Name: Valentina Cuahonte
Nationality: Mexican
Position: Chief steward/ess
Position details: Chief Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Languages: Spanish, English
Born in Venezuela with Mexican roots, Valentina's career in luxury hospitality spans over 25 years, beginning in private aviation, where she learned that true luxury lies in anticipating needs before they are expressed. She also became a Brand Ambassador representing prestigious wine and spirits brands, refining her knowledge of fine wines, premium beverages and the art of creating memorable guest experiences.
She believes luxury is about making people feel genuinely welcomed, understood and cared for. Every detail matters—from a perfectly timed coffee to an elegant dinner service or a personalised celebration—and she takes pride in creating an atmosphere where guests can truly relax and enjoy every moment on board.
Her goal is simple: for every owner and guest to leave the yacht not only remembering the destination, but remembering how they felt while they were on board. Valentina considers that the true meaning of luxury hospitality.
Name: Daniela Lindberg
Nationality: Finnish
Position: Stewardess
Position details: 2nd Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Languages: Finnish, Swedish, English
Daniela is a dedicated and professional stewardess from Finland whose passion for the ocean and for travel pointed her toward the yachting industry early in 2023. She has experience as a sole stewardess on yachts ranging from 25–35 meters, operating throughout the Mediterranean and Scandinavia. Working independently has allowed her to develop exceptional attention to detail, strong time-management skills, and the ability to perform efficiently while maintaining a positive and professional attitude.
Daniela is a hardworking and positive individual who approaches both guests and crew with professionalism, warmth and a welcoming smile; and she is enthusiastic about working onboard MY TAHI.
She is passionate about fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and in her free time she enjoys Pilates, good coffee, and long walks in nature.
Name: Jonathan Reyburn
Nationality: United Kingdom / South African
Position: First Officer
Position details: Chief Officer
Languages: Not specified
Description: Languages: English, intermediate Spanish
Jonathan grew up in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, and began his yachting career in 2007. Since then, he has built nearly two decades of experience working on a wide variety of yachts while travelling extensively around the world.
Away from work, Jonathan enjoys staying active and spends his free time running, cycling, going to the gym, and exploring the outdoors.
Name: Damien Dulas
Nationality: French
Position: Chef
Position details: Chef
Languages: Not specified
Description: Languages: French, English
A passionate Executive Chef with over 25 years of experience in French haute cuisine, Damien built my career within prestigious establishments before developing his own culinary identity as a private chef and restaurateur.
Trained at the Lycée Hôtelier de Gascogne, he specialised early on in technical excellence, particularly in restaurant desserts and French gastronomic cuisine. His career has taken him through renowned establishments such as Le Pré Catelan, Restaurant Guy Savoy, and La Table des Frères Ibarboure.
Name: Antoine Rochon
Nationality: French
Position: Steward
Position details: Steward / Deckhand
Languages: Not specified
Description: Languages: French, English, (basic) Spanish
Antoine is a motivated and passionate yacht crew member who has worked on vessels ranging from 19m up to 44m and has been working on TAHI since May 1st, 2025. His experience is entirely on motor yachts developing solid experience in deck maintenance, tender driving and maneuvering, and certainly guest service.
He is a confident and a skilled deckhand, with solid experience in deck maintenance, tender driving, maneuvering and guest service. Known for his friendliness, approachability, perpetual smiles, and a strong team spirit.
He has earned several maritime certifications, including CMP, CSS, BACPN, CRO, CFBS, and Medical 1, ensuring that he is fully compliant and prepared for most onboard responsibilities.
Outside of work, Antoine is passionate about fishing and surfing, and water activities that reflect his strong connection to the sea.
Name: Hector Sia Torrilla
Nationality: Filipino
Position: Bosun
Position details: Bosun
Languages: Not specified
Description: Languages: Filipino, English
Hector grew up on an island in the Philippines, fully immersed in the beauty of nature. He embarked on his yachting journey at the age of 19 and continues to relish the excitement of charters aboard yachts... believing that every day offers a new learning opportunity. Throughout his career, he has travelled extensively, with Malta being a favorite destination.
Hector's hobbies include basketball, cooking, and fishing. Always positive and sporting a radiant smile, he is dedicated to making the guest experience onboard MY TAHI as enjoyable as possible.
Name: Pierre Makdessi
Nationality: French
Position: Captain
Position details: Captain
Languages: Not specified
Description: Languages: French, English, Italian, Arabic, and (Basic) Spanish.
With over 20 years of experience navigating the world’s most stunning waters, Captain Pierre Makdessi combines a wealth of knowledge and passion in every charter. As a certified master mariner, private pilot, and commercial diver, Pierre has explored diverse coastlines worldwide, including the Caribbean, East coast of the United States, North Sea, Norway, and the Mediterranean, with particular expertise in regions like Venise, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, France, Spain, Sicily, Sardinia, Malta, and Italy. He is dedicated to ensuring that each journey is both safe and unforgettable.
Pierre holds a degree in Nautical Science and has completed advanced training in maritime safety and navigation. His love for the sea ignited at a young age, guiding him toward a career that melds his expertise with a thirst for adventure.
As a captain, Pierre prioritizes exceptional service, crafting personalized itineraries, and fostering a welcoming atmosphere aboard the yacht. He delights in sharing his extensive knowledge of local cultures, marine life, and hidden gems, ensuring guests experience the very best of each destination.
Outside of his duties, Pierre is an avid sailor who enjoys diving, hiking, fishing, and discovering new culinary delights. His commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism ensures that every charter respects the sea’s beauty and ecosystems.
Join Captain Pierre and his crew for an extraordinary charter experience filled with exploration, relaxation, and cherished memories.
Name: Michel Schevenement
Nationality: French
Position: Chief engineer
Position details: Chief Engineer
Languages: Not specified
Description: Languages: French, English.
Michel has 13 years of onboard engineering experience. He began his maritime career in the Kerguelen Islands, soon promoted to Chief Engineer on a fishing vessel, operating in Western Ireland, Northern Scotland, and the North Sea. For the past four seasons, he has been working in the yachting sector, on yachts ranging from 35 to 44 meters, primarily in the Mediterranean, including Turkey, Greece, Italy (Naples and surrounding areas), and the South of France. In this environment, Michel focuses on technical reliability, preventive maintenance, and operational continuity, all critical to efficient charter operations.
With a strong sense of service and teamwork, he enjoys the charter environment, where high standards, adaptability, and reliability are essential. The combination of professional challenges, travel, and the opportunity to explore unique and remote locations are key parts of his motivation as Chief Engineer of MY TAHI.
Name: Rene Bilan
Nationality: Filipino
Position: Engineer
Position details: Engineer / Deckhand
Languages: Not specified
Description: Languages: Filipino, English
Rene has 11 years’ experience in marine operations and equipment maintenance and a proven track record of ensuring safety, efficiency and compliance in all tasks while managing engine performance and repairs. He earned a Bachelor of Science of Marine Engineering degree with an NG1 Medical Certificate and a valid STCW Certificate.
He began his sea journey in the Philippines at the age of 21 as an apprentice engineer on a General Cargo vessel, 18 months later worked as a motorman on an offshore vessel in international waters. He began his career on motor yachts in 2022 and looks forward to working under Captain Makdessi to increase his skills in yacht maintenance and operation on the 44m Heesen MY TAHI
Valentina Cuahonte — Chief steward/ess (Mexican)
Languages: Spanish, English
Born in Venezuela with Mexican roots, Valentina's career in luxury hospitality spans over 25 years, beginning in private aviation, where she learned that true luxury lies in anticipating needs before they are expressed. She also became a Brand Ambassador representing prestigious wine and spirits brands, refining her knowledge of fine wines, premium beverages and the art of creating memorable guest experiences.
She believes luxury is about making people feel genuinely welcomed, understood and cared for. Every detail matters—from a perfectly timed coffee to an elegant dinner service or a personalised celebration—and she takes pride in creating an atmosphere where guests can truly relax and enjoy every moment on board.
Her goal is simple: for every owner and guest to leave the yacht not only remembering the destination, but remembering how they felt while they were on board. Valentina considers that the true meaning of luxury hospitality.
Daniela Lindberg — Stewardess (Finnish)
Languages: Finnish, Swedish, English
Daniela is a dedicated and professional stewardess from Finland whose passion for the ocean and for travel pointed her toward the yachting industry early in 2023. She has experience as a sole stewardess on yachts ranging from 25–35 meters, operating throughout the Mediterranean and Scandinavia. Working independently has allowed her to develop exceptional attention to detail, strong time-management skills, and the ability to perform efficiently while maintaining a positive and professional attitude.
Daniela is a hardworking and positive individual who approaches both guests and crew with professionalism, warmth and a welcoming smile; and she is enthusiastic about working onboard MY TAHI.
She is passionate about fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and in her free time she enjoys Pilates, good coffee, and long walks in nature.
Jonathan Reyburn — First Officer (United Kingdom / South African)
Languages: English, intermediate Spanish
Jonathan grew up in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, and began his yachting career in 2007. Since then, he has built nearly two decades of experience working on a wide variety of yachts while travelling extensively around the world.
Away from work, Jonathan enjoys staying active and spends his free time running, cycling, going to the gym, and exploring the outdoors.
Damien Dulas — Chef (French)
Languages: French, English
A passionate Executive Chef with over 25 years of experience in French haute cuisine, Damien built my career within prestigious establishments before developing his own culinary identity as a private chef and restaurateur.
Trained at the Lycée Hôtelier de Gascogne, he specialised early on in technical excellence, particularly in restaurant desserts and French gastronomic cuisine. His career has taken him through renowned establishments such as Le Pré Catelan, Restaurant Guy Savoy, and La Table des Frères Ibarboure.
Antoine Rochon — Steward (French)
Languages: French, English, (basic) Spanish
Antoine is a motivated and passionate yacht crew member who has worked on vessels ranging from 19m up to 44m and has been working on TAHI since May 1st, 2025. His experience is entirely on motor yachts developing solid experience in deck maintenance, tender driving and maneuvering, and certainly guest service.
He is a confident and a skilled deckhand, with solid experience in deck maintenance, tender driving, maneuvering and guest service. Known for his friendliness, approachability, perpetual smiles, and a strong team spirit.
He has earned several maritime certifications, including CMP, CSS, BACPN, CRO, CFBS, and Medical 1, ensuring that he is fully compliant and prepared for most onboard responsibilities.
Outside of work, Antoine is passionate about fishing and surfing, and water activities that reflect his strong connection to the sea.
Hector Sia Torrilla — Bosun (Filipino)
Languages: Filipino, English
Hector grew up on an island in the Philippines, fully immersed in the beauty of nature. He embarked on his yachting journey at the age of 19 and continues to relish the excitement of charters aboard yachts... believing that every day offers a new learning opportunity. Throughout his career, he has travelled extensively, with Malta being a favorite destination.
Hector's hobbies include basketball, cooking, and fishing. Always positive and sporting a radiant smile, he is dedicated to making the guest experience onboard MY TAHI as enjoyable as possible.
Pierre Makdessi — Captain (French)
Languages: French, English, Italian, Arabic, and (Basic) Spanish.
With over 20 years of experience navigating the world’s most stunning waters, Captain Pierre Makdessi combines a wealth of knowledge and passion in every charter. As a certified master mariner, private pilot, and commercial diver, Pierre has explored diverse coastlines worldwide, including the Caribbean, East coast of the United States, North Sea, Norway, and the Mediterranean, with particular expertise in regions like Venise, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, France, Spain, Sicily, Sardinia, Malta, and Italy. He is dedicated to ensuring that each journey is both safe and unforgettable.
Pierre holds a degree in Nautical Science and has completed advanced training in maritime safety and navigation. His love for the sea ignited at a young age, guiding him toward a career that melds his expertise with a thirst for adventure.
As a captain, Pierre prioritizes exceptional service, crafting personalized itineraries, and fostering a welcoming atmosphere aboard the yacht. He delights in sharing his extensive knowledge of local cultures, marine life, and hidden gems, ensuring guests experience the very best of each destination.
Outside of his duties, Pierre is an avid sailor who enjoys diving, hiking, fishing, and discovering new culinary delights. His commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism ensures that every charter respects the sea’s beauty and ecosystems.
Join Captain Pierre and his crew for an extraordinary charter experience filled with exploration, relaxation, and cherished memories.
Michel Schevenement — Chief engineer (French)
Languages: French, English.
Michel has 13 years of onboard engineering experience. He began his maritime career in the Kerguelen Islands, soon promoted to Chief Engineer on a fishing vessel, operating in Western Ireland, Northern Scotland, and the North Sea. For the past four seasons, he has been working in the yachting sector, on yachts ranging from 35 to 44 meters, primarily in the Mediterranean, including Turkey, Greece, Italy (Naples and surrounding areas), and the South of France. In this environment, Michel focuses on technical reliability, preventive maintenance, and operational continuity, all critical to efficient charter operations.
With a strong sense of service and teamwork, he enjoys the charter environment, where high standards, adaptability, and reliability are essential. The combination of professional challenges, travel, and the opportunity to explore unique and remote locations are key parts of his motivation as Chief Engineer of MY TAHI.
Rene Bilan — Engineer (Filipino)
Languages: Filipino, English
Rene has 11 years’ experience in marine operations and equipment maintenance and a proven track record of ensuring safety, efficiency and compliance in all tasks while managing engine performance and repairs. He earned a Bachelor of Science of Marine Engineering degree with an NG1 Medical Certificate and a valid STCW Certificate.
He began his sea journey in the Philippines at the age of 21 as an apprentice engineer on a General Cargo vessel, 18 months later worked as a motorman on an offshore vessel in international waters. He began his career on motor yachts in 2022 and looks forward to working under Captain Makdessi to increase his skills in yacht maintenance and operation on the 44m Heesen MY TAHI
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