Larissa Melo — Masseuse (Brazilian)
Larissa is an experienced and service-driven Spa Therapist with over 10 years of expertise in luxury hospitality, wellness, and yachting environments. She has built a strong international background working with renowned wellness brands, including OneSpaWorld aboard Royal Caribbean International cruise ships, as well as within five-star hotels and private yachts.
Her professional experience includes advanced massage therapies, body treatments, spa setup and operations, retail sales, and delivering exceptional guest service in fast-paced luxury environments. Working at sea has strengthened her resilience, adaptability, professionalism, and ability to consistently perform under pressure while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality.
Passionate about wellness and luxury service, Larissa brings a warm personality, strong work ethic, and dedication to creating memorable guest experiences onboard.
Yuri Orselli — Captain (Italian)
Captain Yuri Orselli has over 20 years of navigation experience, with a strong background developed through military, commercial and yachting sectors. He served 4 years in the Italian Navy on military vessels, followed by merchant shipping experience with Grimaldi Lines, before transitioning into yachting. He has worked extensively on private and charter yachts, cruising throughout the Mediterranean, Atlantic Ocean and North Sea. Yuri is a calm, reliable and well-
organised Captain, with a strong focus on crew management, onboard safety and
smooth yacht operations.
Known for his professional and approachable leadership style, he builds efficient and motivated teams while ensuring guests feel comfortable, safe and well cared for at all times. His priority is to deliver a seamless onboard experience, combining high standards, discretion and full availability to owners and guests.
Additional skills: Crew leadership / Safety management / Charter operations / Passage planning / Guest-focused service
Previous yachts: M/Y AWAYS, M/Y SIMA, M/Y RC
Luca Taraschi — Chief engineer (Italian)
Chief Engineer Luca Taraschi brings over 15 years of professional maritime experience, developed across commercial shipping and large private and charter motor yachts.
He began his career in the commercial maritime sector, working for Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise company, where he gained solid technical foundations, operational discipline and extensive watchkeeping experience on large vessels.
Since April 2025, Luca has been serving as Chief Engineer on M/Y Anjelif, where he is currently employed, ensuring the highest standards of technical reliability, safety, and operational efficiency onboard.
Throughout his career, Luca has worked extensively on charter and private yachts between 40m and 60m+, navigating the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Atlantic and Pacific regions, including long-range and remote-area operations. His background includes significant experience with MTU and Caterpillar engines, as well as shipyard periods, refits, and preventative maintenance programs.
Calm, methodical and highly reliable, Luca is known for his strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach. He works closely with the Captain and crew to guarantee seamless operations, allowing owners and guests to enjoy a smooth, safe and comfortable yachting experience at all times.
His priority is to maintain the yacht at peak performance while operating discreetly in the background, fully aligned with the expectations of high-end charter guests.
Anna Pizzolla — Stewardess (Italian)
Anna Pizzolla is an experienced Second Stewardess with over seven years in the
yachting industry, working on both private and charter yachts from 22m to 44m.
Having grown up on the Italian Riviera, she developed a natural passion for the sea and hospitality, which led her to pursue a career in yachting. Professional, organised and detail-oriented, Anna is known for delivering high standards of guest service and managing busy charter environments with efficiency.
With a positive attitude and strong teamwork skills, she ensures a welcoming atmosphere onboard while maintaining impeccable interior standards for owners and guests.
Gaia Pizzolla — Stewardess (Italian)
Gaia Pizzolla is a motivated and enthusiastic Junior Stewardess with a strong passion for the yachting industry and luxury hospitality. Detail-oriented and eager to learn, she is currently completing her maritime training, including STCW certification, and is keen to begin her career at sea.
With a positive attitude and strong organisational skills, Gaia is committed to maintaining high standards of service, cleanliness, and guest care while supporting the interior team and contributing to a welcoming onboard atmosphere.
Damiano Sclafani — Deckhand (Italian)
Enthusiastic and motivated young deckhand with experience on both private and commercial yachts. Good background in deck operations, mooring procedures, navigation assistance and water toys. Reliable team player with a positive attitude and a strong commitment to safety, cleanliness, and high service standards required in the yachting industry.
Andrea Coli — Chef (Italian)
Andrea is an executive chef with over 40 years of experience in the gastronomic world. Born and raised in Emilia Romagna, the homeland of Italian gastronomy, with a rich culinary heritage, Andrea grew up in his family restaurant and attended a culinary school which allowed Andrea to refine his techniques and learn international cuisine.
Then Andrea honed his skills and developed a distinctive style that harmoniously blends classic flavors and contemporary techniques in various important Michelin-starred restaurants in Costa Smeralda.
Andrea’s commitment to selecting high-quality, local ingredients, which Andrea always tries to choose personally, ensures that every bite is an experience to savor. With an eye for detail and a meticulous approach to presentation, every dish Andrea creates can be enjoyed both by the palate and the eyes. Andrea’s goal is to establish a long-term collaboration, where Andrea can expand his skills and consistently contribute to the success of the team.
Viktor Pryshchak — Engineer (Ukranian)
Viktor is an experienced maritime engineer with over 10 years of progressive experience aboard internationally operated vessels, advancing from 3rd Engineer to 2nd Engineer roles within the passenger and cruise sector. He possesses strong technical expertise in engine room operations, planned maintenance systems, hotel engineering support, and overall vessel machinery management.
Dedicated and technically skilled, Viktor has extensive hands-on experience working in demanding cruise and passenger vessel environments, demonstrating reliability, adaptability, and a strong commitment to safety and operational efficiency. He is highly capable of working within multinational crews and maintaining high engineering standards onboard modern passenger vessels.
Elisa Pes — Chief steward/ess (Italian)
With over 8 years of experience in luxury yachting, Elisa brings a strong background in high-end service, interior management, and guest satisfaction. She is confident working in both private and charter programs, leading interior teams, and consistently maintaining the highest standards. Highly motivated and service oriented, Elisa demonstrates strong attention to detail, adaptability, and strong teamwork skills in high-pressure environments.
Maintaining a professional and positive attitude is very important to Elisa in order to create a welcoming and luxurious atmosphere for guests. Her positivity and clear communication skills have helped strengthen her team’s efficiency and sense of community. Her goal is to achieve the highest level of guest satisfaction while ensuring the well-being of her team.
Antonio Polimeni — First Officer (Italian)
Antonio Polimeni is a Chief Officer with progressive experience on motor and sailing yachts up to 56 meters. He has a strong background in deck and bridge operations, safety management, and crew supervision. He has held positions ranging from Deckhand to Chief Officer on various vessels, gaining solid operational and leadership experience throughout his career.
He holds STCW certifications up to Master 500 GT, as well as Yachtmaster qualifications, and demonstrates a reliable, safety-oriented approach in all onboard operations. In addition, he possesses strong leadership and teamwork skills and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.
He speaks both Italian and English and holds a wide range of additional qualifications, including diving certificate and an unlimited tender driving license.
