Mattea

• Dining Seating Available
• Special Diets Accommodated
• Kosher Diets Accommodated

Name: Julien Braconnier
Position: Captain
Nationality: French
Languages: English, French

Julien’s lifelong bond with the sea began in the sheltered coves and bustling harbors of his home, where he first set sail as a young fisherman. The call of the ocean shaped his early years, instilling resilience, adaptability, and a deep respect for the beauty of the ocean.

Though his journey briefly diverged into the world of technology and renewable energy — reflecting his curiosity and drive to innovate — Julien’s heart remained tethered to the sea. Returning to maritime life, he honed his skills through advanced training in safety, anti-piracy, and modern navigation, earning him a Master 500GT and a prestigious role at the Yacht Club de Monaco. There, Julien captained legendary yachts, from classic vessels like Tuiga to cutting-edge motor yachts, before taking on global charters and transoceanic voyages over the course of a distinguished career.

Passionate and endlessly curious, Julien brings a wealth of expertise and an unwavering commitment to the vision of Mattea, uniting sustainability, technology, and elegance. Whether guiding guests through pristine snorkeling spots or navigating uncharted horizons, he ensures every voyage is not only unforgettable but also a step toward a more harmonious relationship with our oceans.

ADAM STOBNICK — FIRST MATE

Polish First Mate with 6+ years of professional yachting experience and over 50,000 NM sailed worldwide. Experienced across sailing catamarans, monohulls and motor yachts up to 70ft, with strong knowledge of yacht operations, navigation, passage planning, maintenance, safety and guest relations.

Adam has worked extensively on private and charter yachts, including Lagoon 620, Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67 and Sunreef 70. His background in fleet management, charter operations, yacht management and brokerage gives him a well-rounded understanding of both onboard operations and the wider yachting industry.

He is confident supporting the Captain with navigation, watchkeeping, deck operations, safety procedures, maintenance and crew coordination. Adam also has experience with yacht deliveries, commissioning, shipyard coordination, water toys and guest service, and is comfortable operating in demanding international cruising environments.

He has cruised extensively throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Asia-Pacific, Australia and the Middle East. Calm, responsible and hands-on, Adam is a reliable team player who brings strong operational knowledge, excellent communication skills and a professional approach to life onboard.

Qualifications: Master 200GT Limited (Power), OOW <3,000GT, Yachtmaster, STCW, GMDSS GOC, ECDIS, RADAR/ARPA, PSCRB, PDSD, ENG1, HELM. PADI Rescue Diver with EFR, Enriched Air Nitrox and PSAI OWSD.

 

TOMISLAV BJELOPERA — CHEF

Croatian Chef with over 11 years of professional culinary and hospitality experience, including extensive fine-dining and Michelin-starred restaurant backgrounds. Tomislav has developed a strong reputation for delivering high-quality cuisine, combining creativity, precision and premium Mediterranean ingredients with a strong focus on presentation and guest satisfaction.

His culinary career includes experience at renowned establishments such as Restaurant 360 Dubrovnik, Pantarul, Restaurant Sorella Manchester and Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, where he worked in demanding professional kitchens as Sous Chef and Chef de Partie. He has strong expertise in Mediterranean cuisine, menu development, quality control and maintaining consistently high culinary standards.

Tomislav also brings valuable luxury yachting experience, having worked as Sous Chef on M/Y Michaela Rose and Sole Chef on the 55m M/Y Ariela. His yacht experience includes provisioning, inventory management, menu planning and preparing personalised meals for discerning guests in a demanding onboard environment.

Creative, adaptable and highly organised, Tomislav works well both independently and as part of a professional team. He is comfortable managing multiple tasks under pressure while maintaining exceptional standards of food quality, hygiene, presentation and service.

Specialties: Fine Dining · Mediterranean Cuisine · Menu Development · Provisioning · Inventory Management · Team Leadership · Luxury Hospitality

Topalova Evgenia - Stewardess
Motivated and detail-oriented stewardess with experience aboard private and charter yachts up to 90m. Strong background in housekeeping, laundry, pantry, guest service, provisioning, table setting, and galley support, with experience working within professional interior teams.

Two higher education degrees, including a Doctor of Dental Medicine, providing a strong understanding of hygiene, personal care, and attention to detail. Additional experience in cosmetology, nutrition, restaurant administration, waitressing, housekeeping, and barista service brings a well-rounded hospitality background.

Proactive, adaptable, reliable, and team-oriented, with excellent communication skills and the ability to work efficiently in a dynamic environment. Fluent in English, Italian, Turkish, Bulgarian, Romanian, Russian, and Ukrainian, with a genuine passion for yachting, guest service, and continuous professional development.