Crew

Captain: Jason Bacon

British 

Previous Yachts: M/Y SMERALDA (253ft) Dubai and Worldwide itinerary, M/Y ONE OFF (201ft), M/Y One More Toy (157ft)

Jason started his life on the water at the age of 5 racing small sailing dinghies. After racing for a number of 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 Americas Cup Yacht, Stars & Stripes. With a passion for travel, working on superyachts seemed a natural progression. Since then he has worked on multiple yachts and has 17 years of experience in the industry. 

As a captain, he 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.

Jason would like to take this opportunity to welcome you aboard M/Y Far Niente and introduce you to the rest of the crew:

Hobbies include: free diving, Wake Boarding, Sailing and kayaking

1st Mate: Quentin Wilson

South African

Brought up near the water, Quentin found his passion for the ocean at a young age and followed his goal to work and live on the water. He has over four years’ experience in the boat building industry having worked for Fanatix in Cape Town, South Africa. Quentin is a keen and experienced diver, completing dives in the Caribbean, Pacific, and Mediterranean.

Hobbies: Scuba diving, Spear Fishing, Motorcross and Motorsport

Chef: Simon Brown

Australian

Previous Yachts: S/Y Irelanda, M/Y Rahil

Simon is from Melbourne, Australia. He has been working as a chef for over 20 years in some of Australia’s premiere restaurant’s and his cooking covers a broad range of cuisines, with a strong focus on client satisfaction. While not from a yachting background he has worked in the industry for a number of years on both sail and motor yachts and has developed a real passion for the sea.

Hobbies: Diving, Mountain Biking, Reading

Chief Stewardess: Chelsea Dwyer

American

Previous Private/Charter Yachts: M/Y Sea Bear (126ft) S/Y Knickerbocker (120ft)

Chelsea was born in Massachusetts and later moved to Wisconsin where she grew up. After attending Ripon College and completing her degree in biology and environmental studies, Chelsea moved to sunny Florida to begin her career in yachting. Coming from a long line of seafarers, both her father and grandfather being yacht captains, a career on the water had always been in mind. Chelsea has extensively cruised the Bahamas, Caribbean, and the New England Coast over the past 8 years, exploring each port with a passion.

She strives to make guests happy by providing the best quality service and experience for them. She offers the highest standards in all aspects of the interior and service. Chelsea is always eager to assist you in every way and to ensure the best yacht vacation possible.

Hobbies: Reading, hiking, yoga, exploring new places and meeting new people.

2nd Stewardess: Melanie Hittrich 

Canadian 

Previous Yachts: M/Y Tsalta 

Melanie is a Business School graduate from beautiful rainy Vancouver, Canada. She is fairly new to the yachting world, beginning less than one year ago, but has been in the hospitality industry her entire working life and thrives in excellent customer service. Being able to combine her love for traveling the world and creating unforgettable guest experiences, makes her a valuable crewmember as Second Stew onboard M/Y Far Niente. 

Hobbies: Hiking, yoga, shopping, traveling, fine dining and wine tasting

Deck/Stew: Jessica Rowe

British

Previous Yachts: M/Y Megan and S/Y Irelanda

Jessica was brought up in the English countryside in Hampshire and was schooled at a Naval College in Berkshire, Pangbourne, before studying Hospitality at Oxford Brookes University. From a young age, Jessica has had a passion for outdoor adventure and has traveled to various countries to explore adrenaline-fueled activities. Before yachting Jessica has worked in a broad range of professions, some of which include; gymnastics coaching, sports photography and chalet cook/hostess.

Jessica is new to the yachting industry having started less than a year ago, however, is keen to gain knowledge and experience over time, and to make everyone’s experience a memorable one onboard Far Niente.

Hobbies: Sailing, Windsurfing, Rowing, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Gliding, Camping, Cooking, and Photography

Chief Engineer: Stephen Eyssen

South African 

Previous Yachts: M/Y Sycara V M/Y Sovereign

Stephen was born in the Cape Winelands and grew up in the small coastal town of Stillbay. He loves and respects the ocean, surfing, and sailing from a young age. Stephen was schooled and apprenticed in boat building and elements of yachting design and gained valuable knowledge and skills working for well-known companies. After his studies Stephen started his yachting career, eventually going to sea as an engineer in the superyacht industry. He has now been sailing in waters like the Bahamas, Caribbean, Florida/West Coast USA/Alaska/Canada, Mediterranean, and Indian Ocean/East Coast, South Africa for the last four years and currently upholds his MCA Y4 engineering license. As Chief Engineer onboard M/Y Far Niente, Stephen performs daily operations and maintenance for the safety of the vessel and smooth sailing.

Hobbies: Surfing, sailing, snorkeling/diving, wakeboarding, downhill skating, wine tasting, traveling and exploring.