MANA KAI

Sailing & Work Experience
Clément Giraud is a highly accomplished French Captain and professional racing skipper with over two decades of offshore sailing experience. Throughout his career, he has competed in 131 international regattas and offshore races aboard both monohulls and multihulls, securing more than 25 victories and 40 podium finishes. His impressive résumé includes the Vendée Globe, several Transat Jacques Vabre campaigns, the Pro Sailing Tour, and an attempt on the Jules Verne Trophy aboard the maxi-trimaran Spindrift 2.
Beyond his racing background, Clément is deeply service-oriented and brings a rare combination of professionalism, energy and empathy to life on board. Highly attentive to guests’ expectations, he takes genuine pleasure in creating memorable days at sea, whether by planning the perfect itinerary, organising water toys and activities, or adapting each experience to the guests’ pace and preferences.

Role Description
As Captain, Clément is responsible for the safe operation of the yacht, navigation planning, crew management and the overall guest experience. His background in high-performance offshore sailing enables him to make sound decisions in all weather conditions while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism. With strong interpersonal skills, extensive technical expertise and a natural sense of hospitality, he ensures smooth operations, attentive service and an exceptional guest experience both at sea and ashore.

Licences & Qualifications
•    Captain 200 Certificate
•    Medical 2 Certification
•    CGO (General Operator’s Certificate) – in progress
•    Sailing Instructor Diploma – Level 1

Sailing & Work Experience
Francine Leclerc is an experienced French stewardess with over six years in the yachting industry, having served on both private and charter yachts ranging from 15m sailing yachts to 50m superyachts. She has worked as Sole Stewardess, Second Stewardess and Chief Stewardess, managing all aspects of the interior with professionalism, discretion and exceptional attention to detail. Her experience spans the Mediterranean and Caribbean, where she has delivered first-class guest service.

Role Description
As Stewardess, Francine is responsible for delivering impeccable hospitality and maintaining the highest standards throughout the yacht’s interior. She oversees housekeeping, laundry, table settings, fine dining service, bartending, provisioning and inventory management while ensuring guests enjoy a relaxed, personalised and memorable experience. Calm under pressure and highly organised, she combines efficiency with a warm, welcoming approach to provide seamless service at all times.

Licences & Qualifications
•    STCW (valid until 2026)
•    ENG1 Medical Certificate (valid until 2026)
•    Food & Hygiene Level 2
•    Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
•    Interior Training Certification
•    Crowd Management Training
•    Crisis Management & Human Behaviour Training

Sailing & Work Experience
Augustin Hennebert is a French deckhand with over six years of maritime navigation experience, both in coastal waters and offshore. He has worked as Deckhand and Deck Rating aboard Eugenia V and Vaimiti, gaining solid hands-on experience in seamanship, nautical manoeuvres, vessel maintenance and onboard safety. His background also includes sailing instructor roles in Saint-Tropez and experience on a professional fishing vessel, giving him a practical and versatile understanding of life at sea.

Role Description
As Deckhand, Augustin assists with the safe and efficient operation of the yacht. His responsibilities include docking, anchoring, undocking, navigation support, deck maintenance, repairs, safety procedures and general assistance to the crew. Reliable and team-oriented, he contributes to the smooth running of daily operations while helping maintain the yacht to a high standard.

Licences & Qualifications
•    Deckhand Certificate / Certificat Matelot de Pont (CMP)
•    Captain 200 License — pending validation
•    Basic Safety Training Certificate
•    Seafarer Medical Certificate Level 1
•    BEP Professional Diploma in Commercial Seafaring
•    Brevet Certificate

Sail and Work Experience

Bertrand is an experienced yacht chef with more than 20 years of experience across private and charter yachts, luxury villas, mountain chalets and commercial vessels. He has worked aboard sailing and motor yachts from 30 to 55 metres, specialising in Mediterranean, French and Asian-fusion cuisine while adapting menus to guest preferences, dietary requirements and seasonal produce. His yacht experience includes VAIMITI, MICHKA 5, ACCAMA, WILD ORCHYD I, LA PELLEGRINA, DIONE STAR, ALLURES and PARADISE OF LA VALETTA, serving private owners, charter guests and VIP clientele. Bertrand won first place in the MYBA Genoa Charter Show Chef Competition in 2013 while working aboard ALLURES. He also has extensive experience catering in demanding and remote environments, including 70 days without provisioning aboard CAPNORD and, since 2021, preparing meals for 29 crew aboard the 70m CAP KERSAIN in the Crozet and Kerguelen Islands region. His background also includes food production management, food chemistry teaching and previous restaurant chef experience.

Job Description

Bertrand is responsible for all aspects of the galley and the preparation of high-quality meals for guests and crew. He plans and creates varied menus according to guest preferences, dietary requirements and available seasonal ingredients while maintaining exceptional standards of presentation, hygiene and food safety. He manages provisioning, inventories, food storage and galley organisation, controls wastage and ensures sufficient supplies are maintained throughout cruising and remote passages. He works closely with the Captain and interior team to provide a seamless dining experience and adapts menus and service to the yacht’s itinerary and guest requirements.

Licences and Qualifications

• Ship Cook Certificate – Luxembourg
• STCW – Full Revalidation, 2025
• RYA National Powerboat Level 2
• RYA Personal Watercraft Certificate
• Level 1 Food Hygiene Certificate
• Engineer, Arts et Métiers, specialising in Food Processing
• BTS in Agri-Food

Sail and Work Experience

Damien is a professional sailor with more than 20 years of experience as a captain, working extensively throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean on sailing yachts up to 25 metres and motor yachts up to 20 metres. He is currently captain of the CNB 66’ MAHINA 3 and, since 2022, has also provided professional captaincy services primarily for Privilège and Dufour, including sea trials, owner and crew handovers, deliveries and charters. His previous experience includes captaining PRIVILEGE 580 #1, commissioning new yachts for DREAM YACHT CHARTER, an extended family voyage aboard a MOODY 422 from La Rochelle to Nouméa via the Panama Canal, and several years captaining a PRIVILEGE 585 on Caribbean charters. Damien has completed around twenty transatlantic crossings and numerous international yacht deliveries, including passages aboard CARTOUCHE, SWAN 80’, SWAN 70’, SUNREEF 74’ and SANGERMANI 75’. He also has practical skills in mechanics, rigging and deck hardware, electronics and electrical systems.

Job Description

As Second Captain, Damien supports the Captain in the safe and efficient operation of the yacht and is prepared to assume command when required. He assists with navigation, passage planning, watchkeeping, manoeuvring, safety procedures and the coordination of deck operations. Drawing on his extensive captaincy and technical experience, he also supports yacht maintenance, troubleshooting, crew supervision, tender operations and guest activities, helping ensure a professional and safe onboard environment.

Licences and Qualifications

• Captain 500 – revalidated February 2026
• Captain 200 + Sailing Module – revalidated November 2024
• 750 kW Marine Engineer Certificate