Captain: Simon Pandolfi
Italian
22-Feb.1973
Simon has been in the yacht industry since 1997. He has always worked on board charter sailing yachts and during the last five years is has collected an excellent feedback from his guests. He is an Ocean Yacht Master with commercial endorsement and has a degree in marketing and communication. He has been cruising in the Atlantic and has skippered yachts in the Caribbean , Greece, France and Italy. He loves his job and his first target is the client’s satisfaction. A 50% of yearly repeated clients, proves how much he enjoys having guests on board and making them satisfied.
Simon speaks fluently English, Italian and French, having lived for years in the south of France.
Mate: Matteo Petroncelli
Italian
28-Apr.1987
Matteo is the factotum of Orianda. He has been sailing since he was a child, he is a pro in windsurfing and has got an Italian sailing license for up-to 24m yachts. He helps the Captain during all manoeuvres, he is the Tender driver for water-activities and takes care of the yacht during winter together with the Captain. Having served as bar-tender in some important clubs in London as well as in Florence, he has developed a very good attitude to deal with guests on board and people in general. No matter if it’s during the day or at night, he is always available with a friendly smile. He speaks fluently English, Italian, French and a little bit of Spanish
Chef/Stewardess: Vera Aland
Russian
30-Jul.1981
At her third season on board, Vera is the ‘Chef’ of Orianda and with her talent in the galley and her warm smile she plays a key role in the growing success of Orianda as a charter luxury yacht. She has been in the yacht industry since 2003, with an important experience as diver in Sharm el Sheik and having served aboard of yachts like the 41m Alejandra, the M/y Soleni So Blue ext. She loves taking care of children and has had some royal families among her guests. As chef she keeps updating her profile and today she is specialized in Italian cuisine.
Vera speaks a very good Italian, English and, of course, Russian.
Guest Comments on Orianda
Simon, thank you for guiding us safely through the silky waves of Tyrrhenian. Vera, thank you for making our cabins so comfortable and for your smile. And thank you for the most delicious and visually beautiful food I've ever had on a boat! Thank you all. Lulu - Athens
Dear Simon and Vera, grazie di tutto. Il nostro viaggio è stato meraviglioso, delizioso e curatissimo. Ho passato dei giorni indimenticabili a bordo, resi ancora più perfetti dalla cucina prelibata e la sua presentazione. Bravissimi! Stevee – Florida
Dear all, thank you for looking after us so well on board Orianda. With your assistance I had a great week. You are complete professionals but always appearing effortless and relaxed. Simon, your skill in manoeuvring the huge yacht among the others on the start line or into tiny spaces in harbour is very impressive! Thank you and best wishes. Adrian – United Kingdom
Good morning,
I would like to say few words to thank you for what you have done for us. You have always been there when we needed, and always with a smile.
Our holiday was so beautiful and amusing.
A special Thanks to the young crew of Orianda, whose attitude to taking care of us was simply excellent, no matter how extravagant our wishes could possibly be.
Grazie infinitamente a tutti!
Francesca - Italy