Ali Özğür Kaya is the Captain onboard M/S ARESTEAS, bringing with him a wealth of maritime experience and leadership expertise. With over a decade in the yachting industry, Ali has served on a variety of prestigious vessels, steadily progressing through the ranks. His career has taken him through extensive voyages in the Mediterranean and beyond, developing his proficiency in navigation, ship operations, safety procedures, and crew management.
Ali is known for his disciplined work ethic, calm demeanor under pressure, and commitment to maintaining the highest standards onboard. His well-rounded background and technical skills make him a vital asset to the team aboard ARESTEAS.
Languages: English, Turkish
Previous yachts: 50m M/S ARESTEAS, 40m M/Y SEA WAVE, 34m M/Y ONLY NOW, 34m M/Y RELENTLESS, 30m M/Y AQUA LIBRA, 28m M/Y MEAMINA

Ali Özğür Kaya
Captain
Ege Can is a dedicated Deckhand with experience aboard both motor and sailing yachts. Currently serving onboard M/S ARESTEAS, he has built his career through a combination of deck operations and yacht maintenance roles, developing a practical and hands-on approach to his work.
His previous yachting experience includes positions onboard M/Y A.MEY, S/Y UBIBENE, and M/Y ARIANA, where he progressed to the role of Lead Deckhand. In addition, his time as a Yacht Painter at Storm Marine further strengthened his knowledge of yacht maintenance and repair.
Ege's skill set includes jet boat operation, single and twin-engine boat handling, and yacht maintenance and repair. A graduate of Marmaris Maritime High School, he prides himself on his professional and technical experience, his ability to adapt quickly to new environments, and his commitment to working effectively as part of a team.
Languages: English, Turkish
Previous yachts: S/Y UBIBENE, M/Y ARIANA, M/Y A.MEY

Ege Can Sadiç
Deckhand
Nilay brings a confident and polished presence to the interior, shaped by her experience across both private and charter yachts ranging from 22m to 140m. With a strong background in luxury service and team leadership, she has developed a refined understanding of guest expectations and the pace required to deliver seamless five-star experiences onboard. Her calm professionalism, combined with her natural attention to detail, allows her to create an atmosphere that feels both elegant and effortlessly welcoming.
Her service style is highly attentive yet discreet, balancing efficiency with warmth. Whether leading an interior team, organising themed events, delivering fine dining service, or maintaining immaculate interiors, Nilay works with precision and consistency under pressure. Experienced in everything from VIP table service and cocktail preparation to provisioning and interior management, she takes pride in anticipating guest needs before they arise. Away from work, Nilay enjoys travelling, discovering new cultures, and staying active. Having lived and studied in China, she brings an international perspective and adaptable mindset to life at sea, along with a positive energy that naturally enhances the onboard environment.
Languages: English, Mandarin, Turkish
Previous yachts: M/Y LADY LUNA 32m, M/Y SANTA ANNA 37m, M/Y ISABELL 64m, M/Y SOLARIS 140m, M/Y ASTERIA 49m, M/Y UNASOLA 43m, M/Y BREEZE 22m

Nilay Çor
Chief steward/ess
Holly-Rayne is a stewardess with Mediterranean yachting experience on private sailing yachts and catamarans, including sole responsibility for full interior operations in guest-facing roles. Confident, adaptable, and highly organised, she brings a strong hospitality background together with a calm and professional approach to onboard service.
Skilled in housekeeping, laundry, silver service foundations, cocktail and wine service, provisioning, and interior organisation, Holly-Rayne consistently maintains high standards while thriving in busy onboard environments. Her hands-on experience as a sole stew/cook has strengthened her ability to multitask, anticipate guest needs, and deliver exceptional service with discretion and attention to detail.
Known for her strong work ethic, positive attitude, and guest-focused mindset, she integrates easily into crew dynamics and contributes positively to both team performance and guest experience.
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Previous yachts: S/Y MASA YUME 25m, M/Y SEA 18m

Holly - Rayne Nicholson
Stewardess
Nico is a motivated and hands-on Deckhand with experience aboard motor and sailing yachts in both the Mediterranean and South Africa. Having completed a full season in the yachting industry, he has developed strong skills in deck operations, tender driving, line handling, washdowns, detailing, maintenance, watchkeeping, and watersports support.
Holding certifications including STCW, AEC1, PDSD, PBL2, VHF Radio, Tender Operations, and YOA Deckhand, Nico combines a strong work ethic with a positive attitude and eagerness to learn. His practical background, mechanical aptitude, and experience working in fast-paced team environments make him a reliable and adaptable crew member.
Languages: English
Previous yachts: 29m M/Y LADY SQUAD, 85m M/Y MR L, 42m M/Y OCEAN PEARL, 27m M/Y LA, 17m M/Y BELLA MIA, 15m S/Y YACHT DRIFTER

Nico Swart
Deckhand
With 18 years at sea and seven years in the yachting industry, Jose brings a strong technical background alongside a practical, hands-on approach. His experience spans commercial vessels, dive boats, passenger vessels, and private yachts, giving him the versatility to adapt to different operations and engineering demands onboard.
He has worked with a wide range of engines and onboard systems and is experienced in everything from daily maintenance to overhauls, dry docks, and survey periods. Jose is self-motivated, responsible, and solution-focused, with a calm approach to problem-solving and a reputation as a reliable team player.
Languages: English, Italian, Spanish
Previous yachts: 39m M/Y GLACIAL BEAR, 73m M/Y QUANTUM OF SOLACE, 32m M/Y AQUACAT, 39m M/Y RUSCELLO, 30m M/Y ANDREYKA

Jose Salomon Lopez Juarez
Chief engineer
Murat is an experienced Second Engineer currently serving onboard M/S ARSTEAS, bringing a solid background in both yacht and commercial vessel operations. With a foundation in marine engineering and years of hands-on experience, he is responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and safety of all onboard machinery and technical systems.
Murat’s disciplined and detail-oriented approach stems from his early career in the Turkish Naval Forces and his work as a maritime engineering instructor. He is well-versed in engine room operations, preventive maintenance, and environmental compliance, and holds a valid 2nd Engineer license for vessels up to 3000 kW.
Languages: English, Turkish
Previous yachts : 55m PAVINO, 50m MOZART 1, 50m M/T WIND
Artur is an experienced Mate and Deck Officer with over 10 years of seagoing experience and a strong background in both commercial shipping and yachting. Since transitioning into the yachting industry, he has built experience aboard private and charter yachts up to 64m, serving in positions including Deckhand, Chase Boat Captain, Mate, and most recently 2nd Officer.
Holding an OOW Unlimited license and a comprehensive range of navigation and safety certifications, Artur brings strong seamanship, bridge operations, and leadership skills to every role. His experience includes watchkeeping, passage planning, tender and chase boat operations, mooring and anchoring, deck maintenance, crew supervision, and guest-focused service. Confident operating chase boats up to 15m, he is also experienced with water sports activities and supporting guests both on and off the water. Reliable, adaptable, and professional, Artur takes pride in maintaining high standards of safety, teamwork, and operational excellence while creating a positive experience for guests and crew alike.
Languages: English, Russian, Ukrainian

Artur Bilous
First Officer
Ferhat is the Captain onboard M/Y ARESTEAS, bringing with him more than two decades of experience in the yachting industry and a distinguished career commanding both private and charter yachts throughout the Mediterranean. Holding a 500 GT Yacht Master Ocean Going certification and a Nautical Bachelor degree, Ferhat combines extensive navigational expertise with strong engineering knowledge and exceptional leadership skills.
Having progressed from Chief Officer on 50m and 58m yachts to Captain on vessels ranging from 24 to 45 metres, Ferhat has built a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail. His broad experience encompasses yacht operations, charter management, crew coordination, provisioning, maintenance, and onboard communication systems, allowing him to maintain the highest standards of safety and service.
Languages: English, Russian, Turkish
Previous yachts: 36m M/Y SANREF, 30m M/Y MIRA, 45m M/Y RR MANGUSTA GRANT SPORT, 32m M/Y PALADYUM, 43m M/Y 4US, 37m M/Y PARENTHESIS, 24m M/Y SAMANTA, 32m M/Y GOLDEN EAGLE, 58m M/Y MINDERELLA, 50m M/Y LADY M.

Ferhat Sever
Captain
Mert brings a strong culinary background to the yachting industry, built on more than a decade of experience in high-level kitchens, restaurant ownership, and luxury charter yachts. With formal training in gastronomy, pastry, French cuisine, and Japanese cuisine, combined with experience serving high-profile guests and managing demanding galley operations, he delivers refined cuisine with a focus on quality, creativity, and consistency.
His approach to cooking is highly adaptable and detail-driven, with extensive experience creating personalised menus tailored to guest preferences, dietary requirements, and special occasions. Having worked both ashore and onboard charter and private yachts, Mert combines elegant presentation with strong organisational skills, efficient provisioning, and the ability to perform calmly under pressure. He is experienced in both guest and crew catering, from multi-course fine dining to long-term menu planning, while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene, cost control, and teamwork within the galley. His expertise also includes kosher cuisine, pastry, and international flavours, ensuring a versatile and memorable dining experience.
Languages: English, Turkish
Previous yachts: M/Y PRIVATE 40m, M/Y QUEEN MARE 65m, M/Y MONTE CARLO 40m

Mert Yoncacilar
Chef