Meet the Crew

Chief Officer

  • Born in Russia, Azat relocated to Toronto, Canada in 2007 at the age of 20. Since then, he has had the privilege of living and working in a variety of countries, including the United States, Antigua and Barbuda, and most recently, Spain. These international experiences have shaped his strong sense of cultural awareness, adaptability, and global perspective— essential attributes in the dynamic environment of yachting.

    He graduated with a degree in Business from the Rotman School of Management, originally intending to pursue a career in finance. However, his lifelong connection to the sea eventually led him down a different path. What began as recreational sailing with friends in the Caribbean soon developed into a genuine passion, and ultimately, a professional career in the superyacht industry.

    Over the years, Azat has built a solid foundation in maritime operations, crew leadership, and guest service—skills that align closely with the demands of a Chief Officer on board a 43-meter yacht. He is known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and calm, professional demeanor. A dependable team player, he takes a proactive approach to safety, maintenance, and guest satisfaction.

    Outside of his professional life, Azat is a proud father to a two-year-old daughter and thoroughly enjoys spending time with children, both personally and when working with families on board.

    In his spare time, he enjoys playing and watching football and is an avid Formula 1 fan— Sundays often find him tuning in to the latest Grand Prix. Earlier in life, he played competitive ice hockey, which helped instill a strong sense of discipline and teamwork.

    He is fluent in Russian and English, and has a working knowledge of Spanish.

Bosun

  • Originally from the rugged coastline of Cornwall, Jamie has spent most of his life by the sea. With a background as a trusted surf instructor, qualified lifeguard, and hands-on experience in general building and plumbing, he has always thrived in physically active, practical environments. Drawn by a deep connection to the ocean and a desire to explore the world, Jamie transitioned into the yachting industry to chase new adventures and meet like-minded people from across the globe.

    Motivated and hardworking, Jamie is committed to building a long-term career in yachting. He is currently working toward his Officer of the Watch (OOW) certification, with ambitions to rise through the ranks. Over the past three years, he has gained valuable shipyard experience, including painting, repairs, and maintenance, which has sharpened his eye for detail and instilled a disciplined, results-driven approach to his work. Comfortable both in team environments and working independently, Jamie brings flexibility, initiative, and a strong work ethic to every task.

    In addition to his professional skills, Jamie brings a sense of fun and enthusiasm to the crew dynamic. His background in surf instruction and lifeguarding also means he's confident and capable when supporting guests with water-based activities.

    Outside of his duties onboard, Jamie is passionate about surfing and spends as much time as possible in the water. He’s also an avid e-biker, often heading off the beaten path to explore new trails whenever the opportunity arises. Off the water, he's a true movie and music enthusiast, with a particular love for cult classics and iconic soundtracks—always ready to spark a conversation or recommend a great film to unwind with.

    Jamie is excited to be part of a hardworking, adventurous, and fun-loving team and looks forward to continuing his journey in the yachting world.

Third Stewardess

  • Hailing from the historic city of Cambridge, England, she began her yachting journey in 2024 as a 3rd Stewardess aboard a dynamic and fast-paced vessel. She quickly found her rhythm in housekeeping, thriving in the detail-oriented environment, while also embracing opportunities to assist in service. Prior to joining the industry, she balanced part-time bar and cleaning work with academic pursuits, ultimately earning a Master’s degree in Dementia Neuroscience from University College London.

    What draws her most to yachting is the satisfaction of seeing hard work transform into seamless guest experiences—and the ever-changing nature of life at sea. When not on board, she is likely to be found out running, planning her next adventure, or keeping up with her spirited puppy, Lottie.

Chief Engineer

  • Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Willie developed a deep love for the ocean and its incredible marine life from an early age. He began studying engineering at Stellenbosch University, but the call of the sea proved too strong, and he soon traded textbooks for toolkits—embarking on a career in the yachting industry.

    With over a decade of experience as a yacht engineer, Willie has spent the last nine years working on sailing yachts around the world. His calm, methodical approach and deep technical knowledge make him an invaluable part of the crew, ensuring smooth operations both above and below deck.

    Outside of the engine room, Willie is a passionate wildlife photographer, particularly drawn to the underwater world. He’s had unforgettable encounters with whales, giant manta rays, whale sharks—and on land, elephants, lions, and hyenas. His stories are as captivating as his photographs, always adding a sense of adventure and wonder to life on board.

Chief Stewardess

  • Carla is a seasoned yachting professional with over 14 years of international experience across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and the Americas. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and raised in the remote landscapes of Botswana and Mozambique, Carla developed a deep-rooted love for exploration and diverse cultures from a young age.

    After completing her education, she began her career teaching English as a foreign language before setting sail from Palma de Mallorca, launching a dynamic career on board luxury yachts. She has since trained with The British Butler Academy and is a certified Super Yacht Purser, currently advancing her expertise through a Super Yacht Management Certification.

    Carla brings a refined eye for detail, leadership, and service excellence to every role. Beyond the deck, she’s passionate about fitness—especially HIIT and Bodypump training

    —and is an avid long-distance swimmer. She also has a keen interest in collecting vintage items from vinyl records to classic cars.

    Driven by a desire to give back, Carla aspires to one day lead impactful community development projects across Africa through corporate social investment initiatives.

Chef

  • Meet Chef Oli, a dynamic and passionate culinary professional with over nine years of experience in the kitchen, bringing creativity, precision, and a deep respect for quality ingredients to every dish she prepares. Since beginning her culinary journey in 2014, Oli has cultivated a versatile and globally inspired cooking style that reflects her dedication to excellence and her adventurous spirit.

    Formally trained at an organic farm in Ireland, Oli's foundations in the culinary arts are rooted in sustainability, seasonality, and a strong farm-to-table philosophy. Her passion for sourcing high-quality, ethically produced ingredients continues to shape her menus today, whether catering to health-conscious charter guests or crafting gourmet experiences for discerning palates.

    Her skills have been sharpened and enriched through a combination of hands-on experience, mentorship under skilled chefs, and culinary courses taken across the globe— from Europe to Asia and beyond. A firm believer in lifelong learning, Oli embraces experimentation and creativity, often refining her techniques through a mix of global influence, personal exploration, and classic foundations.

    Oli brings not only culinary excellence but also a vibrant and positive presence to the team. Her calm and focused demeanour in the galley ensures smooth service under pressure, while her adaptability allows her to cater to a wide variety of dietary preferences and guest expectations with ease and professionalism.

    Outside the galley, Oli is a true adventurer at heart. She finds balance and inspiration through yoga, horse riding, and travel—often exploring new cultures through their food and wine. Her love for discovering fresh flavours and unfamiliar cuisines adds a rich, worldly perspective to her culinary repertoire.

    Whether she's plating a refined fine-dining dish or preparing a fresh, healthy lunch after a day on the water, Chef Oli is committed to delivering memorable meals that nourish, delight, and bring people together.

Captain

  • Sam is a young yet well-seasoned professional whose career has been nothing short of inspiring. From the very beginning, his passion for the sea and dedication to his craft set him apart. His journey began aboard the renowned 62m Roma, where he steadily worked his way up from deckhand to First Officer—earning the respect of both crew and guests along the way.

    By the end of 2022, ready for the next chapter, Sam took the helm of the 37m Arion, where he truly came into his own as a leader. His time as captain of Arion was marked by his hands-on approach, calm demeanour, and commitment to delivering outstanding charters. In October 2024, Sam brought his talent, energy, and expertise to MOKA, where he now leads the team with the same passion and drive that have defined his career.

    Sam’s boundless enthusiasm and “can-do” attitude are infectious, creating a positive atmosphere on board that resonates with both guests and crew. His leadership style blends professionalism with approachability, ensuring that every guest experience aboard MOKA is not only seamless but truly memorable.

    When Sam isn’t at the helm, you’ll likely find him on the padel court enjoying a fast-paced match with friends, or on the golf course honing his swing. A lover of the outdoors, he’s equally at home skiing down alpine slopes or hiking off the beaten path, always seeking adventure and new horizons. This passion for exploration and active living mirrors the spirit of MOKA herself—bold, dynamic, and always ready for the next journey.

    With Sam at the wheel, you can expect an unforgettable charter experience where adventure, comfort, and impeccable service come together effortlessly.

Second Engineer / Deckhand

  • Hailing from Southampton, Ian grew up on the river and has always felt at home on the water. With over 15 years of maritime experience, he brings a depth of knowledge and calm professionalism to every role he takes on. For the past five years, he has served as 2nd Engineer aboard Moka, where he plays a vital role in maintaining smooth, reliable operations behind the scenes.

    Prior to joining the yachting industry, Ian spent a decade working on Royal Research scientific vessels, supporting critical oceanographic missions around the world. This background has equipped him with a strong technical foundation and a meticulous approach to engineering and problem-solving.

    A lifelong enthusiast of the sea and water sports, Ian takes great pride in helping guests make the most of their time on the water. Whether it’s ensuring systems run flawlessly or lending a hand with water toys and tenders, he is dedicated to creating an enjoyable and memorable onboard experience.

    In his spare time, Ian enjoys riding his Harley Davidson, going for runs, relaxing on his paddle board, or heading off for a weekend of camping. His love for the outdoors and active lifestyle perfectly complements his career at sea.

Second Stewardess

  • Emilly brings warmth, meticulous attention to detail, and a truly international perspective to her role as Second Stewardess aboard our motor yacht. Born in Brazil and raised in Italy, she holds dual Italian–Brazilian citizenship and now resides in Spain. Emilly is fluent in Portuguese, Italian, English, and Spanish, ensuring clear and friendly communication with guests from all over the world.

    Before joining the yachting industry, Emilly completed her studies in Florence, Italy, where she trained as a group therapy psychologist. She honed her hospitality skills working in some of Florence’s most prestigious luxury hotels, cultivating a deep understanding of refined service and guest wellbeing.

    When she’s off duty, Emilly loves organizing events, taking dance classes, curling up with a good book, and exploring scenic walking routes alongside Romeo—her beloved little dog. Looking ahead, her dream is to establish a non-profit organization to empower Brazilian women through education and professional training, so they can support themselves and their families.