Crew Profiles

Captain: Matt Novak
Nationality: American
Languages: English, Polish, Italian, French, Spanish

Education/Certifications: Masters in International Commercial Law / Warsaw, Poland, USCG 200 GT / 500 ITC (Near Coastal), IYT Master 200 (Unlimited), MCA Chief Mate 3000 (Unlimited)

Captain Matt brings over a decade of global yachting experience to AZURE, backed by an impressive combination of leadership, professionalism, and genuine passion for the sea. Born and raised in Warsaw, Poland, he first built a career in international commercial law before discovering his true calling in yachting. His background includes extensive studies and a Master’s degree in International Commercial Law, as well as a wide suite of professional maritime licenses.

After taking a sabbatical in Fort Lauderdale, Captain Matt was introduced to the world of yachting and immediately knew he had found the perfect blend of travel, seamanship, and adventure. Growing up sailing on lakes in Poland, he rekindled that early love of the water and has since dedicated more than ten years to working aboard some of the world’s most well-known charter vessels. His experience spans New England to Key West, The Bahamas, the U.S. East and West Coasts, the Mediterranean, the Aegean and Marmara Seas, the Pacific—including French Polynesia, Fiji, Galápagos, and Australia—and multiple ocean crossings.

As Captain of AZURE, he leads with courage, confidence, and joy, fostering an environment where both crew and guests feel supported and inspired. He believes in continual growth and values the idea that everyone onboard is both a student and a teacher. His goal is for every charter guest to leave with extraordinary, unforgettable moments that become treasured lifelong memories. Outside of yachting, Captain Matt is passionate about sports, martial arts, hiking, reading, sailing, cooking, and diving — always eager to share knowledge and create meaningful connections



Chef: April Coyle
Nationality: American
Languages: English

April brings a fresh, creative energy to AZURE as Chef/Stewardess, blending a strong hospitality background with a genuine love for food and people. Originally from Portland, Oregon, she grew up in the city but spent her winters snowboarding in the nearby mountains and her summers on the beach volleyball court. She studied psychology with a focus on child development at Portland State University and holds a full set of maritime and hospitality certifications, including STCW, ENG1, First Aid/CPR, Food & Hygiene Level 2, PSSR and PST. Raised in a “cheffing family” and surrounded by spices from a young age, the kitchen quickly became her happy place.

Her path into yachting began in 2024 after several years working in restaurants, both front and back of house. What started as a side job waiting tables grew into a real passion for service, connection, and creating memorable experiences for guests. She joined yachting as a stewardess on a 46m yacht before moving into a sole chef role on a 40m vessel, and now serves as Chef/Stew aboard AZURE. With trips between Miami and The Bahamas, she’s fallen in love with island life and all the activities that come with it, from snorkeling to fishing. In her current role, April’s greatest strengths are her creativity, attention to detail, and ability to tie everything together – flavors, plating, cocktails, décor, and atmosphere – so nothing slips through the cracks and guests feel completely taken care of.

In the galley, April enjoys cooking a wide variety of cuisines so the menu always feels exciting and tailored: Mediterranean, French, American, Italian, Asian, and Indian influences often appear in her dishes. She is comfortable accommodating strict diets, allergies, and specific preferences, and enjoys the challenge of crafting plates that are both beautiful and comforting. When she’s not in the kitchen, you’ll likely find her in the sun – playing beach volleyball, hiking, biking, snorkeling, or enjoying watersports – and she’s always happy to teach a game of volleyball on the beach. Her philosophy is simple: “A positive mindset opens the door to any solution.” Her goal for every charter is that guests feel they can fully switch off, relax, have fun, and leave saying it was one of the most unforgettable experiences they’ve ever had.



Chief Stewardess: Ellen Martins
Nationality: Brazilian
Languages: Portuguese, English

Ellen brings a refreshing blend of maritime experience, creativity, and guest-focused service to her role as Deck/Stewardess aboard AZURE. Born in Caruaru, Brazil and raised in the vibrant city of São José dos Campos, she grew up surrounded by mountains, close to the ocean, and in the company of her two older brothers and many cousins. As a child, she excelled in sports — especially volleyball and basketball — earning multiple local medals, and developed a deep passion for photography at a young age. Ellen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising and Marketing, along with maritime certifications including Yachtmaster Coastal, Deckhand Rating, STCW, and ENG1.

Her professional journey began on cruise ships, where she spent five years honing her skills as a photographer before advancing to Photo Manager. In that leadership role, she oversaw creative teams, managed guest service operations, and developed a strong foundation in organization, communication, and hospitality. Drawn to the sea and ready for a more hands-on, intimate maritime environment, she transitioned into yachting in 2024. After completing her yachting courses, she gained experience through daywork and temporary positions in the U.S. and Europe on vessels ranging from 24m to 79m. Her favorite cruising experience so far has been the Exumas, where encounters with swimming pigs and sharks left lasting memories.

On AZURE, Ellen’s greatest asset is the professional maturity she brings from her years on cruise ships. Her background gives her an exceptional ability to manage guest interactions, adapt quickly, stay calm under pressure, and anticipate needs before they arise. She contributes both on deck and inside the vessel, supporting operations, guest activities, and the overall smooth running of the yacht. Warm, organized, and highly motivated, she aims to help every guest leave with a sense of true relaxation and unforgettable memories.

In her free time, Ellen enjoys films, music, staying active, exploring new destinations, and capturing beautiful moments through photography — a passion she loves to teach. Her guiding philosophy, “The greatest view comes after the hardest climb,” reflects her determination, resilience, and commitment to growth both personally and professionally. Her long-term goals include continued advancement within yachting, building a strong personal foundation, purchasing her own home, and one day starting a family.



Mate: Johlene "Jo" Kruger
Nationality: South African
Languages: English, Afrikaans


Jo brings a vibrant blend of professionalism, hands-on experience, and warm guest-focused energy to her role as Mate aboard AZURE. Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, she grew up active and adventurous — cycling, tennis, netball, rugby with the boys, dance, and even a bit of mixed martial arts. Her early years were filled with leadership roles, sports achievements, and performance arts, eventually leading her into professional dance, hospitality, villa management, and customer service. She also holds an impressive list of maritime qualifications, including her Yachtmaster 200-ton license, advanced safety training, medical first aid, and multiple professional certifications.

Her yachting career began in 2018, inspired by a family member who introduced her to the industry. Jo immediately connected with the rhythm of yachting — the teamwork, problem-solving, guest interaction, and the opportunity to travel the world. Over the years she has worked aboard a range of charter and private vessels from 84ft to 164ft, gaining valuable experience on yachts cruising through Turkey, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and North America. Today, she brings over two years of experience on AZURE, serving as Mate and supporting the captain in navigation, deck operations, water toys, and creating seamless guest experiences.

Known for her positive can-do spirit, adaptability, and strong work ethic, Jo takes pride in helping guests feel relaxed, welcomed, and looked after from the moment they step aboard. Outside of yachting, she enjoys music, dancing, beach days, movies, spending time with friends, and riding her bike. Her greatest passion is dance, and she loves sharing that joy with others — along with a little guitar when the moment calls for it. Her motto, “Never let your memories be greater than your dreams,” reflects her belief in personal growth, gratitude, and making every moment count.

Jo’s goal is simple: ensure every guest leaves AZURE feeling like they’ve had one of the best experiences of their lives