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, Dutch, Ukrainian, Russian

Haris Hadžipašić

Rotational Chef
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

Hugh Gardiner-Hill

Rotational Chef
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.

Irina NAZAROVA

Stewardess
Italian

Sail and Work Experience

Irina is a hospitable and sociable crew member who brings a high standard of interior detailing, service to all kinds of vessels. Her experience on board different boats helped her to learn the true definition of hard work and discipline. As an extrovert, she is confident in interacting with guests and making them feel comfortable. As the sole stewardess on board DARK STAR OF LONDON for more than two seasons, she is well-equipped to lend a hand to the captain on deck. Dedicated, precise, and forward-thinking — these are the three traits that best describe Irina. Her love for the outdoors and extensive travels abroad enables her to provide insightful and well-informed recommendations to guests while on charter.

Job Description

Irina is responsible for organisation, management and cleanliness of all interiors. She maintains an accurate list of all service items and supplies. She ensures cleaning and preparation of the vessel to the highest standards prior for all charters. In charge of vessel provisioning for both guests and crew, she oversees all aspects of life on board.

Qualifications

• Harvard MM Plus Managing Crisis
• Citibank Pre-Managerial School
• Vitis Caviste Certification
• Austrian Higher School of Etiquette Certification
• Stewardess Certification
• STCW Medical

Languages

English, French, Italian, Russian

Hanna Tilson

Deckhand
Swedish and British

Sail and Work Experience

Hanna is a well-trained and enthusiastic junior deckhand with a solid foundation in both deck and engineering operations, supported by her Ship’s Officer Class VIII and Engineering Officer Class VIII certifications. She has gained hands-on experience on both sailing and motor yachts, where she has been involved in maintenance, line handling, navigation, and guest support. She is confident assisting with daily deck duties, tender preparation, and basic engineering checks, and brings a strong work ethic along with a genuine passion for life at sea developed from years of personal sailing.

Job Description

Hanna supports the deck operations of the vessel, including maintenance, cleaning, and upkeep of exterior areas. She assists with mooring, line handling, tender operations, and navigation where required. She contributes to guest services, ensuring safety and comfort onboard, and supports basic engineering and safety procedures as directed by senior crew.

Licences and Qualifications

• STCW (exp. 2028-08-02)
• Medical Certificate (exp. 2026-02-21)
• Ship’s Officer Class VIII
• Engineering Officer Class VIII
• Medical First Aid Course
• Advanced Fire Fighting
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
• Day Skipper
• Handling of Dangerous Goods and Cargo
• ECDIS Course
• Restricted Radio Operator Certificate (ROC)
• Survival Craft and Rescue Boats Course
• Thermojet Certificate
• Jet Ski Licence
• Service and Reception within Tourism Course

Languages

English, Swedish