Mattea

Name: Julien Braconnier

Position: Captain
Nationality: French
Languages: English, French

Julien’s lifelong bond with the sea began in the sheltered coves and bustling harbors of his home, where he first set sail as a young fisherman. The call of the ocean shaped his early years, instilling resilience, adaptability, and a deep respect for the beauty of the ocean.

Though his journey briefly diverged into the world of technology and renewable energy — reflecting his curiosity and drive to innovate — Julien’s heart remained tethered to the sea. Returning to maritime life, he honed his skills through advanced training in safety, anti-piracy, and modern navigation, earning him a Master 500GT and a prestigious role at the Yacht Club de Monaco. There, Julien captained legendary yachts, from classic vessels like Tuiga to cutting-edge motor yachts, before taking on global charters and transoceanic voyages over the course of a distinguished career.

Passionate and endlessly curious, Julien brings a wealth of expertise and an unwavering commitment to the vision of Mattea, uniting sustainability, technology, and elegance. Whether guiding guests through pristine snorkeling spots or navigating uncharted horizons, he ensures every voyage is not only unforgettable but also a step toward a more harmonious relationship with our oceans.

Name: Mathieu Bronner

Position: First Mate
Nationality: French
Languages: English, French

Mathieu is a highly experienced maritime professional with a background spanning commercial yachting, passenger transport, offshore sailing, and emergency services. With years of experience on both sailing and power yachts, including long-distance deliveries and large sailing yachts, he brings strong leadership, operational confidence, and sound decision-making to every role on board.

Alongside his yachting career, Mathieu is a certified maritime and first-aid instructor, training both professionals and the public in safety, navigation, and emergency response. His long-standing service as a firefighter has shaped his calm approach under pressure, team management skills, and unwavering focus on safety. Passionate about the sea, discreet by nature, and deeply committed to professionalism, Mathieu combines technical expertise with a reliable and reassuring presence that supports both crew cohesion and guest confidence.

Name: Mihail Velkov

Position: Executive Chef
Nationality: Bulgarian
Languages: Bulgarian, English, German

Mihail is an accomplished executive chef, culinary consultant, and entrepreneur with an international background spanning Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hospitality, private yacht dining, and exclusive private clientele. Having worked across Europe and internationally, he combines refined culinary expertise with a deep understanding of luxury guest experiences, menu innovation, and operational excellence.

Throughout his career, Mihail has held leadership roles in prestigious restaurants, five-star hotels, and luxury yachts, developing a reputation for creating exceptional dining concepts tailored to diverse and discerning audiences. As the founder of MAZE Pop-Up and Co-Founder of Chefndoc, he has successfully merged culinary creativity with entrepreneurship, developing innovative dining experiences and nutrition-focused hospitality solutions.

His experience ranges from Michelin-starred fine dining kitchens in Switzerland to bespoke private dining experiences for high-profile clients and luxury yacht guests. With strong leadership skills, a passion for innovation, and a commitment to the highest standards of hospitality, Mihail consistently delivers memorable culinary experiences while fostering excellence within his teams. Dedicated, adaptable, and driven by creativity, he brings a sophisticated yet approachable presence to every project and environment.

Name: Valentina Ileana Buica

Position: Stewardess
Nationality: Romanian
Languages: Romanian, English, Spanish

Valentina is an experienced hospitality professional with over 10 years of international experience in river cruises, hotels, cafés, and customer service. Skilled in food & beverage service, housekeeping operations, and guest relations, she has successfully held both operational and supervisory roles, including team training and staff coordination. Known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and strong work ethic, Valentina consistently delivers high service standards while creating positive guest experiences in fast-paced international environments.

Name: Andréas Michaud

Position: Deckhand
Nationality: French
Languages: French, English, Greek

Andréas is a motivated maritime professional with experience in both deck and engine operations. Through commercial vessel work, yacht charters, and marine engineering internships, he has developed practical skills in navigation, vessel maintenance, passenger service, and mechanical systems. Currently pursuing the validation of his Captain 200 and 750kW certifications, Andréas brings a strong work ethic, technical aptitude, and a genuine passion for the yachting industry.