Originally from New Zealand, he grew up working and living around
boats, gaining experience in sailing, sales, maintenance, repairs, and
troubleshooting. Under the mentorship of Bernard Roads, a renowned New
Zealand sailor and boat builder, he apprenticed for over seven years. Self-
motivated and versatile, he quickly advanced to repairing onboard systems,
participating in regular racing and offshore regattas, and undertaking private
yacht deliveries as a Skipper/Captain and engineer. He also managed a
year-long refit project for a SWAN 65. For the past year, he has served as
Captain and engineer on a Hanse 675, overseeing major annual maintenance.
Additionally, he recently conducted a significant refit on the Swan 44 “PRIDE,”
a yacht on which he races professionally year-round. His work on this project
will be featured in an upcoming article in Seahorse magazine. Beyond his
maritime expertise, he is passionate about engineering, golf, photography,
music, and sports. He excels in leadership and team motivation and is quick to
learn from others. Believing that versatility is essential in the maritime industry,
he continuously strives to adapt and enhance his skills.
Joshua Burns
Captain
Born in Marseille, Baptiste Morand-Escriva developed a deep passion for
sailing from an early age. Introduced to yachting through his family’s sailboat
and competitive windsurfing, he naturally progressed to professional regattas,
competing for over ten years across various classes, from classic 8-meter
yachts to Maxi yachts. Alongside his sailing career, he pursued studies in art
and management, which led him to work for a prestigious auction house in
Paris. This experience allowed him to develop strong adaptability, as well as
expertise in management, human relations, and problem-solving in complex
environments. After several years in the art market, he chose to fully dedicate
himself to the maritime industry. Holding certifications as both a captain
and an engineer, he spent a year as First Officer aboard a Mylius 80 in Italy,
refining his skills in crew management, technical maintenance, and yacht
operations. With a strong focus on safety and the seamless functioning of
the yacht, he ensures smooth sailing and a harmonious environment for both
guests and crew. Rigorous, attentive, and highly adaptable, he combines
technical expertise with a strong sense of service to guarantee efficient yacht
management and an optimal sailing experience.
Baptiste Morand-Escriva
Engineer
Chef Adriana Gerstmann is driven by a deep respect for tradition, quality, and authenticity. Her culinary style is rooted in honest flavors and timeless techniques, elevated with creativity and inspiration drawn from the destinations visited under sail. For Adriana, food should be soulful, comforting, and memorable, never overdone, but always meaningful.What distinguishes her approach is the natural way she blends local ingredients and cultural influences with the essence of her own heritage, creating dishes that feel both refined and familiar. She enjoys crafting bespoke menus and curating themed dinners that transport guests through a journey of flavors and stories. Beyond the galley, Adriana is passionate about the sea and outdoor sports, which keep her grounded and continually inspired. She takes great care in understanding each guest’s preferences and dietary requirements to ensure every meal is inclusive and thoughtfully prepared. For her, food is a powerful way to connect—and her aim is to make each dining experience aboard S/Y YCH2 feel both personal and exceptional.
Adriana Gerstmann
Chef