Stephane is a passionate chef who loves discovering local produce and transforming it into memorable dining experiences for guests. Originally from France, he trained in culinary arts before building his career across restaurants, hotels, and luxury yachts throughout the Mediterranean. A true foodie at heart, he draws inspiration from the destinations he visits, often exploring local markets in search of seasonal ingredients and new flavours to bring back to the galley.
Having worked on both private and charter yachts, Stephane enjoys creating menus that are tailored to each guest, whether it's a relaxed family-style lunch or an elegant evening dinner. Friendly, adaptable, and always keen to share his love of good food, he takes great pride in delivering fresh, flavourful cuisine while ensuring every meal on board feels special. When he's not cooking, Stephane enjoys hiking, gardening, and, unsurprisingly, seeking out the best food markets wherever he travels.
PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y MAORO (34m), M/Y ALEXANDRA (27m), M/Y MAXI BEER (27m), M/Y ARIA, M/Y CRISS C (34m)

Stephane Lafforgue
Chef
Originally from South Africa, Ruan has always felt most at home outdoors, whether that’s on the ocean, in the mountains, or exploring the African bush. With a naturally adventurous spirit and a calm, easy-going nature, he brings a positive energy to life on board that guests and crew alike quickly warm to. Before entering yachting, he worked in a variety of hands-on industries including IT repair, rope access, and fitness consulting, experiences that helped shape his practical mindset and strong team ethic. His move into yachting came from a genuine love of the sea and a desire to build a career that combined travel, technical skills, and working closely with people.
Since joining the industry, Ruan has progressed quickly through the ranks, gaining valuable experience on both private and charter yachts throughout the Mediterranean. He particularly enjoys guest interaction, from leading watersports activities and tender excursions to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for life on the water. Friendly, approachable, and quietly hardworking, he takes pride in helping create a safe, relaxed, and enjoyable atmosphere on board. In his spare time, Ruan is always happiest when surrounded by nature and adventure. In any free time, he enjoys freediving, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and keeping active outdoors.
PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y BELLA VITA (35m), M/Y PREFERENCE 19 (37m), S/Y SCORPIONE OF LONDON (46m)

Ruan Swanepoel
First Officer
Originally from Ukraine and now based in France, Oleksandr brings a calm, capable presence and a genuine passion for engineering to life on board. With a Master’s degree in Ship Engineering and experience across the commercial, offshore, and yachting sectors, he has built an impressive career through hard work, hands-on experience, and a strong technical mindset. His move into yachting allowed him to combine his engineering expertise with the dynamic and guest-focused nature of the industry, something he continues to enjoy today.
Over the years, Oleksandr has worked on both private and charter yachts up to 60 metres, overseeing everything from refits and new build deliveries to day-to-day maintenance and smooth onboard operations. Highly skilled across mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, HVAC, and AV/IT systems, he is known for his practical approach, reliability, and ability to stay calm under pressure. Friendly, solution-oriented, and always willing to help wherever needed, Oleksandr plays an important role in keeping everything running seamlessly behind the scenes. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active through fitness, swimming, and cycling, as well as relaxing with music in his spare time.
Previous Yachts: S/Y ROX STAR (40m), MANGUSTA 107 SPORT, S/Y HUTIANE (32m), M/Y BLUE MAGIC (47m), M/Y MILLÉSIME

Oleksandr Polyakov
Chief engineer
Born and raised on the French coast, Captain Arnaud’s connection to the sea began early, working alongside his family in their water sport's company, where he managed everything from diving excursions to day charters.
Now with more than a decade at the helm of high-end motor and sailing yachts, Arnaud is respected for his quiet confidence, excellent seamanship, and dedication to creating seamless charter experiences.
As an experienced charter captain with a loyal base of repeat charter guests, Arnaud brings an innate understanding of what makes a charter experience exceptional. His deep knowledge of the Mediterranean waters coupled with his intuitive sense of where to go and when ensures every tip is memorable, seamless, and tailored to the guests wishes.
Friendly and approachable, he builds strong rapport with both guests and crew, ensuring that every moment aboard SERENO is
managed with care, professionalism, and a personal touch.
PREVIOUS YACHTS: S/Y ROX STAR (40m), MANGUSTA 107 SPORT,
S/Y HUTIANE (32m), M/Y BLUE MAGIC (47m), M/Y MILLÉSIME

Arnaud Matter
Captain
Luc brings a calm, capable presence to the bridge, backed by more than 15 years of hands-on experience across both private and charter yachts. Originally from France and now based in Hyères, he has built a strong reputation for his practical leadership style, operational knowledge, and ability to create a safe and enjoyable atmosphere on board for both guests and crew alike.
With experience ranging from Bosun through to Captain and Chief Officer roles, Luc has managed everything from busy charter operations and yard periods to engineering projects and full vessel management. His background also includes engineering experience and passenger transport, giving him a well-rounded understanding of yacht operations. Outside of work, he enjoys watersports, cooking, and spending time on the water whenever possible. Friendly, approachable, and highly adaptable, Luc takes genuine pride in delivering smooth and memorable experiences on board.
Previous Yachts: M/Y MAORO (35m), M/Y AFRICA QUEEN 2 (27m), M/Y MILLESIME (37m), M/Y KRISS (45m), M/Y L’ALBATROS (43m), M/Y GRAND PRIX (27m), M/Y BLUE MAGIC (48m), M/Y BABY MAGIC (23m), M/Y BABY MAK (15m), M/Y BIG MAK (48m)

Luc Desevedavy
Captain
Gulay brings a thoughtful, organised, and guest-focused approach to life on board, with extensive experience across both private and charter programmes throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Northern Europe. Having entered yachting after a successful corporate career in Brussels, she offers a unique combination of high-level administration, budgeting, and leadership skills alongside warm and polished hospitality.
With a background in finance and accounting, Gulay is naturally detail-oriented and thrives in fast-paced charter environments, particularly when managing busy turnarounds and interior operations. She leads by example and enjoys creating a calm, welcoming atmosphere for both guests and crew. Outside of yachting, Gulay holds her Advanced Open Water diving certification and can often be found diving or kitesurfing. She has a love for travel and discovering new places, while quieter moments are usually spent practising yoga. Warm, approachable, and highly organised, Gulay looks forward to welcoming you on board.
PREVIOUS YACHTS: S/Y DELUSHA (44m), M/Y POLARFRONT (55m), M/Y MILLESIME (37m), M/Y KATARIINA I (37m), M/Y SECOND LOVE (44m), S/Y HUTIANE (31m)

Gulay Guven
Chief steward/ess
Raised on the west coast of South Africa, Kyle grew up with a strong connection to the ocean, something that naturally led him towards a career in yachting. With over 15,000 nautical miles sailed and experience across Atlantic crossings, deliveries, and yacht maintenance, he has already developed a solid foundation within the industry at a young age.
Kyle enjoys the variety and challenge that life on the water brings and is happiest when working as part of a strong, motivated team. Alongside his yachting experience, he has worked as a surf coach and within the kite surfing industry, combining his passion for watersports with guest interaction and teaching. Easy-going, hardworking, and calm under pressure, Kyle brings a positive attitude on board and is always eager to continue learning and progressing within the industry.
PREVIOUS YACHTS: S/V CASCADIA, S/V MUSE, M/Y PURSUIT (49m), M/Y STORMBORN (47m)

Kyle-Killian Bremer
Deckhand
Originally from New Zealand, Esther has always felt most at home by the ocean. After crossing the Pacific from Tonga to Fiji aboard a family sailing vessel, she realised life at sea was exactly where she wanted to be. Since then, she has brought her upbeat personality, strong work ethic, and naturally warm approach into the yachting industry.
Before yachting, Esther built experience across hospitality, luxury hosting, housekeeping, and client-facing roles, including private hosting during the Monaco Historic Grand Prix and several years working in childcare. She is adaptable, energetic, and genuinely enjoys making guests feel comfortable and cared for. Whether helping with service, housekeeping, provisioning, or guest activities, Esther approaches every task with positivity and enthusiasm. In her free time, she loves surfing, sailing, snorkelling, hiking, and anything that keeps her close to the outdoors and the ocean.
PREVIOUS YACHTS: S/Y NELLY ROSE (13m)

Esther Bannerman Oxley
Stewardess