CLARITY

Gideon Smith - Captain
Education/Certifications: 200 GT Master/500 GT (ITC), USCG License Tow & Sail Endorsement, Cayman 500 GT (ITC), Bridge Resource Management, GMDSS Advanced Marine Radio, STCW 95, USCG Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation, USG Unlimited Radar, Advanced Fire Fighting, TWIC Card
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, Dutch

Captain Gideon Smith hails from South Africa, and worked in the oil and diamond industries before beginning his career in yachting in 1988. Currently based in the United States, he’s sailed the waters of the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Brazil, the Bahamas, Central America, Mexico, Hawaii, and both coasts of the US. His goal as captain is to provide a high standard of hospitality to charter guests, and plan itineraries that will create lifelong memories for them. In addition, he has delivered yachts to new locations and assisted with refits and refurbishments. Captain Gideon and his crew look forward to welcoming you aboard M/Y CLARITY.

Jana Smith Alaxova - Chief Stewardess
Education/Certifications: Silver Service, Interior Management, Wine & Cocktail, Security Awareness, Food Safety & Hygiene, ENG 1, STCW 95,First Aid, Power Boat II, Crowd Management, Geriatrician, Childcare
Languages Spoken: Fluent in English, Slovakian, Italian, Spanish and Czech; Basic Polish

Jana Smith Alaxova was born in Slovakia, and started her yachting career in 2008. With a background in catering and hospitality, she has trained in many aspects of the yachting industry. With previous experience as a Stewardess, Deckhand and Chef on both private and charter vessels, she brings her high standard for guest service to her role as Chief Stewardess on M/Y CLARITY. Jana’s excellent organization and planning skills allow her to anticipate the needs and wishes of owners, crew and guests, ensuring that operations and charters run smoothly. Her strong work ethic combined with her desire to experience new things make the yachting industry a perfect fit.

Giovanni Cerna - Chef
Languages: English, Spanish
Certifications/Education: STCW 10, Security Awareness for Seafarers, ENG-1, Ship’s Cook Assessment, Level II Food Hygiene & Safety for Catering, Level III Supervising Food Service in Catering | Food Allergens Awareness, DIploma In Gastronomy, Universidas Tecnologicas (MEX)

Giovanni hails from Mexico but is currently based in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is passionate about cooking and working with the freshest ingredients to prepare delicious meals that showcase his vast skillset. Giovanni’s ability to plan and execute in a timely manner is unmatched. Prior to entering the yachting industry, Giovanni worked in a variety of restaurants in Mexico specializing in Mexican, Japanese, and Italian cuisine. His attention to detail and guest satisfaction has allowed him to excel in the hospitality industry. Giovanni’s main focus is to deliver quality guest service for every guest that comes on board. He has an ability to cater to every palette in a way that will leave you wanting more. In his previous yacht experience, Giovanni has worked as a sole chef cooking for up to as many as 45 guests at once. He also would assist the deck crew with towing operations, washdowns, navigation lookout duties, engine room checks, lines and fenders and more. Giovanni is an ideal team player but above all, a tremendous cook who anxiously awaits the arrival of his new guests.

Peter James Hardwick - First Officer
Education/Certifications: MCA STCW 10’, PADI Open Water Diver, Efficient Deckhand Certificate, ENG1 Medical Certificate, MCA Yachtmaster Commercial 200T
Languages Spoken: English

Peter Hardwick was born and raised in Durban, South Africa, where his love of the outdoors and the ocean began. He started his yachting career as a chef before becoming a bosun in 2015, working on private and charter vessels in the Caribbean, the Bahamas, the Mediterranean, South and Central America, Alaska, and both coasts of the United States. While he is continuing to build his skillset in the industry, he excels at managing and training deck crews, overseeing all exterior duties, and ensuring all safety protocols are in place. Plus, he can even step in for the captain as required. His friendly and hard-working spirit is a welcome addition to the crew of M/Y CLARITY. In his leisure time, Peter enjoys diving, fishing, surfing and skiing.

Boudine Nagel - Second Stewardess
Education/Certifications: STCW, ENG 1, Level II Food Safety in Catering, Powerboat Level II
Languages Spoken: Afrikaans and English

Boudine Nagel was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, and has always been drawn to travel and the sea. After visiting her sister, a yacht charter broker in the Bahamas, Boudine decided to join the industry, beginning as a Third Stew in 2016. She brings her passion for the industry and outgoing nature to her role as Second Stewardess aboard M/Y CLARITY, ensuring a memorable experience for charter guests. A team player who also works well independently, she is always seeking opportunities to acquire new skills and further her yachting career. When not working at sea, Boudine enjoys spending time with family and friends, surfing, paddle boarding and snorkeling.

Sheldon Johnson - Engineer
Education/Certifications: AEC 1, AEC 2, GMDSS ROC, Engine Room Rating III/4, PBL 2, GMDSS GOC, Crowd Management, VPDSD (MARTPT-747), Open Water Certification, STCW, ENG 1, Advanced Fire Fighting, PSCRB, Marine Advanced First Aid, Electrical Systems, Basic Machining, Welding, Captain 100GRT (Nassau)
Languages Spoken: English

Sheldon Johnson was born and raised in the Bahamas, where he continues to be based. He started his maritime career in 2008 working as an engine cadet aboard bulk carriers, and was a junior engineer by 2010. His engineering experience includes work aboard commercial vessels, passenger ferries, motor yachts, tugboats, and roll-on/roll-off vessels. He also gained hospitality industry experience while working as the engineering supervisor/assistant manager of openings for the five-star resort, SLS Baha Mar in Nassau. Sheldon now brings his skills and positive attitude to the crew of M/Y CLARITY.