Maria Rosa Ventimiglia — Stewardess (Italian)
Maria Rosa combines a refined background in Humanities with a strong passion for high-end hospitality. With extensive experience as a hostess on luxury catamarans such as the Lagoon 65 and Lagoon 55, she excels in creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere through impeccable table service and housekeeping. Her professional journey includes coordinating luxury events for the Taobuk Festival and the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, where she honed her discretion and attention to detail. Additionally trained as a barlady, she delights in preparing personalized cocktails for demanding international guests. A creative individual passionate about photography and art, Maria Rosa brings elegance, adaptability, and a polished presence to ensure a memorable charter experience.
Languages spoken: Italian, English, Spanish
Andrea Mennini — Chef (Italian)
Instagram: @personalchefonboard
Andrea is a dedicated culinary professional driven by the goal of creating unforgettable gastronomic experiences for every guest. Specialized in Gluten-Free cuisine, Italian Gelato, and artisanal cheese making, he combines technical expertise with a passion for high-quality raw materials. His impressive career includes tenure as a Chef de Partie alongside Michelin-starred chefs and a significant role as Fleet Executive Chef where he managed menus and show cooking across luxury catamarans. Whether crafting exclusive truffle dishes or fresh mozzarella, Andrea pays close attention to standards and guest desires. He consistently strives to deliver emotional and unique dining journeys that exceed expectations on board.
Languages spoken: English, Italian
Carlos Castillo Díaz — First Officer (Spanish/Venezuelan)
Carlos is a Venezuelan-Spanish mariner whose love of the sea began long before his professional career, and whose path through yachting reflects both a restless curiosity and a genuine commitment to mastering every aspect of life on board. Based in Mallorca and sailing since childhood, he has accumulated a broad and impressive range of experience across private and charter vessels in the Mediterranean and beyond.
His recent postings as First Mate span a compelling variety of programmes, from busy charter seasons aboard Sunreef catamarans cruising the Med, to a transatlantic delivery from Gdansk to Brest, to hands-on engine room work alongside the deck role aboard the 56-metre ketch Melek. Along the way he has run water toy and safety briefings for guests, managed provisioning, and even built and maintained social media content for vessel promotion, a versatility that speaks to his initiative and intelligence.
A PADI Dive Master and qualified surf instructor, Carlos adds real value the moment the anchor drops, turning downtime into memorable experiences for guests both above and below the waterline.
Languages: Spanish (native), Italian, English, French
Michele Castigliego — Captain (Italian)
The sea has been Michele's world since childhood, growing up in Manfredonia alongside a family shipyard where traditional wooden boat building was a way of life. That hands-on foundation shaped a maritime professional who understands vessels from the hull up, a rare quality that sets him apart on any bridge.
Over a career spanning more than fifteen years, Michele has progressed steadily from deck crew to full command, serving aboard vessels including the Peri 32 New Vogue in Monaco, the Tecnomarine 77 Keoma, the Menorca 50m, and most recently as Captain of the Sanlorenzo SL96 SAAM II, covering over 2,500 nautical miles across the Eastern Mediterranean. He also owns and operates his own marina in Manfredonia, reflecting a deep entrepreneurial commitment to the sea.
Calm, dependable, and naturally authoritative, Michele brings leadership and genuine maritime passion to every passage.
Languages spoken: Italian (native), English, French, Spanish
Antons Varfolomejevs — Deckhand (Latvian)
Latvian-born and Italian-raised, Antons brings a refreshingly international perspective to life on the water. With a background spanning hospitality, client relations, and guest services across Italy, he made a natural transition into yachting, combining his people skills and multilingual abilities with a genuine enthusiasm for the sea.
Aboard the S/Y Elena Bali 5.4 out of Salerno proved a confident debut, covering deck maintenance, mooring assistance, tender handling, cabin care, and food and beverage support, demonstrating the versatile, hands-on approach that charter guests and crew alike appreciate.
Beyond the water, years as a head bartender and guest interpreter have sharpened Antons' instinct for anticipating needs, remaining composed under pressure, and delivering warm, attentive service. He is currently completing a degree in International Political Science, reflecting an intellectually curious and forward-thinking character.
Languages spoken: Italian (native), Russian (native), Latvian (native), English, Spanish, French
