NO SURRENDER

Eric Stenson: Captain
Nationality: American
Languages: English

Education: Bachelor of Business administration in Business Communications, U.S.C.G. 200 GRT / 500 ICT Master, Near Coastal (Second Issue), STCW 95, Radar Certified, Advanced Fire Fighting, Lifeboatman/fast rescue boat certified

Captain Eric Stenson was raised in a small coastal town in Massachusetts where life moved a little slower. He and his siblings had a childhood full of simple joys – bonfires on the beach, exploring rocky shorelines, biking through quiet streets, fishing from the docks, and developing a lifelong connection and respect for the ocean that shaped a natural transition into the world of yachting.

He brings over four years of charter experience, previously working on boats such as M/Y MIDNIGHT, M/Y ISLAND RUNNER, M/Y MAKING WAVES and M/Y HOYA SAXA (now NO SURRENDER). Currently the Captain of M/Y NO SURRENDER.

Eric’s greatest asset is his reliability and adaptability, consistently bringing a calm, solution-oriented mindset to the team, whether under pressure or during high demand charters. He wants guests to walk away from their charter feeling completely relaxed, cared for, and genuinely amazed. His goal for them is to experience seamless service, personalized attention, and unforgettable moments whether that’s a quiet morning coffee on deck, a beautifully set dinner under the stars, or a day full of watersports and laughter. He and his crew strive to make guests feel like every detail was thoughtfully taken care of, leaving them with lasting memories and a desire to return.

He loves working alongside his wife Meagan, who is the Chief Stewardess. They make a strong team, both personally and professionally, with great communication and mutual respect that helps create a smooth and positive atmosphere on board.

His personal motto is “Stay steady, stay ready”, since things in yachting can change in an instance. He believes in staying calm, prepared and adaptable no matter the situation.

Ceara Lasley: Mate
Nationality: American
Languages: English

Education/Certifications: Bachelor of Science, Human Resources and Art, STCW, ENG 1, VPDSD, Powerboat 2

Ceara was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, but spent much of her childhood in southwest Minnesota, dividing her time between farms and mountainous areas. Raised alongside her mother and brother, and usually accompanied by dogs, Ceara developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Her current canine companion is Boone, an English Labrador. Growing up, she spent countless hours fishing, hiking, and enjoying water sports at the lake. An avid athlete, she played multiple sports and was also a passionate reader.

Ceara attended South Dakota State University, where she majored in Advertising and minored in Graphic Design. During college, she gained valuable experience as a social media content creator for the university’s athletic teams. Alongside her studies, she worked in retail, waitressing, and on farms. Prior to starting her yachting career, Ceara worked as an electrical apprentice.

Having grown up around boats and with a lifelong love for the water, Ceara chose to pursue yachting as a way to combine travel, her passion for being on the water, and the excitement of trying something new. She has worked aboard M/Y AMORE and M/Y ARTHUR’S WAY as a deck/stew. And currently working as a mate onboard M/Y NO SURRENDER. Her strongest assets include a relentless work ethic and an unwavering determination, paired with a natural ability to bring positive energy and laughter to the team.

She strives to ensure that charter guests leave feeling completely relaxed, cared for, and reconnected - with themselves, their surroundings, and their companions. Whether orchestrating a high energy adventure or a tranquil retreat, Ceara focuses on creating a seamless, personalized atmosphere. She takes joy in helping guests feel at ease, savor the moment, and depart with unforgettable memories.

Outside of yachting, Ceara enjoys watching anime, sleeping, fishing, hiking, and reading. She is also skilled at teaching others how to work with electronics and navigate trendy new apps. Her ambition is to continue advancing within the yachting industry and eventually become an engineer. Beyond her career, she dreams of traveling the world.

Her motto is “Become stronger than yesterday.”



Anastasiya Verenich: Chef
Nationality: Belarus/American
Languages: English, Russian

Anastasiya was born and raised in Pinsk, Belarus, where food was always at the center of family gatherings and celebrations. Long before she worked professionally, she was fascinated by the way a meal could bring people together and create memories.

After moving to the United States, she built her culinary career from the ground up through determination, self-education, thousands of hours in kitchens and exploration of international cuisines. Today she brings that same work ethic, creativity, and attention to detail into every charter and private event she cooks.

Before entering yachting, Anastasiya worked in private dining, hospitality, and event catering. She began her yachting career in 2021. Her experience ranges from intimate owner cruises to charters requiring fully customized menus, daily provisioning, dietary accommodations, beach picnics, themed dinners, and elevated multi-course meals.

In addition to her work on board, Anastasiya operates her own private chef and catering business, creating bespoke dining experiences for private clients, luxury events, and special occasions.

Bahamas is one of her favorite charter destinations for its crystal-clear waters and delicious seafood. Outside of yachting she enjoys traveling throughout Europe, where she draws inspiration from local markets, regional cuisines, and traditional cooking techniques. Exploring different cultures and food traditions continually influences her cooking style and creativity onboard.

She doesn’t believe in cooking the same menu twice. Her approach is centered around understanding her guests and creating food that reflects their tastes, the destination, and the overall charter experience. She specializes in Mediterranean, French, Italian, Eastern European, and modern American cuisine, with a strong focus on fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients, and elegant presentation.

Whether she’s preparing a casual beach lunch, fresh-baked sourdough for breakfast, or a multi-course dinner featuring caviar, seafood, and premium meats, her goal is always to create food that guests are excited to come back to every day.

She’s comfortable accommodating all dietary preferences and restrictions and enjoys the creative challenge of making every guest feel included without sacrificing flavor.

When she’s not cooking, you’ll usually find her experimenting with artisan sourdough baking, exploring new cuisines, working out, traveling, or studying culinary trends and techniques.

Her life motto is: “Work hard. Stay humble. Never stop learning.”



Meagan Bilodeau: Chief Stewardess
Nationality: American
Languages: English

Education: B.A. from Salve Regina University in Newport, RI in English communications and pre-law

Born and raised in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Meagan has always had a deep connection to the ocean. During her senior year of high school, a neighbor who managed a local boat company offered her a summer position aboard one of their vessels. This experience not only introduced her to the marine industry but also led to meeting her husband, Captain Eric. Since then, the couple has grown both personally and professionally, working together in yachting while traveling the world.

One of Meagan’s most formative childhood passions was martial arts, through which she earned a black belt. The discipline and confidence gained from this training helped propel her into the world of pageantry. Beginning at age 17, she has competed in the Miss America, Miss USA, and Miss Volunteer America systems, most recently earning the title of Miss Maine Volunteer.

Meagan began her yachting career the same month she graduated from Salve Regina University. Throughout college, she worked extensively in the marine industry, gaining experience aboard commercial vessels, dinner cruises, and ferries throughout Massachusetts. She was previously on two charters M/Y HOYA SAXA (now NO SURRENDER) and M/Y MIDNIGHT, currently working as a chief stewardess onboard M/Y NO SURRENDER.

As Chief Stewardess, she is dedicated to ensuring every guest experiences a true sense of luxury, comfort, and personal connection from the moment they step on board. She accomplishes this through thoughtful service, seamless team coordination, and meticulous attention to the small details that elevate each experience - whether that means customizing a favorite cocktail, organizing a themed dinner, or preparing a stateroom exactly to the guest’s preferences. Attuned to both spoken and unspoken needs, she takes pride in leading an interior team that works effortlessly behind the scenes to make every interaction feel natural and intuitive. Her goal is for guests to feel not only pampered but genuinely at home.

She aims to continue growing within the yachting industry throughout her twenties, building on a strong foundation of skills while embracing the unique travel opportunities the lifestyle offers. She is especially grateful to share this journey with her fiancé, who also serves as the captain on board.

When not working or enhancing her expertise through courses such as WSET and interior design, she can often be found at Disney. An annual pass holder and wedding planner-to-be at the park, Disney remains her happy place.

Beyond yachting and Disney, she holds the title of Mrs. Miami 2025 and will compete for Mrs. Florida America in the coming May. Staying active is a key part of her lifestyle, with Pilates, martial arts, hot yoga, and distance running among her favorite pursuits. Wellness, discipline, and creativity inform her life both on and off the water, and she is always happy to guide guests through yoga flows or martial arts sessions.

Her motto is “You can do both.” She believes that pursuing personal growth alongside professional excellence only strengthens her. Even while working full-time aboard and traveling extensively, she remains committed to following her dreams and pushing beyond her comfort zones. From volunteering to public appearances, she stays active and purpose-driven, taking pride in maintaining a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.


Kennedy Flint: Stewardess
Nationality: American
Languages: English

Education/Certifications: High school diploma, MPT, PYT

Born in California and raised in Greenville, Kennedy grew up enjoying both the ocean and the countryside. Adventurous by nature, she spent her youth exploring waterfalls, cliff jumping, surfing in Hawaii, and traveling with her family. Alongside her love for adventure and thrill seeking, she developed a strong passion for cooking and baking, a creative outlet she continues to nurture today.

Before entering the industry, Kennedy worked in retail and as a nanny, gaining strong communication and multitasking skills. She began her yachting career at the end of August 2025, inspired by her love for travel and the desire to explore the world in a hands-on, meaningful way. Choosing yachting over a traditional college path, she wanted a career that would challenge her, foster growth, and allow her to work as part of a close-knit team.

She is currently serving as a Stewardess aboard M/Y NO SURRENDER on her first charter/private yacht. Known for her positive attitude and adaptability, she takes pride in stepping in wherever needed to support her crew and ensure an exceptional and special guest experience.

Outside of yachting, her favorite destination is Croatia, where her parents were married - a place that holds special meaning for her.

Kennedy hopes to continue developing her skills in yachting and one day become a chef onboard, blending her love for travel with her passion for food. Her ultimate goal is to join her parents in the real estate industry, while maintaining a life filled with adventure.

In her spare time, Kennedy enjoys exploring new places, spending time with family and friends, staying active, reading, and perfecting her recipes.

Her motto is “Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.”



Logan Pendley: Deckhand
Nationality: American
Languages: English

Education/Certifications: High school diploma

Logan grew up in the small farming town of Venus, Texas, just south of Fort Worth, alongside his sister. During his childhood, he was an avid football and baseball player.

Before entering the yachting industry, Logan spent five years working as a commercial electrician. During that time, he gained valuable experience on projects ranging from small businesses to large-scale data centers, developing strong technical skills, attention to detail, and a dependable work ethic.

He started yachting back in October 2025. His lifelong dream was to work by the water and travel, making this job an ideal fit for him. Logan has visited Brazil, Grenada, St. Lucia, and the Bahamas while on charter. However, if he had to choose his favorite place, it would be Staniel Cay - from the stunning blue waters to the nurse sharks swimming around the boat at night, it truly encapsulates the essence of the Bahamas.

His primary objective in the yachting industry is to ascend the ranks and eventually become a Captain, with the ultimate aspiration of running a successful yachting program. He’s also passionate about exploring the brokerage side of the industry.

Logan’s current role on NO SURRENDER is deckhand. He brings people skills and a strong work ethic to ensure that all external needs are met. He wants guests to leave the charter with an amazing experience, not only for themselves but also for their families.

In his free time, Logan enjoys staying active in the gym, discovering new restaurants, and exploring different cuisines. He is a passionate fan of music and football.

His life motto is: “But how could you live and have no story to tell?” - Fjodor Dostojevski