STAR LINK

Captain: Vladimir Popov

Captain Vladimir Popov is an experienced Yacht Master with more than 13 years of maritime experience across commercial yachting and charter operations. He brings strong expertise in advanced yacht handling, close-quarters manoeuvring, offshore and coastal navigation, passage planning, and safe vessel operations, combined with disciplined leadership and a professional approach to yacht management.

Throughout his career, he has developed extensive experience in crew leadership, maintenance oversight, safety management under SOLAS and ISM standards, contractor coordination, and ensuring vessels are maintained to the highest operational and presentation standards. He is also highly skilled in tender operations, guest relations, charter preparation, and delivering a high level of service tailored to both private owners and charter guests.

Captain Popov possesses strong organisational and communication abilities, with proven experience in crew training, port logistics, financial administration, and day-to-day vessel operations. Known for his calm and professional leadership style, he adapts quickly to demanding environments while maintaining high standards of safety, efficiency, and guest satisfaction.

Previous Yacht: Alteya

Chef: Hristo Nishev

Hristo, originally from Bulgaria, transitioned from engineering to pursue his passion for culinary arts, graduating with honors in 2008 before immersing himself in the world of cooking. With a diverse culinary background gained from working in restaurants across Plovdiv, attending specialized courses at Protur 95 and the French Masters, he has developed a keen expertise in crafting spectacular dishes. Hristo's repertoire extends to various cultural cuisines, and he particularly enjoys organizing themed dinners that celebrate Greek, Spanish, and Italian flavors. He values the importance of pairing fine drinks with his culinary creations and cherishes the ability of these meals to enhance moments of togetherness among family and friends. Eager to contribute his skills to creating unforgettable charter experiences, Hristo is excited to join the team on Star Link. Beyond his culinary pursuits, he finds solace in cycling. He is fluent in Bulgarian and English.

Previous yacht: Astoria

Chief Stewardess: Irena Vatsadze

Irena is from Greece. She is Dynamic and experienced hospitality professional with over 10 years in the tourism industry and more than 8 years in the yachting sector. Background includes roles as Tour Operator, Guide, Hotel Receptionist, Ground Flight Attendant and Yacht Crew member, which has helped me develop exceptional customer service, organization and communication skills.
Since 2017 she has been actively working in the yacht industry, starting as a Solo Stew/Deck on charter yachts and progressing to Chief Stew/Deckhand and have strong experience in both interior and deck operations including guest service, housekeeping, charter preparation, tender driving, crew training, and assisting with all yacht maneuvering procedures.
A hardworking, responsible and proactive team player with a strong sense of professionalism and a “no drama” attitude. I adapt easily to demanding environments and always focus on safety, efficiency and delivering a high standard guest experience.
In addition to my yachting experience, I hold certifications in STCW, First Aid/CPR, Speed Boat Operator License and I have over 8000 nautical miles at sea. Active lifestyle includes free diving, paragliding, water sports and martial arts, which reflect her energetic and disciplined personality.
Yachting is not only her profession but also her passion, and I always aim to contribute positively to the crew, the vessel and the overall guest experience.
Languages: Greek, English, Russian

Engineer: Atanasov Petko

Hailing from Bulgaria and born in 1982, Petko Atanasov has been a stalwart in the yachting industry since 2008. As a highly accomplished and proactive marine engineer, Petko boasts over 10 years of experience specializing in troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining marine diesel engines and auxiliary machinery. Petko is characterized by his strong sense of responsibility, trustworthiness, kindness, and exceptional problem-solving skills, particularly when faced with technical challenges. His extensive experience in various roles on a yacht has made him an expert in all aspects of maritime responsibilities. Notably, his remarkable organizational skills contribute to his success as a valuable team member on board.

Deckhand: Tihomir Miroslavov Mihaylov

Tihomir Mihaylov is a capable, motivated, and hands-on Deckhand with proven experience aboard luxury yachts. His skill set includes deck maintenance, mooring operations, tender driving and support, guest assistance, water sports and toy operations, and the general upkeep and presentation of the vessel to the highest standards.

He is confident assisting with a wide range of water toys and guest activities, ensuring both safety and enjoyment while maintaining professional service onboard.

Tihomir possesses strong communication and organisational skills, works fluently in English and German, and adapts easily to multicultural crew environments. With formal maritime training in navigation, Bridge Resource Management (BRM), radar and ECDIS operations, as well as safety and security procedures, he contributes effectively to safe vessel operations, efficient teamwork, and a high standard of guest service onboard.