Zdravka was born as raised in a small town called Yambol, Bulgaria. She completed her studies at medical school before moving to France. She speaks French, Russian and English. It was more coincidence that led Zdravka to the superyacht industry in 2007, when a friend called her to ask her to give her a hand for a “few days.” Zdravka has since been passionately working in this industry for a further 14 years, during which time she has gained a great deal of experience and made her the person she is today. She prides herself on maintaining the highest level of service at all the times. In her free time Zdravka enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Zdravka Yankova
Chief steward/ess
David is a classically trained Spanish chef with a distinguished culinary background spanning Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury private residences, and superyachts. His career includes time in renowned kitchens such as Ola by Martín Berasategui and The Gilbert Scott by Marcus Wareing, as well as private chef roles for high-net-worth families in the UK and Kuwait. Known for his refined, contemporary flair, David is particularly passionate about crafting bespoke menus that cater to individual preferences, dietary needs, and cultural nuances—from allergen-aware dishes to elegant plant-based fine dining.
David’s culinary style combines modern European sophistication with global techniques, executed with both precision and creativity. On board, he focuses on seasonal menus built around quality ingredients, nutritional balance, and exquisite presentation. When not in the galley he is always willing to lend a hand on deck when needed, bringing his energy and strong work ethic to every aspect of yacht life.
Previous yachts: S/Y ELENA OF LONDON (55m), M/Y H6 (31m), M/Y STARBURST III (47m), M/Y UM7 (28m), S/Y FIREFLY (20m)
David Calvera San Millan
Chef
Slava may have been born far from the sea in Belarus, but his passion for maritime life started early. At just fifteen, he became a cadet at Riga Marine College and embarked on his first real sea voyage on a tanker in 1980. His journey continued at the Marine Academy in Leningrad (now St Petersburg), where he began a long and distinguished career as an engineer on various merchant ships, including cargo vessels, bulk carriers, and container ships.
Throughout his career, Slava has had incredible experiences, from seeing polar bears in the Arctic and the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer, in Rio de Janeiro, to visiting the bustling docks of Calcutta and the stunning fjords of Norway.
Living near the Baltic Sea in Klaipeda, Slava is fluent in Russian, Belarusian, and English. When he's not at sea, Slava enjoys spending time with his dogs, getting lost in a good book, and tending to his garden.
Slava Okolo Kulak
Chief engineer
Marin, originally from Bulgaria, is a seasoned chief engineer with an impressive background. After spending 15 years in the merchant marine service, he moved into the yachting world and has been a cornerstone of The Wellesley since March 2015. Marin's in-depth knowledge of the vessel ensures that it is always maintained and refitted to the highest standards.
With experience on a variety of vessels ranging from 49m to 86m, Marin is not only highly skilled but also multilingual, fluent in English, Bulgarian, and Russian. When he's not ensuring the smooth operation of The Wellesley, Marin loves to hit the slopes and ski. He also cherishes spending quality time with his family during his two months on, two months off rotation, balancing his professional commitments with his personal life.
Marin Dzhingarski
Chief engineer
Olena comes from Odessa, Ukraine. Before joining the yachting industry, she trained as a veterinary doctor. In 2012 Olena decided to pursue a new career in the maritime industry. She has now worked on some of the most prestigious cruise liners and luxury yachts around the world. Having worked for the owner of The Wellesley yacht for 7 years, Olena creates an opulent atmosphere and provides silver level service found at The Wellesley Hotel in London. Her hobbies include reading and learning new languages. Olena looks forward to assisting the interior team and ensuring your stay will be a pleasant one. She has completed courses in massage and will be happy to give client massage treatments onboard.
Olena Gershberg
Stewardess
Originally from Finland, Matias brings a blend of calm professionalism and hands-on expertise to his role as 2nd Officer. Since childhood he has always wanted a career on the ocean and after completing his military service with the Finnish Coastal Forces in 2016, he earnt his OOW 500GT qualification in 2017 and moved into yachting. Since then, Matias has steadily progressed through the ranks, gaining extensive sea time across private motor yachts and becoming known for his reliability and steady leadership on deck.
With several busy seasons under his belt, he has taken on responsibilities such as solo watchkeeping, route planning, safety drills, and operating both jet tenders and large chase boats. Matias is always approachable and ready to assist with watersports and ensure smooth cruising operations. When not onboard, Matias maintains his physical edge through weight training and jogging, bringing energy and focus to everything he does.
Matias Laitinen
Second Officer
Swedish-born Ronja is a dynamic and upbeat stewardess with a natural flair for creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere on board. Hardworking and full of can-do energy, she began her career in theme parks—first as a game host, then as a rollercoaster operator—where she developed an instinct for guest interaction and a talent for reading the room. Since transitioning into yachting, she has worked both in the interior and on deck, gaining confidence with tenders and watertoys along the way. With experience on yachts ranging from 40m to 70m, she is well-versed in the pace and precision required in luxury hospitality.
What truly sets Ronja apart is her vibrant personality, genuine curiosity for life, and passion for teamwork. Never one to shy away from hard work, she’s just as happy scrubbing teak as she is setting the perfect breakfast table. Her cheerful nature and adaptable spirit make her a valued member of any crew, and an uplifting presence for guests and colleagues alike.
Ronja Ringkvist
Stewardess
A native of Finland, Veera is a positive, hardworking stewardess who takes genuine pride in making people feel welcome. She holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from the Haaga–Helia University, graduating in 2022, and brings with her solid experience in waitressing, reception, and barista service. No matter how fast-paced the setting or the challenges involved, Veera remains focused on delivering high-quality service with a smile.
With a strong desire to travel and explore, Veera moved into yachting at the beginning of 2025 and has quickly proven herself a valuable addition to the team. She’s dedicated to broadening her skill set and is keen to learn. Enthusiastic and dependable, Veera sees her future in yachting and brings great energy and commitment to her role.
Veera Metsovuori
Stewardess
Originally from Warsaw and raised in the UK, Raf brings an energetic and attentive approach to his role on board. Before joining the yachting industry, he worked as a personal trainer in Ascot, where he developed a strong appreciation for discipline, endurance, and forward planning. He thrives in a team environment and genuinely enjoys guest interaction, always aiming to contribute to a positive and welcoming atmosphere.
In 2024, after completing formal qualifications in tender driving and watercraft, Raf made the move to yachting— which has allowed him to combine his skills and passions in one dream job. Since then, he has continued to build his technical knowledge, becoming confident with maintenance and troubleshooting, skilled in water sports handling, and adept at manoeuvring dual outboard tenders in busy marina environments. Raf’s practical abilities are complemented by a strong team spirit and a can-do attitude. When off duty, you’ll find him staying active through fitness, experimenting in the kitchen, practising yoga, or exploring photography—all of which contribute to his balanced approach to life.
Raf Wawrzyniak
Deckhand
Originally from South Africa, Deon brings over a decade of solid yachting experience and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset to his role as Chief Officer. Before entering the yachting industry, he trained as a boatbuilder and earned a certificate in Applied Technology and Boatbuilding from UNITEC in New Zealand. From hands-on boat construction to achieving his Chief Mate II/2 licence, Deon has steadily progressed through a range of demanding roles, gaining in-depth operational expertise on both private and high-traffic charter yachts up to 88 metres.
With a strong foundation in ISM/ISPS, navigation, and refit coordination, Deon is especially recognised for his calm leadership during shipyard periods, safety drills, and high-profile guest operations. His technical knowledge and composed approach ensure that onboard operations run efficiently and safely at all times.
Even when off duty, he is always active, and can be found on the golf course, snowboarding, or riding his motorbike, exploring the different ports and coastlines.
Previous yachts: M/Y BABA’S (56m), S/Y RED SKY (65m), M/Y PALOMA (42m),
M/Y LAMMOUCHE (44m), M/Y TEMPO (50m), M/Y GIORGIA (37m), M/Y FOUNTAINHEAD (88m), M/Y DOUBLE DOWN (65m), M/Y BLUE BIRD OF 1938 (32m), M/Y PLATINUM (50m), M/Y TOUCHSTONE (34m), M/Y SKAT (71m), M/Y AVIVA (68m), M/Y BELONGERS (50m)
Deon Joubert
First Officer