ASKARI

Captain: Claud Akers

Captain
Claud Akers
Claud and Askari have been inseparable for over twelve 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, Claud has an easy, humorous nature and enjoys speaking to Askari guests from around the world. One of Clauds 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 Askaris engineering spaces hum, you will find Claud is always ready with a smile, a laugh and a lets go for it! attitude. Claud holds a MCA 200 Tons Unlimited as well as a PADI Dive Master rating.
However, Clauds 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.


Chef Kyle Gerrard
A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Ottawa, On and trained under Michelin starred Chefs at Canada's most critically acclaimed venues. Kyle progressed to senior positions at 4-5 diamond and Relais & Chateau venues before accepting a position at the Canadian Prime Ministers's private restaurant in The House of Commons and eventually as a private chef in New Zealand, Montenegro and the Caribbean. Kyle's bubbly nature welcome our guest in the galley to discuss favorite dishes and share some of his magnificent recipes. In his leisure time, he enjoy scuba diving and water sports.

****Kyle is a rotational chef. He is aboard most of the time but other chefs could replace him once in a while.


Chief Stewardess/Purser
Emmanuelle Akers
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 Emmas 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.
Emmas 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.

Second stew
Moevai Tearoha
Moevai was born in the Marquesas islands, she brings a Tahitian influence to Askari's multitalented crew with an extensive knowledge of service. Moevai has been dancing since she was 5 years old, Marquisian, Tahitian and Hula dances are her everyday routine. She is part of the "Grands Ballets de Tahiti" which is a very famous professional dance group for 7 years and has been touring in Canada, Las Vegas and Japan. She loves to travel and discover different cultures, she also loves sharing her passion for Tahitian dance and will often give you a little "show" during cocktail hours. Moevai will make sure that all the many details are taken care of in the interior department and her caring nature and huge smile creates a warm ambiance aboard for guests and crew alike. Together with Emma, our guest will be cared for with the wonderful attention that these girls provide so naturally.

Chief Engineer
Aubrey Akers
Aubrey is the magician behind the scenes that makes sure everything from the hot engine room mechanics to the cold air-conditioning electrics is running smoothly and safely.
He is quiet by nature, but if you ask him a question, you will find an eclectic wealth of knowledge. Whether your query is of things nautical or simply who the artist on the radio is, he's usually got the answer. And if he doesn't, he has a ready smile with the shrug he gives you instead.Aubrey started sailing the Pacific Ocean four times and spent years touring the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas. Besides sailing, he has earned his STCW 95, his Advanced Engineers Cert and is a PADI Open Water Diver.

Bryan Waspe - Deckhand
Brian has come from the South African coastal town of Port Elizabeth to French Polynesia with a mind open to new experiences and culture.
After only a short time onboard Askari, he has been spellbound by Tahitian beauty. The French language, tropical water sports and local cuisine are exciting new additions to his way of life. He will soon know each secret spot in the islands to find action and adventure or just a quiet beach to enjoy the sunset under a coconut tree. With a quick wit and constant grin, Brian is a happy addition to the Askari crew.