BEST OFF

George Georgakopoulos
Captain
Greek
George, was born in 1984 in Greece. He joined the yachting industry in 2009, and quickly earned higher ranks, starting from Deckhand and Bosun to Chief Officer positions on yachts from 29 to 72m, cruising on both sides of the Atlantic. He has successfully completed several STCW training courses, including First Aid, Fire Fighting, Fast Rescue Boats, SSO Ship Security Officer, and he has a certificate for masters of Cargo and Passenger Ships. He has substantial experience cruising in the South of France and Italy in the past 10 years as Chief Officer of the same boat and is very comfortable interacting with guests, having worked on charter yachts throughout his career. George is meticulous and proficient in budget management and voyage planning in addition to navigation. He is a committed team leader of multi-skilled teams with the capacity to function in difficult environments and uphold the highest standards of health, safety, and the environment. In addition to cycling, swimming, and being a PADI certified diver, George enjoys travelling and discovering other cultures.
Languages: English, Greek
Previous Yachts: m/y Domino, m/y RM Elegant, m/y Omega

Dario Zelencic
Chef
Croatian
Dario, a chef with 15 years of experience and a passion for cooking, earned a 4-year degree in culinary arts and then entered the yachting sector after completing the STCW course. Since then, he has worked on superyachts ranging in size from 40 to 167 meters, and in Saudi Arabia, he even worked as the chef for the Sheik’s family. Dario’s professional experience on both private and charter yachts has sharpened his talents in a variety of settings, and he is equally at home preparing a gourmet dish as well as cooking for huge gatherings. He can satisfy a wide range of palates and is knowledgeable about many different cuisines, including Russian, Eastern, and Mediterranean. He is proud of his work and his part in enhancing the guest experience, and he takes great care to produce dishes of the highest quality.Dario is dependable, adaptable, and has a fantastic sense of humor. He enjoys spending time in the mountains, climbing, and mountaineering during his free time.
Previous Yachts: s/y Anatta, m/y Ss Dolphine, m/y Dubai, m/y Quaranta, m/y Royal Rubin

Amina Msaddak
Chief Stewardess
Tunisian
Amina, a 1992-born professional with experience aboard charter yachts, has a proven track record of success. She has worked as a hostess aboard yachts between 100 and 160 feet in length for more than ten years. She is an outgoing individual who is very motivated and enthusiastic about her profession and a fluent speaker of four languages, including French, Italian, English, and Spanish. Her maritime certificates cover firefighting, basic first aid, and safety awareness. Amina thrives on a challenge and is eager to make the sacrifices required to provide excellent service and progress her career. She enjoys being active and takes part in many sports. She also loves exploring new places and is curious about other cultures.
PREVIOUS YACHTS: M/Y 35mt DON CIRO, M/Y 47mt LADY HAYAT

Meletios Oikonomopoulos
Engineer
Greek
Meletios, born in 1987, is a Greek graduate of the Kesen Maritime School who holds an engineering certificate. He started his career on board the 133-metre superyacht, Al Mirqab, on which he gained a thorough understanding of how a well-organised team must work moving up the rank from the deck to the engine room. With already 5 years of experience prior to joining the team of BEST OFF, Meletios has a meticulous attitude towards engineering work and yacht maintenance. He is well trained in various sea toys and tenders while taking care to always keep them in top condition.
In addition, he is a PADI-certified open-water diver as well as an RYA-licensed power boat handler. Meletios loves music and travelling.

Lazaro Reinier Ferrer Zapata
Deckhand
Italian
Born in 1983, Lazaro is of Cuban and Italian origin and fluent in both languages as well as English. He graduated from the naval academy Granma, in Cuba and joined the yachting industry in 2010. He is very experienced having worked on-board both sailing and motor yachts ranging from 30 to 48 metres. While working in this capacity, he has sailed across the Caribbean Sea multiple times and developed indispensable skills. He has always had a passion for Latin American music and has been a teacher of salsa dancing in the past. He joined BEST OFF in 2021 and is proud to be part of a methodical and experienced team, ready to welcome guests. H holds a deck officer licence as yacht master 200. Previous yachts include M/Y solstice and S/ Y Cassiopeia

Kayla De Bruin
Stewardess
South African
Kayla, a young professional who was born in 2002, has a love for the yachting sector. She attended the SYNC Superyacht Stewardess Certification and finished the STCW + DSD course, gaining valuable housekeeping and service skills. She is well-versed in handling meal and beverage service with the utmost attention to detail.Being a people- and service-oriented individual, Kayla intends to continue honing her abilities to the point of becoming Chief Stewardess. Previous yachts: m/y Princess Margaret II, s/y Dafni II