CREW PROFILE
CAPTAIN ARNOLD HEINS | SOUTH AFRICA
Previous Yachts: M/Y Vivierae II (96ft) , M/Y The Peddler (86ft) and M/Y One & Only (100ft)
Captain Arnold (MCA Master 3000 GT) joins M/Y Far Niente with over 16 years of high-end charter experience across both sailing and motor yachts. He began his maritime career in the Caribbean as a dive instructor/deckhand, entering the industry together with his wife, who worked as a stewardess and masseuse. Driven by dedication and teamwork, they advanced through the charter ranks and, in 2011, became Captain and Chef aboard a 58 ft charter sailing catamaran in the British Virgin Islands, operating full season crewed charters. The pair continued to work together all the way through to their time onboard M/Y Lacey Kay, a 96 ft Nordhavn, where they completed extensive owner cruising from Alaska to Panama on the Pacific coast and Colombia to Maine on the Atlantic side. Arnold transitioned to motor yachts in 2013 and has since commanded private and charter vessels up to 130 ft. Most recently, he captained an 86 ft Dreamline, preparing it for commercial compliance and successfully introducing it into the Bahamas and Caribbean charter markets. He is highly regarded for his intimate knowledge of cruising grounds across the Bahamas, Caribbean, New England, Central America, and Alaska; for identifying the perfect anchorage; and for his calm and professional leadership. His natural hospitality and passion for guest experience continue to make him a strong asset to Far Niente. Outside of yachting, Arnold is a devoted father to his 6-year-old daughter. He enjoys mountain biking, water sports, diving, golf, and fishing, and even grows his own salad hydroponically at home. In his downtime, nothing beats a quiet evening and a glass of wine with his wife—a reflection of the partnership that started his journey in yachting.
“Arnold is a captain who connects with guests, delivers seamless charter flow, and knows exactly where to drop anchor for the perfect sunset.”
ENGINEER OSCAR HERNANDEZ | MEXICO
Previous Yachts: M/Y Alegría, M/Y Kashmir, M/Y Mercy
Oscar was born in Acapulco, Guerrero in México, a very popular and touristic destination surrounded by beaches on the Pacific side. He grew up with his two sisters in a traditional family environment. Oscar went to a private school where he played basketball, swam, and competed in regattas in small sailing boats. It was here that his passion for sailing and the sea was born. After a long commercial background on big cargo ships, he started in the yachting industry in 2016. Prior to yachting, he was the second engineer on supply vessels in the Gulf of Mexico for petroleum platforms. Oscar is always there to ensure a safe and pleasant charter for both guests and crew. He is dedicated to his work in the yachting industry, as he loves all the opportunities it provides and the different people he can meet. In his spare time, Oscar loves reading and playing sports, video games, and chess. Oscar is excited to welcome guests onboard Far Niente for a sweet escape.
Hobbies: Loves reading and playing sports, video games, and chess.
FIRST MATE LINDSEY SEMINO | UNITED STATES
Previous Yachts: Aqua Cat, Vista Blue.
Born and raised in Arizona, Lindsey’s journey to the yachting industry is as inspiring as it is unique. Her passion for horses initially led her to become a Trainer Jockey, but her love for the water set her on a different path. Lindsey started working at a boat and jet ski rental company, which she successfully managed for nine years. During this time, she honed her skills, built her knowledge of the maritime industry, and laid the foundation for a lifelong career on the water. She began her yachting career as a Deck Stewardess and quickly made her mark with her hard work, motivation, and dedication. After joining M/Y Far Niente, Lindsey’s talents and leadership qualities were evident, and she stepped up to the Chief Officer position within just two years. She has now been an integral part of the M/Y Far Niente team for six years, showcasing her loyalty and exceptional expertise. Lindsey has extensive hands-on experience as a Dockhand at a marina and on a dive boat, during which time she earned her Captain’s license. As Chief Officer, she combines her extensive maritime experience, tender driving skills, and passion for travel and videography to ensure every guest has an unforgettable experience. Her dedication and love for the ocean inspire everyone she meets, making her a true leader in the yachting world.
Hobbies: Diving, Kite Surfing, Wakeboarding, Horseback Riding, Traveling and Videography.
CHEF JUSTIN KURTH | USA
Previous yachts: M/Y Azucar, M/Y Intuition II, and M/Y Alumercia
Justin Kurth is a globally experienced Private Yacht and Estate Chef with over 15 years of service aboard prestigious yachts ranging from 130 to 200 feet and within elite private residences worldwide. Classically trained at Johnson & Wales University, Justin blends refined French techniques with modern global flavors to create elegant, seasonal, and highly personalized dining experiences for ultra-high-net-worth clients. He specializes in bespoke tasting menus and experiential dining, delivering warm hospitality with exceptional discretion and precision. His career highlights include long-term service aboard M/Y Azucar, M/Y Intuition II, and M/Y Alumercia, as well as private estates across Palm Beach, the Bahamas, Switzerland, and the Mediterranean.
CHIEF STEW JESSICA BRUNEEL | CANADA
Previous Yachts: MY Juice (73m), MY Dragonfly (142m), MY AHPO (115M) and MY Zexplorer (50m)
Jess was born and raised in the South of France and spent her childhood traveling the world with her expat parents, living on five continents by the age of 12. Her family eventually settled on Vancouver Island, Canada, which she now proudly calls home. With a global upbringing rooted in adaptability, cultural awareness, and discretion, Jess naturally gravitated toward a career in luxury service. She entered the yachting industry in Turkey in 2012 and has since built over a decade of experience across high-end charter yachts, private islands, and executive homes. Committed to both personal growth and meaningful impact, Jess has completed yoga teacher trainings, is a certified Reiki practitioner and life coach, and has studied hypnotherapy. She has a passion for creating beautiful holidays for her clients and delivering truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences, bringing intention, care, and excellence to Far Niente.
Hobbies: Yoga, Hiking, Dance / Concerts and Adventure Travel
2nd STEW ELIZABETH (Libby) LEACH | AUSTRALIA
Previous Yachts: MV Restless MY Annastar MV Perfect Pursuasion
Libby was born in the deep outback of Australia and grew up a cowgirl, herding sheep on horseback and wondering the vastness of the outdoors as her playground. While life was wholesome and fulfilling, she would often be found with her head in book or painting, dreaming of adventure and far off places. She matured into a career of high fashion and design but never felt fulfilled, still wishing for that sense of adventure. After a chance encounter, she decided to take a risk, pivoting careers into the fast paced, luxurious industry of yachting. She begun this journey in 2023 and has since worked in over 8 countries including, Turkey, Indonesia, France and many more. Having a love for the finer things in life, she has a passion for vintage wines, cocktails, scotch and art. She has a true thirst for a good challenge to improve herself, loving meeting people from all over the world and creating unforgettable memories for them.
Hobbies: Painting, Writing, Mountain Biking, Volunteering for Ocean Clean Ups and Diving
DECK/STEW CEANISE CASTRO | UNITED STATES
Ceanise (Cece) began her journey in water sports at the age of 18, quickly developing a strong passion for the ocean and an equally strong work ethic. Over the years, she advanced to confidently captaining vessels in Miami, where she gained extensive experience running day charters, ensuring guest safety, and creating enjoyable on-water experiences. In July 2025, she transitioned into the world of superyachts, bringing with her a solid foundation of maritime skills, a positive attitude, and a genuine commitment to exceptional service. Cece is excited to continue growing within the industry, learn from seasoned crew, and contribute her professionalism, reliability, and enthusiasm to every vessel she joins.
Hobbies: Free diving, Pilates, traveling
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