Meet James & Julia Cognito
Life at 8 Knots is owned and operated by a husband-wife team from the USA that has sailed 25,000+ nautical miles together.
For the past decade, they have created charter experiences for guests in the Virgin Islands, Bahamas, and the Florida Keys.
James and Julia settled on the island of Bonaire in 2021. They love to share their catamaran with visitors and locals alike, crafting unique experiences at sea.
Get to know us on YouTube and join us for your own adventure aboard Sailing Catamaran Lost Cat.
James
James is a USCG licensed 100 ton Captain who has sailed over 100,000 nautical miles, including an Atlantic Crossing. He grew up on the water in Southern California and has lived and worked all over the world as a boat captain, scuba instructor, and a commercial diver.
One of his favorite jobs was working under Captain Gene Flipse during the filming of the IMAX movie Dolphins.
James has trained divers for 20+ years and is recognized as a PADI Elite Instructor. If you are looking to become an Open Water or Advanced certified diver while visiting Bonaire, consider doing a Liveaboard Adventure with us.
James also enjoys showing the ropes to aspiring sailors, jamming on his acoustic guitar, and grilling for guests.
Julia
Julia grew up in Texas and runs the business operations for the company; a suitable position for a former commercial banker! She much prefers her life today on Bonaire, planning charters that guests will never forget.
A lifelong dancer, Julia's crowning achievement was winning the "Top Newcomer" title at the Ciao Amore International Ballroom Dance Competition in 2019.
One of her favorite trips was to Cuba where she and James took daily salsa lessons and went dancing every night with the locals.
On Bonaire she enjoys doing yoga, leading fundraising activities for the social club "Americans on Bonaire", and freediving.
SV Lost Cat
SV Lost Cat is the star of our show! She is a beautiful 43' Voyage Yachts Sailing Catamaran. With 3 cabins, she is a sought-after owners' version that gives us plenty of space and our guests plenty of privacy.
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