ARAOK Yacht Charter

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 didn’t 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 and now finds himself as captain aboard ARAOK. He also has a lots of racing experience having participated in a number of regattas. He speaks French and English.

Job description:
Sylvain is responsible for navigation, safety, the overall running and financial management of the vessel, crew and guests. He ensures the safe and efficient operation of the yacht at all times, 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.

Education , Licenses & Certificates:
• ENG 1 – BST / STCW 2010
• Yacht Master Ocean – GMDSS / CGO
• First Rescue Formation - MEDICAL 3
• Federal Sailing Instructor
• Certificate of Professional Studies in mechanical engineering and computer
integrated manufacturing



DECKHAND / HOSTESS - France Grudet - French

Sail and work experience:
France has a great sailing experience has she participated to regattas since 2013. She worked onboard MOONBEAM IV during the Charter season in 2016, and VAIMITI in 2020. As an optimist, she is constantly in search of learning with all the humility that this implies. She speaks English, French and Spanish.

Job description:
Responsible for organization, management and cleanliness of all interiors. She maintains an accurate inventory of all service items and supplies. She ensures the cleaning and preparation of the vessel to the highest standards prior to any and all guest trips. In charge of vessel provisioning for both guests and crew, and all aspects of daily life. She offers particular attention to detail and a polite and entertaining spirit. Thanks to her sailing capability, she can assist on deck during navigation.

Education , Licenses & Certificates:
• GMDSS/ Helm Operator/STCW2020 (2019)
• YACHTMASTER OFFSHORE COMMERCIAL ENDORSED (2017)
• Sommelier (2003)
Emilie Richard



CHEF - Fabrice Garbero - French

Sail and work experience:
Fabrice has extensive experience, having started his career interning in various restaurants in the late 1980s and building up to head chef in hotels in various countries including Guatemala, Jamaica, and Nicaragua. He has participated in various televised cooking shows and workshops. He is fluent in French and Spanish, and has a basic knowledge of English and Italian.

Job description:
As the Chef Fabrice is responsible for the crew and guest meals throughout the charter, ensuring that the food is enjoyable, the interior of the yacht is clean and serviceable and that all dietary requirements are met. He is a creative cook, varying his meals to provide variety and according to the location of ARAOK in order to have as much relevance as possible to the country being visited.

Licenses & Certificates:
-HACCP 7 Course Certificate
-Quality Instructor Certificate at Hôtel Inter Continental Costa Rica
-Hotel Service Leadership Course at Real Inter Continental Costa Rica
-USPH Certificate 2014
-Marine Merchant STCW 95 Certificate