PENELOPE

Giovanni Rocca

Chef

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.

Helen Paredes

Chief Stewardess

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.

Vanessa Fontana

Second Stewardess

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.

Assunta di Giampietro

Third Stewardess

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.

Luca Marzuillo

Bosun

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.