CAPTAIN
Jason Bacon | Great Britain
Previous Yachts: Smeralda (253’) Dubai and Worldwide Itinerary, One Off (201’) and One More Toy (157’)
Jason started his life on the water at the age of 5 racing small sailing dinghies. After racing for several years, he taught these skills at the Olympic sailing school in Wales. At the school, he passed his Master of Yachts Unlimited and with such credentials was able to join the America’s Cup Yacht, Stars & Stripes. With a passion for travel working onboard super yachts seemed a natural progression. Since then, he has worked onboard multiple yachts and has 23 years of experience in the industry. As Captain, Jason oversees every aspect of the yacht’s operations ensuring safety at all times and a comfortable cruising experience. He is adept at crew relations, continually maintaining a strong team environment to create the most memorable and service-oriented experience for the guests.
Hobbies: Free diving, wakeboarding, sailing and kayaking
Jason would like to take this opportunity to welcome you aboard M/Y Far Niente and introduce you to the rest of the crew...
CHIEF ENGINEER
Pedro Diaz Rocha| Mexico
Previous Yachts: 164’ Tsumat, 108’ Narvalo, 100’ Indigo, 95’ Bella luna
Pedro was born in Nayarit Mexico but settled in Mazatlan, Mexico, known as the pearl of the Mexican pacific. He spent 4 years in merchant marine school and graduated in 2016. He then started his internship in a tuna purse seine fishing vessel traveling to the western pacific and south America after he got his engineering ticket. Pedro moved into the yachting industry in 2019.
Hobbies: jogging, playing soccer
CHEF
Rico Haring | South Africa/Switzerland
Previous Yachts: Mimi la Sardine (34m), Tatii (42m), Elysium I (34m), Tender To (27m), Good Year (30m), Lady Sharon Gale (33m)
Born in South Africa, Rico moved to Switzerland when he was 5 years old, where he lived for 15 years. Shortly after receiving his diploma from the culinary institute Lausanne, he decided it was time to expand and start his career as a qualified chef. Rico followed his passion for food around the world, working in many European countries as well as Brazil, Tokyo and Australia to name just a few. He was driven by this untameable hunger and constant need to discover new flavours and spices within different cultures. Once Rico discovered the yachting industry, there was no looking back, he eventually found himself working on mega yachts in the Caribbean. He has resided on the Caribbean Island of St-Martin for 12 years, where he is happily married. Rico is happy to share his knowledge and passion for the culinary arts with his guests should they wish to ask for him it not only about being a chef and preparing meals. It’s a lifestyle, taking the best of what Mother Earth provides him with, in all its beauty, adding his knowledge, passion, heart and soul and creating exceptional cuisine.
Hobbies: Creating Jewellery, Diving, Surfing, Kiteboarding, Wakeboarding, Hiking
Ask Rico “what is your profession?” He will say: “I am a food artist".
FIRST MATE
Lindsay Semino | USA
Previous Yachts: Aqua Cat and Vista Blue
Lindsey was born and raised in Arizona. She previously worked as a Trainer Jockey for a horse track but her love for the water convinced her to make a change into the Maritime Industry. She has been in the industry ever since, 13 years now and counting. She gained extensive experience as a Dockhand at a marina and from working at a boat and jet ski rental company. From there, she decided to take her career further and worked onboard a dive boat while obtaining her Captain’s license. With her passion for the ocean and determination to ensure every guest has a blast onboard, you are guaranteed to have a trip to remember onboard M/Y Far Niente!
Hobbies: Diving, Kite Surfing, Wakeboarding, Horseback Riding, and Traveling
CHIEF STEWARDESS
Marlena Drandic| Croatia
Previous Yachts: MY G3, MY Lionshare, MY Nero, MY DynaR, MY Rahil
Marlena was born and raised in Croatia. After finishing nursing high school, she got a degree in Physiotherapy and started working as a Physiotherapist in a rehabilitation and thalassotherapy clinic for patients with different physical disabilities. In the meantime, she got a degree as a lecturer in physiotherapy, and played guitar and sang in a local band. She enjoyed her jobs a lot, but always felt like something was missing, and then she got into yachting. Now, after 10 years in the yachting industry Marlena is loving the fact she can combine her passion for travel, fine dining, and luxury hospitality with her work. Her bartending and barista experience, the fact she speaks various languages, her outgoing personality and organising skills make her great in her chief stewardess role.
Hobbies: yoga, music, reading, hiking, dancing.
SECOND STEWARDESS
Gorana Sabic | Croatia
Previous Yachts: G3(44m), LionShare(39m), Nero(90m)
Gorana was born in Sinj, a town in Dalmatia. After finishing school to become a Dental technician, she went on to study Business Economics where she got her Bachelor degree. Shortly after, she pursued her love for traveling, discovered yachting and has been there for 8 years now. She has a bubbly, friendly personality which makes her a great addition to the Far Niente crew.
Hobbies: traveling, reading, hiking, working out
DECK / STEW
Tessa Pillay | South Africa
Tessa joined yachting in May 2023 after leaving South Africa, looking for a way to see the world and challenge herself. She holds a BSC (hons) in Dietetics and has a huge passion for nutrition and wellbeing. Tessa is also a qualified personal trainer. She enjoys working as a deck/stew and would like to work her way up to first officer.
Hobbies: Exercising, SCUBA diving, tennis and swimming.
