DARK STAR OF LONDON

Denys GRACHOV
Captain
Ukrainian 

Sail and Work Experience 
Denys is a skilled and motivated captain, with a deep love for sailing and the ocean. Having been raised on since a child, he competed in his first regatta competition at the age of 6 and has gone on to compete in several others. As a seasoned professional, his sailing experiences further include extended charter programmes and multiple expeditions to Antarctica via Drakes passage that is well known for its inclement and harsh weather. Denys takes great pride in his work and cares for a boat as if it were his own. Going the extra mile for his guests, whether it be for a private or commercial charters, an adventurous and luxurious charter of a lifetime is assured.

Job Description
Denys is responsible for the safe navigation and logistical and financial management of the vessel, ensuring the well-being of both the crew and guests. He oversees the vessel’s operations, guaranteeing compliance with all legal regulations and flag requirements. He ensures the vessel adheres to port, state, and local laws, and manages the crew to ensure adherence to, and a full understanding of, the vessel’s policies.

Qualifications
MYA Master 500GT
MYA Master 200GT
GMDSS GENERAL OPERATOR
RADAR OBSERVER
Padi Advanced Open Water
Padi Master Freediver - Free-diving Master & Instructor. Certified to supervise scuba diving for guests holding a minimum entry-level scuba certification.
IYT Bareboat Skipper Power & Sail Instructor

Languages
English, Ukrainian, Russian


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Chef – Fabrizio Littera – Italian

Sail and Work Experience
Fabrizio is an accomplished Italian chef from Sardinia with over 23 years of professional experience, including time in Michelin-starred restaurants and as a private yacht chef serving VIP families worldwide. Specialising in Mediterranean and Italian fine dining, he is renowned for his refined seafood dishes, artistic presentation, bespoke menus, and exceptional galley management. In 2017, he achieved 2nd place at the World Champion Chef competition in Malaysia. 

Job Description
As Chef, Fabrizio is responsible for planning and preparing exceptional meals for guests and crew, accommodating dietary requirements and preferences while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and food safety. He manages provisioning, budgeting, inventory, and galley operations, ensuring a seamless and memorable onboard dining experience.

Licences and Qualifications
• Over 23 years of professional culinary experience
• Michelin-star restaurant experience
• 2nd Place – World Champion Chef Competition (Malaysia, 2017)

Languages
English, Italian


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Stewardess – Nadine Price – British

Sail and Work Experience
Nadine is an experienced stewardess with three seasons on motor and sailing yachts, working on both private and charter vessels in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. She has held sole stewardess roles aboard ASTROLABE, YORLAY, and JM, managing housekeeping, laundry, guest service, provisioning, interior presentation, and crew cooking. Prior to yachting, she gained over 10 years of luxury hospitality and VIP events experience in the UK and UAE, delivering exceptional service at high-profile events and for private clients. 

Job Description
As Stewardess, Nadine is responsible for maintaining the yacht’s interior to impeccable standards, including housekeeping, laundry, detailing, table settings, and guest cabin preparation. She provides attentive food and beverage service, assists with provisioning and inventory management, and ensures guests receive a seamless, professional, and welcoming onboard experience while supporting the smooth day-to-day operation of the vessel.

Licences and Qualifications
• RYA Day Skipper (Sailing)
• RYA Competent Crew (Sailing)
• STCW 95/10
• ENG1
• B1/B2 Visa
• First Aid
• Powerboat Level 2
• Basic Seamanship Certificate
• Professional Practices & Responsibilities
• RYA Short Range (VHF)
• Food Hygiene Level 2
• Open Water PADI
• Seaman Book (Cayman Islands & Malta)
• Full UK Driving Licence
• Holistic Massage Level 3 (FHT & IPHM)
• 200hr Ashtanga & Kundalini Yoga Certification

Languages
English


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Deckhand – Tom Andy Kewn – British & Spanish

Sail and Work Experience
Tom has over five years of yachting experience and more than 18,000 sea miles, progressing from deckhand to captain at a young age. He has served as Captain aboard ISLA DE FLORA and OPTIMIST OF LONDON II, as First Mate on transatlantic and Mediterranean deliveries aboard LIVING THE DREAM and SERENITAS, and has extensive experience in charter operations, navigation, vessel maintenance, crew training, and guest service. His background also includes managing maintenance schedules and supporting yacht sales, making him a well-rounded and proactive crew member. 

Job Description
As Deckhand, Tom is responsible for the exterior maintenance and presentation of the yacht, assisting with docking, anchoring, line handling, tender operations, and water sports equipment. He supports navigation and watchkeeping, carries out routine maintenance and cleaning, and works closely with the captain and crew to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the vessel while providing excellent service to guests.

Licences and Qualifications
• Commercially Endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Coastal
• ENG1 Medical Certificate
• GMDSS
• Professional Practices and Responsibilities
• Certificate of Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques
• Certificate of Proficiency in Elementary First Aid

Languages
English, Spanish

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Haris Hadžipašić

Chef 1 Croatian

Sail and work experience
Haris is a highly skilled chef with a strong background in Michelin-level kitchens
and high-end European gastronomy. He has progressed through roles from
Chef de Partie to Sous Chef and Head Chef positions, gaining extensive
experience in fine dining, kitchen leadership, and high-pressure service. His
culinary style is modern and refined, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and
Mediterranean cuisine, complemented by French and Italian influences. He
is confident creating both elegant tasting menus and tailored daily dining,
with a strong ability to adapt to guest preferences and dietary requirements.

Job Description
Haris is responsible for the preparation and delivery of all guest and crew
meals onboard, maintaining exceptional standards of quality, hygiene, and
presentation at all times. He manages provisioning, menu planning, and
galley organization, ensuring efficiency even in demanding conditions at sea.
He creates diverse, seasonal menus tailored to guest preferences and dietary
needs, delivering a refined and memorable dining experience onboard.

Licences and Qualifications
• School for Tourism, Hospitality and Trade, Pula –
Junior Chef Qualification
• Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatija –
Food & Beverage Manager
• Culinary Institute Kul In – Culinary Arts
• AZRRI – Professional Chef Education and Masterclasses

Languages
English, Croatian


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Hugh Gardiner-Hill
Chef 2 Irish


Sail and Work Experience
Hugh is a highly experienced chef who has worked for UHNW individuals,
including members of various Royal Families and celebrities worldwide. He has
expertly catered for up to 19 crew members and orchestrated exquisite seven-
course tasting menus for up to 14 guests. Approachable and highly creative,
Hugh is passionate about delivering exceptional culinary experiences. With
eight years of experience working across a diverse range of establishments,
he possesses extensive knowledge of Mediterranean cuisine, particularly
French and Italian, as well as expertise in dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian
dishes. Beyond the kitchen, Hugh has a love for sailing and a vibrant, engaging
personality. His enthusiasm for life at sea ensures guests enjoy a warm,
memorable experience.

Job description
As the chef, Ben is responsible for the crew and guest meals throughout the
charter, ensuring that the food is enjoyable, the interior of the yacht is clean
and serviceable, and that all dietary requirements are met. He is a creative cook,
varying her meals to provide variety and according to the location of DARK STAR
OF LONDON, to have as much relevance as possible to the region being visited.

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Bruna Brito de Almeida
Chef 3 Brazilian

Sail and Work Experience
Passionate professional chef and sailor with experience supporting luxury yacht
operations through high-quality culinary service and reliable crew support. Has
worked as Head Chef/Professional Gastronomy in a Brazilian bistro, creating
fresh, seasonal menus, managing food safety, provisioning, inventory, and
kitchen logistics. Also has practical experience as a Sailing & Maritime Crew
Member/Sailor, participating in coastal and offshore navigation, mooring
operations, deck duties, and daily onboard routines while supporting both
deck and galley operations.

Job Description
Bruna is responsible for the preparation and presentation of high-quality
meals for guests and crew. Her role includes food preparation, maintaining
cleanliness and hygiene throughout the galley, assisting with provisioning
and stock control, adhering to food safety standards, and helping ensure the
efficient daily operation of the galley. She also assists with crew meals and
supports other departments when required.

Licences and Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts / Gastronomy
• Brazilian Maritime Certifications: Arrais Amador (Coastal Captain) & Mestre
Amador (Offshore Captain)
• BSc in Psychology (Ongoing / Studies)

Languages
Portuguese (Native), English (Basic), Spanish (Basic)