SOVEREIGN

Captain: Stephen Burke

CAPTAIN | STEPHEN BURKE | Australian
Previous Yachts: Majestic, Harbour Island, Iroquois, Kanaloa, Charisma, Neninka and Kahalani
Biography: Stephen was born and raised in rural New South Wales, Australia. He was always one to be involved in various sports and
outdoor activities and represented his home state in Field Hockey. Immediately after graduating from High School, he attended
The University of Wollongong NSW, to study Exercise Science. Soon after he received his Bachelor of Science and worked as a
Personal Fitness Trainer, before the overwhelming urge to travel overseas grew.
At 24, Stephen set forth on a traveling adventure beginning in Europe. While in the Balearic Islands of Spain, he discovered the
once unknown life of yachting and completed his first Transatlantic crossing in 1996. Shortly after that he began working as a junior
Deckhand on 40-50m motor yachts.
Along the way, Stephen has been well mentored by prolific Captains in the industry and worked his way through the ranks steadily
for over 17 years from Deckhand and Bosun to Deck Officer and Captain. His welcoming demeanor, enthusiasm for travel, and keen
sense of leadership lend itself perfectly to the role of Captain.
Waters Cruised: Atlantic Ocean, East and Western Mediterranean, Baltic and North Seas, the Caribbean, East and West coast of
USA (including Alaska).
Job Description: The Captain is responsible for the safety, overall running, and financial management of the vessel, crew and guests.
He always ensures the safe and efficient operation of the yacht, including compliance with all safety procedures and regulations,
as well as adherence to International Flag, Port State and local laws and regulations. The Captain has a close relationship with
his crew and provides leadership, guidance and support, while encouraging both teamwork and individual accountability. He
communicates clearly with the crew to ensure compliance with, and understanding of, the vessel’s policies and is responsible for
the delegation of duties and oversight with respect to department heads.
Licenses & Certificates: STCW95, MCA Master 3,000gt, GMDSS, ISM & ISPS & ECDIS Certified, Bachelor of Science (Exercise
Science), PADI Open Water Diving.
Hobbies: Road cycling, mountain biking, tennis, swimming and adventurous travel.

FIRST OFFICER | Arron Mullen | British
Biography: Arron spent his youth in the Mother City of Cape Town, South Africa. At a young age, he found a love for the ocean and all it had to offer. Between school and studying, Arron spent most of his free time sailing. His first exposure to sailboats came at the age of four when his watched his grandfather build an Optimist. At the age of seventeen he reached national success competing in International Regattas. Arron joined his first motor yacht in Sint Maarten and had the opportunity to cruise the Mediterranean and Caribbean extensively shortly after that. He quickly moved up the ranks and is more committed than ever to provide his guests with word-class experiences each and every charter!
Waters Cruised: Eastern & Western Mediterranean, Atlantic, Caribbean, Southern Africa, East Coast US, Galapagos, French Polynesian Islands, Fijian Islands & Auckland.
Job Description: The Chief Officer manages the Deck Department, delegating duties to ensure the highest standards in the detailing and maintenance of the exterior areas, the tenders and deck equipment. He also supports the Captain and can assume command should the Captain be absent or incapacitated. His other duties include being responsible for the ISPS and SMS protocol of the vessel and providing accurate chart work and passage planning. When guests are on board, he participates in all deck operations and oversees all charter activities.
Licenses & Certificates: STCW 95, MCA Master 3,000gt, GMDSS, ISM & ISPS & ECDIS Certified, PADI Rescue Diving.
Hobbies: All Water Sports, Surfing, Sailing, Drone Flying and Video Editing

CHIEF ENGINEER | HERVÉ NIACADIE | French
Biography: Hervé originates from the Ivory Coast in West Africa but calls Brittany, Northern France home. He is multilingual in French, Italian, Spanish, and English which has been a great asset for him during his twenty years of experience in the yachting industry. Being a MCA qualified Marine Engineer, Hervé takes great pride in overseeing Sovereign’s technical department ensuring the ultimate comfort and safety of the owners, guests, and crew.
Waters Cruised: Atlantic, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Adriatic, Aegean, North Sea, USA
Job Description: The Chief Engineer is responsible for the running, maintenance and repair of all mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment on board, including all machinery in the engine room, domestic equipment, bridge and deck equipment. He works closely with the Second Engineer to maintain detailed, up-to-date logs of all equipment, engineering activities and critical systems, as well as, providing an accurate inventory of spare parts, technical consumables and tools. In addition, he ensures adherence to International Flag, Port State and local laws and regulations in regard to engine room operations.
Licenses & Certificates: Chief Engineer MCA Y2
Hobbies: Family time, Golf, Jogging, Physical Training, Reading, Theater, Traveling and Cinema

CHIEF STEWARDESS | PETRONELA SIVAKOVA | Slovakian
Previous Yachts: Fortunato, Phoenix 2, Pelorus, Venus, Helios, Excellence V, Cloud 9, Freedom
Biography: Nella grew up in a small town called Humenne on the eastern side of Slovakia. After graduating from The Economic Academy at the age of 19, she moved to London to improve her English. While studying she worked as a Nanny and then got introduced to the top hospitality services by working in Hotel and BP offices as a receptionist.
She always loved traveling and by pure luck she became a Stewardess on a private yacht. She joined her first Motor Yacht in 2006 in Barcelona and still retains the love and passion for the yachting lifestyle 13 years later.
With a keen eye for creative detail and an innate ability to anticipate the needs of others, Nella will be sure to make your vacation on Sovereign unforgettable.
Waters Cruised: Atlantic & Pacific Ocean, Eastern & Western Mediterranean, Bahamas, the Caribbean, East Coast USA & Central America.
Job Description: The Chief Stewardess provides superior service and aims to exceed the owners’ and guests’ expectations. She is responsible for the overall smooth operation of the Interior crew and provides direction, guidance, and encouragement daily. She maintains an accurate inventory of all service items and supplies and oversees provisioning the vessel for both guests and crew. She also handles the organization and management of all interior spaces and guest storage areas. In addition to ensuring that all guest needs are attended to with the utmost care and enthusiasm, she also provides valet services, care of personal and specialty items, and arrangements for activities ashore.
Licenses & Certificates: ELLE Make-up Artist & Fashion Stylist course, New build Leadership Development course, Wine & Whiskey courses, STCW 10, Open water Diving certificate, Proficiency Designated Security duties, Level 2 Food safety & hygiene certificate
Hobbies: Music, Fashion, Interior Design, Fine Wining & Dining, Sunshine, being around fun people, exploring the World as well as her growing family at home.

HEAD CHEF | MARKUS ANDERBERG | Swedish
Previous yachts: Skat, Rising Sun
Biography: Markus was born in a little town in the heart of the southern forests of Sweden. He is a professionally trained chef with 14 years of experience in the service industry. He started young and has worked his way through many restaurants. He was former Head Chef at two of them. After years of working in the basements of some of the top Swedish restaurants, his burning interest for traveling the world took over and encouraged him to join the yachting industry. He is trained in French and modern Scandinavian cooking styles, but with years of traveling and influences from former workplaces he is able to create flavorful and extravagant dishes within most of the worlds cuisines as well as any diets or specifications of your liking. He also has a big passion for desserts and loves experimenting with bread. From a fresh and healthy meal to an extensive several course dinners or parties he will use his knowledge to create the highest quality dishes for you to enjoy. The techniques he uses are often the latest with the help of an extensive molecular gastronomy background, but he is still a massive fan of the old traditional French way.
Waters cruised: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, Eastern US, Scandinavia
Job description: The Head Chef undertakes all cuisine requirements for guests while tailoring charter menus after the clientele’s preferences with an artistic flare. His style is very modern in plating, clean and sometimes even minimalistic. With the use of deep flavors and always trying to lift the ingredients to new heights is he serving his dishes to satisfy and amuse your palate.
Education: 3- years of culinary training at Ryssbygymnasiet, ranked as one of the best private Cooking Schools in Sweden. He is also a PADI specialty dive instructor.
Hobbies: Travelling, Exploring new Cuisines and Cultures, fine wine and Craft Beer, Scuba diving, Freediving and Spearfishing.

SOUS CHEF | JONATHAN AXELSSON | Swedish
Previous Yachts: Skat
Biography: Jonathan is from the city of Malmo in south of Sweden. He studied cooking for 3 years and after 15 years of culinary experience he became very well known in his local area. When he was young, he quickly developed interest for Scandinavian flavors and food traditions and early in his career he worked under some of the best food creators in Sweden had to offer. His interest began to broaden outside of Swedish borders and European & Asian food traditions became his new passion. After overseeing a few kitchens on his own he started his own business by owning a food truck where he implemented all the street food ideas he acquired during his travels. Jonathan got offered a job as Chef on a large well-known yacht 3 years ago and he is taking his cooking to another level. He is well experienced in French and Scandinavian cooking techniques but has a broad knowledge of all world cuisine. He is no stranger to pastry and kneads bread dough with experienced hands. His cooking style is rustic and pure, well flavored and often prepared the traditional way but served with a modern twist.
Waters cruised: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, Eastern US, Scandinavia
Job description: The Sous Chef assists the head chef in creating any dish for guests as well as the crew. With years of knowledge and great passion does he create healthy, deep flavored dishes and well-planned combinations prepared with the best ingredients. Any diets and requirement go well in line with his excellent service mind and can-do attitude.
Education: 3- years of culinary training at John Baur gymnasium
Hobbies: Traveling, Watersports, Climbing, New Cuisines and Cultures, Wine and Beer

SECOND ENGINEER | CRAIGON BROWN | Jamaican
Biography: Craigon was born and raised on the island, Jamaica. At an early age he was focused on becoming an engineering and decided to pursue a career in Marine Engineering. After completing his studies and certification, he began working as a Merchant Marine Engineer on container ships and ocean-going tugboats.
In November 2017 he was introduced to his first yacht, after his cousin, a Chief Engineer on yachts, encouraged him to join the yachting industry. Craigon has a tremendous work ethic and focus for his job yet is as congenial as the day is long. He feels he’s found his dream job cruising the world and sharing amazing experiences with guests and crew.
Waters Cruised: USA, Caribbean.
Job Description Under the direction of the Chief Engineer, the Second Engineer is responsible for the running, maintenance, and repair of all mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment on board. This includes all machinery in the engine room, domestic equipment, and bridge/deck equipment. he also works closely with the Chief Engineer to maintain detailed, up-to-date logs of all equipment, engineering activities, and critical systems. He ensures adherence to International Flag, Port State, and local laws and regulations regarding engine room operations.
Licenses & Certificates: OICEW
Hobbies: Mountain Biking, Playing Guitar, Watching Movies, Pool

BOSUN | KATLIN DAVIS | South African
Previous Yachts: Samar, Candyscape, Mystique, Bravado, Lady Sura, Missing Link
Biography: Kat has been in yachting for 10 years. His love for the water springs from where he grew up. Melkbosstrand on the west coast of Cape Town, RSA. A small surfing town just outside of the city’s footprint. His passion for traveling has afforded him the opportunity to gain a very unique job, this one in particular. Allowing him to fish, surf, kiteboard and do all the watersports one can think of whilst also furthering his career as an Officer and one day becoming a professional Captain and run his own vessel between 130ft and 190ft. At 20, Katlin left Cape Town and went to work on an adventure vessel operating the Mozambique channel on a wave piercing, semi planning stabilized mono-hull, running adventure trips of up to three weeks to some of the most remote places along the East coast of Africa, Including Seychelle’s, Maldives’, Madagascar and Mozambique. After 2 years and many priceless journeys it was time to start his yachting career in Antibes, France. This opened up a world previously unknown to him and started up a passion that has led him to what has become his dream job. Currently Katlin is working towards his Officer of the watch and forever expanding his knowledge and skills on deck and life.
Waters Cruised: Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans, East and Western Mediterranean, East and West coast of America, the Caribbean and Central America
Job Description: The Bosun assists the Chief Officer and Captain in the daily operation of the vessel. As well as being responsible for maintaining all the deck areas, he also ensures that all the recreational equipment is mechanically sound and cosmetically flawless. Additional duties include bridge, harbor and anchor watches, guest service operations, administrative work, safety management and detailing, paintwork, and the repair and maintenance of all surfaces and equipment. The Bosun is also the RYA Wave Runner Training Instructor.
Licenses & Certificates: Yachtmaster Offshore, AEC, EDH, GMDSS GOC, Watercraft and Powerboat instructor
Hobbies: Dirt & Mountain Biking, Fishing, Hiking, Kiteboarding, Wakeboarding, Trail Running, Long Road Trips, Surfing, Freediving, Diving, Camping and generally Anything to do with Nature and Adventure

SECOND STEWARDESS | DANIELLE HADLINGTON | Canadian
Previous Yachts: Sovereign
Biography: Danielle was born and raised in Toronto, Canada and has recently resided in both the Bahamas and Mexico. Danielle was first introduced to the yachting industry when she was a provisioning agent in the Bahamas and then while working as a Charter booking agent in Mexico. With an extensive background in Hospitality and Event Management, Danielle knows the importance of superior service and maintaining a high standard of guest satisfaction. With her knowledge of all things nautical, love of adventure, and experience in hospitality, Danielle knew that a career onboard superyachts would be a natural fit! Her long-term aspiration is to work her way up into the role of Purser on large megayachts.
Waters Cruised: South Pacific, West & East Coast US and Canada
Job Description: As stewardess, and part of the Interior crew, her duties include laundry, housekeeping, meal and beverage service, and attending to the charter guests. She also assists with administrative tasks, inventories, and scheduled interior maintenance.
Licenses & Certificates: STCW 95, Proficiency in Designated Security Duties, Level 2 Food & Hygiene, Silver Service, Certified Barista
Hobbies: Sailing, Equestrian, Yoga, Running, Water sports, Hiking, and Non-fiction Literature.

STEWARDESS | MIMI TRUNG | British
Previous Yachts: M/Y Freedom
Biography: Although born in Vietnam to Chinese parents, Mimi grew up in London so she often tells people she experienced
the best of both Eastern and Western cultures in her childhood. She speaks Cantonese as well as English. Growing up in London
she was always curious about different cultures. After graduating from University her adventurous spirit took her backpacking
throughout Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South Africa, and Central America. Mimi enjoys learning new skills which means she
has had various careers from being a Kiwi fruit sorter in New Zealand, Manicurist in England, to Caregiver for the elderly in the US.
Her segue into yachting was a perfect fit and the greatest adventure of her life to date!
Waters Cruised: Mediterranean, USA and Caribbean.
Job Description: As stewardess and part of the Interior crew her duties include laundry, housekeeping, meal and beverage services
and attending to the charter guests. She also assists with administrative tasks, inventories and scheduled interior maintenance.
Licenses & Certificates: STCW 95, PDSD, Food and Hygiene Certificate Level 2
Hobbies: Hiking, camping, scuba diving, cycling, fabric arts, reading fictional history novels, and trying cuisines from different
cultures.

DECKHAND | DREW THACKRAY | British
Previous Yachts: Aquavita, Samadhi, Northern Lights
Biography: Drew was born and raised on the South West coast of England in a small town called Salcombe. As a young boy he
showed great enthusiasm for spending time on the water by joining the Salcombe Island Cruising Club Cadettes where he learned
the basics of dingy sailing. At the age of 7 he was granted a scholarship for singing at a boarding school in the city of Exeter
where he was involved in a vast amount of school performances and developed a love for acting. At the age of 16 he went to
Exeter College to study Performing Arts alongside Business Studies but always had a longing to get back out on the water. After
graduating and at the age of 20, Andrew traveled to Antibes, France to pursue a career in yachting and hasn’t looked back. Since
joining the yachting community Drew has traveled to many beautiful countries, but his favorite and most recent, was the island of
Koh Samui in Thailand, SE Asia. He went to train for an intensive Muay-Thai course, learning advanced technique and discipline!
Drew loves the potential places that this industry can take him and looks forward to helping the guests onboard Motor Yacht
Sovereign have the best experience possible in every way he can.
Waters Cruised: Atlantic, Mediterranean, Bahamas, Caribbean, Cuba, U.S. East Coast
Licenses and Certificates: STCW95, RYA Yacht Master Offshore (200gt), RYA Powerboat Level 2, RYA SRRC, Proficiency in Designated
Security Duties, BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts and a Subsidiary Diploma in Business Studies.
Hobbies: Sailing, Surfing, Long boarding, Jet skiing, Paddle boarding, Acting & Muay-Thai

DECKHAND | ARTHUR WOOD | South African
Previous Yachts: Avanti
Biography: Arthur has been in yachting for the last two years, having come from a watersport loving family on the relaxed Eastern Cape coastline of South Africa. He began Surfing at the age of 10, being fortunate enough to being close to the world-renowned surfing Mecca…. Jeffery’s Bay.
After finishing University Arthur lived in various areas of Africa alongside his brother, fishing, cooking and surf coaching to make ends meet. It was evident that the path to super yachting was going to become a reality with the curiosity and excitement of travel, the love for the ocean and passion for engaging with people.
Waters cruised: Atlantic, Indian, Baltic and Caribbean seas.
Job description: The Deckhand, responsible for maintaining and working on exterior operations of the yacht. Keeping the yacht aesthetically pleasing at all times, assisting in docking the yacht, ensuring all necessary instruction regarding the exterior operation are fulfilled, adhering to all owners and guest needs swiftly and precisely.
Hobbies: Surfing, Stand up paddle boarding, fishing, mountain biking, hunting, yoga, squash, body weight training, swimming, free diving.

CHASE BOAT CAPTAIN | CHRIS PARKER | British
Previous Yachts: Sovereign, 7J’s, Jamaica Bay III
Biography: Chris comes from Cornwall, the South-West coast of England. He grew up in a large family with five brothers, enjoying boating and water sports. Prior to yachting, he was a former High School Drama Teacher and that ability to entertain certainly comes through in his colorful personality. Chris is a good boat handler and communicator, although firmly focused on guest comfort and safety at the same time. He returns to the Sovereign crew, this time as Chase Boat Captain, having served as Bosun last year.
Waters Cruised: Pacific, Atlantic, Eastern USA, Caribbean and Mediterranean
Job Description: The Chase Boat Captain takes charge of the 32ft Intrepid. In this role he maintains and operates the Chase boat to a very high standard and so aims to be at the guests’ disposal for all related activities. In addition, he joins the rest of the Deck crew under the instruction of the Bosun to maintain the larger Yacht and ensure the best guest experience all around.
Licenses & Certificates: MCA Yachtmaster Offshore, A.E.C, STCW 95, Rescue Diver
Education: Post Graduate Certificate in Education, MA Theater Practice, BA Hons Drama Studies
Hobbies: Soccer, Wakeboarding, Playing the guitar.