, or helping maintain the yacht’s impeccable appearance, she is dedicated to ensuring every charter experience is enjoyable, safe, and memorable.

Chenae Van Nierk

Chef Chenaé hails from South Africa where she began her culinary career. With an Advanced Food and Wine Degree, she worked in the kitchens of top-rated South African restaurants and catering companies. In 2014 she brought her culinary expertise to the maritime industry. As a chef she’s traveled the Mediterranean Sea, Asia, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, the US, and the Caribbean. Catering for guests from U.S., Belgium, Italy, England, France, Australia, Arabian, and Scandinavian countries, her focus is on health tasteful food, ensuring the nutritional benefits of each meal.

Chef Chenaé’s dedication to her craft, experience preparing exceptional menus internationally, and her health coach certification. Uniquely qualify her to expertly prepare a menu suited to make our guests time aboard Andiamo a delicious one.