CAPTAIN KAZ ZIAJKA / POLAND

Kaz was born and raised in Warsaw, Poland. He grew up loving outdoors and any type of water sports. His favorite sports are kitesurfing and diving. Kaz is an energetic, encouraging and outgoing crew member, always ready for adventure. Kaz started his yachting career in 1999. Kaz attended the University of Warsaw and obtained a Degree in Business and Management. During his 5 years of studying, he spent all his summer breaks in the South of France - first day working, and then becoming a crew member on charter yachts out of Monaco. What first started as a summer job quickly turned into a passion. Since then, Kaz made at least 10 Atlantic crossings and worked on several private and charter yachts in the Mediterranean Sea, US East Coast, Pacific and Caribbean.

Kaz is very career orientated and hold his MCA Master 3000GT license. Some of the yachts Kaz worked on: Sweet Pea, Blue Moon, Carpe Diem, Princeville, Grandeur, Aphrodite.

CHIEF STEWARDESS MEGHAAN ZIAJKA / USA

Meghaan was born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the small town of Cambridge. She completed her schooling and chose to head in to sales industry which consisted of being top sales at the Insurance Agency she worked at for 5yrs. Then she took the leap to relocate to South Florida after hearing about yachting at the age of 26. Once she completed her courses, she quickly got her first job on a 100ft Cheo Lee and grew on that vessel for 3yrs learning all aspects of interior and exterior. Now 12yrs in she has progressed to Chief Stewardess on 45 to 60m vessels that were private and heavy charter. Some of the yachts she worked on were: Carpe Diem, Usher, Grandeur, Aphrodite. This is her true passion providing a memorable experience for their guests from amazing tablescapes to unheard of service. In her free time, she runs marathons, enjoys kitesurfing and a relaxing beach day. She is looking forward to welcoming you onboard Lisa Mi Amore.

CHEF NATRICIA PANAYIOTA PANAVIS / CYPRUS

Nat is a passionate food artist, inspired by all nature has to offer. She compiles only the freshest flavors to create meals that are trendy and unique to the usual meals you’ve been exposed to. Molecular gastronomy is one of her favorite styles of cooking and each of her creative concoctions will leave you with not only a memorable meal but also a dining experience that far exceeds your expectations. Growing up in South Africa, Natricia has been exposed to many different cultures and her cooking style stem from those cultural influences. Asian fusion, Indian, Thai, Mediterranean and classic French are just some of the many cuisines that fascinate her and her style of cooking reflects her extensive knowledge of each one of them.

FIRST MATE ALBERT VAN ZYL / SOUTH AFRICA

Albert, also known as Albie, was born in Pretoria, South Africa, and spent his childhood growing up in the heart of the bush, the wild countryside. Following the completion of his degree in Industrial Sociology, Albie immigrated to the States 3 years ago and has fallen in love with his new country. Albie dreams of becoming a captain in the future. He currently holds an Approved Engine Course and a 200-ton Captains license. He was on board Top Five/Mi Amore for 5 years.

A love for traveling, the ocean, and interacting with guests has led Albie to his dream job! In his free time, he loves experiencing new cigars and collecting his favorites as well as a keen interest in watches. On the weekends, he enjoys watching and playing soccer.

CHIEF ENGINEER IHOR KOTOV / UKRAINE

Born in the city of Odessa, Ihor from the time he was a boy, enjoyed rebuilding small toys and simple electronics. This gave him the drive to apply for a telecommunications engineering university. During his studies, he also worked for a factory that produced all forms of cable for different systems. After 6 years of studies and his position of line quality engineer he enrolled in the arm forces. After completing his term of 18 months in the army he made the decision to go sea based. In 2016, he started as chief engineer on a 36m motor yacht True North, based in the Caribbean. He then found his passion. Now 7 years later, he has joined our team onboard Lisa Mi Amore and welcomes your stay.

SECOND STEWARDESS SUZANNE BALFOUR / SOUTH AFRICA

Suzy, has always had a passion for people, travel, adventure and nature conservation. Growing up in South Africa, she was always surrounded by family and friends. With a tight knit family, it was hard for her to leave but her love for travel and sense of adventure set her across the seas to America.

She found herself in a new world where she quickly got her first job in yachting, initially only planning to stay six months and then to finish off her psychology degree in South Africa.

However, her love for the ocean grew quickly and thus she made the easy choice to stay on the sea. Working in the industry she loves, she will be sure to make you feel comfortable and relaxed by insuring your every need will be sufficiently catered too.
Suzy’s specialty runs in service, and she’ll always be there with a cocktail in hand and a friendly smile.

In her spare time, she loves to read, dive, hike, fish, cook and is always up for a round of golf. Some of her previous yachts are: Tail Lights, Lacey Kay, Four Aces and Checkmate.

THIRD STEWARDESS STACY LEE WINFIELD / SOUTH AFRICA

Stacy was born in the small city of Durban, South Africa. She has always had a passion for the ocean, outdoors and travel. After completing high school, she chose the route of the hospitality industry, working for high end restaurants, as a waitress and hostess for 3 years. Another passion of hers was working as a coach in an after-school program with all age groups. Last season Stacy joined a team on a 30m sailing yacht, where she acted in many roles including stew/cook and deckhand. After completing the season, she then knew her love for the industry.

In her spare time, she loves going to the beach, exploring new places, hiking, scuba diving, playing soccer and spending time with the people she loves. She looks forward to meeting you and giving you the best experience possible!

BOSUN ZAYNE VILJOEN / SOUTH AFRICA

Zayne was born in Durban South Africa in a family of boys and one being his identical twin (spare parts) who is also in the industry. He is a very energetic person a long-time surfer, golfer and Watersport enthusiast, which ultimately brought him into this industry, he has a love for the ocean and travel, and has currently traveled to over 20 different countries and a few still left on his bucket list. Zayne started his yachting 7 years ago in the Caribbean Sea on a sailing yacht. Now, the yachts are his passion and career, and he is working on his officer’s qualifications. Some of his previous yachts are: For You and Solo.

DECKHAND CHRIS THOMAS / NEW ZEALAND

Chris grew up on a farm near Auckland, New Zealand with a passion for Marine Conservation and stopping shark finning. Studying Marine Ecology at University and becoming a Scuba Instructor helped him fit right in with working overseas on superyachts. Chris began to love the lifestyle of the industry and being on the ocean, he loves to take people out on the water and especially teach children about the wonders of the ocean. In his safe hands you’ll feel comfortable out in the water.
In his spare time, he explores the ocean and enjoys watching/playing sports.
His previous yachts are: Gladiator and Trending