Free At Last

Sail and Work Experience

Fabio has over 35 years of experience in the yachting industry, having sailed more than 290,000 nautical miles across the Mediterranean, Atlantic, Caribbean, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. He has commanded and managed numerous prestigious sailing yachts from 50’ to 90’, including Roma, Apsaras, Mindfulness, Namaste II, and Carbonita. His expertise spans yacht commissioning, refits, and global deliveries, with a strong background in rigging, composite materials, and project management. Fabio has also achieved remarkable racing results in renowned regattas such as the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, and the ARC Transatlantic Rally.

Job description

Fabio is responsible for navigation, safety, the overall running and financial management of the vessel, crew, and guests. He always ensures the safe and efficient operation of the yacht, including compliance with all safety procedures and regulations. He takes care of adhering to flag regulations, port state and local laws and regulations, and manages the crew to ensure adherence to, and a full understanding of, the vessel’s policies. He provides daily leadership for the crew and encourages teamwork, individual growth, and personal attention by delegating duties and supervising all crew tasks.

Licenses and Qualifications

• Italian Yacht Captain Licence Number 10151

• Italian Licence for VHF and SSB transmissions Number 831/FI/91

• Certificate of competence RYA/MCA YACHTMASTER OFFSHORE COMMERCIAL Number 32762

• Maritime Radio Operator Certificate of competence SHORT RANGE CERTIFICATE Number 646204

• MCA SCTW code A-VI/1 Para 2.1

• Certificate of competence ISAF approved number 104/2015 ISAF OFFSHORE REGULATION sez 6.01 cat. 1 e 2 tess FIV Number 680992

Sail and Work Experience

John Backus has over 12 years of experience in the yachting industry, combining solid captaincy with a strong engineering background. He has logged more than 9,500 nautical miles across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, North and South Atlantic, and Indian Ocean. Having previously worked as a maritime engineer, he brings a valuable technical understanding of vessel systems, safety and maintenance to his role as Captain. He has skippered both sailing and motor yachts, including serving as Captain on the 32m Sanlorenzo M/Y XWAVE in the Mediterranean and S/Y Millie of Bristol in Palma. Adaptable, reliable and proactive, he is known for his calm leadership, hands-on approach and commitment to delivering safe, smooth and well-run operations at sea.

Job Description

John supports the captain in the operation and navigation of the yacht, overseeing deck operations, safety procedures, and maintenance tasks. He coordinates sailing manoeuvres, leads the deck crew, and ensures all systems are operating efficiently. With strong communication skills and practical knowledge, he plays a vital role in the smooth and safe functioning of the vessel.

Licenses and Qualifications

• STCW 95 – 2013

• STCW 2010 – 2020, 2025

• ENG1 – April 2024 to April 2026

• AEC – 2013

• RYA PB2 – 2020

• RYA Competent Crew – 2020

• RYA Day Skipper Sail – 2020

• RYA YM Offshore Sail – 2024 commercial & STCW endorsed for up to 200 gross tons.

• RYA YM Oceans Theory – 2020

Sail and Work Experience

Azizah has worked on vessels including SOLARWAVE, BRAVO, CAFFEINE, LEVANTE, ETANA, ESCAPADE, and LOTUS, taking on roles such as deck crew, mate, chief officer (temporary), and engineering support. Her experience includes owner cruises, deliveries, refits, and yard periods across the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean.

Job Description

Azizah supports the day-to-day running of the yacht across both interior and deck operations. Her responsibilities include housekeeping, service, guest care, laundry, and maintaining high interior standards, while also assisting with deck duties such as mooring, watchkeeping, tender handling, and general maintenance when required.

Licences and Qualifications

• MCA / RYA Yachtmaster Ocean CoC Sail and Power with Commercial Endorsement

• MCA / RYA Yachtmaster Offshore CoC Sail and Power with Commercial Endorsement

• GMDSS General Operator Certificate

• HELM (Operational Level) – MCA Approved

• Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) – MCA UK

• Accredited Engine Course 1 & 2 (AEC 1 & 2) MCA UK

• Radar Operator Certificate (RYA)

• Maritime Radio Operator / Short Range Certificate RYA/MCA

• Designated Security Duties – Marine Department of Malaysia

• STCW Basic Safety Training

• STCW Basic Safety Training Refresher

• PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor & Master Scuba Diver Trainer

• SDI/TDI Open Water Scuba Diver Instructor

• PADI Divemaster

• NAUI Divemaster

Sail and Work Experience

Antonella Demuru is an experienced Hostess and Chef with over 15 years working aboard luxury sailing yachts, both private and charter, having logged more than 100,000 nautical miles across the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Caribbean seas. Known for her professionalism and warm hospitality, she has served on prestigious yachts such as Namasté II, Carbonita, Mindfulness, and Roma. Combining culinary expertise with exceptional guest service, Antonella ensures a refined onboard experience. In addition to her yachting career, she managed multiple holiday properties in Florence, demonstrating strong organizational and management skills.

Job Description

Antonella is responsible for provisioning, menu planning, and preparing meals for guests and crew. She focuses on delivering high-quality cuisine tailored to guest preferences, dietary needs, and seasonal availability. She ensures the galley is efficiently run, maintains hygiene standards, and collaborates closely with other crew members to align culinary service with the yacht’s hospitality experience.

Licenses and Qualifications

• Italian Yacht Captain Mocence

• Italian Licence for VHF

• International Licence Harbour Master

• STCW 95 Basic Safety Training

• ENG1 Medical Certificate