ORCA

Name: Francesco Desideri

Position: Captain
Nationality: Italian
Languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian

Captain Francesco is a highly experienced yachting professional with more than 23 years in command, over 5,200 documented sea days, and more than 180,000 nautical miles logged across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, U.S. East Coast, Gulf of Mexico, and the Bahamas. Equally confident on both motor and sailing yachts, he is known for running safe, disciplined, and well-managed operations, backed by an exceptional 23-year incident-free record.

With extensive experience serving private owners, charter principals, and brokerage clients, Francesco brings a strong command of passage planning, crew leadership, vessel maintenance, compliance, and guest operations. His background includes fleet management, sea trials, owner training, charter readiness, and preventive maintenance across a wide portfolio of yachts, making him a calm, detail-driven captain with a practical and highly professional approach on board.

Multilingual and process-led in his leadership style, Francesco combines technical expertise with strong hospitality awareness, ensuring both vessel performance and guest experience are maintained to the highest standard. His long-standing safety record, operational discipline, and broad international cruising experience make him a trusted and accomplished captain in both private and charter environments.

Diana Parra

Position: Chef
Nationality: Colombian
Languages: English, Spanish

Chef Diana brings over 15 years of experience in hospitality, yachting, and fine dining, combining her talents as both a professional chef and experienced chief stewardess. Originally from Colombia, Diana is known for her warm personality, strong work ethic, and ability to create memorable guest experiences through exceptional cuisine and service. With extensive experience across private and charter yachts in the Caribbean and internationally, she is highly skilled in menu planning, provisioning, fine dining service, mixology, and event coordination.

Having worked on vessels up to 60 metres as well as luxury cruise ships, Diana thrives in dynamic environments where attention to detail and guest satisfaction are paramount. Her culinary style blends international flavours with fresh, high-quality ingredients, while her background in hospitality ensures seamless service on board. Passionate about teamwork and guest wellness, Diana is dedicated to delivering refined yet welcoming dining experiences that elevate every charter journey.

Isabel Sarmiento

Position: Stewardess
Nationality: Filipino
Languages: English, Filipino

Isabel is a warm, attentive, and detail-oriented stewardess from the Philippines with a natural flair for hospitality and a positive, can-do spirit that guests immediately feel at ease with. With professional experience working aboard both private and charter yachts, she has developed a strong foundation in service, housekeeping, and guest care—always ensuring a spotless interior and a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere onboard.

Known for her excellent work ethic and sunny disposition, Isabel takes pride in delivering an exceptional guest experience—whether it's cabin presentation, table service, or helping organize special moments. She's a true team player and easily adapts to the pace and rhythm of life at sea.

Off duty, Isabel is a people person at heart. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, exploring new places, and capturing highlights of her adventures through short vlogs. Passionate about travel, she loves discovering scenic locations and cultural treasures wherever the yacht takes her.

Candela Herrera

Position: Deckhand [Rotational]
Nationality: Spanish
Languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese

Candela is a motivated and hands-on Deckhand with strong experience in deck operations, watchkeeping, tender handling, water toys, and vessel maintenance. She brings a proactive attitude, excellent safety awareness, and a commitment to keeping the yacht in top condition. Her background across hospitality, guest services, and logistics, combined with skills in cooking, first aid, and even professional hairstyling, makes her a versatile, reliable crew member who supports both the team and guest experience. Known for her positive energy, fast learning, and problem-solving mindset, Candela is a team player who adapts quickly and always gives her best on board.