With over 25 years of experience at sea, Captain Muhsin is a seasoned professional in the yachting industry, holding a 3000 GRT Captain’s License and MCA certification. He has captained a wide range of motor yachts from 28m to 65m, both private and commercial, including prestigious vessels such as M/Y Forty Love, M/Y Harun, and M/Y Port Ghalib. Throughout his career, Captain Muhsin has expertly handled new builds, flag changes, shipyard refits, charter operations, and crew management. His extensive cruising experience spans the Mediterranean, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Gulf regions. Known for his hands-on leadership style, strong technical background, and meticulous attention to detail, he ensures smooth operations both at sea and in port. Fluent in English and known for his calm and professional demeanor, Captain Muhsin brings not only navigation expertise but also excellent communication and guest-relations skills. His strong references from international owners and managers are a testament to his reliability, integrity, and dedication to safety and service.
With extensive experience aboard both sailing and motor yachts up to 138 ft, Vefa brings a strong background in navigation, crew leadership, and guest service to every voyage. Holding a Yacht Master certificate (under 500 GRT) and GMDSS GOC license, he is well-versed in maritime safety, advanced firefighting, and medical care. Vefa has proven himself in various roles from skipper to first mate, consistently demonstrating hands-on problem-solving, team coordination, and a calm, proactive approach under pressure. Fluent in English and equipped with a solid understanding of onboard systems, he ensures smooth daily operations and contributes to a safe, enjoyable experience for guests and crew alike.
Ahmet Vefa Erdem
First Officer
Vural 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, Vural is well-prepared to serve as a motorman on motor yachts and contribute to the smooth operation of onboard mechanical systems.
Cihad Vural Sakallioglu
Engineer
Emre has just joined the Princess Melda team for the 2025 season. Emre, 24 years old young sous chef, entered the yachting industry after his hotel experience. He has been interested in cooking since childhood and this is his biggest passion. He will be a great assistant for Chef Ugur! He is very excited to provide the best service to his guests.
Chef Ugur brings over 13 years of culinary experience to the yachting industry,
with a strong foundation in Mediterranean, Italian, and Far Eastern cuisines. In
2024, he served as the Head Chef aboard the prestigious 55-meter sailing yacht
M/S MEIRA, delivering high-end culinary experiences for charter guests alike.
His professional journey includes roles on various commercial yachts such as S/Y Atlantika (42m), M/Y Nirvana by the Sea (33m), and M/Y Perdue (32m), where he consistently impressed with his creativity, precision, and passion for gastronomy. Before transitioning to yachting, he led kitchens in top hospitality brands including Ramada by Wyndham and Mandarin Oriental, earning accolades such as “Turkey Golden Chef of the Year” and multiple medals for his modern Turkish and lamb cuisine. Chef Ugur is not only a master of flavors but also a specialist in modern plating and food presentation, with a flair for visual storytelling through his dishes. He brings energy, discipline, and elegance to every galley he runs. Whether on a busy charter or a private crossing, Chef Ugur ensures every meal is a memorable experience, making him a valuable asset to any luxury guest.
With nearly a decade of hands-on experience aboard both private and charter
yachts ranging from 30m to 40m, Gokhan returns to M/Y Princess Melda for his
second season as Lead Deckhand. His strong background includes long-term roles on M/Y For Us and Gulet Tanem, where he gained solid expertise in deck operations, tender handling, navigation assistance, and guest service. Gokhan is known for his calm demeanor under pressure, clear communication, and high attention to detail—qualities that make him an essential member of the exterior team. His reliability, strong work ethic, and team-oriented approach ensure smooth day-to-day deck operations and outstanding guest experiences on board. Fluent in the language of the sea and always ready to take the initiative, Gokhan contributes leadership, continuity, and confidence to the deck crew of M/Y Princess Melda.
With a lifelong passion for the sea and years of hands-on experience aboard yachts up to 40 meters, Berkay is a highly capable and reliable deckhand with a strong background in both guest-focused service and technical lead deckhand. Having grown up in a seafaring family and refined his skills through various roles from gulets and motor yachts to shipyard maintenance he combines a deep understanding of vessel operations with an impeccable work ethic. Berkay is proficient in tender driving, water sports setup, and deck maintenance, and is always attentive to safety and guest satisfaction. Holding yacht captain certification (149 GRT) and ROC, he brings not only versatility but also a calm, professional presence that enhances the onboard experience for both guests and crew.
Aysegul brings a rich background of both land-based and yachting experience to her role as Second Stewardess aboard M/Y Princess Melda. With over six years in hospitality and customer service, and previous stewardess positions on 35m and 30m charter yachts, she combines strong attention to detail with a proactive and service-focused approach. Skilled in silver service, housekeeping and laundry, Aysegul ensures high standards of guest comfort and satisfaction. Her creative flair in table décor and floral arrangements adds a refined touch to onboard presentation, while her organized and team-oriented mindset makes her a valued member of the interior crew. Driven, reliable, and always composed in fast-paced environments, Aysegul is committed to delivering excellence with every charter.
Aysegul Bektas
Stewardess