BELLA CONTESSA

Captain – Bill Kurtz

Bill was born in Illinois between the cornfield and the beanfield. His parents moved to south Florida when he was 10 years old. He hit the ocean running. Fishing, surfing, at first. Then sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, scuba diving were daily activities while growing up.

He was first offered a mates job on a 56′ Hatteras and obtained his Captain license. He was the build Captain on the 116′ Margaux, which was a very popular charter yacht. He chartered Margaux for several years throughout the Bahamas, and Caribbean in the winter, and New England in the summer. When his family started to grow (wife plus three children) he left the Charter side of yachting for private motor yachts: 118′ Alcor, 112′ Ubiquitous, 96′ Ches Soirée, 112′ Attitude. He loves the Bahamas and all it has to offer, but most of all enjoys showing guest’s all the treasures and his secret favorite spots. Captain Bill welcomes you and your guests to a fun, active vacation aboard 112′ BELLA CONTESSA.

Chef – Gillian Wrightson
Education/Certifications: Bachelor’s Degree – University of Maryland College Park, IYT Superyacht Chef, Ships Cook, Supervisory Food Safety at Sea level 3, USCG 100Ton, Tow Endorsement, STCW with PDSD, PADI Open Water, Master Court of Sommelier, ENG 1
Languages: English

Gillian Wrightson currently resides in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida and has now been a part of the yachting industry for three years. She previously worked for Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants holding a variety of Managerial and Director positions for their restaurants in Washington DC, Miami, Amsterdam, Grand Cayman, Nashville, and Sacramento. Chef Gillian is qualified to prepare many styles of cuisine, but her passion lies with Asian fusion. She enjoys challenging herself with constantly trying out new styles and flavors, aiming to work with the freshest ingredients that each culture provides. Chef Gillian has experience in preparing Vegan, Kosher, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Whole 30, Pastry, Thai, Japanese, Mediterranean, Indian, Italian, Seafood, Mexican, French, and Caribbean cuisines. She has cooked for up to as many as 27 heads on board including pescatarians and low sodium diets.
Aside from her amazing work in the Galley, Gillian has also assisted with other areas of the vessel including, overseeing the cleanliness of the yacht, assisting in wash downs, lines and fenders, distance calling, and tender operator of a 37’ Intrepid during tow operations. She has also previously trained new crew members in bartending, laundry, heads and beds, and 5-star service, and galley prep, as well as worked with contractors through a major galley refit.
When you can’t find Gillian cooking amazing meals onboard, you can find her rollerblading, cycling, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, SUP Hiking, traveling, or enjoying great food and wine.
Chef Gillian is excited to welcome guests aboard her table on 112’ BELLA CONTESSA for a flavorful fine dining experience.

Stew – Sarah Diaz

Nationality: American
Languages: English
Education/Certificates: STCW PYA Yacht Interior PYA Yacht Interior Basic Food PYA Wine & Cocktail VPSD/Vessel Personnel w/designated Security Duties

Sarah has been active in the yachting industry for the past four years. Her genuine, enthusiastic, consistent personality has proven to foster an amazing charter experience. Sarah prides herself on executing high quality to service that is detailed oriented. During her yachting career, Sarah has held the positions of Sole Stew, Cook Stew, Service Stew, and Deck Stew. Her creativity and proactive thinking ensure guest satisfaction during their time onboard. Aside from 112’ BELLA CONTESSA, Sarah has also worked on 130’ PLAN A, 124’ HAVEN, 118’ ARTHURS WAY and 117’ HAPPY HOUR. With her fun personality and dedication to high level service, Sara is sure to make your time onboard BELLA CONTESSA one to remember!

Mate – John Thompson
Nationality: Bahamian
Languages Spoken: English

John was born in Nassau, Bahamas, his family lives in Deep Creek, Eleuthera, a small coastal settlement, which farming and fishing are the mainstays of the area. John has 9 brothers and 2 sisters Growing up around the sea, fishing and diving was always and still is, his main interests. By the time he was 16, he was working as a mate on a fishing boat. After winning a few local tournaments, he had proved himself as a mate. Through his 20’s John fished all over the Bahamas and got his Bahamian Captain’s License at 25 years old. He started running sport fishing boats for various yachts between 40′ to 100′. John is interested in all sports, but basketball and the Miami Heat will always be his favorite. John’s passion is fishing and loves to teach people about the fish, diving and boating. His best qualities are honesty, patience, knowledge of the ocean and his outlook on life. His motto is “One day at a time”. John truly considers the Bahamas as the best place on earth and brings a wealth of knowledge to 112′ BELLA CONTESSA.