Andrew “Captain Andy” LeLeux
Meet Captain Andy, (Owner of Empire Yacht Charters), — an absolute veteran in the world of sailing whose passion for the water began long before the New York Harbor.
Growing up, Andy fell in love with the sea while fishing alongside his grandfather in Louisiana, where he first developed a deep respect for nature and a fascination with maritime life. Inspired by those early adventures, he turned that passion into a career — over the past 25 years, it’s taken him all over the world.
With over 200,000 nautical miles under his belt spanning all over the globe, Andy’s experience is extensive – yet his approach to charters is always easygoing, thoughtful, and guest-focused.
Andy is the perfect balance of seasoned professional and natural entertainer — the kind of captain who can read the room, keep the energy high, and still run a flawless, safety-first natural operation. He’s often the life of the party with a million stories from his years at sea, but always grounded in experience, precision, and genuine care for others.
In 2023, Andy fulfilled a lifelong dream of acquiring a hand-crafted Hinckley Bermuda 40, which he lovingly restored and named Nanette Marie after his mother. Today, he brings that same care and pride to every charter, sharing a truly special vessel with any guests who steps aboard.
Known for his warm personality, adventurous spirit, and unmistakable Southern charm, Captain Andy creates an experience that’s both exciting and unforgettable — full of great stories, genuine hospitality, and a remarkably smooth sail from start to finish.
Achievements and Qualifications:
- Certified US Coast Guard 100-Ton Master of Sail Captains License
- 200,000+ Nautical Miles Logged Across Global Waters
- Three Unassisted Transatlantic Crossings (2020–2024)
- Extensive Experience Operating Sailboats, Catamarans, and Motor Yachts
- Water Survival Instructor (Including Helicopter Rescue Training)
- PADI Certified Dive Instructor with 1,000+ Logged Dives
- PADI Certified Dive Master
- Comprehensive Marine Safety & Emergency Response Training
- Fire Fighting Instructor Certification
- First Aid & Safety Training Instructor
- Lifeboat Operations & Safety Instructor
- Oil Rig Safety & Dive Operations Certified
- Marine Electrical Systems Experience
- Maritime Mechanical Systems Experience
Currently enrolled in US Coast Guard mandated random and regular drug testing consortium.
Captain Axel Short
Meet Captain Axel — a New York native, Axel started his maritime career with 4 years of specialized education (alongside our captain Gino) in a vessel operations and maritime safety program on New York’s own Governors Island. With over 10 years of experience navigating the New York Harbor and over 5 years of professional private charter expertise, Axel knows these waters as well as this business like it’s his second home.
As one of the youngest captains in New York, Axel pairs a fresh energy with his extensive navigational skill — creating an experience that’s just as exciting as it is seamless. Axel is known for his charismatic personality and natural hospitality. He has a way of making every guest feel at ease whether they’re celebrating something that’s ‘once in a lifetime’ or just soaking in the NY skyline. Professional but approachable, he strikes the perfect balance between laid-back vibes and top-tier service.
His experience goes far beyond the New York harbor however — amongst other voyages on sailboats and catamarans, Axel has sailed one of the company boats the Nanette Marie both to the Caribbean and up and down the Eastern Coastline. Bringing real off-shore knowledge to every trip aboard the very same vessel.
As a proud partner of Empire Yacht Charters, Axel is dedicated to making every outing feel exceptional – bringing effortless style, vibrant energy, and the unforgiving spirit of New York City to every cruise.
Achievements and Qualifications:
- Certified US Coast Guard Administered 50-ton Master of Sail Captains License
- 10+ Years operating in New York City Harbor
- Over 5,000 off-shore nautical miles logged on multiple different vessel types including sailboats, catamarans, and motor yachts
- Vessel Operations and Maritime Safety CTE Diploma
- CPR, First Aid and AED Certified
- PADI Advanced Scuba Certified
- VHF Radio License
Currently enrolled in US Coast Guard mandated random and regular drug testing consortium
Captain Gino Santana
Meet Captain Gino – a New York native, Gino started his maritime career with 4 years of specialized education (alongside our captain Axel) in a vessel operations and maritime safety program on New York’s Governors own Island. With over 10 years of experience navigating the New York Harbor — and 5 years running private charters — he knows this harbor like the back of his own hand.
Gino has sailed the Nanette Marie multiple thousands of nautical miles to the Caribbean, along the American Intracoastal Waterway, and up and down the Atlantic coastline — bringing a wealth of real-world sailing experience to every trip aboard the very same vessel.
What really sets Gino apart is his love for knowledge and dedication to his craft. He’s not just a captain — he’s a teacher, a storyteller and someone who genuinely loves getting people excited about being out on the water. Whether you’re a first-time sailor or a seasoned sea lover, he’s always happy to share what he knows.
As a proud partner of Empire Yacht Charters, Gino believes that every outing should feel special — combining elegance, adventure, and that unmistakable New York buzz.
And he’s just getting started — Captain Gino is launching a maritime summer youth program aboard the Nannette Marie to inspire the next generation of sailors. Be sure to ask him about it when you’re onboard!
Achievements and Qualifications:
- Certified US Coast Guard Administered 6-Pack Captains License
- 10+ Years operating in New York City Harbor
- Over 5,000 off-shore nautical miles logged on multiple different vessel types including sailboats, catamarans, and motor yachts
- Vessel Operations and Maritime Safety CTE Diploma
- CPR, First Aid and AED Certified
- VHF Radio License
Currently enrolled in US Coast Guard mandated random and regular drug testing consortium