UKIEL

With over 20 years of experience in the yachting industry, Ben is a highly capable and approachable Captain with a strong background across both private and charter yachts. Having commanded vessels up to 40 metres and worked aboard yachts up to 114 metres, he brings extensive expertise in navigation, yacht management, engineering, and guestfocused operations. Throughout his career, Ben has successfully managed busy charter seasons, Mediterranean cruising programmes, refits, and new-build projects while consistently maintaining high standards of safety, professionalism, and onboard comfort. His calm leadership style, combined with strong hands-on technical knowledge, ensures smooth daily operations behind the scenes, allowing guests to fully relax and enjoy their experience onboard with complete confidence. Known for his personable nature and professional approach, Ben creates a welcoming, relaxed, and well-organised atmosphere for both guests and crew alike. His extensive cruising experience, attention to detail, and genuine passion for hospitality help deliver seamless, memorable charters aboard UKIEL, where guest comfort, safety, and enjoyment always remain the priority.

Sinan brings a strong maritime and hospitality background to his role as First Officer aboard UKIEL. Combining guest-focused service with hands-on yacht operations, he plays an important role in ensuring every charter runs smoothly — from navigation and deck coordination to guest comfort and the overall onboard atmosphere. After beginning his career in hospitality, Sinan transitioned into the yachting industry, gaining valuable experience aboard both sailing and motor yachts, including White Wings, Sea Lion, and Free Day in Dubai. Over the years, he has developed solid seamanship, leadership, and operational expertise across both private and charter environments. Having been onboard UKIEL for over three years, Sinan knows the yacht exceptionally well and is a key part of maintaining smooth daily operations, high safety standards, and the level of service guests can expect throughout each charter. Professional, calm, and approachable, he helps create a relaxed, welcoming, and well-organised atmosphere onboard for both guests and crew alike.

With over a decade of experience in the yachting industry, Selman is a highly experienced Bosun with a strong operational background and extensive knowledge of Mediterranean cruising. His career combines hands-on yacht operations with guest-focused service, giving him a well-rounded understanding of both technical deck management and the high standards expected aboard luxury charter yachts. Over the years, Selman has worked aboard both private and charter yachts in a variety of roles, including deckhand, skipper, and captain, developing solid expertise in navigation, safety management, deck operations, crew coordination, and guest interaction. Having accumulated extensive sea mileage and many years of hands-on experience at sea, Selman combines strong seamanship with a calm, disciplined, and solution-oriented approach onboard. His background across charter, private, and training yachts allows him to confidently support all aspects of deck operations while helping maintain a relaxed and professional atmosphere for guests throughout the charter. Professional, reliable, and highly adaptable, Selman plays an important role in maintaining the high presentation, safety, and service standards aboard UKIEL, contributing to smooth and enjoyable charter experiences throughout the season.

Hilal’s culinary journey is marked by excellence. Graduating as valedictorian, she honed her craft by studying ship cooking at university and delving into maritime tourism and cookery. Her career set sail during a university internship on the private commercial motor yacht M/Y BRONKO 1 (35 meters). Quickly gaining recognition for her talents, she continued to impress on the same vessel and the M/Y BRONKO (24 meters) within the same company. Diversifying her experience, she spent seasons on the magnificent schooner S/Y Germania Nova (60 meters). Today, she delights palates as the chef on the M/Y UKIEL (26 meters). Committed to constant improvement, she participates in industry seminars, interviews, and competitions.

Emre is a talented and guest-focused yacht chef with experience across luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and charter yachts. Specialising in Mediterranean cuisine, seafood, and modern fine dining, he creates fresh and tailored menus designed around guest preferences and the relaxed luxury of life onboard. Having worked in high-end hospitality environments including Maxx Royal Bodrum, Hilton, and Six Senses, Emre brings strong culinary discipline, creativity, and attention to presentation to every charter. His experience aboard charter yachts has further refined his ability to deliver elevated dining experiences within the dynamic rhythm of life at sea. Emre has also worked alongside Michelin-starred chefs Alfredo Russo and Cristina Bowerman, experiences that helped shape his refined approach to flavour, plating, and service standards. Calm, organised, and highly adaptable under pressure, he is passionate about creating memorable dining moments — from relaxed Mediterranean lunches to elegant dinners enjoyed at anchor. Professional, approachable, and dedicated to guest satisfaction, Emre plays an important role in delivering the warm, welcoming, and high-quality onboard experience aboard UKIEL.