Penelope

Captain: Alessandro Abbate, Italian
Alessandro is a reliable and highly skilled Captain, with many years of experience in the Yachting industry. The sea passion is a family tradition since ever. His passion for the sea is not limited to the career: in his spare time he participated to important international regattas, achieving exemplary results and gaining the podium on several occasions. Always very accurate and professional, with strong "can do" attitudes and remarkable managerial skills, Captain Abbate achieved impressive results with all the charters runnedat the helm of the previous "Penelope".

First Officer: Antonio Tardiola, Italian 
With over 9 years in the yachting industry, Antonio is dedicated to providing exceptional experiences.
His proven expertise combined with a hands-on management style focused on safety and operational efficiency, underscores his commitment to excellence. 
Antonio has a proven track record of longevity in roles and shipyard experience, ensuring compliance with safety protocols while actively engaging in maintenance, tender driving, and water sports.
He holds the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and the Officer of the Watch Unlimited certification. 
His adaptable approach allows him to effectively manage both bridge and deck responsibilities, fostering a positive team environment that enhances crew performance. 
In his spare time, Antonio loves to travel and play sports like soccer, swimming and kite surfing.
Italian mothertongue, he has an intermediate knowledge of English. 

Chief Engineer: Massimo Giacomini, Italian 
Massimo is a Chief Engineer with extensive experience on Voith Schneider, ASD, and conventional tugs operating in the port of Trieste (Italy).
Massimo has participated in several tug deliveries and international assignments. In Tuzla (Turkey) he supervised the delivery of the tug Gladiator and sailed it to Trieste. He also joined the tug Davide in Bremerhaven, Germany, sailing it to Trieste. 
Later, he completed a 40-day assignment in Aqaba, Jordan, with the tug Gladiator, departing from Trieste.
From April 2003 to November 2006, Massimo served as 1st Engineer / Chief Engineer on: Passengers ship ARAXI in Trieste, Tug Mizar in collaboration with MICOPERI 7000 in Mediterranean Sea, Tug ORION in Trieste working for Ministry of the Environment (anti- pollution prevention) and OGS Explora (search ship in Mediterranean Sea)
Italian mothertongue, he has an intermediate level of English. 



Chef :Giovanni Rocca, Italian
Giovanni is a talented, well trained Chef graduated from the Culinary art and professional cookery school in Rome.
He boasts a wide professional experience of over 30 years as Head Chef in the main Rome's restaurants and aboard Navy ships in Italy and abroad. Experienced with bakery and fish Mediterranean cuisine, Giovanni has worked for 8 years as Head Chef at La Rotonda Shilling Restaurant in Rome where he attempted with new recipes, and artistic menus and at the same time he trained and grow new staff members. Giovanni cooks in a wide range of styles, including Asian, Arabic, Vegan and Gluten free cuisine to deliver every guest the culinary experience they desire. Giovanni pays special attention in sourcing the freshest ingredients through his considerable experience.


Chief Stewardess: Helen Paredes, Spanish
Helen is a professional Chief Stewardess with over 6 years of experience aboard private and charter yachts up to 50m. She has extensive expertise in high-pressure charter operations and turnaround management, consistently maintaining a disciplined, well-organized interior and delivering exceptional standards of service.
Recognized for her calm, mature, and discreet approach, Helen demonstrates clear communication skills, effective delegation, and strong follow-through. She is highly experienced in UHNW family service, refined table styling, and silver service, supported by more than 10 years of experience in luxury hospitality and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Operationally, Helen is highly proficient in inventory control, provisioning, and interior administration, and is well accustomed to supporting Captains during demanding schedules, busy charter periods, and refit projects.
Spanish mothertongue, she fluently speaks Italian and English. 


Second Stewardess: Vanessa Fontana, Italian
Vanessa is a highly experienced Crew member with a strong background in luxury charter and private yachts, including catamarans and yachts up to 30+ metres. Known for delivering exceptional guest service, maintaining high interior standards and managing all aspects of housekeeping, service and organisation.
Alongside yachting, she brings extensive leadership, training and communication skills gained as a certified English teacher and Cambridge/ESB examiner. 
Highly organised, adaptable and proactive, Vanessa is 
Italian mothertongue, she has an advanced level of English and a basic level of Deutsch, Spanish, French and Portuguese. 

Third Stewardess: Assunta di Giampietro, Italian 
Assunta is an experienced stewardess with multiple charter seasons, during which she has built solid expertise in interior management, guest service, and the smooth running of daily onboard operations.
She confidently handles housekeeping, laundry, table service, guest assistance, provisioning, and interior maintenance. 
She also has excellent abilities in coordinating and overseeing “behind-the-scenes” tasks, making sure everything runs smoothly during busy charter periods. 
Calm under pressure and dependable, she provides valuable support to the Chief Stewardess and the rest of the crew, even in challenging or high-intensity situations. She looks forward to welcoming guests aboard Penelope with enthusiasm and care.
In her spare time, she loves trekking and cycling.
Italian mothertongue, she has an intermediate knowledge of English and a basic level of Spanish. 


Bosun: Luca Marzuillo, Italian 
Luca is a professional crew member with over 7 years of experience in the Nautical Industry, equipped with solid skills in handling and mooring. 
Born and raised in Massa Lubrense (Naples), Luca is a good connoisseur of Amalfi Coast sailing area. 
Luca is skilled in routine and extraordinary maintenance of marine engines, with technical training and a strong focus on safety regulations. 
Reliable and always committed to ensure safety and quality of navigation, Luca obtained the Italian Recreational Officer license, expanding his professional qualifications in the yachting sector.
Italian mothertongue, he has an advanced level of English. 

Second deckhand- Assistant Engineer: Anaile Rada, Venezuelan

Anaile is an experienced Engineer (EOOW III/1 Unlimited) with a strong background in both commercial vessels and motor & sailing yachts up to 50m. Anaile boasts a proven ability to manage engine room operations, perform preventive and corrective maintenance, and support refit coordination.She recently completed a transatlantic delivery as onboard Engineer, demonstrating adaptability, teamwork, and reliability in demanding offshore conditions.Anaile is detail-oriented, and committed to maintaining high safety and operational standards at all times. Venezuelan mothertongue, she has an advanced level of English and Spanish.