Professional Experience I
Before launching his yachting career in 2004, Joseph Papasodaro served in the U.S. Marines, where he worked with helicopter squadrons, developing the discipline, technical skills, and precision that he brings to every engineering role today.
Since transitioning into the yachting industry, Joseph has built a wealth of experience on a wide range of motor and sailing yachts across the globe. His deep knowledge of onboard systems, combined with his calm, solutions-focused approach, makes him an invaluable asset in maintaining safe and efficient operations at sea.
Flexible, versatile, and known for his great sense of humor, Joseph brings a positive energy to the team. Outside of the engine room, he enjoys playing the ukulele, attending live rock music shows, and embracing the adventure and travel that yachting offers.

Joseph Papasodaro
Chief engineer
Norbert is a highly experienced chef with a long career in luxury hospitality and the yachting industry. Originally from Slovakia, he began his professional journey in fine dining restaurants before moving into the world of superyachts, where he has been working since 2012.
Over the years, Norbert has developed a versatile culinary style focused on fresh, high-quality ingredients and elegant presentation. His experience ranges from Mediterranean and international cuisine to tailored guest menus designed around individual preferences and dietary requirements. having worked on both private and charter yachts, he is well accustomed to the fast-paced and demanding environment of life at sea. In addition to his work in the yachting industry, Norbert has also spent time teaching culinary skills to aspiring chefs, sharing his knowledge and passion for gastronomy. Known for his calm attitude, reliability and attention to details, he takes pride in creating memorable dining experiences for both guests and crew.
In his free time he enjoys music, skiing, reading books and exploring topics related to astrophysics.

Norbert Hegedus
Chef
Professional Experience I
Originally from Kimberley, South Africa, Zandri Swanepoel is an energetic and motivated stewardess entering her second season in the yachting industry. Before beginning her yachting career, she spent two years in the United States working as an au pair, where she developed strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm and organized in fast-paced environments.
Zandri enjoys working in multicultural teams where communication and teamwork are at the heart of daily life on board. Known for her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and supportive nature, she takes pride in creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience for both guests and crew.
Passionate about the outdoors, Zandri loves hiking, sports, and spending time in nature. Dedicated, dependable, and eager to continue growing within the industry, she brings enthusiasm and professionalism to every charter experience.

Zandri Swanepoel
Stewardess
Professional Experience I
Originally from George, South Africa, Ryan developed a passion for the ocean from a young age, beginning his sailing journey during high school. With experience in both racing and coaching, he brings strong seamanship, focus, and a team-oriented approach to life on board.
Now in his third season in the yachting industry, Ryan has already completed an Atlantic crossing, gaining valuable offshore experience and confidence in open-water conditions. Dedicated to safety, smooth operations, and guest enjoyment, he is a dependable and enthusiastic member of the SOPRANO crew.
When not on deck, Ryan continues to enjoy life at sea and is always eager to grow his skills and experience within the industry.

Ryan Hodgson
Deckhand
Jim was born and raised in Manchester, UK. After completing his degree in Marine Biology, he spent the next 10 years under the water conducting research on the reef. He then moved onto scuba diving liveaboards around the Caribbean, before moving back to the Mediterranean. Jim is a big fan of the outdoors and being on or in the water, and is happy to help with anything onboard.

Jim Clark
First Officer
With eighteen years of experience aboard yachts ranging from 30 to 60 meters, Dana-Ioana brings professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail to her role as Chief Stewardess on SOPRANO. Having worked on both private cruises and busy charters, she has cared for guests of all ages and nationalities, always creating a seamless and welcoming atmosphere on board where everyone feels completely at home.
Driven by a lifelong passion for the sea, she combines efficiency with a calm and thoughtful approach to guest service, ensuring every detail is handled discreetly and effortlessly.
Away from yachting, she enjoys painting, cooking, gardening, flower arranging, and reading. Her background in Prano therapy has given her a deep appreciation for natural well-being, while her growing interest in physics reflects her curiosity about the world and nature around us.

Dana-Ioana Blag
Chief steward/ess
Professional Experience I
Heinrich joins SOPRANO as Captain, bringing over two decades of sailing experience, technical expertise, and a passion for exploration. Growing up in the alpine village of Andermatt, Switzerland, he spent winters skiing and summers sailing, developing an early love for the outdoors and the water.
After completing an apprenticeship in Machine Mechanics at the Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works, Heinrich moved to Newport, Rhode Island, where he restored classic wooden yachts at the International Yacht Restoration School and sailed former America’s Cup 12-Meter yachts whenever possible.
Since joining the yachting industry, Heinrich has logged more than a quarter of a million nautical miles aboard sailing yachts, cruising throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Pacific, and the Arctic waters of Greenland. Known for delivering safe, seamless, and memorable experiences on board, he combines professionalism with a genuine passion for adventure.
In his free time, Heinrich enjoys sailing his own boat to remote destinations, competing in classic yacht races, skiing, hiking, swimming, and road cycling.

Heinrich Mueller
Captain
Professional Experience I
Jeff Harding hails from Northumberland, United Kingdom. Joining Her Majesties Royal Navy as a marine engineering artificer apprentice at the age of 19. He studied 3 years at the Royal Naval School of Marine in collaboration with Portsmouth University receiving his degree in Marine Engineering Systems. As Leading Hand he was once again thrust back into action on the Type 23 Frigate HMS Richmond where he remained for 4 years, culminating his training and watchkeeping certification with promotion to Chief Petty Officer.
After a period as engineering instructor, where Jeff trained the new recruits, his services were once again needed at sea, this time as head of propulsion and platform controls on the pride of the Royal Navy’s hydrographic squadron HMS Enterprise, beam him up Scotty for his last 3 years! He then followed his interests into the field of renewable energy, taking a position as Field Engineer for a biogas purification company commissioning new platform technologies at various sites around the UK. After 18 months the call of the ocean wave and adventure was too strong, he joined his first yacht back in January 2018 and has been in the yacht industry ever since.
Recently becoming a father for the first time, he is very proud to be serving the guests and hopes, they will enjoy a pleasant time onboard.

Jeff Harding
Chief engineer