Ugnė is a hardworking and detail-oriented stewardess with a background in hospitality and a passion for travel, service, and vegetarian cooking. Before joining the yachting industry, she worked as a hotel housekeeper and in a fast-paced international bakery, where she developed strong organizational skills, excellent time management, and the ability to remain calm and efficient under pressure.
She adapts quickly to new environments, thrives in multicultural teams, and maintains high standards of cleanliness and presentation. With a hands-on approach and positive mindset, Ugnė consistently delivers exceptional service to both guests and crew. She is eager to grow in the yachting industry and brings with her a strong work ethic and can-do attitude.
Languages: English, Lithuanian
Previous Yachts: M/Y ANTHEYA III, M/Y MABRUK II
Ugnė Zarankaitė
Stewardess
Loukas is a motivated and dedicated Deckhand with strong foundations in seamanship, navigational safety, and vessel maintenance. Having gained experience across passenger ships, cruise vessels, and daily charter yachts, he brings a solid skillset in mooring operations, deck maintenance, and emergency procedures. His training includes STCW, Advanced Firefighting, Survival Craft, GMDSS, and HELMO, ensuring he operates to the highest safety standards onboard.
With hands-on experience as Deck Apprentice Officer for Celestyal Cruises, Magic Sea Ferries, and Aegean Experience, as well as Deckhand on daily charter yachts in Corfu, Loukas has developed excellent teamwork and communication skills, thriving under pressure and contributing to smooth operations on deck. His physical stamina, reliability, and problem-solving ability make him a valuable support to the crew.
Passionate about the sea, Loukas enjoys sailing, fishing, and exploring coastal areas, bringing both enthusiasm and a strong sense of responsibility to his role onboard.
Languages: Greek, English
Previous Yachts: Celestyal Journey, Aegean Odyssey, Magic 1, Cat 1, Evo Marine (Daily Cruises)
Loukas Alefragkis
Deckhand
Captain Nikos is a highly capable and experienced leader, bringing over a decade of sea-going expertise to M/Y Ipanemas. A graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy of Hydra, he holds a prestigious Captain A’ Class Certificate, demonstrating his extensive knowledge in navigation, vessel management, and safety procedures. Known for his calm demeanor, strong leadership, and problem-solving abilities, Captain Nikos thrives on challenges and is committed to achieving the highest standards of service, safety, and guest satisfaction. He seamlessly blends professionalism with enthusiasm, fostering a positive and team-oriented atmosphere on board. With experience commanding some of the world’s most prestigious yachts, including M/Y I Sea, M/Y Prince Abdulaziz, M/Y Tueq, M/Y Clorinda, and M/Y Lost, Captain Nikos has an in-depth understanding of luxury yachting and international cruising destinations. His expertise ensures that every charter is smooth, enjoyable, and tailored to guests’ preferences. Passionate about sailing and water sports, he enjoys spending his free time on the water, reflecting his deep connection to the sea and his adventurous spirit.
Language: English, Greek
Previous yachts: m/y I Sea, m/y Prince Abdulaziz, m/y Tueq, m/y Clorinda, m/y Lost
Nikos Apostolou
Captain
Dimitris is a highly experienced and knowledgeable Chief Engineer, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of M/Y Ipanemas. A graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy of Aspropyrgos, he holds a B’ Class Engineer Diploma and has spent the early years of his career working on commercial ships, navigating the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, as well as Latin America and the Mediterranean Sea.
Transitioning to yachting in 2000, Dimitris has since developed extensive expertise in yacht engineering, maintenance, and troubleshooting, allowing him to prevent and swiftly resolve technical issues, ensuring a seamless experience for both crew and guests. Having joined M/Y Ipanemas in 2016, he plays a key role in maintaining and optimizing the yacht's performance, with a special focus on the tenders and jet skis, ensuring that all equipment is in top condition for guest enjoyment.
With deep technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to excellence, Dimitris provides unmatched reliability in yacht operations, guaranteeing that every trip is smooth, safe, and without mechanical concerns.
Languages: Greek, English
Previous yachts: m/y Albador, s/y Christian B, m/y Gina M, m/y The Other Me, s/y Mania
Dimitris Leousis
Chief engineer
Ria is a passionate and highly experienced chef with a strong background in luxury restaurants and private chef services across Monaco, France, and Greece. She has held leading positions such as Sous Chef at Gatsby Athens, Chef de Cuisine at Par.de Athens, and Senior Chef de Partie at the renowned Les Airelles in Courchevel 1850.
A graduate of II.EK PASTER in Thessaloniki, Ria brings creativity, precision, and a refined international touch to her cuisine. Her style masterfully blends Mediterranean freshness with fine dining techniques, delivering exceptional culinary experiences onboard M/Y IPANEMAS. Energetic and dedicated, Ria’s love for skiing, yoga, and sports mirrors the passion and vitality she brings to her galley.
Languages: Greek, English
Ria Giota
Chef
Lou has been a valued member of the M/Y Ipanemas crew for the past two years, bringing dedication, professionalism, and exceptional attention to detail to her role as 3rd Stewardess. With a strong background in hospitality and luxury service, she ensures that all housekeeping and guest service standards are maintained at the highest level.
Lou is known for her meticulous organization skills, efficiency, and warm personality, making guests feel welcome and well-cared for during their time on board. Whether assisting with cabin turnovers, laundry services, or fine dining preparations, she consistently delivers impeccable results, contributing to the smooth operation of the interior team.
Her strong work ethic, adaptability, and commitment to excellence make her an essential part of the crew, ensuring that M/Y Ipanemas continues to offer five-star service to all guests.
Languages: Filipino, English
Lou Banez
Stewardess
Konstantinos is an experienced and highly skilled Bosun with a strong maritime background, specializing in deck maintenance, tender operations, and water sports management. With a career spanning several years aboard vessels such as M/Y I SEA, where he progressed from Able Seaman to Bosun, he brings extensive knowledge of safety equipment maintenance and bridge operations.
Holding certifications including Able Seaman, Boatswain, Ro-Ro Passenger, and Ship Security Seafarer, Konstantinos ensures the highest standards of safety and deck operations onboard M/Y IPANEMAS. His technical expertise, attention to detail, and proactive attitude make him a vital part of the deck team. Outside of yachting, Konstantinos enjoys fishing, cycling, traveling, and volunteering in firefighting services.
Languages: Greek, English
Previous Yachts: M/Y I SEA
Konstantinos Drakogiannis
Bosun
Matthew is a dynamic and motivated deckhand with experience onboard both motor and sailing yachts in Greece, France, and Italy. During his time on M/Y IPANEMAS, he served as the chase boat captain, operating a 12m Axopar 37 Cross Cabin, while also supporting the deck team with maintenance, washdowns, and tender operations.
Certified through the Super Yacht Training Academy with multiple qualifications including STCW10 + PDSD, PYA Advanced Deckhand, RYA Powerboat Level II, and RYA Personal Watercraft, Matthew brings technical proficiency and a proactive attitude to the team. His strong background in water sports, excellent guest service skills, and passion for the ocean make him an asset to the deck department.
Outside of yachting, Matthew enjoys golf, motorsport, water-sports, and has a love for nature and animals.
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Previous Yachts: M/Y IPANEMAS, M/Y IPANEMAS T, S/Y BARACUDA, M/Y BLUE MED
Matthew Van Onselen
Deckhand
Sheyla is a dynamic and highly motivated stewardess with a strong foundation in five-star hospitality and luxury guest service. With a background in high-end hotels and hands-on yachting experience on private and charter yachts up to 25m, she brings a well-rounded skill set and a meticulous approach to her work.
She most recently served as Lead Stewardess onboard M/Y ESCAPE, where she managed interior operations, guest service, and team mentoring with confidence and poise. Her earlier experience as Solo Stewardess on M/Y PALADIO further showcases her ability to work independently while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, organisation, and guest satisfaction.
Trained in silver service and luxury housekeeping, Sheyla is detail-oriented, professional, and always eager to go the extra mile. Her additional expertise in mixology, barista skills, and family-style service makes her a great asset to any interior team.
Languages: Spanish, English
Previous Yachts: M/Y ESCAPE, M/Y PALADIO
Sheyla Lopez
Chief steward/ess