Captain: Sylvain Lesniak

CAPTAIN – Sylvain Lesniak (French)

Sail and work experience
Sylvain has never been far from the sea; he began his career in the French Navy
working as a firefighter and a submariner before deciding to move into the commercial sailing sector. It did not take him long to gain a wealth of experience. He has clocked up thousands of miles on yachts such as M/Y PRINTEMPS, S/Y MANU, S/Y FREE AT LAST, and now once again finds himself as captain aboard S/ Cat ARAOK. He also has a lots of racing experience, having participated in several regattas.

Job Description
Sylvain is responsible for navigation, safety, the overall running and financial
management of the vessel, crew, and guests. He always ensures the safe and
efficient operation of the yacht, including compliance with all safety procedures
and regulations. He takes care of adhering to flag regulations, port state and
local laws and regulations, and manages the crew to ensure adherence to, and
a full understanding of, the vessel’s policies. He provides daily leadership for the
crew and encourages teamwork, individual growth, and personal attention by
delegating duties and supervising all crew tasks.

Licenses & Certificates
• ENG 1 – BST / STCW 2010
• Yacht Master Ocean – GMDSS / CGO
• First Rescue Formation - MEDICAL 3
• Federal Sailing Instructor

Languages
French and English

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STEWARDESS - Claire ROBILLARD (French)

Sail and Work Experience:
Claire is a passionate and motivated stewardess with extensive experience in yachting and hospitality. With a love for travel and the sea, Claire has worked in various roles that highlight her skills and dedication. She began her career as a chef de rang at Quai Ouest in Guadeloupe, where she honed her organizational and supervisory abilities. She then transitioned to yachting, working as a stewardess on the Canados in Saint Barthélemy, managing provisioning and improving her sailing skills. Claire further demonstrated her versatility as a stewardess cook on a Lagoon 620 with Dream Yacht in Martinique, handling night shifts during multiple descents to the Grenadines. Claire has now joined ARAOK as a stewardess, bringing her expertise and enthusiasm to provide exceptional service on board.

Job Description:
Claire is responsible for organization, management and cleanliness of all interiors. She maintains an accurate inventory of all service items and supplies. She ensures cleaning and preparation of the vessel to the highest standards prior to all guest trips. In charge of vessel provisioning for both guests and crew, and all aspects of daily life. When guests are onboard, she ensures they are properly cared for and that all their requirements are met. She offers a particular attention to details and a polite and entertaining spirit.

Licences & Certificates:
• Deckhand Certificate (CFBS, Medical 1)
• Level 1 Diving Certificate
• Certificate in Luxury Hospitality
• Professional Baccalaureate in Culinary Arts

Languages:
English, French

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CHEF - Christel ERRERA (Italian/Spanish)

Sail and Work Experience:
Christel is an experienced yacht chef with a rich background in menu planning, ordering, provisioning, and daily cabin and boat maintenance. Her culinary expertise is rooted in her Italian-Spanish heritage, enhanced by her travels and exploration of traditional gastronomy from various cultures. Christel has showcased her skills on numerous yachts, including the M/Y Princess 80, the M/Y Azimut Grande 27M, the M/Y Mangusta 80 and several more. She crafts diverse dishes, including seafood, meats, grilled vegetables, vegan and gluten-free options, and has knowledge of Kosher cuisine. She emphasises the use of fresh, high-quality (organic) and seasonal ingredients, creating balanced, flavourful meals. Overall, she is known for her versatility and dedication to providing exceptional culinary experiences.

Job Description:
As the Chef, Christel oversees the galley and is responsible for all guests and crew meals, assuring a rich variety of food. She further estimates food needs, reviews inventory assuring adequate supplies are available, sticking to budget and guests’ expectations. She carries out food service activities to have meals prepared at scheduled times and makes sure she complies with health regulations. She is a creative cook, varying her meals to provide variety and according to the location of ARAOK to have as much relevance as possible to the country being visited.

Licences & Certificates:
• HACCP Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate
• STCW Basic Safety Training Certificate (2010)
• CAP Photography Training (2011)
• BEP sales and merchandising

Languages:
English, French, Italian, Spanish