Originally from the USA, Pavel has a strong background in both shipping and yachting industry. With over a decade of seagoing experience, he has led operations on luxury yachts over 50 meters, including 56m M/Y TACANUYA and 48m M/Y FORTUNA. He brings a well-rounded combination of technical expertise and leadership to every role, with proven skills in vessel management, AV/IT systems, guest itinerary planning, engineering support, tender operations, and maritime compliance. With a solid foundation in tanker navigation and a growing reputation in the yachting world, Pavel is a dependable, solutions-oriented person who thrives in high-performance, team-driven environments. Pavel served as Second Officer on board TACANUYA during the 2022 summer season, where he played a key role in delivering smooth and successful operations. Now ready to embrace new challenges as Captain, he is committed to providing guests with exceptional, tailor-made charter experiences, ensuring every detail is handled with professionalism and care.
Pavel Penev
Captain
Languages: English, Ukrainian
Originally from Ukraine, Andrii is an experienced engineer eager to take on the responsibilities of Second Engineer on board TACANUYA. He is committed to ensuring guests have an unforgettable experience while on board. Andrii is a very responsible and reliable individual, dedicated to his job. Having joined TACANUYA in 2021, he is well-acquainted with the engine room operations. His skills include installing M/E exhaust covers (lugging), bunkering, servicing fuel purifiers, cleaning A/C condensers, servicing M/E, repairing all pumps, servicing generators, and replacing heater elements. Andrii is always looking for ways to improve and speaks English, Italian, and Ukrainian.
Andrii Sheremeta
Engineer
Languages: English
Previous Experience: M/Y MORGAN, M/Y SANTA MARIA 33M, M/Y CLEOPATRA 57M, M/Y NOURAH OF RIYAD 70M
Benedick was born in the Philippines and has actively gathered experience in the yachting industry since 2008. Initially working as a deckhand, he became familiar with all technical aspects of a yacht and was able to stay calm in pressure situations and solve problems. Benedick is a motivated and enthusiastic individual with a passion for people, delivering positive experiences to everyone he meets. After transitioning to Bosun, he has gained experience working on a variety of yachts, both private and charter, including the M/Y NOURAH OF RIYAD 70M, where he spent eight years. He is now ready to assure his clients a professional and effective service on board TACANUYA.
Benedick Espiritusanto Resurreccion
Bosun
Previous Yachts: M/Y TACANUYA 56m, M/Y CURIOSITY 46m
Originally from Ukraine, Alexander is a highly dedicated and methodical maritime professional with a strong background in yachting and commercial vessels. With over a decade of experience, including roles as Chief Officer, 2nd Officer, and Deckhand aboard yachts up to 56 meters, he has developed a comprehensive skill set in navigation, deck operations, tender driving, and safety management. Alexander is known for his hands-on leadership, adaptability, and strong work ethic. Holding an OOW Unlimited II/1, along with valid certifications including GMDSS, STCW, and PDSD, he is well-equipped for demanding maritime roles. Based in Savona, Italy, and fluent in both technical and practical aspects of yacht operations, Alexander brings professionalism, reliability, and a dynamic approach to every role. This is his second summer season on board TACANUYA and he will ensure guests are always on a safe environment.
Alexander Azarov
First Officer
Previous Yachts: M/V IPEK 165m, M/V JOSE MARIA ESPANA 143m, M/V JOSE LEONARDO CHIRINOS 143m
Jefferson, a seasoned maritime professional from Venezuela, is a highly trained engineer with experience in propulsion systems, auxiliary machinery maintenance and high-voltage systems. Educated at the University Maritime of the Caribbean, Jefferson's expertise extends to vessels up to 165 meters in length. He excels in preventive and corrective maintenance, fuel transfers, and bunker operations, all while adhering to stringent safety and environmental standards. Jefferson's unwavering dedication and comprehensive skill set make him an indispensable member of the TACANUYA team, guaranteeing efficient vessel operations and safety compliance for another summer season.
Jefferson Rivero
Chief engineer
Previous Yachts: M/Y GRAYZONE 42m, M/Y ROCKET 50m, M/Y TACANUYASO M.S 60m, M/Y LET IT BE 36m, M/Y ELEGANT 007 72m, M/Y ALEXANDER 120m, M/Y TURAMA 117m
Originally from Bulgaria, Yoana has a background in hospitality and spent 7 busy years on charter and private yachts. Her work experience has given her strong organization, leadership and multi-tasking skills that have benefited her in the job. Yoana joined TACANUYA in 2021 and cannot wait to welcome new guests onboard and make them experience their best time. Yoana’s skills also include silver service, bartending, housekeeping, team leading and admin duty. During her free time, she enjoys swimming, watersports, skydiving, jogging.
Yoana Miteva
Chief steward/ess
Chef Ricardo is a passionate and professional chef, a seasoned traveler, and a collector of life experiences. With years of dedication to the hospitality industry, he has built a dynamic career working across some of Europe’s most vibrant culinary landscapes, constantly evolving through new challenges and diverse kitchens. With a rich background in Mediterranean and international cuisine, combined with show-cooking experience and a genuine love for guest satisfaction, he continues to bring creativity, discipline, and heart to every plate he prepares onboard TACANUYA.
Ricardo Espejo
Chef
Originally from South Africa, Kristy brings a background in luxury hospitality, shaped by her experience as VIP cabin crew for a Middle Eastern Head of State airline. With excellent service skills, a calm demeanor, and a sharp eye for detail, she ensures guests feel welcomed and comfortable. Kristy is a dedicated team player with a positive attitude who thrives in fast-paced, high-standard environments. Fluent in English and holding a Level II Food Safety certification, she is excited to be part of TACANUYA’s crew and looks forward to welcoming guests on board.
Kristy Miller
Stewardess
Previous Yachts: M/Y TACANUYA 56m
Bella is a dedicated and adaptable South African stewardess with a background in luxury hospitality She has worked on both private and charter vessels, gaining experience in housekeeping, laundry, guest service, and turnarounds under high-pressure environments. With qualifications including a Food Hygiene Level 2 certification, Bella brings a detail-oriented approach and strong work ethic to every role. Her positive attitude, excellent communication skills, and hands-on experience make her a valuable asset to the crew, able to adapt to different charter guests.
Bella Sinibaldi
Stewardess
Previous experience: M/Y SHERILYN 23M, M/Y LIBERTY 50M, M/Y LADY CHARLOTTE 50M, M/Y KATHLEEN ANNE 40M, M/Y HERE COMES THE SUN 89M, S/Y CORTO MALTESE 37M, M/Y MARITIA 20M, M/Y SEA PEARL 82M, M/Y TACANUYA 56M
Originally from Portugal, Mario has experience in a variety of different field, including hospitality, artisan, and servicing. Having worked in a gym, restaurant, and bar, he is able to work with people of different backgrounds and understands and respects hierarchy. Moving into the yacht industry, he completed numerous day jobs as a deckhand, hence gathering experience on yachts of various sizes. Due to his temporary work on M/Y HERE COMES THE SUN 89M, at the shipyard, his capabilities go beyond everyday tasks on a yacht. Rather, he is familiar with general shipyard work and maintenance around the yacht, including the repainting and sanding of anchor chains. He was hired as a deckhand on M/Y TACANUYA in 2023 summer season, thus being familiar with the yacht. Due to his energetic, and determined character, he is keen to provide the best service possible and is looking forward to welcoming charter guests.
Mario Da Silva
Deckhand