With over 25 years of experience in the yachting industry, Captain Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to M/Y RAJA. His extensive background includes commanding luxury private and charter yachts across the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and beyond, ensuring the highest standards of safety, service, and guest satisfaction. His leadership is defined by professionalism, a strong safety culture, and a commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for owners and charter guests.
Michael has successfully managed complex refits, major dry dockings, and technical projects, ensuring vessels under his command meet the highest operational and regulatory standards. His in-depth knowledge of shipyard operations, financial management, and charter operations has positioned him as a trusted leader in the industry. Over the years, he has overseen high-profile charters and private cruises, working with demanding owners and elite clientele.
Holding a Master 3000 GT license, along with numerous maritime certifications, he is fully qualified to manage large-scale operations with precision and efficiency. Fluent in English and Greek, he excels in leading international crews and maintaining seamless communication on board.
Languages: Greek, English, Italian, French
Previous Yachts: TACANUYA, NOURAH OF RIYAD, ALFA XII, ALFA SEA, MAGNUM FORCE, LITTLE MARY, SOKIN, VIGOROUS

Michael Melemenis
Captain
Stuart brings a wealth of experience and culinary innovation to his role as Head Chef aboard M/Y RAJA. With over a decade in the industry, Stuart has led galleys on some of the most prestigious charter yachts in the world, including M/Y TITANIA (75m), M/Y APOGEE (60m), and M/Y MIA ELISE II (60m). His background includes a dynamic mix of Michelin-level technique, global flavors, and cutting-edge culinary trends such as molecular gastronomy and sushi artistry.
Renowned for his high standards, creativity, and calm leadership, Stuart crafts bespoke menus tailored to each charter, always emphasizing quality, balance, and flavor. Whether cooking for royalty, celebrities, or families, he consistently exceeds expectations with his refined presentation and exceptional taste.
Passionate, driven, and professional to the core, Stuart leads the galley with precision, ensuring seamless service and unforgettable dining experiences for guests onboard M/Y RAJA.
Languages: English
Previous Yachts: M/Y TITANIA, M/Y APOGEE, M/Y COME TOGETHER, M/Y MIA ELISE II, M/Y BROADWATER, M/Y HUNTRESS, M/Y FRIENDSHIP

Stuart Lewis
Chef
As Bosun of M/Y RAJA, Drazen ensures that the deck operations run smoothly and efficiently. With strong expertise in vessel handling, mooring, and anchoring, he plays a crucial role in the yacht’s day-to-day operations and guest activities.
Having worked on M/Y Clorinda, Drazen brings extensive experience in deck maintenance, tender operations, and safety drills. His background in heavy equipment handling and shipyard work makes him a highly skilled and reliable crew member.
His strong work ethic, keen eye for detail, and approachable personality make him a key part of the M/Y RAJA team, always ensuring the yacht remains in top condition.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Clorinda, M/Y Princess, M/Y Sea Ray
Languages: English

Drazen Filipovic
Bosun
Trent is a driven and highly skilled Lead Deckhand with a strong foundation in seamanship and water sports. A qualified RYA Yachtmaster with extensive experience on charter yachts, Trent joins M/Y Raja following successful seasons on M/Y Tacanuya and M/Y Fortuna, where he led deck operations and ensured top-tier guest experiences.
With hands-on proficiency in RHIB and chase boat operations, mooring and anchoring, teak and gelcoat maintenance, varnishing, and bridge watches, Trent brings both leadership and versatility to the deck team. He is also a certified PADI Rescue Diver and a confident water sports coordinator, managing activities such as jet skiing, e-foiling, and diving with ease.
His strong technical background, proactive mindset, and safety-first approach make him a standout deck crew member. With ambitions to complete an Atlantic crossing and become a Dive Master, Trent is fully committed to growth and excellence in the yachting industry.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Tacanuya, M/Y Fortuna
Languages: English

Trent Van Der Berg
Deckhand
Konstantinos is a dedicated and passionate maritime professional, currently serving as Chase Boat Captain aboard M/Y RAJA. With a strong academic foundation from the Merchant Marine Academy of Macedonia and hands-on experience in both commercial shipping and the yachting sector, Konstantinos brings a mix of technical proficiency and guest-focused service.
He has captained speedboats up to 30 feet in Mykonos, conducting daily cruises and guest transfers, while also assisting as a deckhand on catamarans. His time aboard the SEA SAPPHIRE tanker gave him solid experience in navigation systems, firefighting, and life-saving procedures. Known for his composure, reliability, and strong work ethic, Konstantinos ensures smooth operations and a safe, welcoming experience for all guests onboard.
He holds a Speedboat and Sailing Boat License, STCW Basic Training certification, and is fluent in both Greek and English (C2 level).
Languages: Greek, English
Previous Vessels: SEA SAPPHIRE (Pantheon Tankers), Private speedboats & catamarans in Mykonos
Konstantinos Liolios
Chase Boat Captain
Ioannis is a highly credentialed Greek maritime professional whose career spans commercial LNG shipping, private charter, and luxury superyacht operations across the Mediterranean and beyond. A graduate of the National Maritime Academy of Greece and holder of a Captain Class B license (Master 500GT / Chief Mate Unlimited), his command experience includes everything from a 72-metre Mediterranean charter program aboard M/Y SERENITY to classic brigantine day cruises in Santorini and VIP escort operations on a Wally 58. This breadth, combined with a commercial LNG background on vessels up to 298 metres, reflects a level of professional rigor that translates directly into elevated safety culture and seamless guest-focused operations.
A natural leader with strong communication skills across four languages, Ioannis brings both technical precision and genuine hospitality instincts to his work, making him a valuable and trusted member of any high-calibre yacht program.
Languages: Greek, English, Japanese, Spanish
Previous Yachts: M/Y SERENITY, M/Y TT2 SATEMI, M/S THALASSA, M/S ECCE NAVIGO, METHANE ALISON VICTORIA, ENERGY PACIFIC, GASLOG SANTIAGO, GASLOG SEATTLE, MT KRITI JADE, MT KRITI SEA

Ioannis Stampoulis
First Officer
Danielle is an enthusiastic and detail-driven stewardess with two full Mediterranean seasons behind her and the grounded professionalism that comes from a degree in Tourism Management combined with a year of land-based hospitality management. Having served aboard both a 43-metre charter motor yacht and a 64-metre private vessel, she has developed strong instincts for housekeeping excellence, interior upkeep, table presentation, and guest laundry, always maintaining the kind of calm, polished presence that elevates the guest experience onboard.
Warm, drama-free, and eager to grow within a high-performing interior team, Danielle brings a positive energy and strong work ethic to every role she takes on. Immediately available and fully certified, she is ready to hit the ground running from day one.
Languages: English
Previous Yachts: M/Y SYNTHESIS 66, M/Y MAGNA GRECIA, M/Y PRINCESS EMMA

Danielle Roodman
Stewardess
Gemma is a motivated and detail-oriented Chief Stewardess with three successful charter seasons on yachts up to 56 meters. Known for her professionalism, vibrant personality, and high standards, she joins M/Y Raja with strong experience in both service and housekeeping.
She has previously worked onboard M/Y Tacanuya (56m) and M/Y Fortuna (48m), where she managed full interior responsibilities including guest service (buffet, family-style, and silver), table settings, floral arrangements, laundry, provisioning, and junior stew training. Her participation in events such as the MYBA Charter Show and her ability to perform under pressure make her a valuable addition to the team.
Gemma holds STCW, Food Safety Level II, and interior service certifications, and is fluent in English and Afrikaans. Her dynamic energy and passion for excellence ensure guests enjoy an impeccable onboard experience.
Previous Yachts: M/Y Tacanuya, M/Y Fortuna
Languages: English, Afrikaans

Gemma Richter
Chief steward/ess
Rebecca brings a refined culinary sensibility and impressive versatility to every galley she steps into. Certified through City & Guilds with a background spanning Michelin-caliber hotel kitchens, private villa cheffing across the Western Cape, and a wide range of charter and owner yachts in the Mediterranean and Croatia, she is equally confident as a sole chef or as a high-performing sous chef supporting a larger team. Her training in international pastry and patisserie adds a genuine point of difference, and her experience navigating complex dietary requirements, including type 1 diabetic and strict keto menus, reflects the thoughtful, guest-first approach she carries into every program.
With a warm, team-oriented personality and a deep enthusiasm for the yachting industry, Rebecca is a reliable and creative presence onboard who consistently earns strong praise from both guests and crew leadership alike.
Languages: English
Previous Yachts: M/Y NYMPHEAS, M/Y CORNELIA, M/Y MIRKA, M/Y SERINA, M/Y LILUSH, M/Y ESSENCE, M/Y LEMON NOT LIME, M/Y D'ANGLETERRE

Rebecca Hugo
Chef
Danylo Levytskyi is a skilled and reliable Marine Engineer with a solid background in both commercial and private vessels. A Ukrainian national, Danylo brings a strong work ethic and extensive hands-on experience in engine operations, repairs, and system maintenance across a variety of yacht systems.
He has previously served as Sole Engineer on M/Y LIGHT BLUE (38m) and Deck/Engineer on M/Y PLIS PLAY (37m), overseeing engine room operations, generators, watermakers, pumps, fuel systems, and AV/IT systems. His experience also includes engineering roles on large commercial ships such as M/V RUBY PRINCESS and VLCC LILU, making him well-versed in high-pressure maintenance environments.
Danylo is STCW-certified and known for his organizational ability, attention to detail, and strong communication. His technical expertise spans across electrical systems, hydraulics, HVAC, fire systems, and tender maintenance, ensuring smooth operations onboard.
Languages: Ukrainian, Russian, English, Spanish
Previous Yachts: M/Y LIGHT BLUE, M/Y PLIS PLAY

Danylo Levytskyi
Engineer