Davor was born in Split and has built a successful career in the industry over the past 20 years. He began his journey working on smaller sailing boats as a Skipper, developing strong seamanship skills and a deep passion for life at sea.
With an educational background from a high nautical school, Davor steadily progressed from operating vessels around 20 meters in length to working on large luxury yachts. His extensive experience in navigation, yacht operations and crew leadership has made him a dedicated and knowledgeable professional within the maritime industry.
Outside of his professional life, Davor enjoys spending time on the water and seeking new adventures. He considers his family to be his greatest life achievement and most valuable experience.
Languages: English, Croatian with basic knowledge of Italian
Captain Alberto Batani brings more than five decades of maritime experience and an extraordinary depth of knowledge across yacht operations, new construction, refits, and owner representation. Born in Acapulco, Mexico, and holding both French and Mexican passports, Alberto has built an exceptional career navigating some of the world’s most renowned cruising grounds, from the Mediterranean and Caribbean to the Pacific and French Polynesia.
Throughout his distinguished career, Alberto has captained a wide range of private and charter yachts, including M/Y Flying Dagger, M/Y Impulsive, M/Y IVANA, and M/Y Bella Rena. His expertise extends far beyond navigation, having successfully overseen multiple major refit projects, vessel acquisitions, new-build programs, and technical upgrades. Most recently, he served as Construction Captain for the 43m M/Y GIOIA, guiding the project from build through launch. Known for his professionalism, integrity, and meticulous attention to detail. When away from the bridge, he enjoys tennis and watersports, reflecting a lifelong passion for the sea and active living.
Previous Yachts: M/Y GIOIA (43m), M/Y Flying Dagger (41m), M/Y Impulsive (37m), M/Y IVANA (32m), M/Y Bella Rena (27m)
Languages: French, Spanish, English, Italian, Tahitian
Sabrina brings over 13 years of refined yachting experience, delivering a seamless blend of elegance, warmth, and precision to life onboard. Born in Tunisia to a German mother and Italian father, and raised with a rich cultural influence, she developed an early love for the sea while sailing with her grandparents. After studying hospitality and management in the south of France, Sabrina built a strong foundation in fine dining and luxury hotels before transitioning into yachting.
Known for her attentive, personalised service, Sabrina takes pride in creating a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere for guests, where every detail is thoughtfully considered. A natural leader, she enjoys mentoring her team and curating beautifully styled interiors that elevate the onboard experience. Highlights of her career include a world circumnavigation aboard M/Y SENSES, reflecting her adventurous spirit and dedication to excellence.
Previous Yachts: M/Y YOGI, M/Y SENSES, M/Y VENI VEDI VICI, M/Y MINA, M/Y FANTASY, M/Y KEEP COOL, M/Y FLYING FOX, M/Y BEL ABRI
Languages: French, English, German
Sabrina Dainotto
Chief steward/ess
Split native Tomislav “Tomi” Kljaković-Šantić was born and raised in the coastal region of Dalmatia, Croatia. Tomi brings over 20 years of experience working across the tourism, maritime, and commercial industries.
With a background in tourism studies and all the necessary naval certifications required for the yachting industry, Tomi has built a strong reputation as a hardworking, knowledgeable, and reliable crew member. His calm nature, professionalism, and polite personality make him a valued presence onboard.
Tomi speaks fluent English and also has a good understanding of both French and Italian. Passionate about the sea and hospitality, he combines extensive practical experience with a positive and approachable attitude toward both guests and crew.
Tomislav “Tomi” Kljaković-Šantić
Bosun
José was born in Culiacán, Sinaloa, and raised in a family deeply connected to the sea, shaping his passion for a maritime career from an early age. He pursued his training at the Nautical School of Tampico, qualifying as a Merchant Marine Officer in Mexico and building a strong foundation in navigation and vessel operations.
His career includes valuable experience on commercial vessels, alongside specialised work in technical documentation and vessel management for maritime companies. This combination of hands-on seamanship and administrative expertise brings a well-rounded, professional approach to his role onboard.
José’s transition into yachting marked a defining moment, reinforcing his passion for the ocean and the unique lifestyle it offers. Known for his discipline, independence, and respect for the sea, he thrives in dynamic environments and diverse international teams. Outside of work, he enjoys travelling, visiting museums, and reading.
Languages: Spanish, English
David is a highly experienced Chief Engineer with a long-standing career at sea, combining technical expertise with a calm, methodical approach to yacht operations. Born in Ciudad Mante, Mexico, David began his maritime journey in the merchant navy and fishing industry in Baja California, building a strong engineering foundation before transitioning into the superyacht sector.
Holding a Chief Engineer Unlimited license, he has worked on an impressive range of yachts from 24m to 63m, including several Benetti builds, where he has consistently ensured the highest standards of safety, reliability, and performance. David takes great pride in maintaining immaculate engine rooms and delivering seamless operations that allow guests to fully relax and enjoy their time onboard.
Known for his dedication and quiet professionalism, David finds his greatest reward in seeing guests experience the ocean at its best. Outside of work, he enjoys nature, photography, and spending time with his family.
Previous Yachts: M/Y LUMIERE, M/Y XILONEN V, M/Y XILONEN, M/Y GIOIA, M/Y TV, M/Y IVANA, M/Y LA RAGAZZA
Languages: Spanish, English, Italian
David Perez Jimenez
Chief engineer
Cape Town native brings 4.5 years of experience in the yachting industry. Throughout her career, Chardonay has worked onboard yachts ranging from 25m to 55m. Before entering yachting, she built a successful career in sales and packaging technology, developing strong communication, organization, and client-relations skills that naturally transitioned into the hospitality industry.
Passionate about life on the water, Chardonay enjoys reading, spending time in the sun and ocean, hiking, snorkeling, and listening to music in her free time. One of her most unforgettable life experiences was skydiving over Cape Town, while her greatest yachting achievement was completing her first Atlantic crossing.
Fluent in both Afrikaans and English, she also enjoys learning new languages and connecting with people from different cultures. Known for her positive energy and outgoing personality, Chardonay’s hidden talent is her ability to identify the year, song title, and artist of most 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s music within seconds.
Chardonay Meadows
Chase Boat Stewardess
Antonio Piza Velo is a highly experienced First Officer whose solid maritime foundation and calm, capable leadership make him an invaluable presence on deck. Born in Veracruz, Mexico, Antonio’s connection to the sea began early and has evolved into a distinguished career spanning both commercial and luxury sectors. Prior to yachting, he served as Master on tourist vessels in Los Cabos and gained valuable offshore experience aboard AHTS vessels, shaping his strong operational mindset.
Holding an Unlimited Master License and a background in Hydrographic Engineering, Antonio brings exceptional navigational expertise and technical knowledge to every voyage. He is known for his composed approach under pressure, efficient problem-solving, and dedication to mentoring junior crew. Passionate about charter, he thrives on delivering seamless guest experiences while leading cohesive, multicultural teams. Whether navigating complex passages or overseeing deck operations, Antonio ensures professionalism and precision at every level.
Previous Yachts: M/Y CABO REY
Languages: Spanish, English, French
Antonio Piza Velo
First Officer
Lizan was born in Pretoria, South Africa, but grew up in a town called Darling. Darling is a very small farm town surrounded by wine vineyards in the Western Cape. Lizan has been in yachting for three years, she packed her bags straight after finishing high school and traveled across the world to pursue her dream of working on the water. Lizan’s passions before yachting were pole vaulting and art, she became a national gold medalist and when she was not on the field she would be found with a paintbrush or pencil in hand creating art. Lizan’s favourite aspect of being a stewardess is detailing, as she finds deep cleaning extremely satisfying.
Lizan has cruised the Mediterranean and Caribbean waters.
Hobbies: Art, Gym, Travelling, Bungee jumping, Paragliding, Canoeing, Zip-Lining, Architecture.
Previous Yachts: MY Lady Victoria 47m, MY Kaiser 60m, MY Optimism 37m
Lizan Engelbrecht
Stewardess
Michele is a highly accomplished Head Chef with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including a decade in the superyacht sector. Having refined his craft in prestigious five-star hotels and restaurants worldwide, he brings a wealth of culinary expertise, creativity, and leadership to every galley. Michele is known for his distinctive Italian-Asian fusion cuisine, combining authentic Mediterranean flavours with refined Eastern influences to create truly memorable dining experiences.
Michele excels in tailoring menus to suit each guest’s preferences, delivering personalised, high-end cuisine with precision and flair. His calm, reliable nature and strong team leadership ensure a seamless galley operation, even in the most demanding charter environments. A career highlight includes his first ocean crossing, reflecting both his adventurous spirit and dedication to life at sea.
Languages: Italian, English, Spanish