With a natural enthusiasm for adventure and a strong willingness to learn, Marike joined the yachting industry in 2023. She is committed to delivering the highest standards of service and hospitality, ensuring both crew and guest satisfaction. Before entering yachting, she gained valuable experience in event planning and service roles, including assisting with large events such as weddings and functions for up to 250 people.
Marike has recently completed training at the Superyacht Training Academy, where she further developed her expertise in stewardess duties, including silver service, mixology, and team collaboration. She is also a keen sailor and watersports enthusiast, holding her RYA Powerboat Level 2 and Jet ski qualifications. Marike loves being outdoors, whether hiking, jogging, and painting. A delightful addition to the crew, you will find her, open, friendly and eager to grow in the industry, learning from the rest of this fantastic crew.
Marike Prins
Stewardess
Francesco has had a passion for sailing and the ocean for as long as he can remember. After finishing high school, he pursued his interest in the sea by studying Nautical Engineering at the University of Genoa, followed by advanced training at the Italian Navy Academy in Livorno. In 2021, he joined the Regatta Royales in Cannes as a deckhand and has since participated in numerous regattas, gaining experience on private and charter sailing yachts throughout the Mediterranean.
Although young, Francesco has already proven himself to be a highly capable deckhand, eager to continue building on his skills and experience. This season marks his second on a motor yacht, and he’s excited to learn from the THALYSSA team while contributing his own unique set of skills. In his free time, Francesco is an enthusiastic PADI Advanced diver, and he’s happiest when he's out on the water or exploring the great outdoors.
Previous yachts: S/Y SEVEN (60m), S/Y AGLAIA (26m), S/Y WAYFARER (30m), S/Y VISTONA (16.35m), S/Y Argyll (17.5m)
Francesco Giove
Deckhand
Burcin grew up in Turkey and developed a love for sailing at a young age. He is an accomplished professional who has over 30 years experience in the yacht idustry, initially as a deckhand and taking on increased responsibility as he grew his credentials. By 18, he was working as a commercial Captain on smaller yachts and since then he has gained experience in sailing yachts, catamarans and motor yachts, in both a private and commercial capacity. He has sailed extensively in the Mediterranean, Aegean, Ionian Seas and Arabian Gulf. He prides himself on his guests satisfaction and will ensure he and his team meet and exceed expectations.
Previous yachts captained: M/Y HKMAS (35m) M/Y AL RUWAIS (32m), Catamarans (22m) , CATAMARAN PROZAC (18m), M/Y LALIKA (30m), M/Y DREAM CATCHER (24m), M/Y MODA (16m)
Qualifications: Yachtmaster 500 GRT, International Training Yacht Master, Powerboat and Rib Master
Burcin Gundiz
Captain
Adem grew up in Montenegro with the Adriatic Sea on his doorstep, which sparked his lifelong passion for life on the water. After earning a degree in Nautical Studies, he began his career on commercial vessels before making the switch to yachting, where his professionalism and approachable nature quickly made him stand out. Having worked his way up from Deckhand to First Officer, he brings a technical expertise and a natural ease with guests, ensuring that their time spent onboard is safe, seamless, and enjoyable.
Calm under pressure and attentive to detail, Adem is equally comfortable navigating busy waters as he is helping guests make the most of their trip. His easy-going personality, coupled with his love of the sea and interest in languages, makes him a great conversationalist as well as a trusted officer. Always happy to share his knowledge of the Mediterranean or assist with watersports, he combines strong seamanship with a welcoming approach, making him an invaluable part of the THALYSSA team.
Previous yachts: M/Y CHEETAH MOON (39m), M/Y ICE LADY (43m)
Adem Tivari
First Officer