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 - Manon RONCHIETTO (French)

Sail and Work Experience
Manon has a strong background in the maritime and hospitality industries, working as a crew member on charter yachts and passenger shuttles. She has experience as a Deckhand-Hostess-Cook in Porto Vecchio, a Deckhand in Bonifacio, and a Hostess-Sailor in Mayotte, handling navigation, guest services, catering, and boat maintenance. Before her maritime career, she managed a pizzeria, directed leisure centres, and worked in specialized education. Passionate about travel and outdoor sports, she has lived in the U.S., Spain, Costa Rica, and Mayotte, enjoying diving, surfing, and mountain activities.

Job Description
Manon 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 any and 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.

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CHEF - Christelle VANNIER (French)

Sail and Work Experience
Christelle has over two decades of experience in the yachting industry as a chef, hostess, and deckhand on both sailing and motor yachts. She has catered to high-end clients aboard yachts like LOOMA, CILIAM, SEMPER FIDELIS, and MAYRILOU, while also gaining hands-on experience in guest service, sailing maneuvers, and yacht maintenance. She has held long-term positions on HOUBARA, LADY M, PIXELION, and GARUDA. A passionate sailor, she has competed in regattas like the Heineken Regatta on SONADIO and Les Voiles de St. Tropez on PIXELION, and has completed transatlantic crossings, including LOOMA from Saint-Tropez to Saint-Martin and GARUDA from Monaco to Fort-de-France.
Job Description
As the chef, Christelle 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 her meals to provide variety and according to the location of ARAOK, to have as much relevance as possible to the region being visited.

Licenses and Qualifications
• CIN (2016)
• CRO (2016)
• CFBS (2006, revalidated)
• Sea and Inland Waterway License
• Up-to-date Medical Certificate
• HACCP (2020)
• Commis Chef Certificate (2020)
• SST (First Aid & Safety at Work) (2019)
• Medical III (2022)