Eternal Spark

Captain Mark Everard’s extensive experience and passion for the sea make him the perfect leader to guide ETERNAL SPARK into a bright charter future. Following in his father’s footsteps, Mark’s love for sailing began at a young age. He spent his formative years on the water, competing in regattas and gaining valuable experience. While a brief landlubber stint led him to become a Land Rover salesman, the call of the sea proved too strong. He returned to the water, earning his Yachtmaster qualification and becoming a water sports instructor. Mark’s yachting career began in earnest in 2003, starting with motor yachts in Spain and transitioning to sailing yachts that explored exotic destinations like the Indian Ocean, Caribbean, and Pacific Northwest. His desire to be closer to home led him back to the Mediterranean and motor yachts. Over the years, he has captained numerous yachts, overseeing several new builds in Turkey, Italy, and the UK. Mark recognizes the importance of a strong crew for a successful charter yacht. He carefully selects individuals who are not only qualified but also compatible, fostering team spirit through shared living quarters, group outings, and even—though some crew members may disagree—mornings gym sessions. Captain Mark Everard’s leadership, experience, and collaborative approach position him and ETERNAL SPARK for a remarkable journey.

Paul Rutter is a dedicated and experienced Chief Officer with a strong British heritage. With over a decade in the yachting industry, Paul brings an extensive background in both private and charter yachts, demonstrating a meticulous commitment to safety and excellence. Paul is known for his calm demeanor, even in high-pressure situations, and his ability to communicate clearly and effectively with crew members. His leadership style is collaborative, valuing input from all team members to ensure tasks are completed to the highest standards. He is passionate about mentoring and supporting crew members, helping them develop their skills and maintain high morale onboard. Throughout his career, Paul has honed his expertise in ISM procedures, navigation, and tender driving, while also excelling in maintaining vessels to stringent standards within tight budgets. His previous roles, including those on vessels like M/Y La Mirage, M/Y Megan, and M/Y Ebony Shine, have equipped him with the skills to manage complex projects, oversee crew operations, and navigate challenging maritime environments. Paul’s qualifications, including CM 3000, GMDSS GOC, and advanced certifications in safety and medical care, make him a valuable asset to any vessel. Off-duty, Paul is an avid runner, golfer, and skier, and he enjoys training for marathons.

Caroline's adventurous spirit led her to the yachting industry at the age of 26. Over the past six years, she has steadily climbed the ranks, working on yachts of various sizes and gaining valuable experience. For the past three years, she has thrived in the role of Chief Stew. Caroline is committed to providing each guest with a unique and unforgettable experience. This goes beyond exceptional service. While Caroline handles some guest and crew admin duties, she recognizes the collaborative nature of yacht operations. Caroline's leadership skills, dedication to detail, and passion for creating unforgettable experiences make her a perfect fit for the role of Chief Stew on ETERNAL SPARK. Her experience, combined with her collaborative spirit and enthusiasm, position her well for a successful yachting career.

Nikoline Haun is an enthusiastic and seasoned stewardess from Denmark with a vibrant personality and a strong passion for the yachting industry with over five years of experience. Nikoline’s career in yachting began in 2019 when she joined M/Y Kolaha as a junior housekeeping stewardess. She holds several key certifications, including STCW, ENG1, PSA, PDSD, Food & Hygiene Level 2, and WSET Level 2 in wine. After two years, her leadership and organizational abilities were recognized, and she was promoted to second stewardess. Nikoline cruised the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and spent shorter periods in Miami and Dubai. Nikoline has also gained valuable experience through various temporary positions on yachts such as M/Y Koju, S/Y EOS, M/Y Odessa, M/Y Odessa II and M/Y Adventure, where she further honed her skills and demonstrated her adaptability in different roles. Outside of her professional achievements, Nikoline is an active and outdoor-loving individual who enjoys spending time in nature. Her dynamic personality, combined with her extensive experience and qualifications, makes her a valuable asset to any yacht’s interior team.

Amber Robles brings her military discipline and love for luxury to her role as Third Stew on ETERNAL SPARK. After military service, Amber's entrepreneurial spirit led her to launch a beauty business. However, the allure of yachting proved too strong, and she set her sights on a new adventure on the high seas. One of the aspects Amber loves most about her job is creating cocktails. Her favourite is a Mojito, but she enjoys experimenting with variations like raspberry or "skinny" versions to cater to different preferences. The fully-equipped wet bars on ETERNAL SPARK provide Amber with the perfect platform to showcase her cocktail-making talents and ensure guests enjoy refreshing drinks throughout their charter. What truly excites Amber about ETERNAL SPARK is her sleek, modern design. She is confident that every detail, both inside and out, has been meticulously crafted to create an unforgettable experience for guests.

Toni Firmani, born in 1990, is a seasoned and dynamic South African chef with a remarkable career spanning over 15 years, including 8 years dedicated to the yachting industry. Fluent in English and Afrikaans, she brings a wealth of culinary expertise and a deep passion for food, which is evident in the creative and delicious menus she crafts. As a Head Chef and Sole Chef, Toni's experience is both extensive and diverse. Her culinary journey began with a National Diploma in Hospitality Management with a focus on Food and Beverages, a Post Grad Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics, and multiple STCW certifications. Toni's ability to manage tight deadlines and provision effectively always comes in handy with unexpected culinary demands from the guests. Her culinary specialties include Asian, Mediterranean, baking and desserts, and she can also accommodate various dietary needs such as gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, lactose-free, diabetic, and kosher diets. Her background as a Clinical Nutritionist is a significant asset, allowing her to cater to all dietary requirements with precision and care.

Roland Dubek is a dedicated and versatile Y3 engineer with an extensive background in both land-based and maritime engineering. Roland's career began in automotive engineering, where he excelled. He holds a Certificate in Autotronics, highlighting his proficiency in automotive engineering with electronics. Transitioning to the yachting industry in 2010, Roland joined C-Quip LTD as a service and build engineer, focusing on yacht equipment and hardware. His hands-on expertise and resilience in high-pressure environments, honed during his time in motorsport, have been invaluable in his maritime career. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Roland is a passionate petrol head with a collection of 17 cars that he builds, restores, races, and trades. Roland Dubek is a dynamic and dedicated engineer whose comprehensive skill set and diverse experience make him a valuable asset in the yachting and engineering sectors.

Matt Connolly is a driven and highly professional British deckhand with a solid foundation in the yachting industry. With a passion for navigation and a keen eye for detail, Matt has accumulated extensive experience and skills, making him a valuable asset to any yachting program. His progression from junior deckhand to bosun in a single season was a testament to his dedication and capability. He managed tender operations, water sports activities, and navigational watch duties, gaining valuable hands-on experience. His versatility was further demonstrated during his temporary position on the 55m M/Y Galene, where he participated in a transatlantic crossing, enhancing his practical knowledge of bridge operations and exterior maintenance. His career in supply chain coordination and import/export management with DHL and Gymshark has endowed him with strong organizational and logistical skills, beneficial for managing the complex operations on a yacht. In his free time, Matt enjoys kayaking, paddleboarding, cycling, hiking, and working out. His interest in DIY projects and scuba diving reflects his adventurous spirit and eagerness to learn new skills.

Dewan van Heerden's journey in yachting started soon after he completed his education at Merensky High School, where he honed his teamwork and leadership skills in a boarding school setting. Driven by his desire to explore the world, Dewan embarked on his professional yachting career, achieving his Yachtmaster Offshore certification and accumulating a wealth of experience across various maritime roles. From his initial position as a Deckhand on the motor yacht Mystic to stepping up as a temporary Bosun, Dewan quickly proved himself as a versatile and reliable crew member. During his 22 months on M/Y Mystic, he gained invaluable experience managing the deck, leading watch, and executing challenging mooring operations in busy Med areas and Caribbean waters. Dewan’s professional journey has taken him around the globe, from the turquoise waters of the Maldives to the vibrant ports of the Mediterranean. Alongside technical skills, Dewan has also built a reputation for his excellent interpersonal skills, which he has leveraged to create harmonious relationships within the crew and provide exceptional service to yacht owners and guests. Looking forward, Dewan is eager to bring his deep knowledge of maritime operations, a wealth of experience in both deck management and water sports, and a genuine love for travel and adventure to ETERNAL SPARK.

Guy Yates brings a unique perspective to any crew, combining the vibrant spirit of his Irish and South-African roots with a meticulous, hard-working attitude. Guy’s love for the sea began with his training at the Ocean Star Sailing Academy, where he achieved numerous qualifications, including STCW 10, RYA Yachtmaster (Theory), and PADI Dive Master. His foundational experiences quickly grew into a robust career, with Guy serving as a Deckhand on several sailing yachts, most recently aboard S/Y MATI and S/Y Ingwe. Throughout these roles, he demonstrated his ability to handle a wide range of duties, from anchoring and Mediterranean mooring to tender driving and night watches. Guy’s time on S/Y MATI involved extensive sailing along the Italian coast to the Greek islands, where he played a vital role in anchoring, docking, and ensuring safe crossings, both day and night. He was also responsible for watch-keeping and assisting with watersports, making him comfortable with a wide range of tasks onboard. His experience delivering S/Y Ingwe from Cape Town to Langebaan further showcased his endurance and adaptability, often helming for extended periods due to crew illness and managing port communications, engine checks, and maintenance. Guy Yates is not only prepared to meet the challenges of the open sea but is also eager to make a meaningful contribution to the client`s yachting adventures.