Captain: Ben Baylis

CAPTAIN: BEN BAYLIS - British
Joined Winter 2020
Ben has over 30 years experience on mega yachts, including 19 years as Captain on yachts ranging from 25m to 50m which included the very popular charter yachts M/Y ENTOURAGE where he spent 4 very busy years building up the yachts impeccable reputation with seasons both in the Mediterranean and Caribbean with many repeat charter clients.
Previous yachts include M.Y. The Devocean, M.Y. Giorgia & M/Y Sealyon, where he added to his already excellent charter reputation, he then worked for the same owner for 4 years on M/Y Serendipity of Cayman, M/Y Serendipity II, M/Y Tsalta.
Ben is a very hands-on captain with extensive knowledge of all areas of yacht management and organization. His personal interests include kite surfing, windsurfing, water-skiing, wake-boarding and sailing, as well as being an advanced open water scuba diver.
Ben is a 5* Captain – one of the best! Hailed for his professionalism and welcoming nature, recently described as “calm, fantastic with his crew and so hands on”.
An absolute pro, friendly, communicative and a great asset to any charter.
Languages: English, French

CHEF: Andrea Vercelli - Italian
Joined Spring 2021
Originally from Italy, Andrea is an experienced chef with 25 years as a culinary professional. Upon completing his 5-year Diploma in Catering and Hospitality in 1996 he moved to London and established a career, working through the ranks at some of the city’s finest 5* hotels and Michelin starred restaurants.
Entering the yachting industry in 2014, he says the highlight has been the opportunity to travel and discover local produce, creating magic for guests with top quality ingredients.
Andrea explains that he really enjoys working to and exceeding the high
standards that luxury yachting demands and is proud to have a repertoire that extends over many culinary styles to include Mediterranean, Italian, Greek, Arabic, Middle Eastern and international contemporary. Andrea cooks and creates with ease and flexibility and can adapt dishes to cater for dietary requirements such as clean eating, vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian.
Andrea’s expressive personality and broad smile are what carry him through the hardest of challenges some of which have granted rewards, one of which when he secured 1st place at the Mediterranean Boat Show Category A’ Platinum In 2018 as the head chef on M/Y Option.
Previous Yachts: MY Option (37m) M/Y LADY CANDY III, (39m)
Languages English-advanced, Italian-native, French-fluent

CHIEF STEWARDESS: Molli Szabo – Hungarian
Joined Spring 2021
After spending over 7 years in high-end hospitality establishments in both Greece and Hungary, Molli took the decision to move her focus to new pastures and embark upon a career in the yachting industry.
Now, some 2 years later, she is thrilled with the progress she has made and is passionate about charter life and on-board adventures!
In her free time Molli explains that she likes to get involved in a multitude of sports but her main project of the moment is training to be a yoga instructor!... Yoga enthusiasts watch this space!
Languages: English, Greek,Hungarian
Previous Yachts: M/Y ROYAL ROMANCE (92m), M/Y LADY MOURA (105m), M/Y ZEUS (17m)
Languages: English, Greek and Hungarian

2ND STEWARDESS: Lana Jardine
Joined Spring 2021
Lana was introduced to yachting by her father an ex-yacht Captain, her flaming passion for travel was ignited at an early age, what started as a simple summer job became her career path which she intends to explore to the maximum. Lana is a natural leader and always ready for a challenge. Having worked in all areas both interior and exterior Lana is ready to get her hands dirty in any department.
When not busy onboard Lana love food, fitness and music.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Black Legend, M/Y Pure One, M/Y Sokar
English, French, conversational Italian

FIRST MATE: Damon Smith South African
Re-Joined Spring 2021
Aura is super happy to welcome back Damon, who was on board from 2016 to 2019.
Originally from South Africa, Damon has grown up with a sailing background as his family have always owned boats however despite this, he is a qualified aircraft and helicopter mechanic and worked in the aviation industry for 5 years, before making the leap in 2018, to make yachting his career choice.
Active and sportif are 2 of the words Damon uses to describe himself and his hobbies include
Refurbishing of cars bikes and other toys, video production for digital marketing and advertising, Motor cross, wakeboarding, fishing and skate boarding.
Languages: English

CHIEF ENGINEER - Wilmar Revelleza – Filipino
Joined Spring 2020
“Wil” gained extensive experience on board merchant cargo vessels and has been travelling the world since 2003.
Looking for a change of scene in 2015 he turned his attention to the yachting industry where his focus and skill set were happily received.
Wil admits that his solid background and his reputation as a dependable and a hands-on crew member with a can-do attitude, make him a vital team player and he is happy to join the vibrant crew on board Aura.
Previous Yachts: M/Y New Star (30m), M/Y Polaris 1(50m), M/Y Miraggio (40m), M/Y Secret Life(45m)
Languages: English

DECKHAND: Christopher Park - British/South African
Joined Spring 2019
Chris grew up in a family business of restoring and repairing classic British cars from Jaguar, MG and Rolls Royce as well as having boats in the family either going to the dam or Hermanus lagoon for fishing and leisure trips with water sports (skiing, doughnuts and jet ski).Having completed his yacht master sailing from Cape Town to Madagascar in 2015.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Basnalina II, M/Y Yalla (47m)
Languages: English