Megan’s journey began in the world of dance, where she discovered a deep passion for health, fitness, and helping others thrive. With nine years of experience as a fitness, dance, and yoga instructor, she brings a vibrant energy and a strong sense of discipline to life on board. Her background in hospitality, combined with her warm and bubbly personality, makes her a natural when it comes to guest interaction and service.
In early 2022, Megan took her talents to sea, working as a fitness coach aboard a luxury cruise liner. She later joined M/Y Philosophy as a deckhand, where she further honed her maritime skills. Megan is also certified in open water diving and is a Personal Watercraft instructor, making her a valuable asset for all things water sports. When she’s not dancing or leading a yoga session, you’ll likely find Megan hiking a mountain trail or enjoying time on the water. Her love of travel and adventure continues to grow, and she’s always eager to share that enthusiasm with guests. Whether it’s organizing a beach workout or assisting with water toys, Megan is dedicated to making your time on board both fun and unforgettable.
Previous yachts: M/Y PHILOSOPHY (44m),
SEABOURN ODESSEY (200m

Megan Droppa
First Officer
Originally from Athens, Greece, but raised abroad, Yianni brings a rich international perspective and a deep passion for culinary excellence to every dish he creates. A classically trained chef, he studied at prestigious institutions including Le Monde Hotelier School (Athens), the London Academy, Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, and earned a scholarship to the renowned Institute Paul Bocuse in Lyon. Yianni’s career spans high-end restaurants and luxury villas across Greece, France, Switzerland, and the UK—including a notable position at the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London. Since transitioning to yachting in 2019, he has seamlessly adapted his fine dining expertise to the unique demands of life at sea, consistently delivering fresh, flavourful, and beautifully presented meals. Warm and approachable, Yianni takes pride in personalizing menus to suit each guest’s tastes and dietary preferences. His attention to detail, creativity, and commitment to guest satisfaction ensure an exceptional culinary experience on board. When not in the galley, Yianni enjoys traveling, discovering new cultures, and expanding his culinary repertoire.
Previous Yachts: M/Y ANTHEYA III (35m). STARBURST III (47.5m)

Ioannis Karagiannis
Chef
Nicole joins the interior team with her thoughtful, calm approach and strong eye for detail. Originally from South Africa, she holds a degree in International Studies from Stellenbosch University, majoring in French and Political Science, which has helped shape her strong communication skills and cultural awareness. Combined with her hospitality experience and growing yachting background, Nicole has developed a natural ability to adapt easily to different guest preferences and onboard environments.
Having worked as both Sole and Second Stewardess on yachts up to 63 metres, Nicole particularly enjoys making guests welcome through housekeeping and interior detailing. She takes pride in maintaining beautifully presented spaces and consistently high standards. Guests appreciate her warm, composed personality and attentiveness. Outside of yachting, Nicole enjoys running, watersports, reading, art, and spending time outdoors, always bringing a positive and steady energy to the team.
Previous Yachts: M/Y RANIA (42m), M/Y ALMAX (63m), M/Y POPEYE (28m)

Nicole Broodryk
Stewardess
Jack is our dedicated and energetic Bosun, with hands-on experience aboard vessels ranging from 24 to 73 meters. With a strong background in water sports and a natural affinity for the ocean, Jack brings a proactive attitude, a team-oriented mindset, and a passion for delivering exceptional service on board. Jack particularly enjoys working with guests and loves helping both adults and children feel confident trying new water sports and activities.
Born in Zimbabwe and raised in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Jack grew up by the beach and has always been immersed in the ocean. His upbringing instilled a deep love for the sea and outdoor activities. Friendly and approachable by nature, he creates a relaxed atmosphere on board while maintaining high standards of safety and professionalism. In his spare time, Jack enjoys surfing, scuba diving, wakeboarding, fishing, rugby, golf, and staying active outdoors.
Previous yachts: M/Y FANTASTIC TOO (80ft),
JOLIE X (37m), PLANET 9 (73m)

Jack Milne
Bosun
Patrick brings a strong engineering background and a wealth of technical experience gained across both the commercial maritime and superyacht sectors. Holding a First Class Honours degree in Marine Engineering Technology from the University of Greenwich, along with MCA EOOW and Chief Engineer qualifications, Patrick combines academic knowledge with a practical, hands-on approach in the engine room.
Having worked aboard a range of yachts and commercial vessels worldwide, Patrick is known for his methodical mindset and ability to keep operations running smoothly behind the scenes. He particularly enjoys troubleshooting and system upgrades, always striving to maintain yachts to the highest standard possible. After taking time ashore, Patrick was drawn back to yachting by the pace, challenge, and camaraderie of life at sea, and he brings his renewed enthusiasm and dedication to the team.
Previous Yachts: M/Y CLOUD 9 (60m),
M/Y TURQUOISE (55m),
M/Y BLACK AND WHITE (34m)

Patrick Abels
Chief engineer
With more than 26 years of experience in the yachting industry, Captain Paul brings a calm, knowledgeable, and highly capable presence to MAXIMILIAN MMIV. He began his career delivering new-build yachts from the United Kingdom to destinations all over the world, building a strong foundation in offshore navigation, seamanship, and vessel management. Over the years, his career naturally evolved into the charter sector, where he developed a reputation for creating smooth, enjoyable, and thoughtfully planned guest experiences.
Paul is passionate about designing bespoke itineraries throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean, combining his extensive cruising knowledge with a genuine love for hospitality. His favourite destinations include the striking Greek islands of Milos and Zakynthos, as well as the quieter islands of the southern Caribbean.
Despite his many years at sea, his enthusiasm for yachting remains as strong as ever, particularly during offshore night passages beneath clear, star-filled skies. Professional, approachable, and deeply experienced, Captain Paul is dedicated to ensuring guests enjoy a relaxed, memorable, and safe time on board MAXIMILIAN MMIV.

Paul Blandon
Captain
Growing up on the South Coast of the UK, Jack has been around boats and the water for as long as he can remember. Before moving into yachting full-time, he worked in a number of shore-based marine roles, including as a marina operative and yacht broker, while also gaining his Yachtmaster Offshore and Jetski instructor qualifications.
He started his yachting career aboard the classic 38m Feadship M/Y MONACO and has since worked on a range of private and charter motor yachts throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Most recently, he joined the team aboard the 73m charter yacht M/Y QUANTUM OF SOLACE. Jack is hardworking, easy-going, and known for his great sense of humour, bringing a positive energy to the crew while always maintaining high standards on deck and ensuring guests feel relaxed and well looked after.
Previous Yachts: M/Y DEJA TOO (53m), M/Y REEF CHIEF (50m), M/Y COMFORTABLY NUMB (60m), M/Y GHOST III (50m), M/Y MONACO (38m)
M/Y (73m) QUANTUM OF SOLACE

Jack Griffen
Deckhand
Originally from the UK, Steve is an accomplished and versatile Marine Engineer with over 30 years’ experience in the maritime industry. He began his career serving in the Armed Forces, where he developed exceptional technical skills along with the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure. After moving into yachting, Steve quickly became established as a trusted Chief Engineer. He is highly experienced in yacht maintenance and has been involved in both rebuilds and new builds.
His approachable manner and strong communication skills allow him to work effectively with guests, crew, and contractors alike. Away from work, Steve enjoys staying active, often spending his downtime playing golf, diving, swimming, or watching rugby. His combination of professional expertise, reliability, and friendly personality will ensure the smooth running of MAXIMILIAN MMIV and her systems day to day.
Previous yachts:: M/Y CLOUD 9 (44m), S/Y MIKADO (47m), M/Y ADVA (35m), M/Y NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN (48m), M/Y FOREVER ONE (54m), M/Y HAWA (48m), M/Y TE MANU (49m), M/Y LADY M II (50m), M/Y ILLUSION (54m), M/Y AL ASMAKH (50m), M/Y MARACUNDA (53m), M/Y LIGAYA (38m), M/Y CALLISTA (38m), M/Y QUARANTA (32m)

Steve Beeston
CHIEF ENGINEER (Rotational)
Vanecia is our highly experience Chief Stewardess, born and raised in Salvador, Brazil, with Italian heritage, she brings elegance, warmth, and a refined eye for detail. Before entering yachting, she worked within the floral industry supplying Aalsmeer, the world’s largest flower auction house, where she developed her natural creativity and appreciation for presentation. She later trained at a prestigious butler school, building the polished service standards that now define her approach on board.
Since starting her yachting career in 2012, she has progressed to Chief Stewardess roles and enjoys leading the interior and creating a welcoming space on board. Calm and organised, she has a knack for anticipating guests’ needs and creating bespoke activities. As a certified Sommelier through the FISAR Association, she also brings confident wine knowledge and a thoughtful approach to service.

Vanecia Brito
Chief steward/ess
Jeannettsy brings her naturally warm personality and creative flair to the interior team. With a background spanning luxury events, childcare, fitness instruction, and hospitality, she has developed a versatile skill set that translates seamlessly into yachting. Before joining the industry, she worked in event production for fashion and beauty brands in London, alongside roles as a Pilates, yoga, and dance instructor.
Her previous yachting role, as Sole Stewardess aboard M/V GLEN ETIVE, saw her managing busy charters independently, where she quickly gained praise for her attentiveness, themed table settings, and personalised guest touches. Jeannettsy genuinely enjoys creating memorable experiences and thrives in a fast-paced, people-focused environment. Away from work, she loves surfing, photography, travel, and creative projects, bringing her positive attitude and zest for life wherever she goes.
Previous Yachts: M/V GLEN ETIVE (24m)

Jeannettsy Borges
Stewardess