Born and raised in South Africa, Josh has always had a deep connection to the outdoors and the ocean. His passion for the sea led him to the yachting industry, where he thrives in a hands-on, dynamic environment. Hardworking and adaptable, he brings a strong work ethic and a positive attitude to every task. Whether maintaining the vessel to the highest standards or ensuring guests have an unforgettable experience on the water, Josh is always ready to go the extra mile. When not on duty, he enjoys exploring new coastlines, water sports, and anything that keeps him close to the ocean.
Joshua Nell
Bosun
Ventsislav comes from the mountains of Bulgaria but despite that fact, his passion for sea was developed at a young age through his father who used to work in the Bulgarian Navy. Ventsi is a graduate of the Naval Academy with background in the merchant navy, transferring into yachting on a later stage. He’s Captain Arthur’s right hand and he will be making sure that the guest’s fun and safety go together hand in hand. He’s responsible for the safety of the boat, her passengers and her crew and alongside with his deck superteam, he’ll be making sure all the water toys, tenders and outdoor gear are in top-notch condition for you. In his spare time and off-season you can find him playing various sports, keeping himself fit or playing his collection of guitars.
Ventislav Hristov
First Officer
Chef Pavel graduate at Moscow Culinary school for 3 Years then went to Amsterdam to complete his technics for 2 years.
We work on several restaurant in Europe and have been on the right of Ronald Reagan chef cook for 3 years. He then decide to enter in the yachting industry .
With 10 years of experience now on Yachting, he has the experience on many different cuisines and style.
He loves cooking sea food but feel comfortable in Any kind of cuisine.
Chef pavel pay attention to any demand and loves to surprise the guest with subtil taste His word is Simple and Fresh, quality first.
Pavel will of course care about any particular diet or any allergies you may have and will accommodate his great cuisine to you for the best cruise ever.
Pavel Philipov
Chef
Born and raised in South Africa, I grew up with an adventurous spirit and a deep love for the outdoors and traveling to remote destinations—whether exploring the great African wilderness on safari or sailing the islands of the Caribbean and Corsica. After a career in the military, I transitioned into the yachting industry and have been sailing the oceans ever since. Starting as a deckhand and eventually moving into the role of Captain, I’ve had the pleasure of welcoming charter guests aboard various yachts over many successful seasons. I’ve refined my skills over the years and take great pride in planning and delivering exceptional charter experiences, whether in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean. My greatest satisfaction comes from seeing my crew present the yacht seamlessly, providing all the entertainment and amenities guests could wish for—ensuring their enjoyment from the moment they step on board to the moment they depart.
Myself and the crew of Solafide look forward to warmly welcoming you on board.
Monty Galloway
Captain
Pieter was born in South Africa and is a hardworking, motivated 25-year-old with a strong passion for the ocean and a solid background in physical, hands-on work. Growing up on a farm instilled in him discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic—qualities he now brings to the yachting industry. He thrives in outdoor environments and has always been drawn to life at sea. With a positive attitude and a proactive approach, Pieter takes pride in being a reliable team member, ensuring guests feel comfortable, welcome, and well looked after. He is eager to contribute to a professional crew, continuously learn, and build a long-term career in the maritime industry.
Pieter Theron
Deckhand
Yalçin is a dedicated deckhand from Turkey who was born into the maritime world. Growing up by the sea and following in his father’s footsteps, he developed a deep-rooted connection to boats, the ocean, and the values of hard work and seamanship from an early age. His upbringing instilled in him not only practical skills, but also a genuine love and respect for life at sea. What sets Yalçin apart is his quiet appreciation for the natural world. Whether preparing the deck for the day ahead or unwinding after a busy charter, he often finds himself gazing at the sunset or the endless horizon, fully immersed in the beauty of the open water. This sense of wonder fuels his passion for the yachting lifestyle and strengthens his commitment to preserving and respecting the environment he works in.
Yalçin Kusķu
Deckhand
Javier grew up close to Gibraltar strait area, where he developed his passion for the Sea. Achieving a Degree in Marine Engineering, his career begins on ferries, stepping onto Yachts shortly. Combining his sea time with water sports and more studies sea related, he acquired a valued amount of skills allowing him to Sail, surf and dive in many Oceans, being at all times a team player on different Sail and motor yachts. Energetic personality, Competent sailor and Padi certified Rescue diver his greatest strength lies over a mechanical aptitude and marine equipment knowledge, ensuring all systems, tenders, water toys, etc. run smoothly, enhancing the guest experience to the highest standards.
Javier Fernandez
Chief engineer
Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Simeon began his yachting career on classic sailing yachts in the South of France. With a background in sound engineering and videography, he brings a blend of technical expertise and creativity to life on board. Passionate about mechanics and hands-on work, he supports the engineering team with dedication and a strong work ethic. A professional singer-songwriter since childhood, Simeon also adds a unique artistic flair to the crew, contributing both skill and spirit to the charter experience.
Simmeon Hamman
Engineer
Alyona was born in Russia, in a small Siberian city on the shores of the beautiful Lake Baikal. Although trained as a philologist, her true passion lies in the dynamic and active lifestyle of working at sea. Since 2017, Alyona has been building her career in the yachting industry. For three years, she served as Chief Stewardess on an expedition charter yacht with a worldwide itinerary, specializing in remote destinations such as the South Pacific and the Arctic and Antarctic polar regions. As Chief Stewardess on MY Solafide, she is responsible for the smooth daily operation of the interior department, managing the interior team and delivering exceptional hospitality to owners and guests on board. In her free time, Alyona enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, dancing bachata, playing drums, organizing events, and doing photo shoots.
Alyona Zharova
Chief steward/ess
Originally from Russia, she began her yachting career in 2018 and has since gained solid experience aboard private and charter yachts ranging from 50 to 75 meters. Since 2021, she has worked full-time, completing multiple Mediterranean and Caribbean seasons, several Atlantic crossings, boat shows, and cruises through Central America and the Galapagos. Promoted to 2nd Stewardess in 2022, she is confident in all areas of interior operations, with particular strengths in guest service, housekeeping, table settings, and organizing creative theme nights. She holds certifications in WSET, mixology, and floristry, enabling her to enhance guest experiences through thoughtful details and exceptional service. Known for her creativity, reliability, and good sense of humor, she brings a strong team spirit and a positive presence to any crew.
Zhalnova .
Stewardess