KEFI

Name: Austin McClure
Nationality: American
Position: Captain
Position details: Captain
Languages: Not specified
Description:
Education/Certifications: Clemson University-Chinese and International Trade, Texas A&M Maritime Academy- Marine Transportation, USCG Merchant Marine License, Dynamic Positioning Operator, Master of Towing

Austin grew up on a farm in a rural area outside of Greenville, South Carolina. He and his older brother enjoyed playing baseball and football, with baseball being “their” sport. His introduction to boating came at a young age with an 18-foot aluminum boat passed down from his dad. He loved the sense of freedom he felt on the water so much that he even brought the boat with him to college. That passion eventually led him to graduate from maritime academy and begin his professional career at sea.

He became a merchant mariner and, within just four months, had circumnavigated the globe twice aboard an American-flagged containership. From there, he built an impressive and diverse maritime résumé - working on offshore supply vessels, saturation dive support ships, and research vessels in Hawaii. He’s towed vessels through the Great Lakes and operated in Guam, gaining experience in a wide range of challenging environments. He spent six years in commercial shipping and six years as a yacht captain.

He has worked on several sailing catamarans and motor yachts, including S/Y ENTRE 4, M/Y JUST ENOUGH, and currently serves aboard M/Y KEFI. His favorite yachting destination is the British Virgin Islands, where the perfectly spaced islands and unique attractions make every trip feel like a new adventure.

As a charter Captain, his greatest asset is the experience and passion he brings from years at sea.He enjoys sharing knowledge of flora & fauna that live in and by the sea with both his crew and guests. Combined with his genuine love for hospitality, he wants every guest to remember their trip for the rest of their lives - the moments, the conversations, the places, and the experiences along the way. He and his crew are there to accommodate every detail, tailoring each charter to ensure it is truly second to none for everyone on board.

Austin’s life motto is: “If you are not walking on the edge…you are taking up too much room.”

Name: Christiana “Christy” McClure
Nationality: American
Position: Chef
Position details: Chef
Languages: Not specified
Description: Education/Certifications: Bachelor in Business Management, Associates in Pastry Arts, WSET level 3, Sommelier, CIA Graduate

Christiana grew up in Washington, D.C. She always had a love for getting out and exploring, that’s why she’s been drawn to traveling for as far as she can remember. Some of her best childhood memories are from the camping and backpacking trips her dad took them on. Those weekend in the woods, hiking, setting up camp and just being outside together really sparked her passion for adventure.

She went to school in upstate New York before building her career as a professional chef. Christiana entered the yachting industry in 2021, combining her lifelong love of hospitality and travel. Since then, she has worked aboard vessels including S/Y VALENTINE, S/Y ENTRE 4, M/Y TAYRONA, M/Y DREAMS, M/Y JUST ENOUGH, M/Y MEMENTO VIVERE, and currently serves as chef aboard M/Y KEFI.

As a chef, Christiana naturally gravitates toward Italian cuisine, perhaps a little influenced by getting married in Italy, but she truly loves its simplicity, quality ingredients, and bold & natural flavors. That said, her experience spans a wide range of cuisines, including Asian fusion, Mediterranean, modern American, and classic French fine dining. She’s very comfortable adapting to different preferences and themes, enjoying the challenge of tailoring menus to guests’ tastes while keeping every dish creative and beautifully executed.

In the yachting industry, Christiana aims to continue growing as a chef, pushing her creativity, and delivering memorable dining experiences for guests. She strives to build a strong reputation as reliable, adaptable, and easy to work with while continually refining her skills on board.
Outside of yachting, she hopes to keep traveling, exploring new cuisines, and enjoying the outdoors. Long term, she aspires to create something of her own in the culinary or hospitality world while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Her life motto is: “Just do it, life is too short.”

Name: Evgeniia Nikolskaia
Nationality: Russian
Position: Chief steward/ess
Position details: Chief Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Education/Certifications: Moscow State University, Bachelor of Psychology May 2011, Certificate of restaurant manager, Interior and Service Specialist Course

Evgeniia grew up between two countries, Italy and Russia, giving her a unique multicultural background. Raised in both Russian and Italian families, she developed a deep appreciation for different cultures, adaptability, and an open-minded approach to life.
On the Italian side, she spent her time near Naples, surrounded by the sea, warm weather, incredible cuisine, and a vibrant, welcoming culture. Living there instilled in her a love for tradition, strong family values, and a joyful way of life. In contrast, growing up in Moscow, she completed her schooling and university education in a dynamic, international city, which helped her become independent, ambitious, and comfortable navigating diverse environments.
Balancing these two very different worlds has given Evgeniia flexibility, cultural awareness, and a natural ability to connect with people from all background - qualities she brings to her role as a chief stewardess.

Before entering the yachting industry, she managed a luxury Italian fashion boutique for men and later worked as a manager in a high-end restaurant. These roles refined her leadership, client service and ability to deliver exceptional experiences in premium environments. In addition to her working in the hospitality field, she was also a psychologist within a church community supporting both children and adults. This strengthened her emotional intelligence, discretion and ability to manage sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.

She began her yachting career nine years ago and for the past six years she’s been involved in busy charter programs, delivering high-level service to VIP and international guests. Evgeniia worked both on private and charter vessels such as M/Y DEEP BREATH, M/Y ISABELL PRINCESS OF THE SEA, M/Y FIFTY, M/Y MUSE, M/Y TILAC, M/Y MOONLIGHT II, S/Y DAIMA, M/Y APOSTROPHE, M/Y SUNRISE, M/Y UNA SOLA and currently on board M/Y KEFI as a Chief Stewardess. She’s cruised extensively throughout the Mediterranean, including Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Spain, as well as the Middle East (Dubai, Saudi Arabia), Egypt, and international crossings. Her favorite destinations are Italy and Greece, due to their culture, cuisine, history, and breathtaking coastlines.

Her goal is for every charter guest to leave with more than just beautiful photos, she wants them to leave with unforgettable memories and the feeling that every detail was thoughtfully crafted just for them. She wants them to feel completely relaxed, genuinely cared for, and quietly impressed by the seamless service around them. When guests step off the yacht saying it was the best experience of their lives, that is true success for her and her team.

In her free time, Evgeniia enjoys staying active through sports such as paddle and squash, and she finds inspiration in uplifting music. She is fascinated by documentaries, and history, and loves exploring culture through concerts, theatre, and performances - from flamenco in Spain to Italian opera. She also has a passion for styling, delighting in dressing people in ways that make them feel confident and beautiful.

Her life motto is: “Every horizon is a new beginning.”

Name: Cooper Dawson
Nationality: American
Position: Deckhand
Position details: Deckhand
Languages: Not specified
Description: Cooper grew up in the South Carolina Lowcountry, just outside Charleston, where a childhood on the water turned into a career in yachting.

He joins KEFI after a charter season in Croatia, working the Dalmatian coast out of Dubrovnik as a deckhand on Season 11 of Bravo's Below Deck Mediterranean.

On deck, he looks after the tenders and water toys and keeps the exterior immaculate. He brings Southern hospitality, a strong work ethic and a positive attitude, and is always happy to help guests make the most of their time on the water.

Name: Michaene “Mich” Olivier
Nationality: South African
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Second Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Education/Certifications: Certified Scuba Diver, bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminology

Mich grew up on a farm inside a game reserve near Pretoria, South Africa. She spent most of her childhood outdoors, going on fun little adventures with her younger brother and sister.

Before yachting, she worked as a bartender, bar manager, and waitress. She also worked as a data analyst for South Africa’s Crime Intelligence Division. She started working on yachts in 2020, after obtaining her degree. Mich has always been passionate about the ocean, traveling, and hospitality.

She previously worked on private and charter yachts such as S/Y FOXY LADY, S/Y MASHUA BLUU, and currently onboard M/Y KEFI as a Second Stewardess. She prides herself in bringing good energy, positivity and a smile wherever she goes. Mich loves creating a fun, supportive environment onboard and budling strong and long-lasting connections with her crew.

She’s cruised the Caribbean and the Mediterranean and loves them both for different reasons. The Med because of its culture, food, and architecture. And the Caribbean because of its clear water and marine life. But her favorite destination is South Africa, because it’s home.

She wants guests to have the best time ever, to create fun, beautiful, special and long-lasting memories without having to think about anything and to feel well taken care of.

One day she wishes to become a Chief Stewardess, outside of yachting she would love to open a mobile bar for events and invest in properties that she can rent out as Airbnb.

In her free time, she enjoys scuba diving, hiking, exploring, running, doing yoga, playing board games, and meeting new people.

Her life motto is: “Leave every place better than you found it.” 😊❤️

Name: Ashley Teresa Nora Byrne
Nationality: Canadian
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Third Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Education/Certifications: Administrative Specialist Diploma, Basic Training

Ashley grew up in Belfast in the countryside with two sisters and one brother. She spent a lot of time outdoors and around her animals – dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, and guinea pig.

At 18 she started yachting, her father worked on NFL ferries and got her a job, she worked there for 7 years, and after that more than 10 year on yachts such as M/Y FELIX, M/Y JAZZ, M/Y ANDIAMO, M/Y MAG III, M/Y TRENDING, M/Y BIG SKY, M/Y STELLA MARRIS, M/Y NEXT CHAPTER, M/Y SUR LA MER, and currently onboard M/Y KEFI as Third Stewardess.

Ashley is organized, attentive to details, positive and has chill vibes. She wants the guests to have an amazing time, switch off from everyday life, and leave with great memories. And most importantly for them to feel relaxed, well looked after, and to not have to think about anything.

She’s cruised Alaska, Bermuda, Hawaii, French Polynesia, San Diego, San Francisco, Nantucket, Casa del Campo, but her favorite destination is Japan.

In yachting, she wants to achieve happiness and financial freedom. Outside of yachting she enjoys running, going to the beach, and gardening.

Her life motto is: “Stay curious, stay kind, stay grateful.”

Name: Hermias “Herlo” Cornelius Laubscher
Nationality: South African
Position: Engineer
Position details: Engineer
Languages: Not specified
Description: Education/Certifications: Nature Conservation, AEC1/2 working towards EOOW

Hermias grew up with a younger brother and sister on a farm in a farming community in South Africa. They were always active in the outdoors, they enjoyed fishing and playing water sports in the nearby rivers.

Before stepping into the yachting industry, he worked as a nature guide and a farmer. His love for boating and fishing drew him to start yachting in 2020. He got into engineering on the first yacht he joined.

Hermias has cruised all over The Caribbean, The Bahamas, Florida, Dubai and Alaska on vessels such as M/Y LADY L, M/Y REMEMBER WHEN, M/Y CSTAR, M/Y YERSIN, M/Y LIGHTNING and currently aboard M/Y KEFI as an engineer. His favorite charter location is Alaska, but overall, he is the happiest near the ocean.

His priority as an engineer is safety first, most importantly for the water and power to stay on, and for guests to never feel like they need to worry about the technical problems.

In his free time his biggest passion is farming and fishing – he loves taking other people out to go fishing with him.

His life motto is: “Learn from your mitsakes.”

Name: Carla Drobczyk
Nationality: South African
Position: Mate
Position details: Mate
Languages: Not specified
Description: Education/Certifications: Yacht Master, Padi dive Master, GMDSS

Carla grew up in Johannesburg South Africa but spent all of her holidays on the shores of Ballito in the ocean or on the beach. This is now the place she calls home when she’s not on board.

She started boating in 2014, when she flew to Palma, as she had a passion to travel and dive, so it only made sense to pursue a career that would allow her to do both of these things. Before devoting her life to the ocean, she worked in sales.

She has worked on various motor yachts, some of them being M/Y INCOGNITO, M/Y TRUE NORTH, M/Y STARSHIP, M/Y ROCHADE, M/Y AJ and currently onboard M/Y KEFI as a Mate. She has cruised The Caribbean, The Bahamas and many Mediterranean countries. Carla considers Bali to be her favorite place on earth because of its beauty, friendly faces and amazing cultural experiences.

Her main role is to ensure guest and crew safety onboard. Beyond that she manages the deck team, together they maintain the exterior of the yacht to always looks it’s best. She strives to provide guests with great experiences that she also loves, which are snorkelling in remote locations, beautiful beach set ups and interesting adventures.

She always wants to explore new destinations and hopes to one day start her own business that will still allow her the freedom of traveling. Carla also wants to get more involved in marine and wildlife conservation.

Her life motto is: “Be kind, always.”

Name: Dane Kevin Mommsen
Nationality: South African
Position: Bosun
Position details: Bosun
Languages: Not specified
Description: Education/Certifications: Yacht master, EDH, Open Water Padi

Dane grew up with a brother in a small town called Phalaborwa South Africa. He spent most of his free time fishing, skiing, game viewing and swimming.

Before yachting, Dane worked in sales and spent a long time in a managerial position at a company that supplies and maintains seed processing machinery. He started yachting in 2018 as he had a few friends that were in the industry and when he heard all their stories of traveling, he was hooked.

He’s worked on vessels such as M/Y GRACE, M/Y INCOGNITO, M/Y JUST ENOUGH, M/Y STARSHIP and now works a bosun on M/Y KEFI. He spent the majority of his charter in The Caribbean and The Bahamas and travelled to many countries but Bali is his heart location, because the culture and people are outstanding. The view also made him want to return time and time again.

Dane wants to keep exploring the world and learning as much as he can along the way. He also wants to start his own business that allows him the traveling lifestyle.

His life motto is: “Treat people the way you like to be treated and always try be positive and help other people have the same outlook.”