Giuseppe was born in Sicily, where he spent his childhood surrounded by the sea.
From a young age, he developed a passion for sailing and fishing. At 19, Giuseppe graduated from Nautical School with a specialization as a nautical engineer and immediately began pursuing a career in yachting.
During and shortly after high school, Giuseppe gained experience working as a waiter in two restaurants in Palermo. He then spent several months in the UK working at a café to enhance his English skills.
Upon returning to Sicily, Giuseppe secured his first role as a captain in 2005 on a 48-foot Primatist (private owner), where he managed all aspects of the yacht, including cooking. Since then, Giuseppe has consistently worked on yachts, both private and charter, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience. Charter guests greatly appreciate his cooperative nature, cheerful personality, and kindness.
His career progressed with roles on a Ferretti 620 in 2006, a DP 59, and as First Mate on a Ferretti 681 from 2008 to 2009. Giuseppe earned his Nautical License in 2004 and joined the crew of Pampero in 2013, looking forward to his fourteenth season aboard!
In addition to his love for the sea, Giuseppe is highly passionate about engine care and maintenance, which he considers his second calling.
Giuseppe speaks English at a good conversational level.

Giuseppe Vella
Chef
Cristina Gioia was born in 1974 in Palermo, Sicily.
She has always had an innate passion for the sea and everything related to it, which is why she loves her job.
Throughout her career, Cristina has worked multiple times as a stewardess alongside Captain Giuseppe aboard the charter motor yachts GHIBLI, PRESTIGE, and Riva RIVALE. In this role, she was responsible for welcoming guests, tidying and cleaning, catering, and providing table service.
Over the years, Cristina has also taken on several other responsibilities on board, including learning to assist with mooring maneuvers.
Cristina is highly client-oriented and possesses excellent communication skills. Outside of work, she dedicates her time to her family, her husband, and their two teenage children.
She speaks Italian as her first language and has a good knowledge of English.

Cristina Gioia
Stewardess
Giuseppe has always had a deep passion for the yachting industry. After earning his Diploma in Geometry from the IGT Michelangelo in Bagheria, he obtained his Diving Instructor License from Genchi Extreme and, in 2007, his Diver Mateable License from Cedifop, both in Palermo. Over his career, Giuseppe has trained more than 500 students, guiding them to successfully obtain their licenses.
In 2001, Giuseppe founded SEA SIDE, a nautical company specializing in maritime and underwater works as well as nautical services, which he managed until 2007.
That same year, he earned his Nautical License for Charter Yachts from the Palermo Port Authority and began his journey as captain aboard the M/Y GHIBLI for charter operations. He later worked with MAVIRA CHARTER as a captain for various charter yachts. Giuseppe continued his professional career aboard the M/Y PRESTIGE (2011) and the M/Y RIVA RIVALE (2013–2015), which was privately owned. From 2017 to the present, he has been the Captain of Pampero and, together with Giuseppe (employed on Pampero since 2013) and Cristina, he has built an excellent team that is very close-knit, dynamic, and passionate.
Over the years, Giuseppe has gained extensive experience as a captain on both private and charter yachts, cruising across many Mediterranean regions. Known for his professionalism, Giuseppe thrives in collaborative environments and considers teamwork essential to his success. He is widely respected for his seriousness, kindness, and conscientious nature.
Giuseppe is fluent in English, both spoken and written.

Giuseppe Panno
Captain