Vladimir Popov

Captain

Bulgarian

Languages: Bulgarian, Greek, Russian, English

Captain Vladimir is an experienced and highly professional Yacht Master with more than 13 years of maritime experience across commercial yachting and luxury charter operations. He brings extensive expertise in yacht handling, close-quarters manoeuvring, offshore and coastal navigation, passage planning, and safe vessel operations, combined with a disciplined and guest-focused approach to yacht management. 

Throughout his career, Captain Vladimir has developed a comprehensive understanding of the operational demands of luxury yachting. His strong seamanship and practical experience allow him to confidently manage all aspects of navigation and vessel operations, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism onboard. 

As Captain of STAR LINK, Vladimir leads a professional crew of five and places particular emphasis on creating a relaxed, welcoming, and enjoyable atmosphere for guests. His leadership style combines professionalism with an approachable manner, ensuring that every charter runs smoothly while the crew remains attentive to guests' individual preferences. 

With STAR LINK cruising throughout Greece, Captain Vladimir's experience and hands-on approach make him well suited to creating memorable itineraries around the Greek islands. Dedicated to delivering exceptional charter experiences, he ensures that guests can enjoy the yacht, the cruising grounds, and their time at sea with complete confidence and comfort. 

Previous Yacht: ALTEYA

Hristo Nishev

Chef

Bulgarian

Languages: Bulgarian, English

Originally from Bulgaria, Hristo followed his passion for gastronomy by transitioning from an engineering background to the culinary arts, graduating with honors in 2008. Since then, he has built a diverse culinary career, gaining valuable experience in restaurants across Plovdiv while further developing his skills through specialized training at Protur 95 and the French Masters.

Hristo brings a versatile and creative approach to the galley, with experience across a variety of international cuisines. He particularly enjoys Mediterranean flavours and creating themed dining experiences inspired by Greek, Spanish, and Italian cuisine, tailoring each menu to suit guests’ individual tastes and preferences. 
 

Passionate about the complete dining experience, Hristo places particular importance on pairing his dishes with fine wines and drinks. For him, food is about more than exceptional flavours; it is an opportunity to bring people together and create memorable moments around the table. His creativity and enthusiasm make him a natural fit for the charter environment onboard STAR LINK.

Outside the galley, Hristo enjoys cycling and values an active lifestyle. With his international culinary outlook, attention to detail, and passion for creating memorable dining experiences, he looks forward to welcoming guests aboard and making each charter on STAR LINK truly special.

Previous Yacht: ASTORIA

Irena Vatsadze

Stewardess

Greek

Languages: Greek, English, Russian

Irena is a dynamic and experienced hospitality professional with over 18 years of experience in the tourism industry and more than eight years in yachting. Her diverse professional background includes positions as a Tour Operator, Guide, Hotel Receptionist, Ground Flight Attendant, and Yacht Crew member, allowing her to develop excellent guest service, organizational, and communication skills.

Since entering the yachting industry in 2017, Irena has progressed from Solo Stew/Deck positions onboard charter yachts to Chief Stew/Deckhand roles. Her extensive experience covers both interior and deck operations, including personalized guest service, housekeeping, charter preparation, tender driving, crew training, and assisting with yacht manoeuvring procedures. This versatility enables her to confidently support all aspects of the onboard operation while maintaining high standards of service.

Hardworking, responsible, and proactive, Irena adapts easily to demanding environments and approaches her duties with professionalism and a strong focus on safety and efficiency. She holds STCW and First Aid/CPR certifications, as well as a Speed Boat Operator License for vessels up to 24m, and has accumulated more than 13,000 nautical miles at sea.

Yachting is both Irena’s profession and her passion. Her energetic personality is reflected in her active lifestyle, which includes freediving, paragliding, watersports, and martial arts. With her extensive hospitality background, practical maritime skills, and genuine enthusiasm for life at sea, she is dedicated to creating a welcoming atmosphere and an exceptional charter experience for every guest onboard STAR LINK.

Aleksandra Aleksieva

Stewardess

Bulgarian

Languages: English, Bulgarian, Spanish, Russian

Originally from Bulgaria, Aleksandra is an experienced and dedicated maritime professional with a strong background as Chief Stewardess, Solo Stewardess, and Deck/Stewardess onboard both private and charter yachts. Her diverse yachting experience has given her a comprehensive understanding of luxury hospitality, combined with excellent organizational skills and a proactive, hands-on approach.

Aleksandra is confident in all aspects of interior operations and guest care, including meal and beverage service, bartending, housekeeping, cabin preparation, provisioning, and inventory management. Experienced in preparing yachts for charter operations and deliveries, she understands the importance of anticipating guests’ needs and maintaining consistently high standards throughout their time onboard.

Her versatility extends beyond the interior, with experience supporting deck operations and qualifications including the IYT Small Powerboat & RIB Master certification and a Personal Watercraft licence. She also holds STCW Basic Safety Training, Crowd Management, and Crisis Management & Human Behaviour certifications, reflecting her strong commitment to safety and professionalism at sea.

Positive, attentive, and hardworking, Aleksandra takes pride in creating a warm and welcoming onboard atmosphere while delivering polished and personalized service. Her adaptability, attention to detail, and genuine dedication to guest satisfaction make her a valuable member of the crew onboard STAR LINK.

Tihomir Miroslavov Mihaylov

Deckhand

Bulgarian

Languages: German, English, Bulgarian

Tihomir is a capable and motivated Deckhand with hands-on experience onboard luxury yachts. Practical, reliable, and hardworking, he brings a strong understanding of deck operations together with a professional approach to both vessel maintenance and guest assistance.

His experience covers a wide range of deck duties, including mooring operations, tender driving and support, exterior maintenance, and ensuring the yacht is consistently presented to a high standard. Tihomir is also confident assisting guests with watersports and the operation of water toys, always placing particular emphasis on safety while ensuring an enjoyable experience on the water.

Alongside his practical yachting experience, Tihomir has completed formal maritime training in navigation, Bridge Resource Management (BRM), radar and ECDIS operations, as well as safety and security procedures. His technical knowledge and organized approach allow him to contribute effectively to safe vessel operations and work efficiently as part of the deck team.

Friendly, adaptable, and service-oriented, Tihomir communicates confidently within multicultural environments and takes pride in supporting both his fellow crew members and guests. His combination of seamanship, watersports experience, and positive attitude makes him a valuable member of the crew onboard STAR LINK.