LUMIERE

Mahmut Toz

Turkey · Turkish, English

Captain Mahmut Toz brings over two decades of yachting experience to M/Y LUMIERE, with an impressive career that spans both private and charter operations across the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Aegean Seas. Since 2003, he has successfully captained a range of vessels up to 154 feet, including the award-winning M/Y Only Now and most recently M/Y Fortuna and M/Y Zeemar. Known for his calm leadership, strong team management, and guest-focused service, Captain Toz combines deep technical knowledge with a passion for safety and seamless cruising. He holds a Yacht Master 499 GRT, GMDSS certification, and a comprehensive suite of STCW credentials. Fluent in English and Turkish, Captain Toz is a seasoned navigator and an exceptional ambassador for Mediterranean chartering aboard LUMIERE.

Burcu Toz

Turkey · English, Turkish

Chef Burcu Toz brings a dynamic blend of creativity, precision, and global culinary flair to M/Y LUMIERE. With more than 10 years of professional experience and a solid foundation in hospitality, she seamlessly bridges fine dining with the personalized demands of yacht cuisine. Since entering the yachting world in 2019, Chef Burcu has led the galley aboard several private and charter vessels—including M/Y Zeemar, M/Y Belka, and M/Y Fortuna—serving guests from around the world on journeys throughout the Mediterranean. A graduate of MSA Culinary Arts Academy, she crafts vibrant menus inspired by Mediterranean, Turkish, Asian, and fusion cuisines, all while skillfully accommodating dietary preferences from gluten-free to plant-based. Her dedication and talent were recognized at the 2022 TYBA Charter Show, where she won top honors in the chef competition. Known for her thoughtful presentation, seasonal ingredients, and warm presence onboard, Chef Burcu is committed to delivering an exceptional, tailor-made dining experience on every voyage.

Liudmyla Melnyk

Ukraine · English, Ukrainian, Russian, Greek

Originally from Ukraine, Liudmyla Melnyk is a highly motivated and detailoriented Chief Stewardess with a passion for delivering five-star service. With extensive experience aboard prestigious private and charter yachts, including M/Y Blue (160m), M/Y O’rea (77.7m), and M/Y Totem (51m), Liudmyla brings a strong background in luxury hospitality, team leadership, and yacht operations. Trained to the highest standards in service, floristry, and interior management, Liudmyla is known for her exceptional organizational skills, creative flair in table settings and events, and her ability to lead teams with confidence under pressure. She is fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian, and has been recognized for her professionalism with a nomination for Best Stewardess at the ACREW Crew Awards. Passionate about travel, photography, and enhancing guest experiences, Liudmyla is excited to bring her energy, expertise, and attention to detail to M/Y LUMIÈRE, ensuring an impeccable and memorable experience for all guests.

Amanda Martinez

Venezuela · English, Spanish, French, Italian

Originally from Venezuela and based in Barcelona, Amanda Martinez brings a wealth of luxury hospitality experience to M/Y LUMIÈRE. With a strong background in five-star hotels, Michelin-level restaurants, and three seasons in yachting, Amanda is known for her exceptional service skills, professionalism, and positive attitude. Trained in silver service, bartending, sommelier practices, and high-end housekeeping, Amanda has worked aboard prestigious yachts including M/Y La Pellegrina I, M/Y First Element, and M/Y Jimmy. She is adept at delivering seamless guest experiences, from fine dining and wine service to event support and housekeeping management. Amanda holds multiple hospitality certifications, including a Master’s in Luxury Hospitality Management, and is fluent in both English and Spanish. With a passion for travel, service excellence, and attention to detail, Amanda is committed to enhancing the guest experience aboard M/Y LUMIÈRE with her vibrant energy and refined skills.

Karina Saparova

Karina Saparova joins M/Y LUMIERE with a wealth of hands-on experience across both service and housekeeping, complemented by a background in leadership roles on private yachts. With a career that spans vessels up to 74 meters, Karina is no stranger to the pace and precision of high-end yachting. From silver service and floral arrangements to detailing guest cabins and running laundry for entire crews, she handles it all with quiet efficiency and a can-do attitude. Karina is highly adaptable, thrives in team settings, and brings a calm, collected energy to every task. Whether she’s setting a table for an elegant dinner or jumping in to support the deck team, she takes pride in doing things right—and with a smile.

Kaan Türker

Turkey · English, Turkish

First Officer Kaan Türker brings over 15 years of hands-on yachting experience, having steadily progressed through the ranks from deckhand to captain aboard vessels ranging from 23M to 50M. A graduate of Bodrum Maritime Vocational School with a strong foundation in navigation and seamanship, Kaan has held key positions aboard prestigious yachts including M/Y Ares, M/Y N1, M/Y Bonita 2, and M/Y Una Sola. His expertise spans daily deck operations, passage planning, flag surveys, and safety drills, with a strong focus on leadership and vessel administration. Kaan is highly competent with both private and charter programs, has cruised extensively through the Mediterranean and Aegean, and brings a professional, motivated, and detail-oriented approach to his role aboard M/Y LUMIERE.

Ugur Deniz Bali

Turkey · English, Turkish

Turkish-born Ugur Deniz Bali brings over a decade of maritime experience to his role as Chase Boat Captain aboard M/Y LUMIÈRE. A graduate of Marine Transportation and Management, Ugur has extensive expertise across motor and sailing yachts up to 43 meters, having served in roles from Deckhand to Chase Boat Captain. Highly skilled in deck operations, maneuvering, watchkeeping, navigation, and vessel management, Ugur holds a Yacht Master 499GT license along with a wide range of certifications including GOC, BRM, ECDIS, and AEC 1 & 2. His experience spans cruising the Mediterranean, working alongside both private owners and charter guests, ensuring the highest safety and service standards on board. Known for his technical proficiency, strong leadership, and dedication to teamwork, Ugur is committed to upholding excellence in operations and guest service aboard M/Y LUMIÈRE.

Ensar Guzel

Turkey · English, Turkish

Turkish-born Ensar Guzel is an accomplished Bosun with nearly a decade of hands-on deck experience, having begun his maritime career at the young age of 16. With extensive service on private and charter vessels up to 51 meters, Ensar is highly skilled in large tender operations, deck maintenance, watersports management, and leading junior deck teams. He holds a Yachtmaster 200GT Unlimited license, STCW certification, and is proficient in navigation, anchoring, docking procedures, and exterior detailing. His leadership experience aboard busy charter programs such as M/S Aresteas and M/Y Fortuna has made him a confident, dependable team player who ensures the highest standards of deck operations and guest service. Energetic, motivated, and continually striving for professional growth, Ensar is a vital member of M/Y LUMIÈRE’s dynamic deck team.

Mert Efe Çolak

Turkey · English, Turkish

At just 19, Mert Efe brings an impressive combination of energy, professionalism, and hands-on experience to M/Y LUMIERE. Raised between the sea and the service industry, he’s spent the last five years growing his skills as both a deckhand and host aboard yachts up to 34 meters. Mert thrives on deck— whether he’s handling lines, maintaining teak, or jumping into tender ops— and he’s equally at ease interacting with guests, provisioning, or lending a hand inside. Bilingual, highly motivated, and always smiling, he’s the kind of team player who brings fresh energy to every task and is eager to learn from seasoned crew. With a strong work ethic and a humble approach, Mert is here to grow—and ready for whatever challenge comes next.

Müjdat Yalçın

Turkey · English, Turkish

Engineer Müjdat Yalçın is a seasoned marine engineer with over a decade of experience in the maritime and yachting industries. Beginning his seagoing career in 2010 aboard commercial vessels, he transitioned into yachting in 2013 and has since held lead engineering roles on yachts ranging from 37M to 50M, including M/Y Sea Falcon I, M/Y Meya Meya, and M/Y Santa Anna. Müjdat holds a background in both marine engineering and business, combining technical expertise with strong operational awareness. Proficient in engine room operations, electrical systems, and preventative maintenance, he is also skilled in tender driving, docking support, and diving. Dedicated, discreet, and reliable, Müjdat brings a calm, professional presence to the engineering department aboard M/Y LUMIERE.