Originally from South Africa, Captain Paul brings over 14 years of experience in the yachting industry, this has ended up in him living on the beautiful Island of Mallorca.
His leadership style focuses on balancing top-tier guest satisfaction with uncompromising safety standards, making him a trusted captain on both private and charter yachts. Paul has cruised extensively, with experience navigating the Mediterranean, U.S. East Coast up to Montreal, the Bahamas, Caribbean, and French Polynesia. His calm, confident approach ensures smooth operations and memorable guest experiences wherever he sails.
Known for his professionalism and team-first mindset, Paul takes great pride in leading and motivating his crew to perform at their best.
Outside of yachting, Paul enjoys a wide range of watersports, golf, and spending time in the outdoors.
Previous yachts: 55.5m – M/Y Mary A, 47m – M/Y Mary A, 46m – M/Y Vantage, 45m – M/Y Golden Eagle
Paul Burtenshaw
Captain
With over nine years of experience in the yachting industry and a strong foundation in restaurant and catering, Matia brings a refined and passionate approach to Mediterranean cuisine.
As an Italian chef, Matia specializes in bold, flavor-driven dishes that celebrate the essence of fresh, high-quality ingredients. His culinary philosophy centers on allowing every raw material to shine, creating memorable dining experiences through simplicity and depth of flavor.
Matia is highly skilled in baking fresh bread, pizza dough, desserts, and cakes—including gluten-free and sugar-free varieties. His expertise also extends to gluten-free cuisine, always accommodating guests’ dietary preferences with creativity and care. His versatility and open-minded attitude mean no request is ever too complex; he is dedicated to fulfilling each guest's culinary expectations with enthusiasm.
In recent years, Matia has excelled in the charter sector, expanding his repertoire to include raw seafood, sushi, sashimi, as well as Thai, Greek, Turkish, and Indian cuisines. Constantly evolving, he is committed to self-improvement and values the opportunity to exchange ideas with those who enjoy his food. His open and approachable nature makes him not only a talented chef but also a valued crew member.
Previous yachts: 85m – M/Y Bold, 55m – M/Y Deep Blue II, 55m – M/Y Quinta Essentia, 55m – M/Y Steel, 50m – M/Y White, 50m – M/Y Mariu, 50m – M/Y Explorer MMM, 37m – M/Y Lady Lilian
Matia Serfilppi
Chef
Now serving as Chief Stewardess onboard MINE GAMES, Georgia brings over six years of yachting experience and a strong reputation for delivering exceptional, high-level service. She takes great pride in creating warm, welcoming environments where every detail is thoughtfully managed to ensure guests enjoy an unforgettable time on board.
Her passion for hospitality is matched by her positive attitude and unwavering dedication to excellence. Always approachable and attentive, Georgia consistently goes above and beyond to anticipate needs, exceed expectations, and make every guest feel at home. Whether managing interior operations or providing personalized service, she approaches each task with care and precision.
Outside of her role on board, Georgia leads an active lifestyle and finds energy and balance through outdoor activities such as surfing, skating, and watersports.
Previous yachts: 86m – M/Y Amatasia, 85m – M/Y Grace, 77m – M/Y GO, 70m – M/Y Horizons III, 64m – M/Y Moca, 60m – M/Y Samurai
Georgia Cloete
Chief steward/ess
Carli Nel is a dedicated and well-rounded stewardess with experience on private yachts up to 65 meters. Known for her warm demeanor, sharp attention to detail, and love for service, Carli thrives in dynamic and fast-paced environments. Her time on board M/Y White Rose of Drachs and M/Y Mary A has equipped her with strong skills across all areas of the interior—including housekeeping, laundry, and both American and silver service styles. As a Second Stewardess, she has confidently stepped into leadership responsibilities, even taking on the role of Acting Chief Stew during vessel transitions.
Carli’s positive attitude, cultural curiosity, and passion for hospitality make her a valuable addition to any interior team. She is eager to continue building her yachting career, contributing her professionalism, adaptability, and team spirit to a new program.
Previous yachts: 65m – M/Y White Rose of Drachs, 55m – M/Y Mary A
Carli Niel
Stewardess
Craig Willars is from Cape Town, South Africa. He has grown up around boats and the ocean with his family, From waterski-ing and wakeboarding to lifesaving along the West Coast of South Africa. Craig started his lifesaving career at an early age and has been for the last 13 years.
From the age of 16 he became a paid lifeguard in the summer months until covid took over the world. In the winter months of 2017 and 2018 Craig worked at Timber Lake Summer Camp in upstate New York as a waterski and wakeboard instructor. It was in 2021 when he decided to do his yachting courses, there after he joined a 20m Azimut for a couple months before returning to Cape Town to completed instructor courses in Jetski and Powerboat, and teaching at a yachting school in Cape Town. In 2022 he joined a 55m Feadship and was onboard for 3 years moving up the ranks before the boat sold and he took the chance to get courses done to further his career in yachting.
Craig enjoys being outdoors hiking, on the road running or cycling, or in the water swimming and surfing.
Previous yachts: 55m – M/Y Mary A, 20m – M/Y Dreamy
Craig Willars
Bosun
Ion was born in the Republic of Moldova. After graduating from university, Ion joined the special forces for a period of 2 years. After the special forces, he went to Ireland to study English and try a new career path.
He started working in construction, during which he was able to also apply to the security school in Ireland. There he successfully obtained a license in security and was able to secure a position working for X-Time and did security for nightclubs in Dublin.
Ion is always looking for more opportunities to learn and experience something new. He decided to leave Ireland and come to Italy where he started his career in yachting. Ion is responsible and a very hardworking crew member, who is not only a deckhand but also training to be an engineer. He is always willing to go above and beyond to make each guest on MINE GAMES have an amazing time.
Previous yachts: 30m M/Y KIARA, 24m M/Y MIAL LONDO
Ion Vutcari
Deckhand
Alessio grew up in the beautiful coast of Viareggio, Italy. His love for engineering began in 1995, while learning mechanics from his father, in the family-owned workshop, where his passion for this field was sparked.
During this time, his interest in this field and for engines grew, so he knew he had to find a career where he could continue down this path, which is what brought him to joining the Italian Navy fifteen years ago. This is when his seafarer career began.
After the Navy Alessio went onto commercial ships, then transitioned into the yachting industry and has been able to truly add value to any vessel he has been on. He prides himself on his attention to detail and completing every task to the highest standard. With Alessio on board you are sure to have a wonderful time on MINE GAMES.
Previous yachts: 74m M/Y ZEUS, 65m M/Y RAHIL, 52m M/Y TOMMY, and more
Alessio Pretari
Chief engineer
Captain Aaron is a highly experienced MCA Master 3000 with over 30 years in the yachting industry. With a calm, hands-on leadership style and a reputation for technical excellence, Aaron has successfully captained a wide range of vessels up to 55 meters, including complex new builds and high-profile charter yachts.
His proven track record spans five hull #1 new build projects, and he is well-regarded for exceptional crew management, charter success, and long-term owner relationships.
Captain Aaron now brings his deep operational and engineering expertise to MINE GAMES, leading with professionalism, discretion, and a strong commitment to service excellence.
Previous yachts: 78m – M/Y Simson S, 55m – M/Y Illusion I, 51m – M/Y Irisha, 49m – M/Y Khalilah, 46m – M/Y O’Khalila, 42m – S/Y Altair, 40m – M/Y Valerie, 40m – M/Y Leocrie II, 35m – M/Y Atlantide, 24m – M/Y Highlander, 22m – M/Y Ivresse, 20m – S/Y Mungl, and more.
Aaron Udall
Captain
Growing up in South West London, George found an early passion for the water while spending time on the Isle of Wight, where he developed a love for dinghy sailing, windsurfing, and sea swimming. This connection led him to discover scuba diving in an a lake outside Heathrow Airport, which ultimately inspired him to pursue a degree in Marine and Natural History Photography at Falmouth University in Cornwall.
George spent nine months travelling and working throughout Costa Rica and Nicaragua, later qualifying as a dive instructor in Utila, Honduras. After a season in the Alps, he has now set his focus on a professional career in the yachting industry as a deckhand.
Previous yachts: 72m – M/Y Axioma
George Solomon
Deckhand
With a career that started in the Royal Navy, where he served for five years, Joey brings strong leadership skills and a solid grasp of maritime operations to the yachting industry. His military background laid the groundwork for a disciplined, safety-first approach, which has transitioned seamlessly into his current role as Chase Boat Captain.
Over the past three years in yachting, he has taken on increasingly responsible roles within the deck department, combining hands-on skills with calm, decisive leadership. As Chase Boat Captain, he manages day-to-day vessel operations with precision, ensuring both crew and guest safety during on-water activities.
Joey brings energy and focus to every task. Off duty, he is passionate about powerlifting, CrossFit, skateboarding, and mountain biking activities that reflect his commitment to physical fitness and mental resilience. His balanced mindset and professional demeanor make him an asset to the crew.
Previous yachts: 82m – M/Y Pinnacle, 35m – M/Y Rascal, 32m – M/Y Pinnacle
Joey Povey
Chase Boat Captain