MATTEA Yacht Charter

Captain: Julien Braconnier

Captain: Julien Braconnier
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.

First Mate: Cédric Gillardi
Nationality: French
Languages: English, French, Spanish

Cédric is a highly experienced and dependable maritime professional, bringing more than 20 years of navigation, vessel handling, and onboard safety expertise to his role as First Mate. With over 50,000 nautical miles logged across the Mediterranean, Atlantic, Pacific, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean, he has extensive experience in offshore passages, coastal operations, and supporting the daily running of a wide range of yachts.

Cédric excels in watchkeeping, route planning, weather analysis, mechanical awareness, and deck troubleshooting. Throughout his career, he has supported crew coordination, managed demanding maneuvers, and assisted in emergency situations with calm precision. His background in yacht management, charter logistics, and operational support has shaped him into a structured, solutions-driven team player who performs reliably under pressure.

Known for his professionalism, positive demeanor, and strong interpersonal skills, Cédric is committed to maintaining high safety standards, supporting the Captain, and contributing to a smooth and efficient onboard environment. His focus on teamwork, efficiency, and guest comfort makes him a valuable asset to any vessel.

Chef: Denis De Coste
Nationality: Belgian
Languages: English, Spanish, French

Belgian-born chef Denis brings over 25 years of culinary mastery to the world of luxury yachting. Trained in professional hotel management and refined through decades of experience across Michelin-level kitchens, high-end hotels, private events, and international restaurants, Denis specialises in French, Mediterranean, Asian, Japanese, and vegetarian cuisine. His cooking style blends precision, creativity, and a constant drive for innovation.

Before entering yachting, Denis built a distinguished land-based career as a head chef, event manager, and partner in his own catering and restaurant ventures, overseeing everything from intimate fine-dining experiences to large-scale events for thousands of guests. His three successful seasons aboard the Sunreef 80 Power further strengthened his adaptability, service mindset, and ability to deliver exceptional dining at sea.

Denis is known for his professionalism, calm presence, and passion for crafting memorable meals for every guest. His versatility, autonomy, and deep understanding of both kitchen operations and front-of-house service make him an invaluable asset to any yacht crew.

Stewardess: Elena Michalopoulou
Nationality: Greek
Languages: English, Greek

Elena is an experienced hospitality professional with over 15 years in luxury service, known for her warm guest approach, exceptional attention to detail, and ability to perform confidently under pressure. With a background spanning Michelin-star dining, fine-dining restaurants, cocktail bars, and high-end hotel operations, she brings a refined standard of service and a calm, intuitive understanding of guest needs.

Throughout her career, Elena has excelled in fast-paced, high-expectation environments, mastering everything from elegant table service to personalized guest care, efficient multitasking, and managing a smooth flow of operations. Her strong communication skills, natural leadership, and commitment to creating memorable experiences make her a valuable and reliable addition to any professional hospitality team.