Meet Your Crew

Captain David Esterson & Chef Flora Pickard

Growing up in the Surrey South of England, David was brought up being on the water; around motor and sailing boats from a very young age. He started out at his local dinghy club and moved onto being involved in yacht racing and helping build performance yachts. All this experience from his childhood started his extensive career in yachting. Having accumulated over 130,000 nautical miles on both motor and sailing yachts ,predominantly in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, his area knowledge is vast, and his respect for the ocean is immense. Running boats normally over 35m in size, he has chosen to downsize so that he can spend more time close island exploring and creating better crew-guest relations. David is at his happiest on the water and providing a service to the clients we have on aboard. Over 30 years as a Captain and his love for his career sees no end in sight.

David Esterson

Flora Pickard

Born to an Indonesian mother and a Scottish father, Flora's International upbringing in all four corners of the globe are often brought to the table. Having sailed since birth and crossed her first Indian Ocean at the age of 10, Flora's love of the sea, nature, people and food have lead her to a 20+ year career as a seafarer. Despite a BA in Multi Media, she chose a career change that could share her culinary knowledge, take her travelling and keep her on the sea. And even lead her to meeting her now husband, Captain David. She has cooked for numerous HNWI and celebrities all over the world and still has a huge passion for hosting and fine cuisine. Diversity and experience are traits she shares with pride. Flora will never say no to fun and will do everything she can to ensure you have a memorable trip on board.

Married in Grenada in 2021, David and Flora have been and worked together on yachts for nearly 7 years. Starting on Superyachts, they have chosen a gentler lifestyle on a cruising yacht to enable them their dream of living in the Caribbean. Strong professional backgrounds as seafarers, combined with the passion for a good life, you are ensured of a safe, enjoyable and memorable trip on board SV Raiatea.