Previous yachts: M/Y NITA K II (52m), M/Y KATYA (46m), M/Y SEA DWELLER (47m)
Lasse was born and raised in a small fishing village on the west coast of Denmark, where his love of the sea began. Twenty years ago, he turned this passion into a career, completing an apprenticeship as a Shipfitter and Maritime Service Engineer and earning his Y1 CoC ticket. Since then, he has worked extensively on both new build and refit projects, bringing first-hand Heesen knowledge to every role.
An avid water sports enthusiast and motorcycle rider, Lasse enjoys wakeboarding, coastal runs, and ocean swims. At home in Aarhus, he relaxes in his modern cliffside house with his dog, Freddie. Warm, approachable, and highly skilled, Lasse loves sharing his knowledge and is always happy to give guests a guided tour of the engine room.

Lasse Knyde
Chief engineer
Previous yachts: M/Y ICE (30m), M/Y ACE2 (40m), M/Y PARAISO (47m)
Mora, from Argentina, brings a warm, positive energy to the Illusion team. She thrives on outdoor activities, meaningful conversations, and creating memorable experiences for guests. Over her yachting career, each vessel has offered her opportunities to grow, take on greater responsibilities, and master multiple tasks onboard.
Specializing in cocktails, Mora is skilled at organizing events and fun activities, ensuring every guest enjoys their time aboard to the fullest. Before entering the yachting industry, she earned a degree in Industrial Design. Having lived in Spain for several years, she enjoys hiking, water sports, and spending time with friends. Mora combines her professional expertise, creativity, and vibrant personality to provide a welcoming and enjoyable onboard atmosphere for both guests and crew.

Mora Juarez
Stewardess
Previous Yachts: M/Y BELONGERS (50m), M/Y ARROW (75m), M/Y DAPPLE(67m)
Will grew up on England’s stunning Jurassic Coast, an environment that naturally nurtured his love for the sea and outdoor adventure. A keen sportsman from a young age, he played rugby, hockey, and even American football — experiences that shaped his strong teamwork and leadership skills. Inspired by a family member with over 15 years in the industry, Will pursued a career in yachting, combining his passion for exploration with his drive to excel. Nearly two years into his career, he continues to develop his skills and professionalism onboard. With his enthusiasm, reliability, and positive attitude, Will is a valued crew member who strives to deliver an exceptional experience for every guest who steps aboard.

William Homer
Deckhand
Previous Yachts: M/Y SAMURAI (60m), M/Y SEALYON (62m), M/Y QUANTUM OF SOLACE (72m)
Interests: music & playing guitar, surfing, sports
Matt began his yachting career six years ago after completing his training in South Africa, joining his first superyacht in Genoa for a world cruise that took
him from Miami and LA to Mexico and the Mediterranean. Between contracts, he took time to travel through South Africa, Thailand, and the Seychelles, where he also earned his Open Water Dive certification.
Before entering the yachting world, Matt worked as a skipper in Croatia — often sleeping in a hammock tied to the mast! A graduate in Finance from the University of Cape Town, he enjoys trading, long-distance running, and squash in his downtime. Enthusiastic and hands-on, Matt can usually be found by the water toys, always ready to assist guests with a smile.

Matthew Van Renen
First Officer
Previous Yachts: M/Y DB9 (53m), M/Y RUSH (50m), M/Y QUANTUM OF SOLACE (72m)
Captain Paul Mount was brought up in the beautiful Yorkshire dales in Northern England. Paul’s passion for the sea came from his father who was a Captain for many years, and at the age of seventeen he joined his first commercial ship in North Carolina as a Deck Cadet. After many years of dedication and training he qualified as an Unlimited Master Mariner in 2008, and since then he has commanded large commercial passenger vessels and many yachts. Paul moved into yachting full time in 2018 and since then has Captained several high-profile yachts, his experience and training make him a highly competent and knowledgeable Captain, but his real strengths are his interpersonal skills – guest enjoyment and crew morale are at the top of his priorities and are equal to that of the safety of the yacht. Paul is a family man at heart and is married with three children. When not working or with his family, Paul can usually be found on a golf course. Whatever the circumstances or time of day, Paul is always available and attentive to your safety and needs. His best reward comes from the satisfaction of guests whilst on board Illusion.

Paul Mount
Captain
Previous yachts: M/Y FALCON (49m), M/Y VIVE LA VIE (60m)
Mike, from Mindanao in the Philippines, has been part of the yachting industry since 2015 and brings nearly a decade of hands-on experience to the ILLUSION deck team. A dedicated and hardworking sailor, he takes great pride in maintaining the yacht’s immaculate appearance and ensuring smooth daily operations.
From managing mooring lines and launching tenders to overseeing detailed maintenance projects such as polishing, varnishing, and painting, Mike’s precision and reliability shine through in everything he does. His strong work ethic, positive attitude, and team spirit make him a valued member of the crew. Mike holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Transportation and combines his technical skill with a calm, can-do approach to life at sea.

Michael Mendez
Deckhand
Previous yachts: M/Y VAVA II (97m), M/Y RISING SUN (138m), M/Y MUSASHI (88m), M/Y TJ ESPERANZA (50m)
Born and raised in the seaside town of Llandudno, UK, Adam has fond memories of spending weekends with his family actively getting out on the North Wales coast and enjoying family time spent on the water. At the age of 14, his strong work ethic allowed him to save up enough to buy his first boat, and thus began his long loved passion. In 2008, Adam received a degree in Geography from the University of Sheffield, and also studied nautical science at Warsash Nautical College in 2018. It is safe to say Adam has a plethora of navigation knowledge! Adam’s yachting career began in 2009, whilst on holiday in Palma, he struck up a conversation with a captain and was offered his first job as a deckhand. Adam soon moved his way up the ranks while working on yachts up to 138m. With his committed character and humble outgoing personality, Adam is a natural born leader and expert navigator of the seas! He very much enjoys stepping up to the challenge of ensuring guests have the absolute best experience and stay onboard and creating unforgettable experiences.

Adam Finch- Saunders
Captain
Previous Yachts: M/Y AVANTAGE (86m), M/Y ODESSA II (73m), M/Y JUICE (71m)
Oli grew up in Hampshire, on England’s south coast, where his love for the sea began early. Living just 30 minutes from the water, he spent much of his youth on boats and earned his first powerboat license at only 13 years old. After finishing school at 17, he spent two winters in northern Italy working as a ski guide and technician before joining the yachting industry at 19. Over the past five years, Oli has developed a strong skill set across all aspects of deck work while working on several high-end yachts with family-style programs. Known for his calm, friendly nature and proactive attitude, Oli takes pride in providing excellent service and is always happy to help.

Oliver Walker
Bosun
Previous yachts: M/Y SILVER WIND (44m), M/Y FAMILY SPIRIT (30m)
Nicole, originally from Stockholm, Sweden, discovered her passion for gymnastics at an early age — a sport that soon became a defining part of her life. As a member of the Swedish national team, she trained and competed around the world, gaining valuable experience, discipline, and a global outlook. After seventeen years dedicated to gymnastics, Nicole began travelling and working abroad, building a diverse background in coaching, hospitality, and childcare across several continents. A chance introduction to the yachting industry sparked a new passion, and she hasn’t looked back since. Energetic, hardworking, and committed to excellence, Nicole takes pride in creating memorable experiences for guests and enjoys being part of the close-knit, professional crew onboard Illusion.

Nicole Vanstrom
Stewardess
Previous yachts: M/Y VEGA (55m), M/Y JUST J’S (65m), M/Y ALLURIA (38m)
Caitlin, from Glasgow, Scotland, a talented member of the ILLUSION team with expertise in hospitality and massage therapy. Holding diplomas in multiple massage techniques, she delights in creating personalized, soothing experiences for every guest. Caitlin has served on three yachts, including M/Y JUST J’S(61m), mastering a busy cruising schedule along the U.S. East Coast and Canada while providing impeccable service, managing housekeeping, and offering relaxing treatments. Equally skilled during shipyard periods, she has overseen stock, turnarounds, and solo stew duties with efficiency and care. Outside of work, Caitlin enjoys fitness, hiking, padel, exploring new cuisines and cultures, fine spirits, and improving her French, bringing warmth, energy, and enthusiasm to life onboard.

Caitlin Treanor
Stewardess