CNB 76 • Lilla

English, Romanian, Russian

Romanian national with a solid background as a sailing instructor, expedition leader, and professional skipper, Captain Oleg Margina brings over a decade of hands-on experience across some of the world's most challenging and diverse sailing regions. With a strong foundation in both medicine and economics, Oleg combines analytical precision with deep leadership skills and adaptability under pressure. His extensive sailing record includes flotilla leadership and instructional roles in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, transatlantic crossings, North Atlantic expeditions, and multiple Antarctic voyages. Notably, he served as First Mate during Romania's first Antarctic sailing expedition and recently completed five consecutive expeditions to Antarctica between November 2023 and March 2024. Extremely capable and skilled in the charter environment, Oleg excels at anticipating and fulfilling guest needs and preferences, ensuring bespoke and seamless experiences on board. His calm command, team-building abilities, and commitment to safety and performance make him a highly respected leader at sea. Fluent in English, Romanian, and Russian, and certified under ICC (A, B, C) with a Radio SRC license, Captain Oleg blends technical expertise with a passion for exploration and high-latitude navigation. Whether leading commercial charters, conducting sail training, or navigating extreme environments, he ensures every passage is executed with professionalism, precision, and purpose.

Alexandru Botez brings a dynamic and contemporary approach to onboard dining, shaped by a solid background in high-end restaurants and private yachting environments. With a natural flair for creativity and a strong technical foundation, he specialises in Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, and Neo-Romanian cuisine, seamlessly blending flavours and techniques to deliver refined, personalised culinary experiences. His career reflects a steady progression through demanding kitchens, where he has honed his ability to perform under pressure while maintaining exceptional standards of quality and presentation. From his early experiences working alongside Michelin-starred chefs to his roles as Sous Chef and Chef de Partie in innovative culinary concepts, Alexandru has developed a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of modern gastronomy. These experiences have strengthened not only his culinary skills but also his leadership abilities, allowing him to manage kitchen operations efficiently and contribute creatively to evolving menus. Transitioning into the yachting industry, Alexandru has already gained valuable experience as a private and charter chef onboard both sailing and motor yachts up to 36 metres. In these roles, he has demonstrated a strong capacity to adapt to diverse guest preferences, creating bespoke menus while managing provisioning, galley organisation, and hygiene standards with precision. His approach is rooted in the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, with a focus on seasonality, sustainability, and visually striking presentation. Beyond his technical expertise, Alexandru is known for his calm, professional demeanour and his ability to integrate seamlessly within a crew environment. His background in maritime safety, combined with his hands-on attitude and commitment to excellence, ensures he delivers not only outstanding cuisine but also a reliable and well-rounded presence onboard. Passionate about continuous growth and exploration, he is dedicated to elevating the guest experience through innovative dishes and attentive, detail-oriented service.

English

Apostol Ioana-Alexandra is a dedicated and versatile stewardess aboard M/Y LILLA, bringing a proactive attitude, strong communication skills, and a genuine passion for life at sea. With experience in both charter and delivery operations, she combines excellent guest service with practical seamanship knowledge, making her a valuable asset to the crew and an attentive presence onboard. Organised, adaptable, and naturally team-oriented, Ioana has hands-on experience with navigation, docking, and mooring, as well as assisting in the preparation and hosting of onboard events, including private parties and weddings. Her enthusiasm for watersports, particularly windsurfing and sailing dinghies, reflects her active and energetic personality and deep connection to the marine environment. Holding a Bachelor's Degree in Administrative Sciences from the University of Bucharest, Ioana complements her hospitality mindset with strong organisational and problem-solving abilities. She is certified with ICC (Power & Sail; Coastal & Inland), STCW, ENG1, GMDSS, and Long Range Certificate qualifications, ensuring professionalism, safety awareness, and confidence in all onboard operations. Fluent in advanced English and passionate about delivering memorable guest experiences, Ioana contributes to the warm, welcoming, and efficient atmosphere that defines life aboard LILLA.