Captain: Jason Bacon
Previous Yachts: M/Y SMERALDA (253ft) Dubai and Worldwide itinerary, M/Y ONE OFF (201ft), M/Y One More Toy (157ft)
Jason started his life on the water at the age of 5 racing small sailing dinghies. After racing for a number of years he taught these skills at the Olympic sailing school in Wales. At the school, he passed his Master of Yachts unlimited and with such credentials was able to join the Americas Cup Yacht, Stars & Stripes. With a passion for travel working on super yachts seemed a natural progression. Since then he has worked on multiple yachts and has 17 years of experience in the industry.
As a captain, he oversees every aspect of the yacht’s operations ensuring safety at all times and a comfortable cruising experience. He is adept at crew relations, continually maintaining a strong team environment to create the most memorable and service oriented experience for the guests.
Hobbies include: free diving, Wake Boarding, Sailing and kayaking.
Jason would like to take this opportunity to welcome you aboard M/Y Far Niente and introduce you to the rest of the crew:
Chef: Richard Henderson
Chef Richard brings over two decades of hospitality expertise to the table, having worked in world class establishments as Executive Chef and Head Chef since 1988. He has served on board yachts in the private and charter sector since 2013. Having chartered extensively throughout Europe, North America, and the Caribbean, Chef Richard is very familiar with the top cruising destinations and where to source best quality ingredients even in the most remote locations. Chef Richard introduces an international flair to the table, ranging from modern French, British, Italian, Greek, Thai, Indian, Fusion, Caribbean, Mexican, Chinese and Japanese styles; along with dietary requirements.
Richard has gained AA Rosettes for his work is also a holder of a coveted Salon Culinaire Gold Award, which was judged by Chef Anton Mosimann.
1st Mate: Mathew Joubert
Previous Yachts: M/Y Amanti, M/Y Rasa, M/Y Dona Lola
Mathew Joubert was born in Kimberly, South Africa and raised in the wine district of the Western Cape. He has been diving since I he was 12 years old and has always had a big passion for the ocean and the underwater world. He has worked in Mozambique as a Dive Instructor before deciding to join the yachting four years ago. He loves instructing and showing people how to enjoy all the fun things there are to do in and out of the water.
Hobbies: Sailing, hiking, spearfishing, and fitness
Chief Stewardess: Tracy Chandler
Previous Yachts: M/Y Dreams, M/Y Lady Bee, M/Y BW
Tracy was born and raised in sunny Miami, FL on a 42` sailboat. She spent most of her childhood in the crystal blue waters of the Bahamas. The sea is where she feels most at home so naturally a career in yachting called her name. Since she joined her first vessel in 2013, she has been cruising the waters of the Bahamas, Caribbean, and New England; giving her guests great memories and the best experience along the way! She strives to make guests happy by providing the best quality service and is eager to assist in every way to ensure the best vacation possible on board M/Y Far Niente!
Whenever possible you’ll catch her looking through the lens of her camera, capturing the beauty in the surrounding that yachting provides.
Hobbies: Photography, hiking, yoga, snorkeling and exploring new places
2nd Stewardess: Tessa Haggard
Previous Yachts: M/Y Martha-Ann, M/Y Rarity
Tessa was born and raised in a small agricultural town of Skerkstroom, in the heart of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Tessa’s desire to explore the world and experience different cultures lead her to pursue a yachting career in 2015, joining M/Y Martha Ann and has never looked back! Tessa’s journey continues around the globe on M/Y Far Niente, where she continues to follow her dreams and travel. Tessa has a great sense of adventure and loves to explore the great outdoors, whether it be going for a walk around town or diving in the ocean. Tessa has a desire to continually strive for the highest standards of guest care. She takes great pride in working to ensure your vacation aboard M/Y Far Niente is an experience of a lifetime!
Hobbies: Horseback Riding, hiking, painting, and watersports
Deck & Stewardess: Mary Joubert
Previous Yachts: Hiatus, S/Y C’Ingwe, M/Y Australis
Mary was born in Savannah, Georgia on a quaint island surrounded by the intercoastal waterways of the Atlantic Ocean. Growing up in such a special place she developed a passion for nature and a resolve to explore the world around her. After graduating with a Biology degree she worked in the equestrian industry before beginning her yachting career. After a couple of years in the industry on a busy charter yacht that cruised the Mediterranean, Asia and finally the Caribbean Mary took a sabbatical from the ocean to take her hospitality services onto four legs- equestrian travel, working in exotic lodges across Africa. So needless to say if you don’t find Mary on the boat ask if there are horses near by! In 2017 Mary returned to yachting where she met her husband and hasn’t looked back! With a zest for life and an eye for detail Mary is keen to ensure your every need and comfort is met while you enjoy an epic holiday and make memories to last a lifetime.
Hobbies: Horseback riding, traveling, and yoga
Deckhand: Lindsey Semino
Previous Yachts: M/V Aqua Cat, M/Y Vista Blue
Lindsey was born and raised in Arizona. She previously worked as a trainer Jockey for a horse track but her love for the water convinced her to make a change into the maritime industry. She has been in the maritime industry ever since, 13 years now and counting. She gained much experience as a dockhand at a marina and from working at a boat & jet ski rental company. From there she decided to take her career further and worked onboard a dive boat while obtaining her captains license. With her passion of the ocean and determination to make every guest have a blast onboard, you are guaranteed to have a trip to remember onboard M/Y Far Niente!
Hobbies: Diving, kite surfing, wakeboarding, horseback riding, and traveling
Chief Engineer: Troy Shumaker
Previous Vessels: M/Y Dreams. M/Y Lady Bee, M/Y BW
Troy was born in Richmond, Virginia, but spent most of his childhood in San Francisco, California “The Golden City”. Living by the San Francisco Bay, Troy has always been interested in boats, especially fixing them. At a very young age he started to purchase, refit, and flip small boats for a profit. Ever since then he knew he wanted to pursue a career in the marine industry. After high school he went to a Marine Technician School and shortly after graduating he secured his first position onboard a yacht. Since then he has sailed extensively in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and New England and went on to obtain his US Coast Guard Designated Duty Engineer 1000 Unlimited license. As Chief Engineer onboard M/Y Far Niente, Troy performs daily operations and maintenance for the safety of the vessel and smooth operations.
Hobbies: Drone filming and photography, refitting vehicles, hiking, and exploring new places
