Power Yacht STARSHIP 185'

STARSHIP 185'

Captain Christoff Spies
Nationality: South African
Languages: English

Born and raised in a small coastal town in South Africa, Captain Christoff Spies has had a lifelong connection to the ocean. What began with surfing and diving eventually developed into a professional maritime career spanning more than two decades. After earning his first captain’s license, Christoff entered yachting and has been running charter yachts since 2010. Today, he holds a USCG 1600/3000 ITC Oceans Merchant Mariner License and has commanded yachts ranging from 80 to 215 feet. His extensive cruising experience includes the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, South African coast, and both the East and West Coasts of the United States.

As Captain of STARSHIP, Christoff combines extensive knowledge and experience with an easygoing, approachable personality and a genuine passion for creating memorable charters. He is very much a hands-on captain with a natural “how can we make it happen?” attitude. Whether finding the perfect secluded anchorage, adjusting an itinerary around what guests are enjoying most, or introducing them to somewhere they may never have discovered on their own, Christoff enjoys making each charter feel personal. Having spent years cruising the Bahamas and Caribbean, he knows these waters exceptionally well, from the pristine anchorages of the Exumas to the natural beauty and adventure of islands such as St. Lucia. His goal is for guests to feel completely at ease while he and his crew take care of everything behind the scenes.

For Christoff, however, being a charter captain is about much more than getting guests from one beautiful destination to another. He genuinely loves getting involved in the fun. An accomplished diver with advanced NAUI certification, he is passionate about diving, fishing, spearfishing and watersports and has taught guests everything from water skiing and diving to catching their first fish. He is happiest when STARSHIP becomes a platform for adventure, whether that means exploring a reef, heading out fishing, discovering a hidden anchorage or simply spending an incredible day on the water. His greatest satisfaction comes when guests leave not only having enjoyed a great vacation, but with stories and experiences they will talk about for years and the desire to return for another adventure.

When he does find some downtime, Christoff also enjoys golf and tennis, although the ocean is never far from his heart. His philosophy both onboard and in life is captured by his favorite motto: “We didn’t come this far to come this far.” It reflects the persistence, positive outlook and can-do spirit he brings to STARSHIP and to every charter.
 

Chief Officer German Sabin
Nationality: Russian
Languages: Lithuanian, English, Russian

Education/Certifications: Bachelor's Degree in Marine Navigation
Languages Spoken: English, Russian, Lithuanian

German grew up in Lithuania, Klaipeda which is based on the coast of the Baltic Sea. During his childhood, he was a professional swimmer for 12 years before slowly transitioning to CrossFit as a fulltime hobby. After four years of studies at the Maritime Academy, German graduated and joined commercial fleet, following in the footsteps of his father and brother. After one year working in the industry, he discovered yachting, and has loved working his way towards Captain ever since. German has now been boating for five years. 

German has become the go-to crew member for filming and editing. He is extremely talented at capturing your family’s holiday, so that you will forever have the memories to look back on. German wants every charter guest to walk away from their time onboard STARSHIP amazed by the outstanding service the crew provided.


Chef David Yiallouros
Nationality: UK
Languages: English

Chef David Yiallouros brings to STARSHIP an extraordinary combination of culinary experience, world travel, creativity, and personality. After an impressive 23-year career in the British Army, David followed his passion for food and became a professional chef and restaurant owner. His talent quickly made an impact: within just one month of opening his restaurant in Limassol, Cyprus, it reached the number-one position on TripAdvisor and remained there until David closed the restaurant to pursue a career in yachting. Since entering the industry in 2015, he has worked his way through yachts ranging from 25 to 115 meters, including prestigious private and charter programs, developing the versatility and high standards that he now brings to STARSHIP.

For David, exceptional charter cuisine is about much more than beautifully prepared food; it is about creating an experience guests genuinely look forward to at every meal. Years of traveling and cooking around the world have influenced a culinary style that is diverse, creative, and highly adaptable. He particularly loves Japanese cuisine, including sushi, sashimi, and teppanyaki, as well as fresh Mediterranean cooking inspired by the ingredients and flavors he personally enjoys. Dietary requirements are never an afterthought. From keto and vegetarian to vegan and other specialized requests, David embraces the challenge of creating dishes that feel every bit as exciting and indulgent as the rest of the menu. His goal is to make accommodating a preference look completely effortless.

What makes David especially suited to charter, however, is the personality behind the food. He brings what he describes as “great food, a great sense of humour and a great smile” to the galley, along with a genuine love of hospitality. He wants guests to feel that their dining experience has been created specifically for them, while giving them a taste of the cuisines, ingredients, and traditions he has discovered throughout his travels. From an elegant multi-course dinner to fresh sushi and sashimi or an interactive teppanyaki experience, David understands that some of the best charter memories are created around the table. His personal philosophy says it all: “Hospitality and service without compromise.”

Away from the galley, David's creativity continues through mixed-media art, painting, charcoal work, and playing guitar, while kite surfing has become his greatest passion. His combination of culinary talent, creativity, humor, extensive life experience, and adventurous spirit makes him not simply the chef onboard, but an important part of what makes a charter aboard STARSHIP memorable.
 

Chief Stewardess Casey Shields
Nationality: American
Languages: English

With 14 years in the yachting industry and travels spanning more than 40 countries, Casey Shields brings an exceptional combination of experience, personality, creativity, and genuine hospitality to STARSHIP. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Casey took a leap of faith and left home for yachting on her 22nd birthday, turning her love of travel and people into an impressive career. Her experience includes M/Y Formosa, M/Y Lady Kathryn V, and M/Y Boardwalk, along with cruising throughout the North and South Pacific, Caribbean, and Mediterranean. Professionally trained in Silver Service, flower arranging, bartending, barista service, cabin service, and tender operations, Casey brings the polished standards expected of a luxury charter yacht while maintaining a warm, relaxed approach that immediately makes guests feel at home.

As Chief Stewardess aboard STARSHIP, Casey believes truly exceptional service is personal. Her priority is making sure every single guest feels special and individually cared for, not simply the principal charterer. She has an instinct for reading the room, understanding what guests enjoy, and tailoring the experience around them. Whether creating the perfect atmosphere for an elegant dinner, preparing cocktails, arranging thoughtful details, or helping turn an ordinary evening into something guests will remember, Casey understands that the very best service often feels completely effortless. Her years of traveling and experiencing different cultures also give her a wonderful perspective on hospitality and entertaining, while her previous experience as both a waitress and nanny brings an added warmth and versatility that is particularly valuable with families.

What truly sets Casey apart, however, is the personality behind the service. Fun, personable, well-traveled, and passionate about enjoying life, she brings an energy to charter that encourages guests to relax and simply have an amazing time. She loves tennis, Pilates, barre, weightlifting, reading, wellness retreats, animals, and exploring new destinations, with Southeast Asia holding a special place in her heart for its people and cuisine. Her love of animals is so strong that she dreams of one day having her own farm, complete with animals whose names all begin with “P,” inspired in part by her Chihuahua, Paisley Pancakes. Casey’s philosophy is beautifully simple: “Life is too short.” It is exactly that enthusiasm for life, combined with her extensive charter experience and genuine desire to make people happy, that makes her the kind of Chief Stewardess guests remember, request again, and look forward to seeing on their next charter.
 

Name: Llewmari Nicolay
Nationality: South African
Languages: Afrikaans, English

Education/Certifications: Bookkeeping Certificate, IAMI Guest Mental Health and Awareness & Wellbeing, Yacht Spa Management, HR, Recruitment & Retention, Advanced Leadership, Advanced Interior Administration, Destination,
Event & Interior Management, Medical First Aid (STCW A-VI), Competence in Medical Care (STCW A-VI), Essential Navigation & Seamanship, Crowd Management & Passenger Safety, Drug Abuse Awareness

Born and raised just outside Cape Town, South Africa, Llewmari “Llew” Nicolay brings a naturally upbeat personality, strong organizational skills, and plenty of positive energy to STARSHIP. Growing up, she was an energetic, happy-go-lucky child who loved being surrounded by family and friends, played field hockey and tennis, and studied piano for ten years. Before entering yachting in 2022, Llew built a professional background in operations and account management, experience that has translated perfectly into the organization and attention to detail required aboard a busy charter yacht. Since joining the industry, she has worked aboard several yachts including Senses, Fore Aces, No Bad Ideas, My Falcon, Utopia IV, Justa Delia, and Excellence V, with two years dedicated to charter yachts.

As STARSHIP’s Second Stewardess, Llew is the kind of person whose smile and enthusiasm are infectious. She describes positivity and hard work as two of her greatest strengths, along with a firm belief that there is always a solution, even when it means completely changing the original plan. That can-do attitude, combined with extensive training in leadership, interior and event management, yacht spa management, medical care, and guest services, makes her an invaluable part of the charter experience. Whether helping plan a special evening, keeping everything running seamlessly behind the scenes, or simply making sure guests are having an incredible time, Llew brings warmth, energy, and a genuine desire to make every day onboard memorable.

Fun, outgoing, and extremely social, Llew loves dancing, spending time with friends and family, and going for long, fast-paced walks. She is also a self-confessed TV-series fanatic who has watched Grey’s Anatomy, Gilmore Girls, and Friends more times than she can count. Having traveled extensively, from France, Spain and Greece to Panama, Colombia, the Caribbean and the Middle East, she loves discovering new places, although the Exumas remain her favorite charter destination. For Llew, the perfect charter is about incredible experiences, amazing food, plenty of laughter, and guests simply having the best time possible. Her philosophy is that “everything in life happens for a reason,” and that optimistic outlook is exactly the energy she brings aboard STARSHIP.


Third (junior) Stewardess / Dive Master Kiana “Ki” Jean-smith
Nationality: Canadian
Languages: English, French

Growing up just outside Vancouver, Canada, surrounded by mountains, lakes, and the ocean, Kiana “Ki” Jean-Smith developed an adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors from an early age. A natural athlete, she competed in rugby, earning MVP honors and serving as team captain, while later completing a degree in Political Science and Legal Studies. Her career has taken her around the world, from management roles in Canada and Australia to hospitality, working as a snorkel guide on the Great Barrier Reef, and eventually becoming a Divemaster in Honduras. Combining her passion for the ocean, travel, and hospitality made yachting a natural next adventure.

As STARSHIP’s Divemaster and Fourth Stewardess, Ki brings something particularly special to the charter experience: she is just as comfortable taking care of guests onboard as she is introducing them to the incredible world beneath the water. Positive, upbeat, and always ready for an adventure, she loves sharing her knowledge of diving and marine life with guests, whether they are experienced divers or discovering the underwater world for the first time. Currently working toward becoming a dive instructor, Ki hopes to inspire others to fall in love with the ocean just as she has. She also speaks English and French, having attended a French-language school and later lived in France as an au pair.

For Ki, a great charter is all about having fun, trying something new, and creating stories worth telling long after the vacation is over. Diving is her greatest passion, but she also loves snorkeling, freediving, photography, underwater videography, hiking, traveling, and just about anything involving a little adventure. Her enthusiasm makes her the kind of crew member who can help guests feel completely at home one moment and have them excited to jump in the water and explore the next. Most importantly, she wants every guest to leave STARSHIP feeling they were genuinely looked after, had the time of their lives, and created memories they will never forget. It is fitting that Ki’s personal motto is simply: “Make a life worth remembering.”


Fourth (junior) Stewardess Emily Christie
Nationality: American
Languages: English

Growing up in the woods of Lyman, Maine, Emily Christie has always had an adventurous spirit, a creative side, and a love for being outdoors. Before joining the yachting industry, she spent several years in hospitality, working as a server, bartender, and restaurant manager. That experience gave Emily a natural ability to connect with people, anticipate what they need, and bring great energy to any occasion. Drawn to yachting by her love of travel and adventure, Emily joined STARSHIP as her first yacht and has already worked her way from Fourth Stewardess to Third Stewardess.

Fun, energetic, and genuinely passionate about making people happy, Emily brings a fresh enthusiasm to the STARSHIP interior team. She loves being part of the little details that turn a great charter into an unforgettable one, whether that means creating a fun atmosphere onboard, helping with a special celebration, mixing up drinks, or simply making sure guests feel completely comfortable and looked after. Her goal is for guests to step off STARSHIP with two things: happiness and incredible memories. Emily holds her STCW, ENG1, and Food Hygiene Safety Level 1 certifications and is currently adding another dimension to her onboard skills by completing certifications in personal training and nutrition coaching.

When she isn't taking care of guests, Emily is rarely sitting still. She loves hiking, skiing, fitness, mountains, and just about anything that keeps her active. Her love of fitness is something she is excited to share with guests who might want to squeeze a workout into their charter, while her creative side comes from a lifelong love of painting, crafting, and crocheting. Whether guests are looking for an active day, a fun evening onboard, or simply someone with great energy to share the experience with, Emily's warm and upbeat personality makes her a wonderful addition to a charter. She lives by the motto, “A river cuts through a rock not because of its power but because of its persistence,” a perfect reflection of the enthusiasm and determination she brings to everything she does.
 

Chief Engineer Gregory Ellis

Nationality: Jamaican

Languages: English

Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Gregory “Ellis” Ellis brings more than a decade of professional marine engineering experience to STARSHIP, along with the calm, capable personality you want behind the scenes of a world-class charter. After high school, Ellis went directly to maritime college to study engineering, beginning his career aboard commercial ships in 2009 before transitioning into yachting in 2016. He holds a Class III/1 Engineering License, a BSc in Marine/Industrial Engineering, Caterpillar service training, advanced STCW certifications, welding qualifications, and project management training. His career has taken him aboard yachts including Ad Astra, Amore, Namaste, Stay Salty, After Eight, and Amica Mea, building an impressive depth of technical knowledge along the way.

As STARSHIP’s Chief Engineer, Ellis is one of the people who makes the magic of a charter happen without guests ever having to think about it. His extensive knowledge of yacht systems, preventative maintenance, and vessel operations helps ensure everything onboard runs safely and seamlessly, allowing guests to concentrate on what matters most: relaxing, having fun, and enjoying their vacation. A true team player, Ellis is always willing to lend a hand beyond the engine room whenever needed. He believes a great yacht operates like a family, with every department working together to deliver an exceptional guest experience. Having cruised the Mediterranean, North Pacific, Caribbean, and parts of the Philippine Sea, he brings considerable international experience while still holding a special love for the Caribbean, its culture, food, and spectacular natural beauty.

And while Ellis may be responsible for keeping STARSHIP running smoothly, he definitely knows how to have fun on the water. Motorsports are his greatest passion, and he is comfortable teaching guests how to ride both motorcycles and Jet Skis. His adventurous Jamaican spirit, friendly nature, and technical confidence make him equally at home in the engine room or helping create an exciting day on the water. Ultimately, Ellis wants guests to feel completely safe and cared for while enjoying the perfect balance of relaxation and fun. His motto, “Pursue Excellence and lead by example,” perfectly captures the professionalism, pride, and positive attitude he brings to STARSHIP every day.


Deckhand/ Engineer Travon Musgrove
Nationality: Bahamian
Languages: English

Born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, Travon “Tray” Musgrove brings something especially valuable to STARSHIP: genuine local knowledge combined with an easygoing personality and a lifelong connection to the islands. Growing up as one of six siblings, Tray spent much of his childhood playing basketball and baseball and developed the friendly, team-oriented personality he brings onboard today. His path into yachting began from the ground up, washing boats around the marina before an unexpected opportunity arose to join a charter yacht that urgently needed a deckhand. Already holding his STCW and medical credentials, Tray was given his chance, proved himself, and never looked back. He has since built his career aboard Aspen Alternative, Heaven Can Wait, and STARSHIP, where he has now been part of the team for three years.

As STARSHIP’s Deck/Engineer, Tray combines a strong work ethic and technical ability with a friendly smile and a natural willingness to get involved. He holds AEC 1 and AEC 2 engineering qualifications, Powerboat Handling Level 2, and a Florida boating certificate, and his long-term goal is to become a Chief Engineer. But what makes Tray particularly special on charter is his Bahamian background. Having grown up in Nassau and spent time cruising the Exumas, he brings a local connection to the destination that guests can truly appreciate. Whether helping with a day on the water, getting the toys ready, or sharing some local insight, Tray wants guests to experience the islands he calls home and leave STARSHIP saying it was “the best vacation ever.”

Off duty, Tray’s personality really comes through. He loves basketball, writes music, and enjoys creating entertainment content, bringing a fun and creative side to the STARSHIP crew. He is equally happy being part of the action on deck or sharing a laugh with guests, and his relaxed Bahamian warmth makes him an approachable presence onboard. His outlook on life is refreshingly positive — “life is great” — and his personal motto, “just take a change of perspective,” reflects his ability to stay upbeat and look at things from a different angle. For guests, Tray offers a great combination: hardworking crew member, budding engineer, local Bahamian knowledge, and the kind of fun personality you want around while enjoying an unforgettable week in paradise.


Bosun Adrian Gamiz
Nationality: Mexican
Languages: Spanish, English

Born and raised in Barra de Navidad, a small coastal town in Jalisco, Mexico, Adrian Garcia grew up with the ocean quite literally at his doorstep. From an early age, his world revolved around surfing, fishing, diving, snorkeling, spearfishing, and swimming, even earning recognition in swimming competitions. That lifelong connection to the water naturally developed into a career at sea. Adrian entered yachting in 2020 and has since built extensive hands-on experience aboard Crili, Bora Gora, and STARSHIP, where he has been a valued member of the crew for nearly three years. He holds his Mexican Patrón de Costa and Yacht Skipper qualifications and is also a PADI Advanced Diver. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Adrian combines professional seamanship with the confidence and local-water instincts of someone who has spent his entire life around the ocean.

As Bosun aboard STARSHIP, Adrian brings leadership, experience, and plenty of energy to the deck team, but it is his genuine love of the water that makes him especially enjoyable to have on charter. He is happiest when guests are outside having fun, whether that means a day of fishing, diving into beautiful water, exploring somewhere new, or simply making the most of everything the yacht has to offer. Adrian loves sharing what he knows and is always willing to teach guests who want to learn something new. His combination of confidence on the water and approachable personality makes him exactly the kind of crew member you want alongside you when it is time for an adventure.

Off duty, Adrian remains just as active, enjoying exercise and fishing whenever he gets the opportunity. He brings a determined, disciplined mindset to everything he does and believes that with the right attitude and work ethic, he can succeed wherever life takes him. That drive has already taken him from a small Mexican beach town to leading the deck team aboard STARSHIP, with ambitions of one day becoming a Captain. Most importantly, Adrian wants guests to leave with a great experience and memories they will carry long after their charter ends. His motto, “Less talk, more action,” sums him up perfectly: energetic, capable, and always ready to make things happen.


Deckhand Yeison Daniel Resendiz
Nationality: American
Languages: Spanish, English

Education/Certifications: STCW, Pilot Maritime, RADAR Operator, Medical First Aid, Advanced Firefighting

Born in California and raised between the United States and the beautiful coastal city of Acapulco, Mexico, Yeison Daniel Resendiz developed an adventurous spirit and desire to see the world from an early age. At 14, that curiosity took him from the beaches of Mexico to the mountains of Utah, beginning a journey that would eventually lead him to a career at sea. A dedicated student and lifelong soccer player, Yeison later attended maritime academy and entered the professional maritime industry in 2024. Before joining STARSHIP, he gained valuable sea time aboard both commercial fishing and platform support vessels, giving him a strong seamanship foundation before making the transition into yachting. He initially joined STARSHIP as a dayworker, and his determination and work ethic quickly earned him a permanent position with the crew.

As a Deckhand aboard STARSHIP, Yeison brings energy, reliability, and a genuine desire to go above and beyond what is expected of him. His maritime training includes Junior Deck Officer qualifications, Advanced Fire Fighting, Medical First Aid, Radar and ARPA Operator training, and Survival Craft and Rescue Boat certification. Ambitious and eager to continue learning, his ultimate goal is to work his way through the ranks and one day become a Captain. On charter, however, his focus is simple: making sure guests can forget about everyday life, relax, have fun, and enjoy everything STARSHIP and the destination have to offer. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Yeison's friendly and approachable nature makes him an easy addition to a day of adventure on the water.

When he's not working on deck, Yeison is just as active. He enjoys the gym, running clubs, soccer, traveling, and discovering new places, and he is always happy to teach guests a little Spanish or get a friendly soccer game going. The Bahamas has already become one of his favorite destinations, but his greatest passion is experiencing as much of the world as possible and enjoying every moment along the way. His enthusiasm, positive attitude, and willingness to get involved make him exactly the type of crew member who adds another layer of fun to a charter, whether he's preparing for a day of watersports, helping guests with an adventure ashore, or simply sharing a laugh onboard. His personal philosophy reflects the way he approaches both his career and life: “Always be honest and do good in the world, and life will give back to you.”