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 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 MY The Peddler, 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 the 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.”
As a captain, he oversees every aspect of the yacht’s operations ensuring safety at all times and a comfortable cruising experience. He is adept at crew relations, continually maintaining a strong team environment to create the most memorable and service oriented experience for the guests.
Arnold would like to take this opportunity to welcome you aboard M/Y Far Niente and introduce you to the rest of the crew...
Hobbies: Mountain Biking, Water sports, Diving, Golf and Fishing
First Mate
Lindsey Semino | United States
Previous Yachts: M/V Aqua Cat and M/Y Vista Blue
Lindsey was born and raised in Arizona. She previously worked as a Trainer Jockey for a horse track but her love for the water convinced her to make a change into the Maritime Industry. She has been in the industry ever since, 13 years now and counting. She gained extensive experience as a Dockhand at a marina and from working at a boat and jet ski rental company. From there, she decided to take her career further and worked onboard a dive boat while obtaining her Captain’s license. With her passion for the ocean and determination to ensure every guest has a blast onboard, you are guaranteed to have a trip to remember onboard M/Y Far Niente!
Hobbies: Diving, Kite Surfing, Wakeboarding, Horseback Riding and Traveling
CHEF
Justin Kurth | United States
Previous Yachts: MV Azucar, MV Intuition II, and MV 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.
Hobbies: Golf, Motorcycle Rides, Spending time with his Wife and puppy dogs and Camping
Second STEWARDESS
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
Chief STEWARDESS
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
DECK / Stew
Ceanise Castro | United States
Previous Yachts:
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 Far Niente.
Hobbies: Free diving, Pilates and Traveling
Engineer
Oscar Hernandez | Mexico
Previous Yachts: MY Kashmir (133ft), MY Mercy (120ft) and MY Alegria (143ft)
Oscar was born in Acapulco, Guerrero in México. It is a very popular and tourist place 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, swimming, and 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 the guests and crew. Oscar is dedicated to his work in the yachting industry as he loves all of the opportunities it provides and the different people he is able to meet. Oscar is excited to welcome guests onboard FAR NIENTE for a sweet escape.
Hobbies: Reading, Sports, Video Games and Chess
