Meet the Elite Team Behind Naviga Yachting
At Naviga Yachting, our greatest asset is our people. From managing our own exclusive fleet to tailoring bespoke maritime itineraries, our multidisciplinary team of maritime professionals works tirelessly to deliver flawless 5-star blue voyage experiences.
Here are the dedicated experts ensuring your luxury yacht charter in Bodrum and the Aegean is nothing short of extraordinary:
Mr. Rıza KARAKAYA — Founder & CEO
Age: 47
Experience: 25+ Years
Tenura Naviga Yachting: Since Day 1 (Founded in 2009)
Languages: Turkish (Native), English (Fluent)
Role & Impact:
As the visionary founder of Naviga Yachting, Mr. Karakaya brings a quarter-century of luxury tourism and maritime leadership to the company. Deeply connected to the Bodrum community, Mr. Karakaya has served as the president of the Bodrum Chamber of Maritime Affairs and for many years as the president of Bodrumspor A.Ş. This allows the company to shape the high standards of Turkish yacht tourism. It oversees company strategy, fleet expansions, and high-yield investments in yacht brokerage and coastal real estate.
Mr. Barış ILGIN — Operation Manager
Age: 46
Experience: 17 Years
Tenura Naviga Yachting: 17 Years
Languages: Turkish (Native), English (Fluent)
Role & Impact:
Managing our own fleet requires meticulous technical and logistical precision. Our Operation Manager oversees fleet maintenance, marine safety protocols, and crew coordination. From checking the pristine hygiene standards of the cabins before departure to ensuring flawless synchronization during your cruise, he guarantees that operations run smoothly 24/7.
Mr. Erkan ARI — Charter Manager
Age: 48
Experience: 15 Years
Tenura Naviga Yachting: 1 Year
Languages: Turkish (Native), German (Near-Native), English (Fluent)
Role & Impact:
Our Charter Manager acts as the direct bridge between our elite clients and their dream vacations. Specializing in luxury boat booking and tailored route planning, he manages international partner agency relations and ensures that every guest is matched with the absolute perfect yacht — be it a traditional Turkish gulet, modern motor yacht, or long-range trawler.
Mr. Serhat DAYANC — Account Manager
Age: 40
Experience: 20 Years
Tenure at Naviga Yachting: 7 Years
Languages: Turkish (Native), English
Role & Impact:
With 20 years of professional experience in accounting and finance, Serhat Dayanc oversees the financial and administrative aspects of both B2B and B2C operations at Naviga Yachting. He manages financial transactions, corporate accounts, luxury yacht charter contracts, booking-related payments, invoicing, and financial coordination with a strong focus on accuracy and confidentiality. Acting as a trusted financial and administrative point of contact for clients, agencies, and business partners, he ensures that all billing, payment, insurance, and contractual details are handled efficiently from the initial booking process through to final settlement.
Berrin Aka — Catering & Gastronomy Manager
Age: 43
Experience: 20 Years
Tenure at Naviga Yachting: 8 Years
Languages: Turkish (Native)
Role & Impact:
True maritime luxury is defined by the culinary journey on board. Our Catering Manager oversees all yacht provisioning and premium culinary operations. Beyond her gastronomic leadership, she orchestrates the end-to-end supply chain through our provisioning brand, Dayı Plus. She personally manages incoming client orders, supervises the meticulous preparation of high-end provisions, and directs the seamless logistical delivery directly to the yachts. By guiding our onboard culinary teams and designing bespoke 5-star Mediterranean and Aegean dining experiences based on guest desires, she ensures that Naviga’s premium hospitality standard is flawlessly sustained from the shore to the open sea.
Ali AYDIN — Social Media Content Creator
Age: 34
Experience: 9 Years
Tenure at Naviga Yachting: 4 Years
Languages: Turkish (Native), English (Basic)
Role & Impact:
Our Social Media Specialist is the creative voice that brings the luxury Naviga Yachting experience to life across global digital platforms. Managing all official social media channels, he crafts compelling visual and textual content that showcases our blue cruises, elite yacht fleet, and bespoke services. By analyzing market trends, engaging with our digital community, and producing creative campaigns, he ensures our brand’s 5-star hospitality and maritime legacy resonate perfectly with premium audiences worldwide.
