No. Crew: 8

Captain's Name: Robert Johnston

Crew Profile
Antara's very experienced and professional crew will take great care of your clients.

Captain: Robert "Johnno" Johnston • Nationality: Australian

Johnno is a very experienced, professional and personable character. He has been onboard Antara since December 2005 and has cruised throughout the Mediterranean, the Caribbean islands and the USA east coast, with the boat. Having completed 6 Atlantic crossings onboard Antara, and several yard periods, Johnno is well used to her moods. You are in safe hands, onboard Antara.

Away from sailing, Johnno is a dedicated road cyclist and has a liking for adventure racing. He may not be fast, but he will get there in the end!

Chef: Jana Kruta • Nationality: Slovakian

A recommendation from a trusted big boat skipper had me offer Jana the position of Chef, onboard the good ship Antara. Miss Kruta accepted and has now been onboard well over 2 years.

In the years previous to Antara Jana worked on the 40m, ‘Alloy Shipyard’ sailing yacht, ‘’Destination Fox Harbor’’. Jana completed a course at the ‘’New Zealand School of Food and Wine’’ and apart from her culinary skills, has managed to sail across the Pacific region three times !!

When asked about her favourite food style, Jana is a touch unwilling to commit herself to any particular region. After much pleading and haranguing, she did mention enjoying the Mediterranean fresh, light, flavourful style and added that Asian ingredients get her creative juices flowing.

Jana’s cooking will leave you feeling satiated and highly impressed.

First Mate: Nick Ackroyd • Nationality: Australian

Nick joined Antara in June 2007 and, even before this, worked alongside Johnno onboard Mirabella V. In a past life, in Australia, Nick was a tennis coach and if this is your game, we have a serious opponent for you.

Nick joined during the major re-fit to Antara, in Viareggio Italy, and this period of time allowed him to become very familiar with the vessel, even before he sailed upon her.

Nick has stepped up to the Mates position and he oversees the continuous maintenance that is required upon a yacht such as Antara. Nick, along with Matteo, keeps Antara’s deck area immaculate and the equipment operating smoothly. He has a fair bit of ‘big-boat’ experience to draw from and fully understands the demands of a ‘Super yacht’.

Engineer: Jolyon Brayton-Sewell • Nationality: British

Jo  is an English rogue and joined us as engineer in March 2009, although it does feel a lot longer ago ! Jolyon studied marine engineering in the UK before going to sea. He has worked on a range of power yachts, visiting many a distant landfall, but it was not long before deciding the sailing world suited him much better.

He is an accomplished engineer, nothing is too daunting for him to tackle and his motto (very McGiverish) is ‘’if it is man made, we can fix it !’’

He is a character who’s company you will undoubtedly enjoy.

Engineer: Colin Kinsella    • Nationality: Irish

Hailing from Courtown in Ireland, Mr Kinsella fell in love with the ocean and headed to sea at age 17. He has never looked back. After studying marine engineering, in Cork University, he ventured into the commercial shipping world. This soon led him to sail training ships and a 6 year spell on the ‘’Spirit of Bermuda’’. This sail training ship took school children offshore and showed them the adventure and wonders offered by the sea.

Being an engineer, he, of course, has a motto. ‘’The only difference between an ordeal and an adventure is ones attitude.’’ One must admire the fortitude of our two engineers, as they share the position around a 3 month on 3 month off schedule.

Being Irish, I’m sure you would not be surprised to hear that he loves to play and watch rugby.

Chief Stewardess: Susannah Laity • Nationality: British

Following university, in Southampton England, Susie decided the sea was calling. Having grown up around the water, in her native Cornwall, and having raced dingys all over the UK, Miss Laity decided to broaden her horizons and set her sights on joining the yachting world.

Susie joined Antara in July of 2008 and has been a welcome addition to the crew ever since. It is always a pleasure having enthusiastic crew onboard! Susie has a quick smile and a sweet disposition; she is a happy and hard worker, as she makes everything perfect for Antara’s guests. 

2nd Stewardess: TBD

Deckhand/Bosun: TBD