Captain: Robert "Johnno" Johnston • Nationality: Australian

Johnno is a very experienced, professional and personable character. He has been onboard Antara since December 2005 and has cruised throughout the Mediterranean, the Caribbean islands and the USA east coast, with the boat. Having completed 6 Atlantic crossings onboard Antara, and several yard periods, Johnno is well used to her moods. You are in safe hands, onboard Antara.

Away from sailing, Johnno is a dedicated road cyclist and has a liking for adventure racing. He may not be fast, but he will get there in the end!

First Mate: Nick Ackroyd • Nationality: Australian

Nick joined Antara in June 2007 and, even before this, worked alongside Johnno onboard Mirabella V. In a past life, in Australia, Nick was a tennis coach and if this is your game, we have a serious opponent for you.

Nick joined during the major re-fit to Antara, in Viareggio Italy, and this period of time allowed him to become very familiar with the vessel, even before he sailed upon her.

Nick has stepped up to the Mates position and he oversees the continuous maintenance that is required upon a yacht such as Antara. Nick, along with Dane, keeps Antara’s deck area immaculate and the equipment operating smoothly. He has a fair bit of ‘big-boat’ experience to draw from and fully understands the demands of a ‘Super yacht’.

Second Mate: Dane Gadney • Nationality: South African

Dane is a recent edition to Antara, having joined in the final stages of our latest yard period, in West Palm Beach, Florida.

His quest for adventure and travel led him to the docks in Italy, some four years ago, where he landed his first 'super yacht' job. Seasons in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and on the East coast of the USA have contributed to Danes yachting experience, as have several Atlantic crossings.

Apart from working towards his maritime qualifications, Dane has recently attained a Private Helicopter Pilot's license.

Dane obviously has an adventurous personality and one that you will be hard pressed not to like.

Engineer: Jolyon Brayton-Sewell • Nationality: British

Jo  is an English rogue and joined us as engineer in March 2009, although it does feel a lot longer ago ! Jolyon studied marine engineering in the UK before going to sea. He has worked on a range of power yachts, visiting many a distant landfall, but it was not long before deciding the sailing world suited him much better.

He is an accomplished engineer, nothing is too daunting for him to tackle and his motto (very McGiverish) is ‘’if it is man made, we can fix it !’’

He is a character who’s company you will undoubtedly enjoy.

Engineer: Colin Kinsella • Nationality: Irish

Hailing from Courtown in Ireland, Mr Kinsella fell in love with the ocean and headed to sea at age 17. He has never looked back. After studying marine engineering, in Cork University, he ventured into the commercial shipping world. This soon led him to sail training ships and a 6 year spell on the ‘’Spirit of Bermuda’’. This sail training ship took school children offshore and showed them the adventure and wonders offered by the sea.

Being an engineer, he, of course, has a motto. ‘’The only difference between an ordeal and an adventure is ones attitude.’’ One must admire the fortitude of our two engineers, as they share the position around a 3 month on 3 month off schedule.

Being Irish, I’m sure you would not be surprised to hear that he loves to play and watch rugby.

Chef: Jana Kruta • Nationality: Slovakian

A recommendation from a trusted big boat skipper had me offer Jana the position of Chef, onboard the good ship Antara. Miss Kruta accepted and has now been onboard well over 2 years.

In the years previous to Antara Jana worked on the 40m, ‘Alloy Shipyard’ sailing yacht, ‘’Destination Fox Harbor’’. Jana completed a course at the ‘’New Zealand School of Food and Wine’’ and apart from her culinary skills, has managed to sail across the Pacific region three times !!

When asked about her favourite food style, Jana is a touch unwilling to commit herself to any particular region. After much pleading and haranguing, she did mention enjoying the Mediterranean fresh, light, flavourful style and added that Asian ingredients get her creative juices flowing.

Jana’s cooking will leave you feeling satiated and highly impressed.

Chief Stewardess: Susannah Laity • Nationality: British

Antara is Susies first big boat. Following university, in Southampton England, she decided the sea was calling. Having grown up around the water, in her native Cornwall, and having raced dingys all over the UK, Miss Laity decided to broaden her horizons and set her sights on joining the yachting world.

Susie joined Antara in July of 2008 and has been a welcome addition to the crew ever since. It is always a pleasure having enthusiastic crew onboard and you will notice that this can be quite catchy!

'Susie will make you feel most welcome onboard; her friendly and artistic manner, along with her bubbly personality, will leave you highly impressed and longing, we hope, to return.

Second Stewardess: Claire Williams • Nationality: New Zealand

Clare comes to Antara with several years of Perini Navi experience under her belt, having worked on several of our sister ships, and we are most pleased to welcome her onboard.

Clare has always had a passion for the ocean and ventured into yachting in 2007, after completing her 'Hospitality Management Diploma', back in New Zealand. Clare started on day charter boats in the Bay of Islands, in 2006, working on tours that specialised in 'Swimming with Dolfins'. Following that season she travelled to Italy and the rest is history.

After a short stint on power boats, Clare was drawn back to the world of sailing, and this is a very good thing for us. Clare has a bright, personable nature and along with Susie will make sure all is right with your world, while onboard the good ship Antara.

Deck/Stewardess: Tamara Checho • Nationality: USA

Tamara joined us in West Palm Beach, Florida at the early stage of our re-fit of 2011. Starting as a dayworker, it was a pleasure to offer her a full-time job, at least until she decides to take on the 'real world'.

Tamara's passion is design and she is a graduate of 'Ringling College', having gained her B.F.A in Interior Design, in 2010. Quite apart from her artistic nature, she has a bright, friendly personality that makes her a perfect addition to our crew.