CAPTAIN:
Peter Martin, South Africa
Peter is well known from the charter yacht UNFORGETTABLE where he was Captain for over 7 years. He did have a brief break from the yacht when he had the pleasure of being the build Captain on the 132’ Broward named SERQUE. Born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, he spent his vacations on the Cape where he found his love for the ocean. After working in the service industry for his early years he quickly found himself in management positions. After managing many successful nightclubs and restaurants he finally opened his own Portuguese restaurant with a childhood friend. After four years of the restaurant business he moved to Florida where he discovered the yachting industry. For the last 7+ years he has traveled extensively on the East coast of the US, Bahamas and Caribbean. He is very competent and enthusiastic and loves utilizing his hospitality background on charters. Meeting new people and sharing his world of land and sea is what drives him.

CHEF:
Gerard Pond, America ***Concours de Chef Antigua 2011***
Gerard Pond, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, has moved quickly through the ranks of the foodservice industry. Capitalizing on not just his baking and cooking skills, but also his managerial abilities, Jerry relocated from Boston to Fort Lauderdale over ten years ago to open the successful and award winning Stork's Bakery. Prior to joining the crew of Arioso, Jerry was onboard the popular charter yacht Unforgettable, and prior to that he was operating as a freelance restaurant consultant in South Florida. Bringing his expansive skill set into the world of yachting presented him with yet another unique career opportunity: a perfect environment to showcase his talents and love of all things culinary on an intimate and personal level. A self professed "food nerd," he takes special delight in introducing guests to new cuisines and the reinvention of familiar ones.

ENGINEER:
Leon Clemones, Australia
Originally from Sydney, Australia, Leon has been on and around water since his childhood as his parents owned boats. Leon’s passion for engineering originated during the 6 years he spent building yachts for the America’s Cup Racing team. He currently holds a 200 ton Captain’s License and his ACE certification in Engineering, and is working towards obtaining his Y4. Eager to please charter guests not only from an engineering side, but also from a water sports perspective – Leon has competed in various Wake Boarding and Kiteboarding Competitions, placing 3rd and 1st on a National Level respectively. He is also a Professional Water Skiing and Kneeboarding Instructor.

CHIEF STEWARDESS:
Jessica Orr, Canada
Jessica is originally from Vancouver Island, Canada, and brings a wealth of experience and hospitality to compliment the Arioso crew. Having traveled extensively from the Caribbean, Bahamas, East and West Coasts of the USA and Canada, as well as the Mediterranean from Lebanon to Gibraltar, Jessica is passionate about the yachting industry and innately service-oriented. With over 4 years onboard mega yachts ranging from sail yachts to power yachts, private and charter, and ranging in size from 28 meters to 73 meters, she finds ARIOSO to be the perfect fit for her role as Chief Stewardess.

While not on charter, Jessica enjoys photography, snowboarding, scuba diving, practicing her flower arranging skills, and planning theme dinners. She is confident accommodating all ages from toddlers to the more seasoned yachtsmen, and looks forward to ensuring the success of every charter onboard ARIOSO.

FIRST OFFICER:
Robert Andrews
Rob is originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, where he holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences Degree, majoring in Industrial Psychology and Information Systems. As a young adult Rob started backpacking from Egypt to England, Israel, Austria, Germany, Italy and Spain. His love of the water began at the early age of 10 sailing dinghies at his local yacht club, although his luxury yacht career began later in 2008. Rob has worked aboard several motor and sail yachts from Greece and Croatia to the Bahamas and holds a Sail Yachtmaster’s Certification. One of his most recent accomplishments is the Cape to Rio Race 2011.

Rob loves his role in ensuring charter guests have a great time, and his past experience as a Restaurant Owner has added a great value to his hospitality skill set. Rob is a motor-sports enthusiast, and enjoys golfing whilst not on charter.

STEWARDESS
Shelley Wilson
Originally from South Africa, Shelley is a Registered Ballet Teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance. Her love for travel has taken her far and wide including Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, South East Asia, most major cities in Europe, and throughout the UK where she has had the opportunity to work within the hospitality industry, interior décor, and child care. With over 8 years experience in waitress, bar-tending, and management, coupled with child-care and teaching experience, Shelley is a great asset to the Arioso crew. Shelley has worked mostly in the mega yacht industry ranging in size from 30-47 meters. She holds STCW and Hostess/Stewardess Certifications including wine knowledge, silver-service, flower arranging, housekeeping, detailing, laundry and table setting décor.