Stephan began his yachting career at 19 in New York City, bringing his background as a diesel mechanic into the industry as a yacht engineer. He worked his way up to Captain in 2006.

Since then he has gained extensive cruising experience throughout the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, and Alaska, including three summer seasons in Southeast Alaska. Well travelled beyond yachting, Stephan has also explored much of Africa and Europe.

His immense technical knowledge mixed with his calm and capable personality make him and an amazing Captain, and ensures the guests aboard M/Y EROS are in safe and experienced hands.

His hobbies include blue water fishing, rugby, golf, and hunting, reflecting his love for the outdoors and adventure.

Education/Certifications: Professional Cookery Certificate, Patisserie Diploma, Ships Cook, STCW, ENG1, Hygiene 2 & 3, Personal Trainer & Golf Fitness

Mark grew up in Cape Town, surrounded by the ocean, mountains, and an active lifestyle. From swimming and surfing to rugby, water polo, golf, and exploring nature with his older brother and family, being outdoors, active and near a body of water has always been a big part of his life.

Mark has been a Chef since the age of 17, starting in remote safari hospitality in Tanzania, where he spent over a decade, before moving into boat and beach hospitality. Yachting had always been something he wanted to pursue, and in 2021, during Covid, he made the move and since then worked on charter yachts such as MY AWOL, M/Y SUN CHASER, M/Y RH3, M/Y HIGHLANDER, M/Y LADY BETH, M/Y GLACIAL BEAR, and currently a Chef onboard M/Y EROS. 

He has cruised extensively throughout the Mediterranean and Croatia, the southern and eastern US, the Bahamas and Caribbean, as well as Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Norway’s dramatic fjords were particularly special, while La Digue in the Seychelles remains his favorite place.

Mark enjoys making crew and guests happy and healthy through food. He is organized, professional, clean, self-motivated and a strong team player who gets things done. His meals are balanced, healthy and slightly indulgent, with every dish crafted to individual requirements and served on time. Mark describes himself as an all-rounder when it comes to cuisine, with Mediterranean, Thai, Indian, Mexican and modern European among his favorites, and dietary restriction being no problem.

His goal is to deliver great culinary experiences, continue growing his craft and see the world along the way. One day, he hopes to open a chain of golf and fitness studios across South Africa, combining his passion for fitness, coaching and golf. In his downtime, he enjoys nature, hiking, camping, surfing, fitness, golf and travel.

 

Mark’s life motto is: “The only way to make sense of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”  Alan Watts

Education/Certifications: STCW Basic Training Refresher, ENG1, SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Certification, Certified Multi-Style Yoga Teacher

Fiorella grew up in Quito, Ecuador, surrounded by the Andes, family and a multicultural environment. Her varied career has taken her from a plastics factory and children’s entertainment to agriculture, amusement parks, breweries and hospitality. These jobs taught her to adapt quickly, learn fast and thrive in new environments. She entered yachting after years in high-end restaurants, drawn to its high standards, teamwork and the opportunity to work with people from diverse backgrounds while continuing to learn more about people and cultures. She has worked on vessels such as M/Y KOJU, M/Y SHINKAI, M/Y KISSES, M/Y REMEMBER WHEN, and currently onboard M/y EROS as a Second Stewardess. 

Through yachting, Fiorella has been fortunate to explore the Bahamas, Caribbean, Saint Maarten, the U.S. East Coast and the Northwest Passage. The Bahamas is one of her favorite charter destinations, thanks to its beautiful waters, idyllic islands and relaxed atmosphere. Outside of yachting, Ecuador remains close to her heart - she loves the incredible variety of her home country, from the Andes and Amazon to the coast and Galápagos Islands. 

Fiorella’s goal is for guests to leave the yacht feeling they have enjoyed a rare holiday where they truly didn’t have to think about anything. She believes excellent charter service starts with understanding each guest individually and quietly adapting the experience to their preferences. She enjoys anticipating needs, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere, and ensuring every detail feels polished without ever becoming overly formal. 

Fiorella has always been curious about the world—its people, cultures, beliefs, traditions and ideas. What interests her most is understanding how people think, what shaped them and how their experiences influence their perspective. She believes everyone has a unique story, making yachting the perfect career to meet people from around the world and continue learning from them.

In her free time she loves staying active and outdoors, with tennis, yoga, scuba diving, kitesurfing, mountain biking, fitness, photography and travel among her passions. A certified yoga teacher, she also enjoys leading yoga and stretching sessions. She is happiest exploring new places, cultures and activities.

Her life motto is: “Death is so sure about its victory that it gives you a whole life of advantage.” - To her, it is a reminder not to postpone life, to enjoy it, experience it, be curious, take chances and make the most of the time we are given.