Originally from South Africa, Philip is a driven and experienced Bosun with over five years in the yachting industry. He has worked on both private and charter yachts, most recently being M/Y IDOL (60m) and M/Y ALLURE (42m).
Philip is working toward his OOW and is passionate about mentoring junior crew while maintaining high standards on deck. A confident tender driver and watersports enthusiast, he grew up wakeboarding, water skiing, and surfing, which adds an energetic edge to guest activities.
Off duty, he enjoys rugby, diving, fishing, and staying fit in the gym. Philip brings a positive attitude, excellent leadership, and a calm, can-do approach to every challenge, making him a valued asset to the M/Y SARASTAR crew.

Philip Serfontein
Bosun
Chef Ümit brings a dynamic blend of creativity, charisma, and world-class culinary expertise to M/Y SARASTAR. With a career spanning decades, he has cooked for an extraordinary list of high-profile guests — including icons such as Madonna, Julia Roberts, and Tina Turner — as well as royalty and heads of state, mastering the art of delivering unforgettable dining experiences at the highest level.
Having led galleys aboard yachts including M/Y KAISER (60m), M/Y ORAS (52m), and S/Y WHITE WINGS (42m), Ümit is equally at home crafting intimate, personalised meals or delivering exceptional cuisine during busy charter programmes. His time within government protocol service further refined his precision, discretion, and ability to cater to the most discerning tastes.
Classically trained in Milan, Italy, he blends Mediterranean elegance with global influences and a touch of Middle Eastern flair — creating vibrant, beautifully presented dishes that are as exciting as they are refined.
Passionate, personable, and endlessly creative, Chef Ümit ensures every meal onboard M/Y SARASTAR is a true highlight of the journey.
Roko brings energy, focus, and a strong safety-first mindset to his role as 2nd Officer onboard M/Y SARASTAR. With a solid foundation in commercial shipping, including time on large tanker vessels, he has developed excellent navigational skills, watchkeeping experience, and a deep understanding of bridge operations.
A graduate in Nautical Sciences, Roko is confident in passage planning, ECDIS, radar navigation, and safety procedures, ensuring smooth and secure voyages at all times. His calm, attentive approach and strong communication skills allow him to work seamlessly with both bridge and deck teams, supporting efficient and well-coordinated operations onboard.
Naturally motivated and eager to learn, Roko brings a positive attitude and team-oriented mindset to life at sea. Outside of work, he enjoys football, fishing, and spending time outdoors — interests that reflect his active and balanced lifestyle.
Professional, reliable, and detail-focused, Roko plays an important role in maintaining the safe and enjoyable experience onboard M/Y SARASTAR.

Roko Predovan
Second Officer
Growing up on the coast of the Adriatic in Zadar, Croatia, and coming from a family with a long maritime tradition, Marko knew from an early age that his future lay at sea. After earning his Master’s Degree in Nautical Sciences, he began his career on oil tankers, where he developed a strong work ethic and a commitment to continuous improvement. He later transitioned into the superyacht industry, where he discovered the dynamic and rewarding nature of life onboard these luxury vessels.
Marko is dedicated to leading a highly professional and well-organised crew, ensuring M/Y SARASTAR operates at the highest standards of safety and service. With over a decade of experience across commercial and private vessels - including leadership roles on on prestigious yachts like M/Y LUMINOSITY (107m), M/Y ISABEL PRINCESS OF THE SEA (63m), and M/Y ROYAL ROMANCE (92m) - he has honed his expertise in navigation, ISM procedures, deck operations, and high-risk area passage planning.
Fluent in English and Croatian, Marko brings leadership, discipline, and passion to his role. When on land, he enjoys playing guitar, basketball, running, and keeping both body and mind in peak condition. Passionate about the sea, fitness, and German Shepherds, Marko remains dedicated to excellence and looks forward to welcoming charter guests onboard M/Y SARASTAR this season.

Marko Barešić
Captain
Ivan’s promotion to Rotational Captain onboard M/Y SARASTAR is the result of years of dedication, hard work, and steady progression through the ranks. Having spent much of his career onboard as Captain Marko’s trusted right-hand man, he has played a key role in the yacht’s operations and knows the vessel inside and out.
Originally from Croatia, Ivan combines a calm, approachable leadership style with strong operational experience gained in both commercial shipping and yachting. Before joining SARASTAR, he held senior roles onboard M/Y PURPOSE (55m), M/Y ESMERALDA OF THE SEAS (30m), and M/Y ADRIS (50m), building extensive experience in navigation, safety management, shipyard projects, and guest operations.
Having worked his way up from deckhand to Captain, Ivan understands every role onboard and leads with professionalism, patience, and respect. Friendly, reliable, and highly regarded by both guests and crew, he brings a steady confidence and positive energy to life onboard M/Y SARASTAR.

Ivan Mihanovich
Captain
Julija is a warm, energetic, and highly experienced Chief Stewardess. She thrives in creating unforgettable guest experiences, managing busy charters, and leading dynamic interior teams with a positive and hands-on approach. She has lead the interior teams M/Y AQUILA (41m), M/Y PUMPKIN (49m), and M/Y IROCK (35m), handling everything from themed parties and event planning to silver service, housekeeping, and crew training.
Known for her strong leadership and organisation, Julija ensures smooth operations while keeping the team motivated and happy. She loves bringing creativity into her work, whether it’s beautifully set tables, fun theme nights, or ensuring guests feel relaxed and at home when onboard.
Calm under pressure and always ready with a smile, Julija is passionate about hospitality and making every trip special. When she’s not onboard M/Y SARASTAR, she enjoys yoga, reading, and crafting handmade gifts.

Julija Dombrovksa
Chief steward/ess
Sandro brings a calm, professional approach and a genuine passion for yachting to his role as Chief Officer onboard M/Y SARASTAR.
Throughout his career, Sandro has gained experience onboard M/Y OM (50m), M/Y IMAGINE (31m), M/Y LEVANTINE (33m), and M/Y MOWANA (27m), building strong expertise in navigation, safety management, shipyard projects, crew training, and day-to-day yacht operations. Most recently, he played a key role in overseeing a major refit period in Livorno, helping prepare the vessel for another successful season.
Known for his strong work ethic and positive attitude, Sandro is always looking to learn and develop further as a professional mariner. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time on the water and embraces the active lifestyle that comes with life at sea. Friendly, reliable, and highly motivated, he brings a steady confidence and positive energy to the M/Y SARASTAR team.

Sandro Grdovic
First Officer
Johannes is a friendly and motivated Lead Deckhand from Johannesburg, South Africa with a passion for yachting and keen to advance in the industry and is currently working towards his Officer of the Watch (OOW) certificate.
Johannes is all about maintaining a good routine and taking pride in his work, always contributing to a positive atmosphere onboard M/Y SARASTAR. His yachting journey so far includes roles onboard M/Y ARROW (47m), S/Y AQUIJO (86m), and M/Y PEGASUS VIII (78m), where he gained hands-on experience in anchoring, mooring, tender operations, and generally learned the ropes so to speak!
When he’s not on deck, Johannes loves to unwind with watersports, fishing, photography, and outdoor adventures. He’s always eager to explore new places and bring his passion for the yachting lifestyle to every opportunity.

Johannes Muller
Deckhand
Dian has a background in hospitality where he honed his people skills and brings a positive, team-oriented attitude to the M/Y SARASTAR crew. He is highly adaptable, a quick learner, and always ready to go the extra mile to ensure satisfaction for both crew and clients. Dian's ambition is to build a long-term career in the yachting industry, with aspirations to eventually become an engineer.
M/Y SARASTAR is Dian's first permanent role onboard superyachts, but he does have extensive temporary experience across several yachts where his responsibilities ranged from tender operations and provisioning to detailed maintenance and engine room cleaning. Before joining yachting Dian worked as a manager and Head Mixologist in bars in his university town of Stellenbosch, South Africa where is studied Mechanical Engineering.
Off-duty, he enjoys fitness, surfing, fishing (salt and fresh water), and mixing cocktails, adding a fun and vibrant energy wherever he goes.

Dian Wiese
Deckhand