Crew

Robert Bell — Captain

Languages: English

Captain Robert's journey began with an Honours Degree in Economics from Kingston University London in 1995, but his true passion has always been the sea. With over 25 years of experience, he has become a seasoned captain with countless adventures and vast knowledge navigating yachts across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Pacific. Nearly a decade spent on the legendary Maltese Falcon refined his expertise in some of the world’s most stunning cruising grounds.
In 2024, Captain Robert joined Burrasca, bringing his extensive experience and adventurous spirit to her helm. Beyond sailing, Robert enjoys classic cars, cutting-edge tech gadgets, flying drones, film, and reading. With every new chapter, his passion for the sea grows stronger, and he eagerly anticipates the thrilling adventures ahead.

Panagiotis Kalamatianos — Relief Captain

Languages: Greek, English

Renowned for his meticulous vessel care, flawless navigation, and unwavering commitment to delivering a five-star guest experience, Captain Panagiotis ensures that every moment on board is seamless, safe, and truly unforgettable. His leadership style is calm yet confident — inspiring excellence, unity, and professionalism among his crew while maintaining the yacht in impeccable condition.
Beyond the art of yachting, Captain Panagiotis is captivated by the world of sailing regattas — the energy, the strategy, and the meticulous preparation that precedes each race. For him, these moments are pure magic: a shared passion between captain, crew, and sea, where precision meets adrenaline and teamwork transforms into art. He believes that every race is not just a competition, but a celebration of seamanship and spirit — an experience that exhilarates both him and those who share the deck with him.

Andre Castro E Silva — Chief Officer

Languages: English, Portuguese

Andre began sailing at age 7 in the Azores, where his love for the ocean was born. Since then, he has developed strong skills in both deck operations and engineering, eager to broaden his knowledge and experience within the yachting industry. Known for his upbeat personality and positive attitude, Andre thrives in collaborative, team-oriented environments.
Highly motivated and dependable, he approaches all tasks with dedication, a strong work ethic, and focus on quality. He has recently gained hands-on experience in various operational roles, proving himself as a reliable and adaptable crew member. Outside of work, Andre enjoys watersports like kitesurfing and bodyboarding, as well as hiking and exploring new places— interests that reflect his energetic and curious nature.

Steffen Deutschmann — Chief Engineer

Languages: English, German

Steffen, known affectionately as “Chief”, brings a wealth of experience to the team, with a background that spans commercial ships, superyachts, and the German Navy. He’s the go-to person for anything technical onboard—from engines and electrics to all the behind-the-scenes components that keep the boat running perfectly, day and night!
Chief has a wealth of knowledge of diesel-electric systems and a sharp eye for detail. His work has taken him across the Med, the Caribbean, and further afield, always with a focus on reliability and smart preventative maintenance. Chief ensures Burrasca is operating at her best, so guests can enjoy the journey without a hitch.

George Savvopoulos — 2nd Engineer

Languages: English, Greek

George is a seasoned Class C Marine Engineer with a strong background in the commercial shipping world, having spent years working on tanker vessels across the globe. His experience includes managing large-scale projects and ensuring everything is up to scratch when it comes to safety and compliance.
In addition to his engineering skills, George is also comfortable on deck, lending a hand with anchor operations and general maintenance when needed. He recently wrapped up a successful Caribbean charter season and two Atlantic crossings with S/Y Burrasca.
Curious by nature and always looking to grow, George enjoys travelling and reading in his downtime. He brings a calm, focused energy to the team and is always ready to get stuck in wherever he’s needed.

Tikopia Greene — 2nd Stewardess

Languages: English, Swedish

Tiki’s connection to the ocean started early, sailing between Sweden and St. Maarten as a child onboard her parent’s 45-foot sloop, who are both avid sailors. That sense of adventure naturally evolved into a career in yachting, where she’s built a strong foundation in interior service and guest care across a range of vessels.
Onboard, Tikopia takes pride in creating a warm, welcoming environment for guests—always with a creative touch. Whether it’s ensuring every space is immaculate or mixing your favourite cocktail in record time, she brings enthusiasm and attention to detail to everything she does.
Outside of work, Tikopia enjoys hiking, sailing, and photography—interests that reflect both her active lifestyle and her appreciation for the small details that make each journey special.

Tomas Marques — Bosun

Languages: English, Portuguese

Tomas was born in Porto, Portugal, and has developed a distinguished sailing career with strong expertise in rigging. Starting in dinghy sailing classes, he progressed to the 420 class and was a member of the Portuguese Olympic team for the 470 class from 2012 to 2014. He competed at the highest level in European and World Championships, achieving notable results.
After his competitive career, Tomas coached Laser and 420 sailors for six years, transitioning into yacht racing where he secured several titles. His tuning and optimization skills highlight his technical mastery and commitment to performance. Passionate about watersports, he enjoys kitesurfing and wing-foiling, which complement his active ocean lifestyle.

Jonathan De Oliveira — Deckhand

Languages: English

Originally from South Africa, Jonathan holds a bachelor’s degree in Politics and Psychology. His lifelong fascination with the sea inspired him to pursue a career in yachting, where he has gained valuable hands- on experience across various regions and vessel types.
Highly driven and energetic, Jonathan is committed to developing his skills further with the clear goal of advancing to bosun and eventually captain. His enthusiasm for diving and travel perfectly complements his adventurous spirit and passion for exploring the world by sea. Known for his strong work ethic, adaptability, and positive attitude, Jonathan thrives in dynamic, team-oriented environments and embraces every opportunity to learn and grow professionally.