




Big Aron: Crew Profile
William Kaye - Captain, British
Will was involved with the build of Big Aron and has been with her ever since. During this time he has gained an intimate knowledge of the yacht and her systems. Growing up in the North of England, Will started sailing at the tender age of 6 and has not looked back since. After graduating with a Mechanical Engineering degree, he went on to run a fleet of yachts in Greece. Looking for new experiences Will set off for the Caribbean to captain some of the highest standard charter yachts and is now enjoying the command of this world-cruising expedition yacht. His extensive charter experience includes almost 100 weeks of charter as Captain. When Will is not working and the wind is right you will find him on the ocean practicing tricks on his kite board.
Ferdi Hemann - First Officer, South African
Ferdi brings to Big Aron his wealth of experience gained from years in the industry, ranging from luxury fast cruising sailing yachts to 50m plus motor yachts. Ferdi is in charge of our deck department and takes great pride in Big Aron's exterior appearance and organisation. As a senior officer with an active role both on and off the deck, he prides himself on researching every detail of your destination so he can show you and your guests the most exotic dive spots or to a secluded lagoon. Ferdi enjoys surfing, diving, and wakeboarding.
Bobby Newitt - Chief Engineer, British
Bobby is currently in his 9th year as a sea-going engineer. He has gained his initial experience aboard Liquefied Natural Gas Carriers over 200m in length. Trading the Merchant Navy for a challenging career in yachting in 2003, he hasn't looked back since. Bobby brings a great deal of experience and knowledge to ensure the smooth operation of the yacht and her services. He is on call 24hrs a day to deal with engineering issues. When not in the Engine Room you can find him on deck helping with tender operations and water sports. You can count on Bobby to keep the engines and luxurious interior service systems running flawlessly. A recent addition to the Big Aron family, Bobby's enthusiastic nature is infectious and engaging.
Rogerio Germano - Chef, Brazilian
Rogerio has over 20 years experience as a professional chef having qualified from the Senac School of Cuisine in Rio de Janeiro, his home town. He started his career at the Meridien hotel in Copacabana under the guidance of French chef Lauren Suador, a student of Paul Boucuse. He was later employed at the famous Caesar Park hotel before studying and working in Japan and Italy prior to returning to work at the Senac School as a culinary professor. Since joining Big Aron 3 years ago, Rogerio has enjoyed travelling the world discovering new flavours. Rogerio was a finalist in the competition Nestle Toque D'or in 2000 and specialises in French, Italian and Japanese cuisines blended with his signature Brazilian dishes.
Tracy Pigott - Chief Stewardess, Canadian
Born in the great white north, Canada, Tracy grew up spending her winters in Toronto and summers at her family's cottage in the Muskokas. She was actively involved in university life where she studied to become a veterinary nurse and coached the Women's Lacrosse Team. Preferring warmer weather to her snowy roots she moved to the Caribbean to work as a dive guide. With her love of the ocean and past experience in hospitality, yachting became the perfect career. Tracy has worked on many high class yachts and has travelled the US East Coast, Caribbean and Mediterranean. Tracy is Big Aron's Chief Stewardess, responsible for guest comfort and service to the highest standard. She spends her time off enjoying diving, wakeboarding, snow boarding and visiting friends and family.
Robin Mcguire - Second Stewardess, Canadian
Robin comes to yachting from the Rocky Mountains on the West Coast of Canada. Originally from Quebec, Robin speaks both French and English. Robin enjoyed the usual West Coast outdoor lifestyle while employed in many world-renowned hotels before heading for the high seas and working on Athena, one of the world's most famous sailboats. She continued her yachting experience by moving onto motor yachts. Robin was tempted by Big Aron's unique itinerary and enthusiastic crew and is looking forward to her next adventure. Her eye for detail is clearly demonstrated in everything she does. In her spare time she enjoys a range of sports including snowboarding, diving, mountain biking and caving. She is also an expert fire spinner and enjoys performing for small groups, just make sure you stand back!
Matthew Culham - Bosun, Australian
Matthew was born in Sydney, Australia. After working in the hospitality industry in Australia and Europe he travelled to the Caribbean where he developed an interest in yachting. He has worked on luxury charter yachts and has travelled through the Caribbean, US East Coast, Canada and the Mediterranean. Matt has a passion for the sea and is always willing to help anyone needing instruction on any of the vast number of water sport activities offered on board. His friendly, sincere and hard working nature makes him an asset to the yacht and an active crew member.
Daniel Banner-Batham - 2nd Engineer, British
Dan grew up just north of London in the town of Watford. His background in electrical and mechanical engineering make him an ideal asset to the engineering department. Dan spent 10 years travelling around Europe installing electrical systems for the Telecom industry before his passion for motor vehicles took him in a different direction restoring vintage cars and then repairing Land Rovers in the UK. He then decided to broaden his horizons and see the world, and what better way than working onboard a luxury yacht. Daniel is always eager to lend a hand and make your trip with Big Aron a memorable one.
Maria Izabel Esmiralha - Crew Chef/ Stewardess, Brazilian
Izabel is one of our most charming additions to the crew. She was born in Brazil and grew up in the country's largest city, Rio de Janeiro. Izabel studied Law and became a Financial Lawyer. She has a passion for wines and worked in wine stores selling wines and organizing tastings for two years. Izabel has a great love for cooking and puts a lot of time and effort into preparing meals for the Big Aron crew. She enjoys travelling and wants to visit other countries and experience their culture. Izabel brings a smile to everyone's face with her sense of humour.
Joanne Chattey - Stewardess, British
Jo hails from a beautiful area of the English countryside. Jo's passion for travelling first took her to the French Alps where she spent two winter seasons on the slopes running a world-class chalet. This experience gave her all the necessary skills to make her a key part of the team. She feels that yachting will allow her to see the world and appreciate each country for what it has to offer. She enjoys photography, surfing and going to the beach. Joanne has a kind and generous personality which fills every trip with warmth and makes you feel at home.
Andre Amancio - Deckhand, Brazilian
Andre grew up in Angra dos Reis, just south of Rio, an area that is among the best cruising grounds in the world. He has worked in and around boats for 14 years. Andre is the longest standing crew member aboard Big Aron, joining the boat during the build process. His attention to detail ensures that Big Aron is always kept immaculate. Andre is your go-to guy, always ready to organise any adventure you may decide to embark on. Safety is his priority so you can be sure you are in good hands whilst having fun aboard.
























