About M/Y STARSHIP 185′

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.”

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.”

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.

Educations/Certifications: RYA Yachtmaster Power 200gt Instructor, RYA Powerboat Trainer, RYA PW/jet ski trainer, RYA Advanced Powerboat Instructor, RYA VHF Instructor and Assessor, RYA Radar Instructor, RYA Shorebased Theory Instructor, Developed and Implemented the first deckhand training course worldwide

Jason loved growing up in the small fishing village of Plettenberg Bay along South Africa’s Garden Route. With two older brothers, his childhood was spent outdoors and in the ocean, enjoying fishing, surfing, diving and lifesaving. He was also a provincial swimmer and first-team water polo player at school.

After school, Jason worked as a bartender and travelled the world before beginning his career at sea in 1997 on a cruise ship. In 1999, after a 10-month contract, he joined his first superyacht in San Remo, Italy, as a deckhand on a charter yacht. He progressed through the industry, working his way up to Bosun on another charter yacht, before gaining experience on major refits and eventually finishing his first yachting chapter as First Mate on a private vessel. In 2007, he returned to South Africa and founded Super Yachting South Africa, a yacht training center that he ran for 18 years. In 2025, he returned to the yachting industry aboard M/Y Isabell.

Jason has been fortunate to travel extensively throughout his career, from Australia and Indonesia to Greenland, Iceland, the Mediterranean, the USA and the Caribbean. His favourite charter destinations are Antigua and St. Barths, while his favourite place in the world is Uluwatu, Bali.

He’s worked on private and charter vessels such as M/Y GALU, M/Y GIVI, M/Y CODA CASA, M/Y TITAN, M/Y BRAVADO, M/Y ISABELL, and currently onboard M/Y 185 STARSHIP as a Bosun.
Jason’s Bio
Jason brings years of experience, confidence and skills to the team. His background in training and exposure to different vessels, conditions and cultures allows him to fit in quickly in any environment. He is incredibly passionate about skills development and the growth of the crew around him. He values every crew member’s ideas and believes the best way to form a strong team is by acknowledging and appreciating everyone’s daily efforts and by uplifting those around him.

Jason will Captain his own vessel in the near future and have the best crew in the industry on board to provide the highest possible standards of safety and guest enjoyment. He is very proud to say he has already achieved everything he wanted outside of yachting by running one of the premier yacht training centers in the world and looks forward to one day handing over his company to his son.

Since joining Starship, Jason believes the vessel, its guest areas, condition and crew put them in a fantastic position to create a real “wow” factor from the first impression. He is especially excited about the beach setup and current cruising locations. His focus is on quickly understanding what makes each guest happy, paying attention to the small details and creating lifelong memories that will make them want to return. He’s very grateful for the opportunity given to him by Captain Chris to work alongside such a professional team on board this stunning vessel, in an industry he loves so much, and is really looking forward to amazing charters.

Outside of yachting, Jason enjoys playing golf, surfing, fishing and watching the Springboks play rugby. He is a family man at heart, and when he is home, he loves spending quality time with his two children, watching them play sport and simply enjoying time together as a family.

His life motto is: “Just be “lekker”” - this is a South African phrase for Nice or Kind. He treats people how he likes to be treated and believes if you kill them with kindness it’s very hard to go wrong in this world.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.