BELLA

Crew Profile

CAPTAIN
Ryan Demarco

Raised in Austin, Ryan grew up camping in the Texas Hill Country, playing soccer and football, and exploring his love for the water with weekends on the lake. After earning a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, he spent his 20s building a career as a financial planner while also becoming a 500-hour certified yoga teacher.

During a solo trip to Costa Rica, Ryan was inspired to pursue his passion for adventure. He traded in his suit and tie for life on the water, joining boats in the Bahamas and Annapolis before heading to South Africa, where he earned his Yachtmaster Offshore license and sailed back across the Southern Atlantic Ocean.

As a captain, Ryan began delivering yachts and running charters along the U.S. East Coast and through the Caribbean. He was then offered a position with a charter company in the Mediterranean, working in Croatia and Greece, where he quickly rose to Lead Skipper.

When not on the water, Ryan enjoys backpacking in the mountains and traveling the world with his fiancée.


CERTIFICATES
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore License
• PPR Commercial Endorsement
• STCW
• ENG1
• 500 Hour Yoga Teacher



CHEF
Nicole Shaaf

Growing up in Southern Germany, Nicole spent countless hours cooking alongside her grandmother and mother, forming cherished memories in the kitchen. Her favorite childhood moments, however, took place in the family garden, where her grandfather instilled in her a deep appreciation for locally sourced, high-quality ingredients.

After earning a degree in Business and Journalism, Nicole moved to Berlin to immerse herself in the entrepreneurial world, gaining valuable experience working for startups and investors. Attending Europe’s largest tech conferences and engaging with countless founders from diverse industries, she sharpened her skills in detail-oriented, fast-paced environments. Berlin’s multicultural atmosphere fueled her culinary curiosity, inspiring her to explore a wide range of cuisines. Amidst the city's vibrant energy, Nicole became known as the go-to host for unforgettable dinner parties, where her love for creating exceptional food experiences truly shone.

In the beginning of 2024, Nicole decided to swap the concrete jungle for clear waters and beautiful beaches. She spent five months sailing across the Mediterranean Sea and working as a private chef. One of her favorite parts of this new chapter is sourcing fresh ingredients at early morning markets and crafting nutritious, seasonal meals that reflect the essence of each region.

For Nicole, being a chef is about far more than crafting delicious dishes. It’s about bringing people together, fostering meaningful connections, and creating lasting memories. She believes the magic of a meal lies in the conversations shared and the moments savored over great food and drinks.


CERTIFICATES
• Culinary & Barista Training at Luni Gastronomy
• Mixologist at Parterre Berlin
• Food Stylist and Photographer for TimeStudios
• STCW
• Level 2 Food & Hygiene