Behind the Helm: Meet the Couple Steering Life at 8 Knots
- Julia, First Mate
- Sep 3
- 2 min read
When you step aboard Lost Cat, our 43’ sailing catamaran, you’re not just booking a charter—you’re joining a journey led by two people who traded the ordinary for a life lived at sea. Meet James and Julia Cognito, the husband-and-wife team behind Life at 8 Knots, whose passion for adventure, people, and the ocean inspired them to create unforgettable sailing experiences in Bonaire.
From Diver to Captain: James’s Story
James has always felt at home on the water. With more than 100,000 nautical miles sailed and a career that has taken him from commercial diving to becoming a USCG-licensed captain and PADI Elite Instructor, his love for the sea runs deep.
On Lost Cat, he’s not just at the helm—he’s your guide, your storyteller, and often, your chef. Guests quickly discover his knack for balancing professionalism with warmth, making every charter feel like an adventure among friends. Whether he’s teaching you how to reef dive on a single breath, or cooking up something delicious, James ensures every moment at sea is both safe and extraordinary.
From Boardrooms to Barefoot Freedom: Julia’s Story
Julia’s path to the sea began in the U.S., where she built her career in commercial banking. But while her work was successful, her heart was calling for something different: more freedom, more connection, and more adventure.
When she and James decided to take the leap into a new lifestyle, she traded power suits for sundresses, office meetings for ocean breezes—and hasn’t looked back.
As the heart of the operation, Julia takes care of the details that make a charter smooth and personal. From planning itineraries and coordinating with private chefs to adding special touches, she creates experiences that feel like they were designed just for you. Guests often say her warm energy is what transforms a trip into a memory.
A Shared Dream, a Shared Life
Together, James and Julia bring balance to Life at 8 Knots. Their skills complement each other: James navigates the seas with confidence, while Julia ensures every guest feels at home on the water.
What started as a shared dream—to live simply, travel slowly, and connect deeply—has become something more: a way to share the magic of Bonaire and the sailing lifestyle with others.
For them, Life at 8 Knots isn’t just a business. It’s an invitation: to slow down, savor the moment, and experience the Caribbean in its most authentic form.
Join Them on the Journey
When you sail with James and Julia, you’re not just booking a trip—you’re stepping into their world. A world where the pace of life is measured not in minutes, but in knots.
So whether you’re sipping cocktails at sunset, diving beneath Bonaire’s turquoise waters, or stargazing on the bow, know this: your adventure is being guided by two people who live and love every moment of it.
Welcome aboard. Life is better at 8 knots.
Hang out with us in Bonaire!
Julia & James Cognito
Owners & Operators
Life at 8 Knots
Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean
What's App: +599-777-LIFE
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