Chef Geno Accetta was born and raised in South Philadelphia, USA, in a close-knit family of restaurateurs. Growing up in a community where sharing great meals with family, friends, and clients was second nature, Geno developed a deep passion for food from a young age. He honed his culinary skills working in various restaurants across Colorado for over 17 years before realizing that his true calling lay in a unique and intimate setting—aboard Shalmar Yacht Charters. Sailing provided the perfect venue for Geno to share his culinary talents, allowing him to tailor each charter menu to the specific preferences of the guests aboard. Geno is passionate about experimenting with dishes from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Italian, French, Spanish, German, Caribbean, and Greek cuisines, though he considers Mediterranean food his personal favorite. He prides himself on sourcing the freshest seafood, spices, and ingredients, always adding a local twist to his creations. Known for his creativity and warm, friendly demeanor, Geno earned a reputation for hosting memorable "theme nights" at various restaurants—like "Flamenco Night" featuring a flamenco guitarist, dancers, tapas, and sangria, or "Gangster Night," where the menu and costumes were inspired by iconic gangster movies. Geno is eager to bring these fun, personalized experiences to his guests aboard Shalmar Yacht Charters and is always open to new ideas for theme nights. In addition to his culinary expertise, Geno holds a PhD in Psychology and has dedicated much of his career to helping children and young adults. Having spent many years in Colorado, he also enjoys the great outdoors and has a deep love for travel, meeting new people, and music of all genres.
Geno Accetta
Chef
First Mate Brandon Saintsing was born and raised in Baltimore Maryland. Brandon started boating when he was 7 years old and in 2013 he obtained his Captain's License and moved from MD to Fort Lauderdale. He has been in the Yachting Industry since 2016. Boating is his hobby and in his free time you can find him roaming the waters of Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach on his boat.
Brandon Saintsing
First Officer
Devon comes from the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland and has hands-on experience in both deck and stewardessing roles aboard various luxury yachts. With a solid foundation in vessel maintenance and customer service, Devon brings a well-rounded skill set to the team. A quick learner and committed to delivering excellent service, Devon is always eager to take on new challenges. Whether performing detailed maintenance or assisting with guest needs, Devon strives to uphold the highest standards in all aspects of yacht operations.
Devon Clark
Stewardess
Captain Karl Olson a Northern California native has spent the last 28 years working aboard yachts from the Pacific Northwest to the Mediterranean Sea. He has spent the last 14 years as a charter captain in Florida and the Bahamas honing his expertise in these beautiful waters. He enjoys guiding his guests to fabulous experiences, creating amazing memories for them. He is an avid diver, and enjoys just about every activity one can do both on and below the surface of the sea.
Karl Olson
Captain
Born and raised in Florida, Jocelyn has always had a love for sunshine, hospitality, and the sea. With a strong background in guest service and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, she has taken her skills to the water as a dedicated yacht stewardess. From ensuring every detail is perfect to making guests feel right at home, Jocelyn thrives on bringing a touch of warmth and professionalism to life on board.
Jocelyn Smith
Chief steward/ess