As a recent addition to the team of ASYA, John brings over 14 years of experience spanning between commercial shipping, charter, and private yachts up to 60 meters. John has been working on a wide range of yachts with varied propulsion systems which provides a strong, hands-on experience in navigation safety and management, which greatly assist the captain in the yacht's day to day operations. Having sailed extensively in the Mediterranean, John
also offers extensive local knowledge, ensuring our guests have access to the best locations. John is a versatile, dependable officer who is positive, collaborative, and highly computer literate. He takes pride in maintaining an efficient work environment while upholding the highest safety and operational standards with meticulous attention to detail. Experienced in both busy charter programs and remote cruising areas, he fully understands the demands of yacht operations and the importance of delivering exceptional guest experiences.
John is meticulous with his work, performance and ensures the comfort levels of guests are met to the best of standards.
When off the deck, he loves to dive, travel and explore new destinations.
Previous Yachts – MY Moonstone, MY King Baby, MY MA, MY Bina, MY Hawa & MY Ortelius
Interests – Diving, Fishing, Music, Travelling & Reading
John Sennen Salise
First Officer
Born and brought up in the Philippines, Neil started his career almost 25 years back in the shipping industry as a deck rating.
Initially he worked on the merchant line and seeking a better opportunity, shifted into the yachting industry in 2006. Ever since he has been with the same owners and over time upgraded from their first yacht, and then to ASYA. With more than two decades of high seas experience, he has many stories to share. His skills as a committed and efficient deck rating are exceptional.
He has been working with the captain since 2013 and has extensive amount of sea time under his belt right from the Med to the Indian Ocean. He enjoys water sports and assists the young with ease. He is also an advance PADI diver. When on off, you can find him playing basketball and socializing with friends.
Previous Yachts – MY FIVE (Leverage/Viceroy) & MY Shakun
Interests – Diving, Basketball, Table Tennis & Karaoke

Neil Gerardo
Bosun
Hailing from Indian & Royal Navy background, Manoj brings a wealth of knowledge to MY ASYA.
Having sailed the high seas on fleet of vessels varying between warships, cargo ships to modern yachts, his experience spanning over two decades has given him the opportunity to work with a various configurations of technology integrations. His experience with both charter and private yachts is quite extensive and is a true professional to core with abundant knowledge in both mechanical and electrical departments. He has been very instrumental in implementation of safety management on board and is a dedicated individual towards his duties.
Manoj is a dedicated and hands on professional who loves to lead by an example. He is also an active philanthropist and has been doing his best to provide education and skill support to underprivileged children from neglected backgrounds.
When not busy in his coverall’s, he likes to spend time reading and acquiring knowledge to grow his skill set.
Previous Yachts – MY Lucky Me, Classic MY Marala, MY Brother, MY Talisman
Interests – Philanthropy, Reading, Cooking & Socializing
Manoj Umrao
Chief engineer
Sandra hails from a hospitality background with a strong presence in high-standard service environments. She recently completed a season as a Sole Stewardess on a 28-meter charter M/Y, where she gained hands-on experience managing interior duties, guest service, and maintaining high standards onboard. Her broader experience includes working in remote mine site facilities in Western Australia and delivering silver service in high-end venues. These roles developed her adaptability, attention to detail, safety awareness, and ability to thrive in isolated, fast-paced environments — all highly transferable to yachting. She comes with a positive attitude, strong work ethic and a genuine enthusiasm for learning and growing within the industry.
She is very meticulous and thorough with her approach to work completing tasks efficiently. Her positive approach to any situation, chirpiness and ever smiling face, she is the yacht’s very own lively spark. A strong personality with an exceptional eye for detail, she enjoys her work and makes sure the service is met to the highest level of satisfaction. She loves a good laugh and is always ready to lend a hand which makes her able to adapt very quickly into any sort of environment.
At leisure, you will find Sandra working out on her fitness, wellbeing and exploring new cultures.
Previous Yachts – MY Play the Game
Interests – Fitness, Wellbeing, Yoga & Skiing
Sandra Yarnoz Girona
Chief steward/ess
Danielle comes from hospitality background and has worked on board yachts for the past seven years in different roles between sole / winter stewardess & covering the chief stew as necessary. Dani is a dedicated & service driven individual who has always come through in difficult and demanding situations. Her calm and composed approach with guests leave a great impression ensuring a comfortable experience. She has spent seasons switching between private and charter seasons which helps in adjusting and matching to the expectations on both fronts. As part of the outstanding interior team of ASYA, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring impeccable service and support for guests on board, so they have the best time possible and leave with cherished memories. This will be her third year with ASYA, and she compliments the team with her experience and strong service.
When not busy running along the decks, Dani loves to cook, relax and spend time with friends.
Previous Yachts – MY Leonardo III, MY Olmida & MY Hayken Interests – Swimming, Travelling & Reading
Danielle Dimayuga
Stewardess
Matt joined onboard ASYA as a temporary yard relief soon to prove his worth and join the dream team. At a very young age, he was introduced to sailing which occupied most of his time riding the waves in dinghies. Hailing from a strong watersports background, he comes with a wealth of knowledge in both coaching as well as on water experience. He also took a shot at the service industry to acquire and diversify his skills. His passion towards yachting grew with time and as a young individual he took the right directions which led him to his first stint in the industry.
He is a strong and dedicated individual, determined and focused towards learning and outperforming himself. His enthusiasm and highly adaptable approach help in delivering his best in the times of need. He is the one in-charge for watersports on board and the one who ensures that the guests have a wonderful, safe and a memorable watersports experience whilst on ASYA.
He loves spending his time with cameras & drones and is also the geek on board who ensures all guests do have their memories captured. With Matt around, be assured that your candid moments will always be captured so you can revisit them later in time.
When at ease, you will find Matt exploring sunsets, hiking new trials and skateboarding on the rails.
Previous Yachts – MY SP1, MY BIRUBI, SY SCARENA & MY CARINTHIA VII
Interests – Photography, Sail Coach & Sailing
Captain. Varun comes with a deep history in the sailing and yachting industry. Hailing from India, he is a highly accomplished individual with roots in sailing that run deep, including service as an Ex-Sea Cadet, Ex-National Cader and an Ex-Honorary Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army (Regt of Artillery). Starting at age 16, he quickly became a world-ranked athlete in Sailing. He is a winner of 29 national and 4 international medals across seven different classes, with his best performance being representing India at the Pre-Olympics 2008 (470 Class) Qualifiers in Kiel, Germany. After retiring from competitive sailing, Varun transitioned to a shore-based profile, representing top-tier yachting brands such as CRN, Ferretti Group, Riva, Jeanneau, Sea Ray, and Zodiac in India. Simultaneously, he focused on developing multiple marine projects along the Indian coastline, notably setting up a full-fledged yacht charter and management company in Goa. Varun's extensive experience and natural talent make him an outstanding professional in this field.
Captain Varun brings experience and and expertise to team ASYA. His passion for the high seas drove him to pursue maritime qualifications while simultaneously maintaining his full-time career. He has worked with the same owners for the past 13 years, during which he closely monitored the build period of ASYA, commissioned the yacht in 2015, and is also currently spearheading marine projects for the FIVE group. Additionally, he commissioned and skippered the award-winning yacht LUSINE between 2021 to 2023. With over 25 years of on-water experience, 15 years in the superyacht industry, and approximately 200,000 nautical miles logged between Far-East, Middle East, Mediterranean & Caribbean waters, he has harnessed immense knowledge on and off water management. This expertise ensures a safe, efficient, and memorable experience for all guests.
His hands-on, positive approach, attention to perfection, and proactive handling of challenges have consistently earned him outstanding performance reviews from guests.
Capt. Varun holds a Master (Y) 3000GT Unlimited MCA CoC, RYA PWC Instructors Licence, Open Water Dive Certification & Motonatique Instructor Certification for Powerboat Racing.
When he is not busy exploring the high seas, you can find him coaching budding talent around sailing clubs, painting new canvases or travelling in search of new horizons.
Previous Yachts: MY LUSINE, MY FIVE, MY Blue Diamond, SY Nava & SY AVI’s Ark
Interests – Sailing, Shooting, Diving, Hiking, Photography, Reading, Music, Writing,
Varun Raj Pakalapati
Captain