Our talented Belgian chef found a love for cooking at an early age, helping his mum as she cooked for his large family, he quickly developed an appreciation for the art of cooking. Although he first trained as a service engineer, his passion for food led him to culinary school and a career combining food with his other love—travel.
For the past decade, Sam has worked around the world, drawing inspiration from the diverse flavours and ingredients he encounters. A key moment in his journey came while living with an Italian family, sparking his love for Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in cooking seafood. Living near a forest in Belgium also inspired him to perfect game dishes with help of his hunting neighbours.
Known for being calm and level-headed, Sam thrives in the fast-paced world of yacht charters, creating vibrant, flavourful dishes that combine bold colours, tastes, and aromas. His passion for exploration, personal joie de vivre, and excellent techniques have made him a popular chef on charter yachts for the past 10 years. During the offseason, Sam hones his skills by working in high-end restaurants in the French Alps and Austria, consistently delivering exceptional culinary experiences for his guests
Joined the team September 2023.
Previous charter yachts: S/Y EUGENIA 7, S/Y ARAGON, S/Y CROCODAILE DADDY, S/Y IMAGINE HEAVEN, S/Y STARDUST
“Manifestation is the key to realising your dreams! ”
Sam Kamina Ntenda Musangu
Chef
Captain Miguel joined the DOUCE FRANCE team with extensive global experience, including a full circumnavigation, giving him a well-rounded expertise. Originally starting his career in the advertising industry, working with agencies like Vitrubio/Leo Burnett and Cathedral, Miguel chose to leave this behind in 2002 to pursue his true passion for sailing. In 2008, he graduated from the Atlantic Fishing Nautical School in Vigo, Pontevedra, as a Higher Technician in Navigation, Fishing, and Maritime Transport. He also holds a Master 500GT and Chief Mate 3000GT. Since then, he has built a solid career in the superyacht industry, starting as a boatswain and working his way up through roles on private and busy charter yachts.
Miguel is passionate about sailing and feels privileged to sail the unique DOUCE FRANCE. He is committed to personal and team growth, thriving on challenges and professional development. In particular, he embraces the innovative technologies that are currently pushing the boundaries in recreational sailing.
In his free time, Miguel enjoys windsurfing, surfing, playing the guitar, working on classic yachts and workshop projects, and immersing himself in sci-fi books and movies.
“The only cost of living is life”
Miguel Ramis
Captain
Meet Miklos, our highly skilled deckhand and experienced Scuba instructor. With over 13 years of professional sailing under his belt, Miklos brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. Since 2011, he has built an impressive resume as a professional Scuba instructor and freelance deckhand, taking on roles such as delivery skipper, maritime security officer, and tender driver.
Always eager to grow, Miklos earned his Officer of the Watch (OOW) qualification in 2023 from Glasgow Nautical Science College. He is known for his professionalism and dedication to safety, ensuring that all guests feel secure and well taken care of. Miklos is excited to help you discover the wonders of underwater exploration. In his spare time, you’ll likely find him diving, capturing stunning underwater photography, or enjoying his love for sailing.
Joined the team March 2024
“Do or do not. There is no try” - Yoda, Star Wars
Miklos Csere
Deckhand
With over 20 years of experience in the yachting industry, Thibaut is both competent and highly versatile, able to handle any situation with ease. Before joining the yachting world, Thibaut had a solid background in mechanical engineering. However, his passion for watersports and diving led him to pursue a role on board, and in 2002, he began his journey as a deckhand on a motor yacht.
Since then, Thibaut has steadily worked his way up through the ranks, qualifying as both a First Mate and an Engineer. His extensive experience includes managing busy charter yachts, directing yard work, and overseeing yacht construction projects. Thibaut loves the travel aspect of his career and feels privileged to have worked across the globe, completing 12 Atlantic crossings and a Pacific crossing too!
An advanced Scuba diver, Thibaut can often be found exploring the underwater world when he’s not tinkering with an engine. His wide-ranging skills and passion for the sea ensure he is seen as a real asset on board.
Joined the team 2022
"Hold fast!"
Thibaut Donaque
Engineer
Corey began his yachting career in 2017 as a deckhand on the 55m UMBRA, which took him all around Asia and Australia. This experience solidified his belief that a life at sea was his future. From there, he worked hard to earn his Officer of the Watch qualification. Now, with over seven years of experience sailing across the globe on a variety of vessels—from Antarctic survey ships to busy charter yachts—Corey thrives on the adventure and opportunities that yachting brings.
“A boat is the only place where you can wake up in the morning and say, 'Where am I?’ and it’s not a problem.“
A passionate diver, Corey holds his PADI Dive Master certification and spends his spare time exploring both above and below the waterline. Ambitious and eager to progress within the industry, Corey is fully dedicated to ensuring you have the trip of a lifetime.
Joined the team Summer 2024
Previous yachts: M/Y BAD COMPANY SUPPORT (45m), M/Y HANS HANSON (26m), M/Y FAR FROM IT, M/Y DRIFTWOOD (55m), M/Y ACALA (31m), M/Y UMBRA (55m)
Corey Browne
First Officer
Arnaud started his diving career back in 2012 on the sunny island of Malta. After gathering loads of experience around the Mediterranean, he took things further by moving to the Indian Ocean, where he worked on sailing liveaboards in the Seychelles and at resorts in the Maldives. In December 2018, he joined the Douce France crew and has been a dedicated part of the team ever since. One of his absolute highlights has been diving in Palau—a dream spot for him with some of the most stunning underwater views he’s ever seen.
Arnaud is easygoing, super attentive, and always happy to help guests explore the wonders of the underwater world. He’s also big on the outdoors, with a love for fishing and cycling. His enthusiasm for sharing new experiences makes him a great asset to the team, and he’s always ready to make each guest’s time on board unforgettable.
Joined the team 2018
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way!”
Arnaud Pelloquin
Deckhand
Before beginning his career at sea in 2005, Fernando worked as a high-mountain refuge keeper. Since then, he has gained extensive experience as a sailor, working on a variety of vessels developing his skills and knowledge.
One of his most memorable experiences was sailing the entire Spanish coast, the Mediterranean, and the Atlantic aboard a 25-m oceanographic research vessel that studied and rescued marine animals. Another highlight was his time aboard a security patrol boat escorting oil tankers through the Persian Gulf.
By 2009, Fernando had qualified as an officer and went on to gain valuable experience working with Boluda Towage. Since 2014, he worked for the same owner for over 7 years, as sole engineer onboard his 47m motor yacht. During his off-rotation periods, he broadened his expertise by working on various charter superyachts in both the Adriatic and Florida. His commitment to professional growth has earned him several respected qualifications, including OOW Engineer Unlimited, Chief Engineer (merchant ships
Fernando Yuste
Chief engineer
Diana graduated with a Bachelor of Science in International Travel and Tourism Management and began her career with a travel company. However, her adventurous spirit soon inspired her to explore these exotic destinations firsthand, leading her to train as an airline assistant. In 2019, she embraced a new opportunity in the yachting industry and hasn’t looked back since.
With a naturally positive and bubbly personality, Diana loves meeting new people and her warmth immediately puts others at ease. She also has a passion for music and keeps fit by swimming whenever she can.
Hardworking, reliable, and always with a smile, Diana’s positive energy is sure to brighten any day. Her commitment to excellent service makes her an invaluable part of the crew, dedicated to ensuring every guest enjoys the trip of a lifetime.
Joined team in 2018.
"If you can dream it, you can do it!"
Diana Sarreal
Stewardess
Sergio is a true seafarer, with a yachting career that began in 2008. His professionalism and passion for the sea were quickly recognised, and by 2010, he was already skippering a 72' private yacht. Since then, he has worked on both private and charter yachts, though he has remained loyal to his first love—sailing yachts—steadily working his way up through the ranks and earning a solid reputation along the way.
Sergio’s enthusiasm and strong work ethic make him a valuable asset to the team, and he is highly respected for his dedication and expertise. In his spare time, when he isn’t reading about sailing techniques, he can be found free-diving, snorkelling, and, of course, sailing! With a great sense of fun, he looks forward to welcoming you and your guests on board.
"In union there is strength” – Aesop
Sergio Blaya
CHIEF OFFICER (Rotational)
Emile is our energetic and passionate Captain with a love for adventure, both on and off the water. Starting his sailing journey at a young age in small dinghies, his passion for the sea grew along with the size of the boats he sailed. After a career in the merchant fleet, Emile took on the role of Captain aboard a 90ft classic sailing yacht in 2017, eventually joining DOUCE FRANCE in 2020.
His experience is vast, having logged around 35,000 nautical miles on sailing yachts ranging from 30 to 138 feet, across regions including the North Sea, Gulf of Biscay, Baltic Sea, Mediterranean, South Caribbean islands, French Polynesia, and Seychelles. Emile has also raced as a helmsman in the F16 catamaran class from 2010 to 2021 and spent six years prior to that as a Catamaran Sailing Instructor.
Energetic by nature, Emile never sits still for long and even in down time he will be sailing, windsurfing, skiing, hiking, or playing the drums. He’s a natural team player, known for being honest, discreet, and always in a good mood. Always on the move, making sure everything runs smoothly while keeping the atmosphere light and fun.
Joined the team 2020
“Panta Rhei”
– from the teaching of Heraclitus that “everything flows”
Emile De Moor
Captain