margarita

Vela Margarita Staff

Tom and Kathy Mastbaum

We are high school sweethearts, celebrating 29 years of marriage in June. For 17 years we have been living and working together here as owners and managers of Vela Windsurf Resorts. This lifestyle choice has been 'a dream come true’ for us. We are very close to our families living in the states but are also very fortunate to have a staff which is like family... Not to mention so many clients that have become very close friends. Still love windsurfing after all these years, but have to say we do not get out on the water as much as we would like. Kathy does power yoga almost every morning with friend Nora, owner of Casa Nora and anyone else who wants to join them. We still also have our passion for tennis and golf, but seems like we can never find enough time to play. Also try to get in some swimming, biking and jogging once in awhile. Life is good!

Bernardo “Bernie” Sanchez

I’m in my 14th season with Vela Margarita. I began working with Vela when I was 27. I spent a decade and a half learning not only windsurfing but also a lot of valuable things in life in my daily interaction with Wicho, Tom, Kathy and some new friends that are not working with us any longer. They all have taught me a lesson and I hope they have learned a few things from me. I also met great people that after being Vela clients became good friends of mine (Pres). Windsurfing is a wonderful discipline and I hope more people come to have an awesome time with us here in El Yaque.

Johan “El Yunta” Vasquez

“Yunta” means “Yoke” and basically means I can be your close friend. This is my third season with Vela Margarita. I’ve met a lot of really nice people from many different places. I’m here to help clients with their equipment and I love providing assistance whenever I can. My passion is Windsurfing, dancing Reggaetton and meeting nice people on the beach. I also enjoy working with nice people like Tom and Kathy Mastbaum and the rest of our team.

Luis “Wicho” Salazar

I started working with Vela when I was 17 years old and I’m now 33. I’ve met people from all over the world and have made some good friends. I love working at Vela and my fellow workers are like my family. I’ve learned a lot of things like English for instance. I got married February 14th, 2009 and I feel really happy about that. My new wife’s name is Roxibi. I have a great dog named Mancha. I truly love them both. I invite you to come and check out Margarita. There’s great wind and awesome equipment.

Balazs “La Bala” Takacsy

I’m 20, from Hungary. I’m the ‘new guy’ on the team…. just started working for “Vela Margarita” as a Windsurf Instructor this year. I began sailing when I was 8 years old and soon got hooked on this amazing sport. I love “Freestyle”. Now I’m at one of the World’s best Windsurfing spots….El Yaque….and best of all…with VELA. As an instructor my main goal is to make sure people are having fun on the water and I pass on my love for the sport.