Name: Lauren Grace Winde
Nationality: South African
Position: Stewardess
Position details: 3rd Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Lauren is a friendly and versatile hospitality professional from Cape Town, South Africa. With experience as a stewardess, chef, and service professional, she brings a warm, detail-oriented approach to guest care, ensuring seamless and memorable onboard experiences.
Known for her calm and hardworking persona, she thrives in fast-paced, high-standard settings. Beyond her professional skills, she is a creative at heart—an avid drawer and singer—bringing both artistry and personality to everything she does.
Name: Onur ERGUN
Nationality: Turkish
Position: Captain
Position details: Captain
Languages: Not specified
Description: Captain Onur is a dedicated sailing professional with a rich background in the maritime industry. At 37 years old, he has accumulated 16 years of experience, showcasing his commitment and passion for sailing. Originally from Düzce, Turkey, he now resides in picturesque Göcek, Muğla, with his family.
His sailing career began on Orient Star in 2013, where he started as a deckhand. His skills and leadership qualities quickly earned him a promotion to first officer within a year. In 2018, seeking to broaden his horizons, Captain Onur temporarily left Orient Star to further his experience on other yachts, only to return as captain, demonstrating his resilience and determination.
Captain Onur has excelled in his role, gaining the admiration of both guests and crew alike, highlighting his ability to lead and create memorable experiences on the water. Outside of work, he cherishes family time and enjoys outdoor activities, such as walking, swimming, and connecting with nature. His fluency in Turkish and English enhances his communication skills and ability to interact with a diverse range of people in the sailing community.
Name: Ugur YILDIZ
Nationality: Turkish
Position: First Officer
Position details: First Officer
Languages: Not specified
Description: Uğur is a 34-year-old seasoned Chief Officer who has been an integral part of the Orient Star team for a decade, demonstrating remarkable professionalism and an exceptional eye for detail. After graduating from High School in Istanbul, Turkey, he launched his maritime career in 2010 in Marmaris, where he has since honed his skills across both sailing and powerboats.
Uğur's ascent in the yachting industry is a testament to his dedication and commitment to excellence. As a vital member of the crew, he meticulously ensures the safety and efficiency of every operation, earning the respect of his colleagues and solidifying his role as a leader on board. In his personal time, he enjoys outdoor activities such as music, walking, swimming, and exploring historical sites.
Name: Can MUHURDAROGLU
Nationality: Turkish
Position: Chef
Position details: Chef
Languages: Not specified
Description: Chef Can was born in Ankara in 1984. He graduated from Ankara Anatolian Hotel and Tourism Vocational High School in 2002 and went on to study Hotel and Tourism Management at university. Since graduating, Chef Can has held prestigious positions, including Executive Chef for royal families and senior groups in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, as well as Head Chef at Café de Paris - French Institute and English Embassy.
With 26 years of experience in the culinary world, he has worked in renowned restaurants, earning accolades such as "Best Steak House" and "Michelin Recommended Restaurant."
Chef Can embarked on his yachting career in 2013 and has since worked on yachts ranging from 32-54 metres.
He enjoys bringing a creative flair to traditional cooking techniques, incorporating molecular gastronomy and fusion elements. Outside of the kitchen, he is passionate about motor sports and renovation.
Name: Muhammed Ali Can OKUMUS
Nationality: Turkish
Position: Deckhand
Position details: Deckhand
Languages: Not specified
Description: Ali Can, a passionate maritime professional at 25 years old, has cultivated a deep love for the sea from a young age.
Since embarking on his maritime career in 2016, he has immersed himself in the world of water sports and diving, gaining invaluable experience aboard gullets and private and charter yachts. His enthusiasm for these
activities not only fuels his professional journey but also reflects his commitment to exploring the ocean's wonders.
In 2024, he joined Orient Star, further enhancing his career in this vibrant industry. Beyond his professional pursuits, Ali Can dedicates his time to bodybuilding, diving, and golfing, showcasing his active lifestyle and unwavering passion for aquatic adventures. His strong work ethic and genuine love for water sports make him a remarkable asset in the maritime realm.
Name: Isa BESICKI
Nationality: Turkish
Position: Chief engineer
Position details: Chief Engineer
Languages: Not specified
Description: İsa is a 42 year-old maritime professional with a robust educational background, having graduated from Maritime Technical School in 2001. He has amassed extensive experience working on commercial cargo ships, including cruising around the world, and has served as an Engineer on various super yachts.
Isa possesses an unwavering passion for mechanical engineering, particularly in the field of marine propulsion systems and vessel performance. This enthusiasm drives him to excel in his role, making him a valued member of the Orient Star team for the past six years.
Based in Fethiye, Turkey, he is a cinema lover and actively participates in a range of water sports during his spare time.
Name: Courteney James
Nationality: South African
Position: Stewardess
Position details: 2nd Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Originally from South Africa, she spent five years in the fitness and dance industry, where she developed a strong sense of discipline, creativity, and attention to detail—qualities she now brings seamlessly into yachting.
Now in her third year at sea, Courteney is experienced across interior and exterior roles. Her calm, positive nature and strong work ethic allow her to thrive in fast-paced environments, always maintaining a high standard onboard.
Courteney is a vibrant and dedicated crew member, bringing a unique blend of hospitality expertise and a background in dance, yoga, and pilates.
Warm, approachable, and highly adaptable, Courteney takes pride in creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests while working cohesively within a team.
Name: Mehmet ALI BALCI
Nationality: Turkish
Position: Deckhand
Position details: Deckhand
Languages: Not specified
Description: Mehmet Ali is a 30-year-old maritime professional who has been with Orient Star for five years. After graduating from Mehmet Ali Sıtkı Koçman University, he embarked on his maritime career in 2014 in Marmaris, Turkey, where he was born and raised. Coming from a lineage of seafaring tradition, with both his father and grandfather having served as captains, he is deeply inspired to follow in their footsteps.
Throughout his career, Mehmet Ali has gained experience working on both gulets and motorboats, continuously striving to enhance his expertise in the maritime industry. He is committed to building a long-term career in this field. In his spare time, he enjoys playing football, engaging in various sports, listening to music, and traveling.
Name: Charlotte Moreira
Nationality: South African
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Housekeeper
Languages: Not specified
Description: Charlotte Moreira, originally from South Africa, is a dedicated and detail-oriented stewardess who has recently transitioned into the yachting industry, bringing with her a strong foundation in hospitality and guest service.
Having completed a full season onboard a 39m private yacht, she has demonstrated exceptional standards in housekeeping, laundry and service, while consistently delivering a seamless and professional guest experience.
Known for her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to thrive under pressure, Charlotte excels both independently and as part of a team. She is committed to maintaining the highest standards onboard and is eager to continue developing her career within the yachting industry.
Name: Joanna WROBLEWSKA
Nationality: Polish
Position: Chief steward/ess
Position details: Chief Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Joanna is a dynamic leader and seasoned professional with nine years of comprehensive experience in the hospitality and service industry. Originally from Poland, she has excelled in various roles across Europe, including a fitness animator position at a prestigious luxury hotel in Greece. Her vibrant personality and strong interpersonal skills have facilitated successful stints in top French hotels and the yachting industry, where she has spent recent years aboard charter yachts in Italy, Greece, and Turkey.
Renowned for her proactive and collaborative approach, Joanna is dedicated to ensuring that every guest enjoys an exceptional experience marked by outstanding service. During her two years aboard Orient Star, she has adeptly managed all guest requests, consistently achieving high levels of satisfaction. Fluent in Polish, English, and Russian, Joanna combines her passion for fitness— engaging in diverse exercise classes—with a profound interest in immersing herself in various cultures.
