WHITEFIN

Name: Jerome Ballandras
Nationality: French
Position:
Position details: Captain - Rotational Team 2
Languages: Not specified
Description: Jérôme Ballandras is an experienced maritime deckhand and operations crew member with a strong background in sailing and technical engineering. Since 2022, he has worked on a wide range of vessels including catamarans, gulets, and charter yachts across the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Caribbean. He is skilled in navigation support, mooring operations, guest handling, onboard service, and routine maintenance. He has also completed multiple offshore deliveries, demonstrating reliability and seamanship in demanding passages. Previously a thermal engineer and project manager, he brings valuable technical expertise to onboard systems and operations.

Name: Gilles GRONDIN
Nationality: French
Position: First Officer
Position details: First Officer - Rotational Team 2
Languages: Not specified
Description: Gilles Grondin is an experienced yacht captain and maritime operations professional with over 15 years in the industry. Since 2008, he has led private and charter vessels across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Pacific, and Indian Ocean. He oversees navigation, crew management, guest safety, technical operations, and regulatory compliance including ISM and customs procedures. Experienced on motor and sailing yachts up to 28 meters, he manages complex itineraries and high guest capacities. Fluent in maritime English and Spanish, he combines strong seamanship, safety leadership, and service excellence to ensure smooth and secure operations.

Name: Antoine Baron
Nationality: French
Position: Captain
Position details: Captain - Rotational Team 1
Languages: Not specified
Description: Antoine Baron is a commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Offshore captain with extensive Mediterranean experience, having commanded yachts up to 104ft. He combines strong technical seamanship with a calm, guest-focused approach that puts guests at ease. Originally from France, he speaks French, English, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, enabling seamless communication with international guests. His diverse background includes winemaking, commercial fishing, carpentry, and advanced scuba diving, reflecting a practical, hands-on mindset and a strong connection to life at sea.

Name: Marion FUGIER
Nationality: French
Position: Chef
Position details: Permanent Team Member
Languages: Not specified
Description: Marion Fugier is an onboard chef with experience in both professional kitchens and maritime environments. With over three years of culinary experience and two years at sea aboard vessels including Le Don du Vent and Plastic Odyssey, she brings creativity, adaptability, and calm efficiency to life onboard. She designs balanced menus, manages provisioning and stock control, and prepares high-quality meals tailored to guest needs, including dietary requirements and allergies. Experienced in serving up to 120 guests, she is comfortable in both intimate and high-capacity settings. Passionate about sustainable cuisine, she develops low-waste, environmentally conscious menus at sea.

Name: Fanny Laure Bovet
Nationality: French
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Permanent Team Member
Languages: Not specified
Description: Fanny Laure Bovet is a versatile deckhand and stewardess with experience in offshore sailing, media production, and visual storytelling. Transitioning into yachting after extensive time at sea, she has completed multiple deliveries and ocean passages, including an Atlantic crossing as part of the ARC Rally. She is confident in watchkeeping, sail handling, guest service, and both deck and interior operations. Her background in TV and live production has strengthened her adaptability and composure under pressure. As a photographer, she brings strong attention to detail and ensures high standards of presentation and guest comfort onboard.

Name: Maxime RIZARD
Nationality: French
Position: First Officer
Position details: Captain - Rotational Team 1
Languages: Not specified
Description: Maxime Rizard is a Captain 200 Sail and marine engineer with extensive experience across the Mediterranean and Atlantic, including yacht deliveries, charter operations, passenger vessels, and refit projects. Calm, reliable, and highly organised, he combines strong technical expertise with a warm, guest-focused approach onboard. Originally from Marseille, he speaks French and English, with conversational Spanish. Passionate about sailing, diving, photography, and marine conservation, he brings a deep connection to the sea and enjoys sharing navigation, local culture, and onboard life with guests.