Captain Name: Rafet Kavak
Captain Nationality: Turkish
Number of Crew: 6
Name: Rafet Kavak
Position: Captain
Nationality: Turkish
Having grown up on the seaside, Rafet has always been passionate by water activities. Graduated from the
İstanbul Maritime University, Rafet has worked on various commercial vessels to become a licensed Officer of
the Watch Unlimited before joining the yachting industry. After having worked on sailing yachts, Rafet joined
Zelda in 2018, and has now been promoted as Captain, progressing in his career. Rafet possesses a true talent
to empathizing well with his crew to achieve the best performance and a high level of customer satisfaction. Rafet
experience includes many nautical miles and hundreds of routes in Turkey, the Greek Islands and Croatia and is
always proud to make his guests experience the best anchorages in pristine bays and turquoise waters. He speaks fluent English and Turkish
Name: Yusuf Cesur
Position: First officer / Engineer
Nationality: Turkish
Age: 46
Yusuf has been with Zelda since 2009. Prior to joining the yachting Industry, he has spent 12 years as a certified
tour guide. Proficient in English and German, Yusuf primarily cares about offering a high level of service and
customer satisfaction. Due to this past experience, he his always keen to share with the guests historical,
geographical and cultural information about the visited places. Yusuf speaks English, German and Turkish.
Name: Cakir Ilyas
Position: Chef
Nationality: Turkish
Age: 39
Born in Antalya, Cakir has been working during 15 years in hotel and restaurants, including head chef in 5 stars
hotels and gourmet restaurants offering French and Italian cuisine. In 2009, Cakir has moved to the yachting
industry and has been chef on M/S Serenity (27m), M/Y Ma Beach (37m), M/Y Eque (47m), M/Y Jefatica and
M/Y Sunkiss (38m). Cakir joins Zelda for the 2019 season. From traditional Turkish mezzes to western cuisine
served at the plate, Cakir prepares meals with the utmost high quality in freshness, taste, presentation, and
execution. Cakir is skilled in a large variety of cuisine, including Ottoman, French, Italian, Mediterranean and
Asian cuisine as well as special dietary like Vegan or Gluten Free cuisine. Cakir speaks Turkish, English and
Russian and is always pleased to share his passion for cuisine with the guests.He speaks Turkish, English & Russian.
Name: Oksana Minakova
Position: Chief Stewardess
Nationality: Ukrainian
Age: 27
Oksana was born in Ukraine. After studies at the Odessa National Academy of Food Technology, she has workedas stewardess on luxury cruise ships before joining the yachting industry, working as stewardess on the 117m M/Y Turama. She joins Zelda for the 2019 season as chief stewardess, managing the interior team. Excelling in service and full of generosity, Oksana likes to provide all guests a unique and memorable time on board and make them feel relaxed and well catered at all times. Oksana speaks Russian, English and a bit of german and is also a qualified masseuse. Oksana has passion for travel and the sea, as well as for foreign languages.
Name: Irem Eliz Meskener
Position: 2nd Stewardess
Nationality: Turkish
Born in Izmir, Irem joins Zelda in 2019 as second steawardess. Her main duties are housekeeping ensuring the
interiors are well kept at all times and to assist with service and kitchen. She is always pleased to provide provide
to the guests the highest level of service with a smile. Irem speaks English and a basic French.
Name: Dogan Turan
Position: Deckhand
Nationality: Turkish
Born in Istanbul, Dogan has grown up by the Sea side in Bodrum. Having workd on motor and sailing yachts,
Dogan joins Zelda for the 2019 season. Dogan enjoys entertaining the guest with all watersports avaliable on
board. He speaks Turkish and English.