Captain Varol is a highly experienced and guest-oriented captain with an extensive international maritime background. Having cruised throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, and the Middle East, he brings a wealth of knowledge, professionalism, and calm leadership to every charter experience. Following a highly successful 2024 season onboard MEIRA, Captain Varol rejoined the yacht for the 2026 season. His commitment to exceptional guest satisfaction, smooth operations, and high service standards has earned him great appreciation from both guests and owners alike. Known for his approachable personality and reassuring presence, he creates a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere onboard while ensuring the highest standards of safety and professionalism. With strong experience operating 55m commercial motor sailers, Captain Varol is highly skilled in navigation, charter operations, crew management, and vessel maintenance. His leadership style combines professionalism with genuine hospitality, ensuring every guest enjoys a seamless and unforgettable charter experience. Fluent in both Turkish and English, Captain Varol is dedicated to delivering outstanding service and creating memorable moments for every guest onboard MEIRA.

Varol Çolak
Captain
Joining M/S MEIRA for the 2026 season, Burak brings extensive experience gained aboard luxury yachts and five-star hotels, delivering exceptional culinary experiences tailored to the highest standards of guest satisfaction. Specializing in Mediterranean ,Turkish, Italian, French, and Far Eastern cuisine, he is known for his creativity, attention to detail, and ability to craft memorable dining experiences both at sea and ashore. Throughout his career, Burak has served as Private Yacht Chef on a variety of prestigious yachts ranging from 34 to 73 meters, catering to discerning owners and charter guests worldwide. His expertise extends from elegant fine dining and gourmet tasting menus to relaxed family-style meals, always adapting to guests’ preferences and dietary requirements. With a strong background in menu development, galley management, and HACCP compliance, Burak combines culinary excellence with professionalism and efficiency. His passion for fresh ingredients, refined presentation, and personalized service ensures that every meal aboard MEIRA becomes a highlight of the guest experience.

Burak Bayir
Head Chef
Joining the MEIRA crew as Sous Chef for the 2026 season, Kadir Say brings over seven years of experience gained in luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and Michelin-starred kitchens. Passionate about culinary excellence, he has developed strong expertise in Italian cuisine, handmade fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas, premium meat preparation, and high-volume à la carte service.
Throughout his career, Kadir has worked in some of Türkiye’s most prestigious
hospitality establishments, including the Michelin-starred Gastro by Alfredo Russo at Maxx Royal Resort. Most recently, he served as Chef de Partie at Aska Lara Resort, where he managed Italian restaurant operations while maintaining exceptional standards of quality, presentation, and consistency.
Known for his dedication, leadership, and attention to detail, Kadir combines refined culinary techniques with a passion for creating memorable dining experiences. His ability to perform in demanding environments, lead kitchen teams, and deliver outstanding cuisine makes him a valuable addition to the MEIRA family.

Kadir Say
Chef
Nedim joins MEIRA for the 2026 season as a Deckhand, bringing valuable experience from both traditional sailing gulets and modern motor yachts. Throughout his career, he has worked on a variety of charter vessels, developing strong skills in deck operations, yacht organization, crew coordination, and guest service.
A graduate of a Yacht Captaincy program in Bodrum, Nedim began his maritime career as a trainee and steadily progressed through deck positions, gaining hands-on experience in sailing, tender operations, and daily yacht maintenance. His practical knowledge of deck work, combined with solid mechanical skills and a proactive approach to problem-
solving, makes him a reliable and versatile member of the crew.
Having participated in busy charter seasons and international cruising itineraries, Nedim understands the importance of professionalism, teamwork, and attention to detail. Friendly, hardworking, and guest-focused, he is committed to ensuring that every MEIRA guest enjoys a safe, comfortable, and memorable yachting experience.

Nedim Can Yesil
Deckhand
Joining MEIRA as Chief Stewardess for the 2026 season, Sonay Çun brings over four years of experience aboard private and charter motor yachts ranging from 23 to 47 meters. With a strong background in all aspects of interior operations, including housekeeping, laundry, silver service, guest relations, and table presentation, she is committed to delivering an exceptional onboard experience.
Throughout her career, Sonay has successfully worked both as a Solo Stewardess and as part of larger interior teams, gaining extensive hands-on experience in maintaining high service standards and ensuring seamless day-to-day interior operations. Known for her professionalism, discretion, reliability, and keen attention to detail, she consistently creates a welcoming and refined atmosphere for guests while contributing positively to crew dynamics.
A valuable aspect of Sonay’s addition to the MEIRA team is her previous experience working alongside Captain Varol Çolak aboard M/Y Sea Falcon. Their established professional relationship and proven teamwork provide a strong foundation for efficient operations and a harmonious working environment onboard.

Sonay Çun
Chief steward/ess
Joining the MEIRA crew for the 2026 season as a Housekeeper, Nisanur plays a key role in maintaining the yacht’s impeccable atmosphere through her exceptional service standards and meticulous attention to detail. Ensuring that elegance, order, and comfort are reflected in every aspect of the guest experience, she is dedicated to delivering a level of service that exceeds expectations. Her professional approach and commitment to excellence perfectly complement MEIRA’s distinguished hospitality standards

Nisanur Gunay
Stewardess
Kerim will be serving as a deckhand on board M/S MEIRA for the 2026 season. With his young, dynamic, and energetic character, he brings great value to the team. Coming from a family with a strong maritime background, Kerim has been connected to the sea from an early age, inspired by his father, who is a captain, and has turned this passion into a professional career.
With a disciplined work ethic, eagerness to learn, and a positive attitude, Kerim is committed to delivering a safe and enjoyable experience for our guests. He is a responsible team player with a strong sense of cooperation and professionalism. Embracing the spirit of seamanship, Kerim stands out as a motivated and promising member of the M/S MEIRA crew.
Akif, who has approximately seven years of practical experience on private and charter yachts ranging from 30 to 40 meters in length, is returning to the M/S MEIRA to begin his second season as Second Engineer. His extensive background includes long-term assignments on the M/Y For Us, Gulet Tanem, during which he developed strong expertise in deck operations, boat handling, navigation assistance, and guest services. Akif is known for his calm demeanor under pressure, clear communication, and attention to details qualities that make him an indispensable member of the crew. His reliability, strong work ethic, and team-oriented approach ensure that daily deck operations run smoothly and that guests enjoy an exceptional experience onboard. Fluent in nautical terminology and always ready to take initiative, Akif brings leadership, continuity, and trust to the deck crew of the M/S MEIRA.
Olcay Günay joined MEIRA as Second Stewardess for the 2026 season, bringing a unique blend of yachting hospitality experience and professional maritime expertise. A graduate of Maritime Transportation and Management from Mersin University, she has built a diverse career across both the yachting and commercial shipping sectors.
Having previously served as a Stewardess aboard 27m and 33m private yachts, Olcay gained valuable experience in guest service, housekeeping, interior maintenance, and day-to-day yacht operations. She later expanded her maritime career by serving as a Deck Cadet and Third Officer on oil, chemical, and bulk carrier vessels, developing strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a disciplined approach to safety and teamwork. With an extensive portfolio of international maritime certifications, strong safety awareness, and proficiency in English, Olcay combines professionalism with a positive and service-oriented attitude. Her versatile background allows her to adapt seamlessly to the high standards of luxury yacht hospitality while contributing effectively to the overall onboard operation.
As a valued member of the MEIRA crew, Olcay is dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences and ensuring every charter is carried out with care, efficiency, and attention to detail.

Olcay Günay
Stewardess
Nurettin is a dedicated and technically skilled motorman with hands-on experience in marine engine maintenance, overhauls, and operational support. Having served aboard vessels such as M/V Denizkonak, M/V Lucky, and M/V Martenitsa, he has collaborated closely with senior engineers to maintain engine performance, reduce downtime, and ensure machinery reliability. He holds multiple maritime safety and engine room certifications, including Engine Room Watchkeeping, Fire Prevention, and Personal Survival Techniques. His education at Kaptan Ahmet Fatoğlu Maritime Vocational High School laid a strong foundation for his seafaring career. With an upper-intermediate level of English and a commitment to safety and efficiency, Nurettin is well-prepared to serve as a motorman on motor yachts and contribute to the smooth operation of onboard mechanical systems.

Nurettin Hismiogullari
Chief engineer