CAPTAIN Milla-Emilia Makela & CHEF Elif Tolunay

CAPTAIN
Milla-Emilia Makela

Milla grew up in the coastal regions of Finland, and from the time she was just an infant, her parents had introduced her to the world of sailing. This early exposure turned into a lifelong passion, and as she grew older, she continued to sail with her father on their H-boat.

Professionally, Milla has had a dedication to social work, finding contentment in roles that have allowed her to support individuals of all ages, from toddlers to the elderly. In the past four years, she turned back to her love of the sea, serving as a Captain in the Mediterranean. She approaches life with a strong work ethic, always striving to turn her passions into reality.

Milla is an avid outdoor enthusiast. She loves hiking and skiing. Her passion for the outdoors led also her to study to become a wilderness guide. Her journey from the Finnish coast to the warm waters of the Caribbean reflects her unwavering dedication to sailing and adventure, as well as her undying love for the sea.

CERTIFICATES
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Commercially Endorsed
• STCW Basic Safety Certificate
• VHF SRC Radio Certificate
• FRC First Aid Course EA 2®


CHEF
Elif Tolunay

As a graduation gift for completing her Masters of Law degree in the UK in 2015, Elif's mother gifted her a sailing course. Ever since, and at every opportunity she has sailed, while still practicing law. But she also has another passion, one for cooking and placing smiles on her loved ones faces via her delicious meals.

After practicing law for 12 years, Elif decided to combine these two passions of cooking and sailing and changed professions, becoming a chef with the courage that she gained from her beloved friend Milla, the captain of Apricity.

She completed the Professional Culinary Course at the USLA Academy of Topkapi University, after which, gaining a position at Soho House Istanbul until the beginning of summer 2024. Here she worked with guest and consultant chefs from India and Greece, which she felt built upon her strengths while at the same time expanded her knowledge into the Indian cuisine.

She spent the remainder of the summer cooking on sailboats for family and friends, becoming a guest chef on various charter yachts as well. She has special interest in the combination and Greek and Turkish cuisine and loves cooking with a Mediterranean flair. She is also very fond of cooking with local, fresh ingredients, and trying new recipes that incorporate what she can source locally.

CERTIFICATES
• Fundamental Occupational Health & Safety Training
• STCW Training of 130 hrs
• American Hospitality Academy Accreditation
• Turkish Ministry of National Education "Hygiene Training for Workers in the Food and Water Sector"
• Foundational Knowledge on Fermented Beverages and Tasting Techniques Certificate
• Urban Agriculture Certificate by Ek Bic Ye Ic
• Amateur Skipper Certificate