Crew Profiles

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

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STEWARDESS - Cloé Amoros (French)

Sail and Work Experience
Cloé brings a well-rounded background in both interior and exterior yacht operations, having worked as a stewardess and deckhand aboard a range of motor and sailing yachts. Her experience includes roles on FERRETTI 850, RIVA BAHAMAS, M/Y NUMÉRO 5, M/Y GEORGIUS, and S/Y COREL, in both private and charter settings. She has also completed two Atlantic crossings aboard S/Y ARAOK, further solidifying her seamanship through watchkeeping and active participation in sailing manoeuvres. Growing up on a sailboat has deeply connected her to the maritime world and shaped her professional drive and adaptability at sea. As well as sailing, Cloé is passionate for outdoor sports including windsurfing, hiking and skiing.

Job Description
Cloé is responsible for maintaining the interior of the yacht to a high standard, including cleaning, guest service, and provisioning. She contributes to the smooth running of onboard hospitality while also supporting deck operations as needed, offering flexibility and a strong team-oriented approach.

Licences and Qualifications
• CMP - Certificat de Matelot de Pont
• CFBS (Basic Safety Training)
• Permis Hauturier (Offshore License)
• Permis Côtier (Coastal License)
• BTS Technico-Commercial du Nautisme


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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)