MARIA THERESE

About the Crew

Name: William Mitchell

Position: Captain / Engineer

Nationality: New Zealand & British

Languages: English and Spanish

William Mitchell is an experienced Captain and Engineer whose yachting career has progressed from Deckhand and Bosun to professional command positions. He has extensive experience operating yachts throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Persian Gulf, Florida, and New Zealand, combining strong vessel management skills with hands-on engineering knowledge.

William holds a commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore qualification, PYA Yacht Rating, STCW, ENG1 Medical, PADI Advanced Diver certification, PBL2, and PDSD. His technical expertise extends across yacht operations, engineering, new build and shipyard projects, compliance, deck maintenance, logistics, electrical systems, plumbing, and onboard repairs.

His recent command experience includes the Azimut Seadeck 90 M/Y FASANO V, Silent Yachts catamarans M/Y 100% and M/Y ISABELLA II, and the Lamborghini Tecnomar 63 M/Y KIKI. He has managed charter programmes, new build delivery and sea trials, commercial surveys, engineering operations, shipyard periods, and an Atlantic crossing from Gibraltar through the Canary Islands and Cape Verde to Antigua.

With a practical leadership style and strong technical foundation, William brings a calm and responsible approach to yacht operations while maintaining high standards of safety, vessel care, and guest service.

Name: Layla Demicheli

Position: Chef

Nationality: Italian & Brazilian

Languages: English, Spanish & Portuguese; conversational Italian and French

Layla Demicheli is an experienced Yacht Chef with five seasons at sea across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Miami. Growing up in Brazil, she developed an early passion for cooking before completing professional culinary training at Instituto SENAC. Her cuisine is rooted in Mediterranean flavours, complemented by Brazilian influences and a strong passion for Asian cuisine.

Layla has worked aboard yachts up to 106ft, progressing through Cook, Chef/Stewardess, and Chef positions. Her experience includes M/Y Alpha 106, Sunseeker 84 and 64, Vanquish yachts, Riva 75, and Overblue 64. Her responsibilities have included menu creation, provisioning, inventory management, galley organisation, interior service, and deck and navigation support.

Her culinary approach focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients and personalised menus designed around guest preferences, destinations, and occasions. She is comfortable adapting to dietary requirements, allergies, children, and changing guest numbers while maintaining an emphasis on healthy, balanced cuisine and elegant presentation.

Layla holds professional cooking credentials from SENAC, STCW certification, and Level 2 Food Safety training. Her calm, hands-on approach and adaptable culinary style allow her to create memorable dining experiences throughout every charter.

Name: Elba Diaz

Position: Chief Stewardess

Nationality: Spanish

Languages: Spanish and English

Elba Diaz is an experienced Chief Stewardess with a strong background in luxury Mediterranean yachting and high-end guest service. Her experience spans a range of motor yachts, including Ferretti Custom Line, Alpha Custom Line, Mangusta, Azimut, Absolut, and Princess vessels. She is currently listed on her CV as Chief Stewardess aboard the Sunreef 68 M/Y MARIA THERESE in the British Virgin Islands.

Throughout her career, Elba has worked as Chief Stewardess, Sole Stewardess, and Deckhand/Stewardess, managing interior operations, personalised guest service, housekeeping, laundry, provisioning, budgeting, inventory, and meal and beverage service. Her experience also includes deck support, tender operations, navigation watches, anchoring, and line handling, giving her strong versatility across departments.

Elba holds STCW qualifications including Security Awareness, Survival Craft and Rescue Boat training, Advanced Fire Fighting, Basic Safety Training, and Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene for Catering. She also brings a background in interior design and decoration, strengthening her skills in presentation, table styling, event setup, and creating refined onboard environments.

Known for her calm professionalism, strong organisation, and attention to detail, Elba combines polished hospitality standards with practical deck experience to help create a seamless and welcoming experience for guests onboard.