AFRICAN QUEEN

Captain – Franck Langlais

French

Previous Yachts Interests/Language

» M/Y PETRA » Photography, snorkelling and
» M/Y AXANTHA II skiing
» M/Y OVERSIDE II » Fluent English
» M/Y CALAF II
» S/Y CALAF I

Franck was born in Paris and brought up in Brittany. His boating interest started at a young
age, for several years he worked as a sailing instructor in Brittany and in the Mediterranean.
With over 20 years of experience, he completed five transatlantic crossings from the
Atlantic to the Caribbean and followed the owner of M/Y CALAF for 14 years, a private
vessel but also chartering with a wide range of VIP guests while cruising the East and West
Mediterranean and the Caribbean seas. Holding a Master >500gt yacht ticket, Franck also
managed OVERSIDE II and AXANTHA II showing his great professionalism, an enthusiastic
and friendly attitude making sure to give the best enjoyable time to any guests at all times.

First Officer – Michael Szczytkowski

Bristish

Languages
» Conversational French,
Portuguese and Spanish

Michael was born in UK (Bangor), he grow up in the UK until the age of Sixteen and
travelled to the French Riviera. Being well travelled landed him in France in 2000. He was
introduced to yachting in 2010, he quickly developed a large amount of interests for being
at sea and cruised many of them. He has worked on different types of boats as deckhand
at the beginning and then was promoted to bosum. He passed his Captains licence. He is
always available on deck to help the guests with there needs including the waters toys
and tender transfer.

AFRICAN QUEEN | Crew Profile

Executive Chef – Johan Zietsman
South African

Language
» Fluent English

Johan has been In yachting industry now for four years. His first yacht experience was
required to use local produce and that expanded his knowledge in Mediterranean cuisine
Johan had the opportunity to do his culinary training in Singapore, where had a chance to
work in a 5 star hotel and under some great Michelin star chefs. This has made him to enjoy
creating new dishes and learn different skills and different cultures. Johan specialist in Asian
and Italian cuisine and combine fusion to make the dishes interesting and have a twist
from every country he travelled to, he always try’s local ingredients from the areas and
explore the culture through their food.

Chief Stewardess – Maria Gonzales

Spanish

Languages
» Fluent English, French and Italian

Maria from Peru and joined the yachting industry ten years ago. She is able to speak a
variety of languages, some of which include; Spanish, French, Italian, English and basic
German. She is a hard worker and motivated team player with an amazing eye for detail.
Maria is happy and eager to impart her knowledge. Travel is her passion and she enjoys
discovering cultures from around the world. She likes working closely with clients to ensure
their vacation aboard is an experience of a lifetime.

AFRICAN QUEEN | Crew Profile

2nd Stewardess – Lorena Bombea
Romanian
Languages
» Fluent English, French and Italian

Lorena's first experience with the sea began on cruise ships traveling all over the place for
3 years. She then stepped on her first yacht in 2006 where she showed her great service
skills on various charter yachts. Her shiny and welcoming personality makes her a very
pleasant person who makes any guest feel at ease. Lorena' s passion for nature led her to
explore the techniques of apiculture and along with her family, she hosts many bee
colonies in Romania.

3rd Stewardess – Ericca Procopio Bastos

Brazilian
Language
» Fluent English

Ericca was born and raised in Brazil, where she instigated her career in Marketing and
Advertising with masters in Commercial Business. She can communicate in Portuguese,
English, Spanish and some French. After many years working at private estates she made
the move from land based work to the great wide sea. Ericca enjoys the hospitality
industry and is attentive at all times with a willing and helpful manner. She is always
approachable and cheerful and aims to elevate the client experience. From here hopes
to travel more of the world and expand on her skillset.

Chief Engineer – Willy Meriot

French

Language
» Fluent English

Willy studied in the French merchant maritime school of St Malo and excelled in the
merchant marine during his first years at sea . He chosed to experience the yachting
industry as a sole engineer which he found himself very happy with. Willy is an easy going
person, his flexibility makes him a very approachable crew member who you can always
rely on

AFRICAN QUEEN | Crew Profile

Deckhand – Elias Maramba
Filipino

Language
» Fluent English

Before joining the industry, Elias used to work as a close protection for high politicians
back in the Philippines. Gifted with a very happy and smiley nature, he keeps the boat in
perfect condition and gives a very good assistance to the guests' activities. His role on
board is also to make sure that all the sports equipment is in perfect condition for your
pleasure.

AFRICAN QUEEN | Crew Profile