Shades of Grey

CAPTAIN: Adam Stobnicki

Captain Adam is a highly experienced and client-oriented yacht captain with more than 50,000 nautical miles sailed worldwide and over six years in the yachting industry. Known for his calm leadership, attention to detail, and warm hospitality, Adam is dedicated to creating unforgettable charter experiences for every guest on board.

With a strong background not only at sea but also in charter operations, brokerage, and hospitality management, he understands perfectly what charter clients expect and how to deliver a seamless and personalized journey. His experience includes managing charter bases, working as a charter broker, and leading luxury sailing charters across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and Asia-Pacific.

Captain Adam has already served on S/Y SHADES OF GREY, where he successfully captained several charters in the Balearic Islands. His familiarity with the yacht and its operations allows him to ensure smooth charters and a relaxed atmosphere on board.

Passionate about sailing and guest satisfaction, Adam focuses on tailoring each itinerary to guests’ preferences, whether it’s discovering hidden bays, organizing unique experiences ashore, or simply ensuring everyone enjoys a safe, comfortable, and memorable time on board.

Fluent in English and Polish, he combines professional seamanship with genuine hospitality, making guests feel welcome and well cared for from the moment they step on board.

CHEF: Francesco Volpato

Francesco Volpato is an accomplished Italian chef with over 12 years of experience in international hospitality and catering. Throughout his career, he has held positions such as Junior Sous Chef and Senior Chef de Partie in high-end restaurants and seasonal luxury venues across Italy, the UK, Switzerland, and New Zealand. His background includes working in dynamic, high-pressure kitchens, from fine dining establishments to premium seasonal operations.

Specializing in fresh pasta and first courses, Francesco combines strong technical expertise with a refined approach to presentation, menu planning, and the use of high-quality seasonal ingredients. He is highly skilled in kitchen organization, inventory management, and maintaining excellent hygiene and safety standards. Known for his professionalism, teamwork, and calm attitude under pressure, Francesco consistently delivers elevated dining experiences tailored to guests’ preferences and expectations..

Chief Engineer/Deckhand Salvatore Di Maio:

Salvatore was born and raised in Castellammare di Stabia, a town located between Naples and Sorrento. He has spent his life by the sea. He began his nautical career at the age of 18 as a superyacht mooring assistant, and has since gained over a decade's experience working as a captain and first officer.

Passionate about navigation and travel, he brings extensive knowledge and technical expertise to Shades of Grey, ensuring smooth and safe sailing on every journey. He has been part of the crew for one year and has completed both the Caribbean and Mediterranean seasons with SHADES OF GREY.

Not only is Salvatore a very good seafarer, he is also a passionate chef. He loves surprising guests with an Italian night, when he takes over the galley and prepares recipes from his Italian grandmother.

Salvatore is fluent in both Italian and English, and his warm, friendly personality and constant smile make him a valued member of the crew.

STEWARDESS Paskal Pienaar

Pascal is an exceptionally professional yacht stewardess and certified massage therapist who delivers a premium, wellness-focused hospitality experience onboard. She brings a proven track record from luxury motor yachts up to 60m, including highly successful experience as a Sole Stewardess where she independently managed complete interior logistics, five-star housekeeping, and high-end guest service.

Pascal offers a unique dual-role capability by providing professional Swedish massage and spa treatments for guests, seamlessly blending upscale service with onboard relaxation. Her versatile skill set also includes creative floristry, barista-level beverage service, and attentive child supervision, making her incredibly adaptable to both high-end private itineraries and busy family charters.

Pascal is a crew member dedicated to ensuring an immaculate, warm, and deeply relaxing environment for clients.

2nd STEWARDESS Imogen Brolsma

Imogen is a remarkably vibrant, driven, and highly capable yacht stewardess who stands out as a young professional with an exceptionally mature and extensive hospitality background. Bringing a "do it right the first time" philosophy to every task, she is celebrated for her positive, energetic personality and her ability to maintain a calm, clear head under high-pressure charter conditions. Imogen has immediate availability and has already proven her skills on both charter and private yachts up to 40 meters in the Mediterranean.

Her interior and service expertise is backed by an impressive five years of experience in fine dining and event coordination, making her an absolute asset to any guest service team. She excels in silver service, professional barista beverage preparation, precise inventory management, and strict dietary awareness, alongside immaculate cabin detailing and turnover.

While her primary focus remains on delivering five-star interior service, her versatile background as a "deckstew" means she can seamlessly assist on deck with line handling, tender driving, or washdowns whenever needed.