Lily comes from the United Kingdom and grew up in a family of sailors. Her love for the ocean led her to study marine biology at university and lead a professional life at sea. She is very passionate about what she does and her positive attitude leaves any guests with a smile. When not onboard Askari, you will find Lily on her little sailboat exploring the islands and enjoying the sea in whichever way she can; surfing, foiling, diving, spearfishing, or kitesurfing. Lily has her Yacht Master 200 Ton and PADI rescue diver qualification.

Shirley was born and raised in Tahiti, where her love for the ocean and her island roots run deep. Coming from a family that always had boats, she started driving them at a young age. After high school, she pursued a maritime education in Tahiti, earning her Master 500 GT license. For many years, Shirley worked in the yachting industry overseas. However, after spending so much time away, she decided to return home and became part of the incredible Askari family. In her free time, Shirley enjoys water sports and cherishes being surrounded by her loved ones—especially her furry companions!

Toni comes from Yorkshire, England, and brings a strong background in sports and outdoor adventure to the yachting industry. After building valuable experience within the professional mountain biking industry, she transitioned into yachting to expand her skill set and pursue her passion for the ocean and water-based activities. With a natural enthusiasm for life at sea, Toni has a genuine love for the ocean and enjoys a wide range of water sports. Her positive energy, fun-loving attitude, and warm personality make her a wonderful addition to the Askari team, contributing to a welcoming and upbeat onboard atmosphere. In her free time, Toni enjoys mountain biking, hiking through forests, reading, and spending time immersed in nature.

Hoani has been working on Askari for the last 5 years, she is from the Island of Moorea and brings a Tahitian influence to Askari's multitalented crew with extensive knowledge of service. Hoani loves her culture and from a young age was shown how to weave baskets and hats from coconut fronds, as well as making bouquets with local flowers. She is also part of a dance group that performs every night in a resort in Moorea. Being very sporty, she practices boxing and Brazilian Jujitsu. She will often be on the water, surfing, foil boarding, kite surfing, or spearfishing. She loves to travel and discover different cultures around the world. Reserved but not shy, Hoani will make sure that all the guest details are taken care of in the interior department and her caring nature creates a warm ambiance aboard for guests and crew alike. Another tri-lingual, Hoani speaks French, Tahitian, and English.

Matt grew up in South Africa, where Marine Engineering runs in his veins. From an early age, his father mentored him, teaching him the ropes of mechanics and guiding him through the intricacies of diesel engine systems on vessels of all shapes and sizes. Born into the world of workshops and ships, Matt’s expertise and hands-on knowledge are invaluable. Eventually, he expanded his career and skillset to become a Superyacht engineer, where he continues to excel. An adrenaline junkie at heart, Matt is always on the go. He’s passionate about skydiving, extreme hiking, and anything that gets his heart racing. His interests extend to racing, fishing, scuba diving, water sports, and a love for traveling off the beaten path in search of new spots to pitch a tent. Friendly and approachable, Matt is always eager to involve guests in exciting activities, ensuring their best interests are at the forefront of everything he does.

Claud and Askari have been inseparable for over twenty years, first as chief engineer and now as captain. Askari has relied on Claud to maintain her entire complement of machinery, running gear, and deck equipment. A South African/French national, Claud has an easy, humorous nature and enjoys speaking to Askari guests from around the world in either of his languages, English or French. One of Claud’s unique attributes is his ability to include each guest in the excitement Askari offers each day. You will often find him passing the fishing line off to a thrilled guest to land a marlin or a tuna, capturing the moment of what it is like to feel the landing of a big catch in an open ocean. Claud holds a 500 Ton commercial & MCA 200 Ton Unlimited Captain's license as well as a PADI Dive Master rating. However, Claud’s most valuable assets cannot be captured on paper. He is one of the rare crew members who make the time to take you under his wing and include you in the incredible adventures of daily life here aboard Askari.

Artur considers himself incredibly fortunate to be able to work in a field in which there are no shortages of inspiration for him. Traveling the globe, directly experiencing a huge variety of local produce as well as eating out in some of the most fascinating places around the world, has heightened his senses. Artur was born in Armenia, where he was exposed to an eclectic culinary environment from very early on in his life. At age 18 he started his culinary journey across Europe which led him to many different countries and in 2001 received formal culinary training at L’Ecole Le Cordon Blue in Paris, France. After completing his degree in 2003, he moved to Spain and took his highly developed palate and cooking skills along with him on a new adventure. After joining the professional yachting industry in 2006, Artur was enchanted by the prospects of being a chef at sea and by having constantly changing produce to work with, as well as new flavors from around the world. Artur has joined the team in 2016 and is now based in Tahiti, the island paradise of his dreams, where he continues his career as a private chef and enjoys diving, paddle boarding, and photography. A tri-lingual, Artur speaks Armenian, English, and French.

After many years in the professional side of hotel management in Europe, Emma came to Tahiti on a one-way ticket to work for a famous hotel chain. Luckily, Emma found her way to Askari in 2006 after several land-based years in hotel management in the Society, Tuamotu, and Marquesas archipelagoes of French Polynesia. All of Emma’s prior experience and travel background make her an asset and a pleasure to have onboard. While a native French speaker, you will often find Emma with her delightful French accent pointing out a special feature of an island coastline in English while underway. Her genuineness, attention to detail, and caring nature will enhance your stay. Emma also is a terrific cook and takes her turn in the galley alongside our talented chef. Her keen interest in food and service is an unbeatable combination for Askari guests.