Operating in the West Mediterranean
Sylvain Lesniak
Captain 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
Emilie Richard
Deckhand / Hostess FRENCH
Sail and work experience
Emilie began her career in the hotel industry, beginning when she was just 15 and
spending 17 years working in hotels in France and Switzerland she is certainly
no stranger to hospitality. With her sailing career she was thrown in at the deep
end, escorting S/Y Latitude Ocean from France to Brazil. She was soon a captain
in training and then skipper on her first boat for charter in 2017. More than 8,000
miles later she finds herself aboard ARAOK. She has experience working with all
types of people, young or old, beginner or expert.
Job description
As 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 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. She is responsible for the management of the deck as well as any
watersports activities.
Education , Licenses & Certificates
• C2000 Sailing (2016)
• BPJEPS Nautical Activities (2015)
• CQP - AMV Sailing (2013)
• BEP - CAP Hotel and Catering (1998)
• Sports Studies - Triathlon
Benjamin Latorte
Chef / Host FRENCH
Sail and work experience
Benjamin started at the L’Epuisette restaurant in Marseille, then just an
apprentice chef, however he was soon moving his way through a number of
restaurants and up the ranks as he went. He was a chef at the Highland Arms
restaurant in Tasmania before taking to the seas in 2014. He then completed
four transatlantic crossings aboard S/Y ATAO. Following a brief stint as head
chef at a Swiss hotel he is now working on ARAOK. Along the way Benjamin
picked up over three years of bartending experience at bars in Europe and the
French Caribbean. He is a passionate gastronomist, botanist and sportsman. He
is fluent in English and French.
Job description
As the Chef/Host Benjamin 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.
Education , Licenses & Certificates
• STCW 95 – Marseille (2016)
• BEP specific to catering and hospitality, done in tandem with work at Bonneveine, Marseille