ZIACANAIA

Name: Alessandro D'Aniello
Nationality: Italian
Position: Captain
Position details: Captain
Languages: Not specified
Description: With over 15 years of experience in the maritime industry, Captain Alessandro has built a solid career progressing from Deck Cadet and Navigation Officer to Master aboard chemical tankers and anti-pollution vessels. His extensive seagoing background has provided him with exceptional operational expertise, leadership skills, and a strong commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

He previously served as Captain of a Rizzardi 63 GR, where he combined professional discipline with a guest-oriented approach, ensuring smooth operations, safe navigation, and a first-class onboard experience.

Serious, determined, and solution-oriented, Captain Alessandro operates with dedication and a strong sense of responsibility, guaranteeing the highest standards of safety during all sea transfers while ensuring full compliance with maritime regulations, certifications, and onboard protocols. His leadership style promotes teamwork, efficient crew coordination, and effective conflict management.

Throughout his career with Marnavi S.p.A. in Naples, he has gained extensive experience in navigation control systems, route planning, vessel stability calculations, emergency management procedures, and crew organization. He is highly skilled in maneuvering operations, including anchoring and mooring, and proficient in the use of nautical charts, meteorological reports, ECDIS systems, radar, ARPA, and GMDSS communications.

Captain Alessandro graduated from the Istituto Tecnico Nautico Nino Bixio with a Maritime Diploma and has completed numerous advanced maritime certifications, including Ship Security Officer (SSO), Medical Care, Bridge Resource Management, Tanker Training for Oil and Chemical Ships, Leadership & Managerial Skills, ECDIS Transas, Advanced Radar & ARPA SAR, GMDSS GOC, and enclosed space entry training.

A native Italian speaker with an upper-intermediate level of English (B2), he brings professionalism, reliability, and extensive maritime knowledge to every charter operation.

Name: Marina Morelli
Nationality: Italian
Position: Chef
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: Marina is a highly experienced and versatile yacht Chef with an impressive background spanning private and charter yachts across the Mediterranean and international waters. With many years of experience working on board yachts ranging from 24 to 42 metres, she is accustomed to the high standards, flexibility and attention to detail required in the luxury yachting environment.

Professional, adaptable and guest-focused, Marina has worked as Chef on a variety of charter and private yachts, catering for both intimate groups and larger parties of up to 12 guests. Her experience includes several consecutive seasons on board charter yachts, demonstrating her reliability, commitment and ability to integrate seamlessly into a professional crew.

Her culinary background is complemented by formal training in Mediterranean cuisine, together with extensive practical experience gained throughout her yachting career. This has allowed her to develop a flexible and approachable cooking style, adapting menus to different guest preferences while making the most of fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Marina's previous roles have also included combined Hostess/Chef positions, giving her a strong understanding of the importance of service and the overall guest experience on board. Her broader maritime background, including experience in the cruise industry and yacht operations, further contributes to her professional and well-rounded approach.

Fluent in English, with a medium knowledge of Spanish and French, Marina is comfortable working within international crews and welcoming guests from different backgrounds. She holds STCW IMO 95 Basic Training and HACCP certification and is available for both seasonal and permanent positions.

Experienced, versatile and service-oriented, Marina brings a mature and professional approach to the galley, together with the flexibility and dedication required to create enjoyable and memorable dining experiences on board.

Name: . .
Nationality: Italian
Position: First Officer
Position details:
Languages: Not specified
Description: CV info will be added soon.

Name: Palmerino Balzano
Nationality: Italian
Position: Chief engineer
Position details: Chief Engineer and winter works supervisor
Languages: Not specified
Description: Palmerino is a highly skilled and dependable Chief Engineer whose professionalism, versatility and positive attitude make him an essential member of the team on board Ziacanaia. Now in his third season with the yacht, he has earned the full trust and confidence of the owners, resulting in his year-round employment to oversee both routine operations and winter maintenance programs.

As Chief Engineer and Winter Works Supervisor, Palmerino plays a key role in ensuring the yacht is maintained to the highest technical standards throughout the year. During the off-season, he carefully manages routine servicing, extraordinary works and technical upgrades, guaranteeing the vessel is always fully prepared for the upcoming season.

Technically accomplished and solutions-driven, Palmerino combines extensive engineering knowledge with hands-on practical ability across multiple disciplines. In addition to his core mechanical expertise, he is particularly experienced with MAN engines and regularly undertakes specialist training with MAN Italia, as well as Caterpillar, Wärtsilä and Cummins, covering both two-stroke and four-stroke engine systems.

His skill set also extends beyond engineering, with strong capabilities in electrical systems, carpentry and general onboard maintenance, making him an invaluable problem solver in any situation. Whether addressing technical challenges or practical day-to-day matters, Palmerino approaches every task with efficiency, calmness and dedication.

Friendly, open-minded and cheerful by nature, he integrates effortlessly with guests and crew alike, helping to create a strong, harmonious and motivated atmosphere on board.

Reliable, knowledgeable and highly respected, Palmerino is a true asset to Zia Canaia and to any yacht seeking an exceptional Chief Engineer.

Name: Jennifer Rada
Nationality: Filipino
Position: Chief steward/ess
Position details: Chief Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Jennifer is a highly experienced and polished Chief Stewardess with over nine years in the yachting and luxury hospitality industry, bringing a strong combination of leadership, discretion and refined guest service to life on board. Based in Italy, she has worked on both private and charter yachts ranging from 35m to 70m, consistently delivering five-star standards in demanding and fast-paced environments.

A natural all-rounder, Jennifer is confident in every aspect of interior management, from housekeeping, laundry and inventory control to formal service, tablescaping and guest relations. She has successfully led interior departments as Chief Stewardess, overseeing daily operations, mentoring junior crew and ensuring seamless service with a calm and professional approach.

Her experience includes senior roles aboard M/Y Atom, M/Y Beluga C and M/Y Splendida, as well as Second Stewardess positions on prestigious yachts such as M/Y Curiosity and M/Y Luce. She is equally comfortable managing owner trips, busy charters and refit periods, always maintaining exceptional standards throughout the vessel.

Jennifer is known for her attention to detail, warm personality and ability to anticipate guest needs while fostering a positive and efficient team atmosphere. Fluent in Filipino, Italian and English, she communicates effortlessly with international owners, guests and crew alike.

Organised, reliable and service-driven, Jennifer is a valuable asset to Ziacanaia seeking an experienced and hands-on Chief Stewardess committed to excellence onboard.

Name: Anna Maria Papastathi
Nationality: Greek
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Second Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Anna Maria is a motivated and service-oriented Stewardess with a strong background in hospitality, guest relations and international customer care. With professional experience in luxury environments across Italy, she brings warmth, composure and professionalism to every guest interaction, making her a valuable addition to any yacht interior team.

Her experience includes front-of-house service at the prestigious Palazzo Maffei Museum in Verona, where she welcomed international visitors and managed guest requests in a refined setting, as well as operational roles at Verona Airport, where she developed excellent organisational skills, calm decision-making and the ability to perform efficiently under pressure.

Anna Maria also gained hands-on hospitality experience in the boutique hotel sector, supporting housekeeping and food & beverage operations while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and seamless service delivery. These experiences have given her a strong eye for detail, adaptability and a naturally proactive mindset.

With a calm and discreet personality, Anna Maria is passionate about creating comfortable and memorable guest experiences. She is eager to continue growing within the yachting industry and brings enthusiasm, reliability and a strong willingness to learn.

Fluent in Greek, Italian and English, with additional knowledge of German and conversational Filipino, she communicates confidently with international guests and multicultural crew members alike.

Professional, personable and highly adaptable, Anna Maria is ready to contribute positively to Ziacanaia onboard team while delivering attentive and polished service.