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 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.

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.

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 resort chain. Luckily, Emma found her way to Askari after several land based years in hotel management in the Societies, Tuamotu and the Marquesas archipelagos of French Polynesia.

All of Emma’s prior experience and travel background make her a valuable 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 details 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 are an unbeatable combination for Askari guests.

Sam was born and raised in South Africa by South African and British parents. At University Sam studied Biokinetics- final stage Orthopedic and Cardiac rehabilitation, after which she wanted a more adventurous life and went to work onboard cruise ships- where she met her partner, Harry.

Sam then moved to the south Coast of England where she enjoys paddleboarding, kayaking and winter swimming in the ocean. Sam has an open water diving license and also enjoys yoga, hiking, snorkeling and being outdoors. Sam has an enthusiastic and friendly personality and enjoys progressing her career on board Askari as a deckhand.

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 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 paradise island 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.

Hoani has been working on Askari for the last 6 years, she is from the Island of Moorea and brings a Tahitian influence to Askari's multitalented crew with an 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 sportive, she practices boxing and Brazilian Jujitsu. She will often be on the water, surfing, foil boarding, wakeboarding, 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 guest and crew alike. Another tri-lingual, Hoani speaks French, Tahitian and English.