THE MERCY BOYS

Captain: Steve Palavs

Steve Palavs – Captain (Australian)
Steve grew up on the northern beaches of Sydney, Australia which was the ideal setting to develop his passion for the water. Every spare moment was spent around the ocean surfing, fishing and sailing. From a young age Steve competitively surfed as well as raced sailing dinghies before progressing onto larger racing yachts. After completing a degree in environmental science, his love for the ocean and his desire to see the world got the better of him and he set sail on a 50ft sailing yacht out of Sydney harbour to embark on a trip around the world and hasn’t looked back. The hands-on experience and knowledge he gained from this was invaluable towards his yachting career and has now been a captain in the super yacht industry for over 20 years. During his career as a Superyacht captain, Steve has extensively cruised around the Mediterranean and other exotic places around the world. This has made him an excellent captain who knows how to ensure that his guests have a safe and memorable experience.

Gareth Knight – Chief Officer (British)
Gareth is an avid sailor and has experience in sailing from the rugged coast of the western isles of Scotland where he battled freezing winds and ripping currents to the sun filled turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. With his love of being on the water and a water sports enthusiast, Gareth loves to paddle board and free dive when he has the opportunity. Not one to shy away from adventure and being a big fan of white water rafting he once had a baptism of fire going down the Zambezi river and capsizing in the crocodile infested water. When Gareth isn’t on the water you will find him out on his motorbike at his local track. Whilst riding around his dreams of being Valentino Rossi is quickly brought back down to earth as he is overtaken by someone with their learner plates still attached.


Flemming Foresen – Chief Engineer (Danish)
Flemming is from the beautiful country of Norway. He grew up around the cold waters of the North Sea where he became fascinated with the huge commercial ships transiting in and out of his local port. It seemed a natural progression for him to begin a career on these ships he was so familiar with and so began his path to becoming a chief engineer. After many years working on large commercial vessels, Flemming decided to join the super yacht industry and has thrived with the life style and challenges that it presents. He is more than happy to share his extensive engineering knowledge with those who show an interest in mechanics. Flemming is fluent in Danish and English and familiar with German, Polish, Swedish and Norwegian. He prides himself on his BBQ skills which he has proven time and time again on beach expeditions.



Alex Richardson – 2nd Engineer (British)
Growing up Alex would be captivated by stories from his father repairing and maintaining engines and machines in the RAF in which he was an engineering officer. These stories of fixing and tinkering gave Alex his first interest in all things mechanical. Growing up on the south coast of England, Alex was naturally drawn to the water and would often be seen heading off to the beach with a surfboard in his hand. This desire to be on the water led him to start a career with the RNLI. After completing a 4 yr apprenticeship with them, Alex decided to move to sunnier climates and join the super yacht industry to pursue his love of being on the water, boats and engineering. A keen rugby player Alex has travelled near and far to represent his team on several tours around the world and is more than keen to have a game of tip rugby on the beach when he can talk someone into it.


Richard Townson- Deckhand (British)
Richard is a keen outdoor adventurist whether it be exploring the coast of his home town Ibiza, scuba diving along coral reefs investigating historic wrecks, dinghy sailing in the cold waters in Northern England or hiking through the mountains. Richard is a more than competent tender driver, this coupled with his interest and vast knowledge of history makes him the perfect guide for day trips around the coast line. Richard is also into all water sports so is more than willing to assist in taking guests for a ‘skurf’ behind the tender or a sail in the dinghy that is onboard. Richard is fluent in English and Spanish and has intermediate knowledge of French and Filipino.



Angel Sillero – Deckhand (Spanish)
Angel was born and bred in the buzzing cultural city of Barcelona. Growing up close to the Mediterranean Sea, Angel enjoyed his childhood vacations island hoping around the beautiful Balearic Islands, sailing, swimming and exploring all the Mediterranean has to offer. It is no wonder Angel has been drawn to the superyacht industry and is an avid world traveller. Fluent in English, Spanish and Catalan, Angel is on hand to translate and help whenever needed. His passion for travel and love of the sea has inspired Angel to travel to the exotic lands of South East Asia over a span of 12 months, where he completed his advanced open water diving certificate. A competent tender driver, diver and water sports enthusiast, he is confident in the water, whether it is in the tender taking guests for a fun water ski or a tour around the bay.

Joe Sawers – Deckhand (British)
Joe grew up on a farm but has a love of the sea after spending many a holiday there as a child skim boarding, kayaking, paddle boarding, body boarding and surfing. With these fond memories Joe decided to follow his dream and join the Superyacht industry. He loves to be active and spend time on the water fishing, swimming and free diving for shellfish. He is a keen photographer and a licensed drone pilot. Fun fact - For those who are interested in wine, Joe has a back ground in the growing and harvesting of various types of grapes to produce sparkling wines, pinot noir, pinot meunière and chardonnay.



Martin Bugeja - Head Chef

Martin was born on the island of Malta in the Southern Mediterranean Sea. He is passionate about traveling and embedding himself in new cultures and has been to many countries, having traveled the world twice. Martin was raised from an early age in a catering environment and went on to study hotel management in the Isle of Man. After successfully graduating, he went on to work in some of London’s finest hotels and restaurants developing his unique cooking style and flair. After a fair stint in London, he explored new opportunities as far afield as Australia and the French Alps working in ski resorts. Martin eventually made the brave transition into the yachting industry where he landed himself on yachts on the Caribbean, gaining influences from the local islanders and southern cooking styles. Martin’s hobbies include diving, fishing and trekking having recently completed a trip to Nepal where he took on the slopes of the Himalayas. Martin specialises in fusion cuisine with predominant influences from the Mediterranean and Asia. He prides himself on sourcing the freshest and finest local ingredients to ensure his guests are served dishes of the most exquisite quality.

Michael Morris - Chief Steward

Michael was born in Cape Town, South Africa, where from a young age spent his days in the African wilderness and coastal areas of the country. He developed a love of the sea and begun surfing at a young age often going on extended road trips in search of the most perfect waves. Michael studied a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing before trying his hand in the world of emergency services and ambulance care. He later discovered an unavoidable inner calling to travel the world and landed a job as a Contiki Tour Manager in the Greek Islands and Turkey. The job enabled him to meet people from all over the world, taking them on holidays of a lifetime and sharing his knowledge and passion with them. Michael made the transition into the yachting industry in 2016 and has never looked back since. He brings over 13 years of hospitality experience to The Mercy Boys Team and prides himself on upholding the highest standards of guest care and hospitality onboard the yacht. He will be there to ensure you have a pleasant and relaxing stay onboard while working closely with the executive chef and interior team to ensure you a leisurely experience onboard The Mercy Boys Yacht.

Kathy Mayola – 2nd Stewardess (Filipino)
Kathy originates from the exotic islands of the Philippines. She is a superb 2nd stewardess who is an integral part of the interior team. Being part of M/Y The Mercy Boys crew since 2014, Kathy is known for her excellent attention to detail and this is only matched by her ability to deliver to you an exceptional and memorable stay on board. Kathy’s knowledge of housekeeping and service is second to none. She is fluent in English, Filipino and French. When the opportunity arises, Kathy is known to occasionally grab the mic and surprise us all with her karaoke skills. Definitely not to be missed!




Jhaira Canosa – 3rd Stewardess (Filipino)
Jharia is originally from the bustling capital city of Manila in the Philippines. She has travelled the world enjoying multiple adventures along the way. With a love of the sea, she found herself drawn to the Superyacht industry. Jharia is well known for her warming smile and positive attitude, making guests feel welcome as soon as they step onboard. Her housekeeping skills are second to none and no request is ever too much and is performed to the highest of standards. Jhaira is fluent in English, Filipino and intermediate in Italian.