Askari is a fully crewed luxury motor yacht available for international charter. 
Cruise remote corners of the South Pacific or choose more familiar island destinations.

Greg Hood
Relief Captain

Greg comes to Askari with over twenty years at sea. With an extensive background in live-aboard dive boats, charter and corporate vessel commands, Greg is well versed in his duties as Captain. Greg holds a USCG 500 ton Master License as well as a UK MCA CEC rating making him uniquely qualified to command vessels worldwide.

Like all of the Askari crew, Greg was drawn to French Polynesia by his sense of adventure. With a background in treasure hunting, deep sea floor mapping, ROV and AUV operations, Greg has a wealth of technical skills he brings to Askari.

When not on board Askari you will find Greg often snowboarding or paragliding along various mountain chains. The dichotomy of sea, snow and wind keep Greg constantly moving in life and his quiet nature belies a keen adventurous spirit.

Claud Akers
Chief Engineer / Chief Mate

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Claud and Askari have been inseparable for over ten years. As her Chief Engineer, Askari has relied on Claud to maintain her entire complement of machinery, running gear and deck equipment.

A South African, Claud has an easy, humorous nature and enjoys speaking to Askari guests from around the world. 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.

Clipping someone into kite boarding gear for their first time or patrolling the decks listening to Askari’s engineering spaces hum, you will find Claud is always ready with a smile, a laugh and a “let’s go for it!” attitude. Claud holds a MCA 200 Tons Unlimited 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.

Tuomo Vauhkonen
Relief Chief Mate

Rosie Smith
Purser / Diver

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Rosie hails from New Zealand. As a Kiwi, Rosie has been involved in water sports her whole life. She was an integral member of a family dive business in Vanautu for many years. Rosie has spent over twenty five years sailing, swimming and diving the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

With a strong charter background and business savvy, Rosie is an indispensible crew member of the Askari team. Her insights into local customs and cultural history are invaluable in running a vessel in French Polynesia. It is to this island rhythm that Rosie operates the administrative side of Askari.

Rosie is a PADI dive instructor and you may often find her donning her gear for a dive in some of the most untouched reefs in the world teaming with life. Out of the water, Rosie can often be found in the wheelhouse keeping Askari’s charter details running smoothly.

In addition, Rosie is an accomplished sailor and holds a RYA Yachtmaster Offshore 200 ton Captain’s license. Rosie’s collection of life experiences while at sea make her uniquely qualified on multiple levels to be the leader of the Askari dive team.

Pat Larkin
Relief Purser / Relief  Chief  Mate

Pat joins the Askari team after many years of diving the world’s most pristine coral reefs in Micronesia, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Her love of the sea is a driving force in her life and you will find this USCG 500 ton Captain and PADI Master SCUBA Diver Trainer to be multi-talented. Pat’s professional career on both charter and private vessels spans twenty five years.

Pat is often found sketching and photographing an island scene to appear later captured on canvas in her studio in Destin, Florida. She divides her time currently between Askari and her studio and enjoys running, swimming, and trekking in both seaside locations.Pat often finds the best subject matter in her life and works of art to be found in the least traveled paths and ocean currents.

The rich palette of tropical pastels Askari offers up at each new anchorage and dive sights continues to inspire her on every level. The opportunity to escort Askari guests in this incredible untouched local both above and below the waterline is just the winning combination for this artistic spirit.

Darryl Leathart
Chef

Darryl Leathart is a native New Zealander currently living in Florida USA. Darryl has spent many years travelling the world and working on charter yachts in the superyacht industry. He has worked on Riverboats throughout Europe, on Cruise ships globally, Hotels worldwide and was the Provision Master on a 700 Passenger Liner.

He was the Chef aboard M/Y ASKARI for a period of 18 months several years ago and is now returning to Askari on a rotational basis. Darryl looks forward to utilizing his extensive culinary range and recipes from around the globe to cater to your individual dietary requirements. He has been Chef aboard the following vessels at different locations around the globe. M/Y Passion, M/Y Katharine, M/Y Royal Eagle, M/Y Emerald K

Darryl enjoys Game Fishing, Harley-Davidson and Rugby League!

Emma Gendron
Chief Stewardess

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After many years in the professional side of hotel management in Europe, Emma came to Tahiti on a one way ticket to work at the famous Pearl Resort chain. Luckily, Emma found her way to Askari after several land based years in hotel management in the Societies, Tuamotu and the Marquesas. All of Emma’s prior experience and travel background make her a valuable asset and a pleasure to have onboard.

You will often find Emma with her delightful French accent pointing out a special feature of an island coastline while underway, perhaps placing a chocolate on a pillow during evening turn down service or handing out dry towels on the sundeck. Her genuineness, attention to detail 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. Although Askari is her first yacht experience, Emma feels she has found a home and we look forward to many more years of wonderful service.

Emma’s passion for the islands is revealed in her extensive knowledge of the islands and she welcomes the opportunity to share her insights with all the Askari guests.

Erik
Assistant Engineer / Deckhand

Erik is our Swede on board and as such should not be underestimated! This Viking’s sharp wit continues to catch us off guard and delights crew and guest alike. Erik is our assistant engineer and deckhand who found his way to Askari after years of independent travel throughout Europe and Asia.

Erik’s enthusiasm and perseverance are his strongest attributes. He is always anxious to join in any fun to be had aboard. You will often find Erik emerging from the engine room with a big grin and completed checklist. Erik holds and AEC engineering rating and is also an advanced PADI diver.

Erik is up for all challenges aboard Askari including kite boarding and paddle boarding. Currently his plans include buying a sailboat and teaching himself to sail! That would be typical of our Erik, sheer perseverance, steady drive and a desire to try anything new!

Eliza Moran Iglesias
Second Stewardess