Eternal Spark

Mirjan Vlahović has taken the helm of Eternal Spark yacht as her captain. With an impressive career in the yachting industry, Mirjan has built a name for himself, particularly during his time with Titan Fleet Management. He played a key role in managing a diverse range of yachts, from luxury charters to commercial passenger vessels, with a focus on safety and compliance. As Designated Person Ashore and Chief Security Officer for Titan Fleet, Vlahović ensured that every yacht under his authority met strict regulatory standards, including ISM and ISPS codes. His extended experience as a captain across the Mediterranean and Caribbean had him working with vessels from 40 to 100 meters, including the renowned Lauren L. Having spent most of his career abroad, Vlahović has now returned to his native Croatia, where his Croatian roots and extensive knowledge of the region’s yachting scene help him collaborate with local partners like Capax and Simmor. As the ETERNAL SPARK yacht captain, Vlahović brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this iconic vessel. His hands-on approach, honed through years at sea and in yacht management, ensures that ETERNAL SPARK will continue to deliver exceptional experiences for her guests. With his love for the sea and deep commitment to the yachting industry, Vlahović is well-positioned to steer ETERNAL SPARK yacht to new horizons, blending luxury, safety, and seamless operations.

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.

Melissa Erasmus is a highly experienced and dedicated yacht stewardess, seeking a new opportunity within the interior department of a private or charter motor yacht. With extensive maritime experience across vessels ranging from 38m to 60m, Melissa brings a versatile skill set and proven ability to manage all aspects of interior service and crew operations. She is equally adept at working within a team or handling sole stew responsibilities, demonstrating a proactive, empathetic, and hardworking approach. Melissa has excelled in a variety of roles, including managing guest services, meal service, interior maintenance, and overseeing yacht provisioning. Notably, she served as a relief chief stewardess, managing schedules, training crew members, and handling guest activities and event planning. Her attention to detail is evident in her oversight of interior upgrades during yard periods and her ability to coordinate with contractors for high-quality results.

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.