Jack grew up in Salcombe, a small fishing town SW England. One of 7 children in a somewhat chaotic yet extremely happy family, Jack’s sunny disposition and outgoing personality developed from a young age! As a flanker in the school rugby team, they went on to win the national Sweet Chariot Tournament 3 years in a row. After high school Jack studied watersports at Falmouth Marine School before becoming a commercial fisherman for 4 years. As a most personable young man, Jack was keen to spread his wings and in 2015 moved to a more people facing profession – the superyacht industry!
He loves that every day is different and thrives on last minute requests from charter guests - simply put, Jack just wants to show everyone the time of their lives! Jack excels at navigation and is a competent dependable right hand for the captain (as he likes to say “sometimes the left hand too”!). Be sure to ask Jack to show you how to improve your experience on the Flite Board/ eFoil … he loves seeing guests advance their skills.
Jack has extensive tender driving abilities, with guest safety and comfort being top priority. The INSPIRATION tow tender is definitely a favorite for versatility and performance! Jacks exudes friendliness and an understated confidence and capability - the whole crew love working with him and the deck team is particularly inspired.
“Why on earth are you leaving … is it really over?”
Languages: English
Previous yachts: M/Y ASANTE (40m), M/Y TREEHOUSE (60m), M/Y GRACE (53m), M/Y FRIENDSHIP (53m), M/Y VIRGINIAN (65m), VICTORIA DEL MAR (49m), M/Y DOUBLE DOWN (65m), M/Y INFINITY (90M)
Interests: Surfing, wakeboarding, snowboarding, gym & fitness
Jack Tooke
First Officer
Born and raised in Odessa on the Black Sea, Maiia’s close knit family often travelled to the seaside for family holidays. At school she was a ping pong champion and played the accordion in the school band. Inspired by her mother, a nurse, Maiia attended Medical school then onto university in ODESSA. After graduating, she worked for 5 years in a hospital laboratory blood analysis unit.
In 2012 Maiia started her sea life on a cruise liner as a bar server and then as a butler for elite cabins. In 2015 Maiia eagerly joined the yachting industry, finding it the perfect blend of adventure and professional growth! She particularly loves silver service, working in perfect cooperation with the chef. She is known to be Cocktail Maker extraordinaire and is wonderful at organizing unique surprise celebrations for guests. Maiia is a Seashell Craft Artist so produces amazing table decorations/settings.
Maiia’s attention to detail, and the ability to perform optimally under pressure are valuable qualities she brings to her role on INSPIRATION. Her fulfilment comes from making people so happy and feel at home so they totally relax.
“Come back again .. we are waiting for you!”
Languages: English, Ukrainian, Russian
Previous yachts: M/Y OCEAN BIRD (53m) M/Y HAIDA (50m) M/Y ROCKET (52m) M/Y ORIENT STAR (47m)
Interests: Biking, seashell crafts, watersports - especially seabobs & jet skis!
Maiia (Maya) Kushnizenko
Stewardess
Born and raised in Nassau Bahamas, Captain Adam was able to easily nurture his deep love for the ocean from an early age. Having been in the marine industry since 2000, he is a seasoned professional and has a plethora of inside knowledge of the best spots in all the Bahamian, Caribbean and BVI waters!
Adam brings his sunny positivity and bright outlook on life to the INSPIRATION crew and always leads his team by steady example. Adam prides himself on consistently delivering outstanding guest experiences and promises a meticulously maintained yacht.
Not only does Adam strongly focus on safety and navigation, but he truly enjoys bringing smiles to people’s faces with his relaxed, congenial personality; helping create memorable and fantastic cruising experiences. Captain Adam is a truly genuine person, kind with exceptional human values …. Work or play, he is the same decent, caring person!
When he is not working, Adam enjoys spending time in the turquoise waters of the Bahamas, and of course relaxing in the company of his wife and daughters.
“Come and join us … we are waiting for you!”
Languages: English
Previous yachts: M/Y ABOUT TIME (40M) M/Y JESSICA (34M) M/Y FANTASY (35M)
Interests: Fishing, Time with family
Adam Knowles
Captain
Chef Alejandro joins INSPIRATION from vibrant Mexico, where he received his Culinary Arts diploma in 2000. Obsessed with the limitless field of food and cuisines, Alex furthered his culinary skills by taking various classes abroad in France, and thereafter rounded his education when he completed his studies in Hotel Administration at Cornell University.
At that point Alex knew he was more than prepared to be a superb Chef and was ready to go! He began his career in yachting in 2004, and offers a wide variety of cuisines including French, Italian, Spanish, Mediterranean, and of course, Mexican! His specialty gluten-free/ vegan meals have made him an extraordinary addition to the INSPIRATION charter program. Beloved for his positive, passionate personality, Alex shares his passion for food with anyone within reach “to taste”!
His delights in showcasing his culinary talents and is never afraid to try something new … his repertoire is always expanding!
“Come, you must taste this …and this …what about this? You like?!”
Languages: English, Spanish
Previous yachts: M/Y PRINCESS TWO (30m) M/Y LEUDIN (38m) S/Y PARLAY (38m) M/Y CACIQUE (46m)
Interests: Trying new cuisines! Making people happy through my food 😊
Alejandro Munoz
Chef
Kat was born and raised in Ukraine, with her hometown roots in Donetsk and Odessa. Growing up in a family where her mom was a chef and her father and brother were mechanics, her childhood was filled with the excitement of cars, bikes, delicious food, and a love for travel! Living along the Azov and Black Seas, Kat developed a strong passion for active watersports and the sea from an early age. Her educational background includes a degree in Engineering Technology from the Odessa National Academy of Food Technologies (2011).
Before transitioning into yachting in 2016, Kat gained valuable experience in various roles, including three years as a bartender/waitress onboard cruise ships, a waitress in a karaoke nightclub, and a main technologist for a new bakery in one of Ukraine's largest cities.
These diverse experiences shaped her "can-do attitude" and love for any job she takes on. Kat’s favorite part of working aboard INSPIRATION is the amazing crew she gets to work with, and she has a special fondness for their home port in the Bahamas. Kat absolutely thrives on the fast-paced energy of a charter, where guests are buzzing with excitement; she is driven to skillfully balance the preferences of every single charter guest with style and a smile!
“How can we make this your most memorable experience ever?!”
Languages: English, Italian, Ukrainian, Russian
Previous yachts: M/Y AILISH V (37m) M/Y NO SHORTCUTS (37m) M/Y ISLAND COWBOY (36m) M/Y R&R (35m)
Interests: Travel, Motorbikes
Kateryna Yerlykova
Chief steward/ess
Keedon grew up on a lake in South Africa, which sparked his lifelong love for the sea. His Dad is in aviation and runs a Motorsport team in Germany making for an exciting childhood around the racetrack! After completing his studies and obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Strategic Management in Business, in 2021 Keedon was inspired to join yachting (his cousin is a captain).
He enjoys introducing guests to the exciting world of watersports. Whether it's a thrilling ride or simply enjoying the serene beauty of the sea, he is 100% engaged and interacting with guests. Keedon loves driving the tender, taking the guests on different excursions and highlighting local spots. His enthusiasm for the yachting lifestyle and watersports is contagious, making him a memorable part of any voyage. A self confessed people person, there is not a crew member or guest that Keedon doesn’t not gel with! Happy go lucky, he’s a well-established and popular member of this tight knit crew; Keedon thrives on the easy-going camaraderie and is a passionate yachting professional.
“Pull in fellas, it’s going to be a top-notch time”
Languages: English
Previous yachts: M/Y EMINA (43m) M/Y BABA S (56m)
Interests: Surfing, free diving, Formula One (all motor sports)
Keedon Ermes
Bosun
Mauricio was born in the vibrant city of Acapulco. As an only child, his interests were mainly playing soccer with his friends! He attended Maritime University in Tampico, North Mexico for 4 years and spent an additional 1 year practical on a commercial boat in the Gulf of Mexico. In 2019, Mauricio joined the yachting industry as an engineer.
With his highly efficient work style and methodical manor, Mauricio is the perfect addition to the INSPIRATION crew. He enjoys being able to apply his engineering experience and does his best at all times to maintain the machinery at the highest level of performance and keep the technical spaces organized and in good condition.
Mauricio does get out of the engine room … specifically to help the crew and do whatever he can to make sure the guests have a great time! Mauricio is naturally warm and welcoming, so guests naturally gravitate towards him. He prides himself on always having exceptional relationships with owners and captains. In his off time, Mauricio spends time with his wife and baby girl, absolutely savoring family life! He is a very good man who brings his honorable values to INSPIRATION.
“Bienvenidos! Nuestro hogar es tu hogar!
Languages: English, Spanish
Previous yachts: M/Y TAYRONA (39.6m), M/Y DELIBERATELY LUCKY (38m)
Interests: Spending time with family, watching soccer, swimming and the beach, exploring cities, learning something new every day
Mauricio Perez
Chief engineer