BAREFOOT BLISS

Captain: Robert Kmita

CAPTAIN
Robert Kmita

Robert was born and raised in Australia, and for as long as he can remember, he has always had a passion for adventure. Which the majority of the time, revolved around water; fishing, boating, snorkeling, wakeboarding, jet skiing. If it involved water, he was all about it!

After graduating with a degree in International Business he followed suite into a corporate job, only to realize that just wasn't for him. He took a chance to travel the world, which opened his eyes and in fact led him to boats. From that point forward his mindset changed and since 2014 he has been skippering and or working on sailboats and super yachts. He has worked in locations all around the world, from Greece to Croatia, Italy, Malta, France, The Grenadines and Tahiti to name a few.

During his spare time he loves to ski, as he is also a certified ski instructor who has worked multiple seasons in Austria, Japan and Australia. He also has a deep passion for motorsport and motorbike touring, having taken trips across Vietnam, India and Nepal. Riding through the Himalayan ranges has been his most memorable trip.

CERTIFICATES
• RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Commercially Endorsed
• Powerboat Level 2
• PADI Advance Open Water Diver
• Short Range Certificate
• STCW



CHEF
Ariq Flaxe-Clarke

Ariq Flax-Clarke's culinary journey commenced at the age of six when his passion for the culinary arts became evident through his involvement in preparing simple meals, to now ascending to a position where he is captivating the palates of discerning food enthusiasts.
Originating from the serene island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, Ariq's academic pursuits led him to earn both a Bachelors and a Masters degree from Johnson and Wales University in Miami, Florida. This educational foundation has been pivotal in nurturing the expansion of his culinary repertoire.

In 2012, Ariq distinguished himself by securing victory in the inaugural BVI Junior Chef Challenge. Subsequently, in 2015, he joined the esteemed BVI National Culinary team, attaining silver medals in 2017 and 2018 at the prestigious Taste of the Caribbean competition held in Miami. His culinary prowess was further showcased in collaboration with celebrity Chef Fed Federer at the BVI Tourist Board's inaugural Taste of the BVI Cook Off. His participation as a featured chef at the South Beach Food and Wine Festival in 2018 and 2019, representing the BVI, speaks to his growing prominence on the culinary stage.

In recent positions, Ariq served as the chef for the Governor of the BVI and subsequently gained valuable experience at the local butcher shop, Steakation Butchers, where he delved into the intricate craft of butchery. He has operated as a freelance chef, providing private
catering services in Villas, and has been an esteemed Charter Chef since 2022.

CERTIFICATES
• STCW
• Johnson & Wales University: Bachelor of Culinary Arts
• Johnson & Wales University: Masters of Business Administration
• BVI Food Safety & Handling