Our Team

Cem ("Jem") was introduced to the yacht charter industry as a young university graduate with a degree in Business Management (Accounting). Starting as a junior within the Superyacht servicing department of Turkey’s largest yacht charter clearing house, Cem's ability to oversee and manage all aspects of the business were soon recognised and his career accelerated.

“Contact Turkey Yachting & Travel” was founded in 1995 and became "Contact Yachts" on the anniversary of its 20th year. Over the course of his 28-year career, Cem has been closely involved in the development of the Turkish yacht charter industry. Cem is a member of the MYBA and the CYBA, travelling and attending a number of important yacht charter meetings around the world each year.

Kateryna entered the yachting industry in 2010, joining the crew of one of Turkey's most popular luxury charter gulets as a hostess. This amazing experience gifted her many insights into the world of sailing vacations and perhaps more importantly, an understanding of her clients’ needs and expectations from the moment they step aboard.

Kateryna is a native of Ukraine. Since the age of 16, she’s been traveling, living, and working in different parts of the world. She has a BA degree in International Business from an Italian private university and has studied and worked in the U.S. and Germany. Kateryna has worked in the field of journalism, and is a writer, photographer, and traveler.

Kateryna loves working with people and has mastered the art of choosing the best yachts and the places to see for her clients. She is also very responsible where details are concerned, ensuring every cruise runs smoothly, meeting and exceeding her clients’ expectations.

Visit our Blog section for more yacht charter inspiration through tips on where and when to sail; or write us an email with your questions about hiring boats anywhere in the world.

Email: [email protected]

Tim Hakins is our Australian consultant who was born in England, lived for many years in Greece and now resides in Australia. His connection to the sea began in Harwich in Essex, a famous seafaring town where the original Mayflower (the Early Pilgrim’s boat) was built in the 1600s. Tim learnt to sail in the stormy waters off Pembrokeshire and gained his “C” helm on the River Weser in Germany.

Tim sailed almost every day whilst living in Greece for 5 years before settling in Australia.

He has been a lifelong member of the world’s travel industry, running his own travel agency and working as a product manager for a leading Australian Tour company.

On one of his many trips to Turkey, Tim discovered the unique and exciting Gulets, and has passionately promoted them with Contact Yachts ever since.

Please, contact Tim on his mobile for any question regarding planning a gulet charter in Europe: +61 (0) 417 138 847.