Previous Yachts: M/Y MYSTIQUE (47m), M/Y PHOENIX 2 (90m), M/Y STARFIRE (73m)
Interests: Sailing, watersports, drone piloting
Originating from the United States, Nicholas commenced his yachting career in 2022 and secured his Yacht Master Offshore in 2023. He has since excelled in his yachting career, with experience on high-profile vessels ranging between 47m and 90m.
Whether it's on the deck, in the bridge, or in the bilge, Nicholas is dedicated to getting the job done well, and the job done safely. In addition to his technical knowledge, he also strives to be a personable and reliable member to his team and lead by example.
Nicholas is well versed in safe watchkeeping, large tender driving, heavy charter itineraries, and prestigious guests, so charter guests are in the safest of hands!

Nicholas Gibson
First Officer
Previous Yachts: M/Y SAFE HAVEN (37.5m), M/Y ABVIOS (36.9m), M/Y ALEGRIA (44m), M/Y OMG (32m)
Interests/Languages: Flying airplanes, motocross, playing guitar, outdoor activities, running, hiking, Spanish (native), English (fluent), Italian (advanced)
Andres Smith, hailing from Venezuela, personifies a blend of technical aptitude and an intrepid soul. With a degree in mechanical engineering, he embarked on a multifaceted journey that ultimately led him to the helm aboard superyachts, complementing his skills as an airplane pilot. Andres's profound love for nature propels him to explore new corners of the globe, igniting his passion for yachting to connect with the world's wonders.
Whether he's soaring through the skies, navigating rugged terrains, or delving into the depths of the ocean, Andres thrives on the thrill of adventure and the beauty of the natural world.

Andres Smith
Captain
Previous Yachts: M/Y STAR SHIP 143 (43m), M/Y ISLAND COWBOY (38m), M/Y FREEDOM (32m)
Interests: Farming, cooking, travelling
Born and raised in southern Italy, Sabina grew up in a family where cooking was a way of life. Food meant growing their own vegetables, fruits and herbs, raising animals, and gathering in a kitchen that was always alive with conversation. From an early age, Sabina learned to respect ingredients, seasonality, and the connection between land and table – values passed down by her grandmother in the kitchen and by her grandfather who was a pioneer in organic farming.
At the early age of 14, Sabina decided to pursue a culinary career enrolling at Accademia Italiana Chef in Bologna. Believing great cooking is inseparable from great service, Sabina also expanded her training beyond the kitchen to gain complete understanding of the hospitality industry.
Since then, Sabina’s career has included diverse culinary projects including pop-up kitchens, private events and dinners, production teams, large-scale festivals such as Burning Man. Her work has taken her to Spain, Germany, Canada and the United States.

Emilia Sabina Stefanelli
Chef
Previous Yachts: M/Y NIGHT HOWL (50m), M/Y UNWINED (34m), M/Y DRAGONFLY (32m)
Interests/Languages: Yoga, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, roller skating, English (native), Spanish (basic)
Susan’s hometown is Fayetteville, North Carolina in the United States, and she began to expand her horizons by pursuing a career in yachting in 2024. She is motivated and passionate about continuing to excel in her career, and with her expertise in restaurants, service, and eye for detail, she is confident in providing the best service to guests on board.
Describing herself as positive and hardworking, Susan holds extensive experience in yachting already from her time working as a sole deckhand and stewardess; adding docking and undocking, teak maintenance, provisioning, cooking, hospital and nursing aid including phlebotomy, service, bartending, and tender driving to her many skills - she definitely knows her way around a yacht and will be on hand for every need.

Susan Johnson
Stewardess
Previous Yachts: M/Y VICTORIA DEL MAR (50m), M/Y ALEGRIA (44m), M/Y ABVIOS (36.9m), M/Y SAFE HAVEN (37.2m)
Interests/Languages: Yoga, reading, traveling, outdoor activities, running & hiking, Spanish (native), English (fluent) Italian (advanced)
Melissa's roots in Mexico City seeded her profound love for the sea, nature, and wildlife. Driven by an insatiable curiosity for exploration, she ventured across continents, immersing herself in diverse cultures from Canada to Italy, New Zealand to Australia. These journeys have sculpted Melissa into a cultural connoisseur, fostering adaptability and excellence in service provision wherever her travels lead.
Her warmth and genuine hospitality, coupled with her meticulous attention to detail, guarantee guests an unforgettable experience marked by unparalleled service and uncompromising standards. Melissa's mission is to leave every guest with memories as vibrant as her welcoming smile.

Melissa Rodriguez
Chief steward/ess
Previous Yachts: M/Y BABAS (56m), M/Y FAR NIENTE (33m), M/Y SAFE HAVEN (37.3m)
Interests/Languages: Learning different cultures, running, hiking, outdoor activities, Spanish (native), English (fluent)
Hailing from a quaint Mexican town prominent for its maritime industrial prowess, Marco was inspired to pursue studies at a maritime academy. With nine years of experience in this sector, he has served aboard commercial vessels and expansive cruise ships, delighting guests with his infectious sense of humour.
Marco's buoyant spirit and perpetual grin infuse every corner of the boat, fostering a positive atmosphere for all. An avid enthusiast of physical activity, he enjoys long walks, hiking adventures, and regular workouts, alongside indulging in various water sports.

Marco Tostado
Chief engineer
Previous Yachts: M/Y NEXT CHAPTER (55m), M/Y SAFE HAVEN (37m), M/Y BEAUPORT (48m)
Interests/Languages: Fishing, photography, outdoor activities, Spanish (native), English (advanced)
Currently residing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Arturo previously studied as an Engineer Officer at the Merchant Marine Academy in Mexico.
With a history on motor vessels as a junior engineer, Arturo stepped on his first superyacht in 2022 as a deck engineer and has never looked back, feeling passionate to follow a career in the yachting industry.
His organisational skills, hardworking attitude and leadership skills make Arturo a valuable team member, and his reliability and enthusiastic personality ensures a warm welcome to guests on board VESPER.

Arturo Mendez
Chief engineer
Previous Yachts: M/Y MIRA TWO (33.5m), M/Y SAFE HAVEN (37.3m)
Interests/Interests: Hiking, aviation, tennis, cooking, travelling, Spanish (native), English (fluent)
Born in the vibrant heart of Mexico City, Angel has always had a thirst for adventure. From scaling Mexico’s majestic mountain peaks to exploring its lush forests and coastlines, Angel’s journey has been shaped by a love for the great outdoors. Each summit he has reached has reinforced his belief that with determination and resilience, we can achieve anything we want.
Beyond his passion for exploration, Angel is an avid racket sports enthusiast. This balance between adventure and athleticism defines Angel’s dynamic spirit, making him a cherished member of the VESPER team.

Angel Rodriguez
Deckhand