HIGHLANDER

Name: Nicholas Goumas
Nationality: British/Greek
Position: First Officer
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: A dynamic force on deck, Nicholas brings over 16 years of global seafaring experience and the composure of a true maritime professional. Holding a Master Unlimited license (II/2 Certificate of Competency), he is fully qualified to command vessels of any size and range, a testament to his knowledge and dedication. Half Greek, half English, Nikolaos blends Mediterranean spirit with British precision. His yachting résumé includes elite names such as M/Y MOKA, M/Y ALEXANDER, M/Y MAGNA GRECIA, M/Y ILLUSION PLUS, M/Y ELEGANT 007, M/Y TUEQ, and M/Y ALFA NERO. Beyond his exceptional navigational and safety acumen, he’s a natural leader, calm under pressure, detail-oriented, and fluent in regulatory standards from ISM and ISPS to SOLAS and MLC. Whether liaising with port authorities or managing dry-dock operations, Nicholas handles it all with confidence and discretion. Off duty, you’ll find him pulling BMX tricks, riding waves, or playing tennis - always chasing adrenaline, whether on land or at sea!

Name: Andreas Favios
Nationality: Greek
Position: Engineer
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: TBA

Name: Karen Hampac
Nationality: Filipino
Position: Stewardess
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Born in the Philippines, Karen brings a warm, detail-driven presence to the interior team, focusing on impeccable guest comfort and meticulous cabin upkeep. With a solid foundation in hospitality management and fluency in English, Tagalog, and Arabic, she seamlessly bridges cultural communication and service excellence. Currently serving aboard M/Y HIGHLANDER, Karen consistently maintains the yacht’s interior to the highest standards, expertly handling cabin preparation, laundry, table settings, and floral arrangements with precision and care. Her sharp eye for detail and dedication to following the Chief Stewardess’s guidance ensures that every guest experience is flawless.
Before joining yachting, Karen honed her leadership skills as a Housekeeping Supervisor in Abu Dhabi, where she scheduled, trained, and managed staff while enforcing strict sanitation and cleanliness protocols. Her prior experience as a waitress in a traditional restaurant further sharpened her customer service abilities and refined her attentiveness to guest needs.

Name: Ioannis Chatziris
Nationality: Greek
Position: Chief engineer
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: A master of all things mechanical, Ioannis is the powerhouse behind M/Y Highlander’s flawless technical performance. Born on the island of Chios, Greece he brings over two decades of hands-on experience across both commercial shipping and the superyacht industry. From the engine rooms of M/Y AL MIRQAB and M/Y MAGNA GRECIA to his recent tenure as Chief Engineer aboard M/Y OMNIA and M/Y GRAND OCEAN, Ioannis has earned a reputation for his precision, discipline, and deep technical knowledge. Armed with an A-Class Engineer Diploma and a host of international certifications in marine safety, firefighting, medical aid, and Ro-Ro passenger training, Ioannis is as technically versatile as they come. He’s also the founder of Techmare Marine Engineering, a boutique yacht repair firm, reflecting his entrepreneurial drive and continued passion for marine engineering.

Name: Dijana Zupkovic
Nationality: Croatian
Position: Chief steward/ess
Position details: Chief Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Dijana is an experienced and highly capable Chief Stewardess with over 8 years in the yachting industry across both private and charter programs up to 56m, now leading interior operations on a 50m yacht. She has a strong background in delivering high-end guest service, managing interior teams, and maintaining exceptional standards in housekeeping, service, laundry, and inventory control.

Her experience spans busy charter seasons, high-profile events, solo and senior stewardess roles, as well as shipyard periods where she has supervised interior works and refit preparation. Known for her hands-on leadership, adaptability, and calm approach under pressure, she consistently ensures smooth operations and an elevated guest experience onboard.

Name: Evangelos Lorandos
Nationality: Greek
Position: Bosun
Position details: Bosun
Languages: Not specified
Description: Experienced and highly skilled Bosun with a strong background in charter yacht operations across vessels from 33m to 60m, including recent experience as Chase Boat Operator on a 50m program. He brings solid hands-on expertise in deck operations, water sports, tender driving, and guest support, with particular strength in jet skis, speed boats, and watersports activities.

Name: Lazaros Sofikitis
Nationality: Greek
Position: Captain
Position details: Captain
Languages: Not specified
Description: With a Captain class A diploma and over 20 years at sea, from global trade routes to the teak decks of superyachts, Lazaros has refined the art of leadership on the water. Having previously commanded vessels such as the M/Y Christina V (60m), M/Y White Knight (40m), M/Y Magna Grecia (60m) and M/Y O’PATI (40m), he’s known for steering both yacht and crew with quiet confidence and precision. His deep technical knowledge, gained from his early years in commercial shipping, pairs effortlessly with his passion for hospitality and guest satisfaction. Whether cruising the Greek Isles, the North Sea, or the Arabian Gulf, Captain Lazaros brings a sense of calm command and timeless professionalism.

Name: Konstantinos Simos
Nationality: Greek
Position: Chef
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: A true culinary artisan, Konstantinos is the creative soul behind every unforgettable dining experience aboard M/Y Highlander. He has honed his craft in the kitchens of some of Greece’s most prestigious hotels, including the Divani Apollon Palace and Cap Sounio Grecotel as well as onboard 60m M/Y LIGHT HOLIC where precision, creativity, and high standards were second nature. Konstantinos’ cuisine is as diverse as it is refined, blending Mediterranean elegance with global flair. Whether crafting a five-course tasting menu or a casual beachside barbecue, he brings a passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients and a keen understanding of guests’ dietary preferences. Equally calm under pressure and curious in the kitchen, Konstantinos is known for his adaptability and imaginative flair.

Name: Eirini Theocharatou
Nationality: Greek
Position: Stewardess
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Eirini brings a refined touch of high-end hospitality to every role she undertakes, seamlessly blending impeccable service with warm guest interaction. With a background spanning both the vibrant shores of Greece and prestigious international yachts, she excels in delivering polished silver service and meticulous interior operations. As Chief Stewardess aboard M/Y SEVEN S, Eirini demonstrated strong leadership: overseeing daily tasks, supervising the interior team, and ensuring flawless inventory management. Her keen troubleshooting skills and attention to detail have made her a trusted figure in the yachting hospitality scene. Eirini’s career path reads like a voyage through the world’s finest yachts: from managing housekeeping and laundry aboard the 54-meter M/Y ITASCA, to providing welcoming, elegant service on the 44-meter BLISS, and contributing her expertise on various other vessels. Her background in land-based hospitality, including roles in renowned restaurants such as Thessalos and Hakkasan, adds depth to her service knowledge, particularly in food, beverage, and wine.

Name: Theodoros Paliouris
Nationality: Greek
Position: Steward
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: ​Theodoros is a versatile and enthusiastic crew member bridging the gap between interior hospitality and deck operations. With a natural team spirit and a passion for yachting, he confidently supports guest service and deck duties alike, adapting seamlessly to the fast-paced environment onboard.​ A graduate in Economic Sciences from the Lyceum of Styra and currently pursuing Port and Shipping Management at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Theodoros combines academic knowledge with hands-on maritime experience. He holds essential certifications including STCW and a high-speed boat operator’s license.​ Since starting his career, Theodoros has gained valuable deckhand experience on yachts ranging from 23 to 77.5 meters, including private, charter, and refit projects. His diverse background also includes roles as an electrician assistant and in hospitality service, reinforcing his well-rounded skill set and work ethic.

Name: Ioannis Kelesakos
Nationality: Greek
Position: Deckhand
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Ioannis is a veteran Bosun with over three decades of hands-on yachting experience. Known for his practical seamanship, leadership, and deep technical knowledge, he expertly manages all deck operations, from line handling and mooring to tender launching and water sports. Ioannis holds an official Bosun certificate from the Hellenic Ministry of Shipping, as well as training in firefighting, lifesaving, and offshore sailing. He is also licensed to operate powerboats and has served as a technical supervisor on two new yacht builds. Throughout his career, he has worked on a wide range of vessels, including high-profile yachts such as M/Y O'MEGA, M/Y CHAKRA, M/Y GRAND OCEAN, and M/Y MAGNA GRECIA, consistently in the role of Bosun. His early years include experience as a captain aboard sailing yachts and a 2nd Officer post on M/Y Maria Pia. He is particularly valued for mentoring junior deck crew, maintaining high safety standards, and his hands-on abilities in yacht repair and maintenance.