Lagoon 620 • Shida

Italian

Captain Nando Mellino is an experienced Italian yacht captain with over 16 years of professional navigation and a lifelong passion for the sea. Having started working on boats at a very young age, the maritime world has always been an integral part of his life and career. He holds the prestigious RYA Yachtmaster Ocean and RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certifications, along with a full range of STCW qualifications including Advanced Fire Fighting, GMDSS, Radar/ARPA, and Ship Security Officer training. Nando also graduated from the Italian Nautical Technical Institute and obtained his sailing and powerboat license in 1989. Captain Mellino has been commanding the Lagoon 620 catamaran SHIDA since 2010, operating extensively in the Mediterranean for commercial charter activity. His long-standing experience with this yacht and his deep knowledge of Mediterranean cruising grounds ensure safe navigation, well-planned itineraries, and a smooth charter experience for guests on board. Throughout his career, he has commanded and worked on a variety of sailing and motor yachts ranging from 17 to 32 meters, including Lagoon catamarans, Ferretti yachts, Tecnomar yachts, and other private and commercial vessels. In addition to his command responsibilities, he is known for his versatility on board, often supporting both deck operations and guest services, including preparing meals when required. Calm, approachable, and highly professional, Captain Nando creates a welcoming atmosphere on board while maintaining the highest standards of safety and seamanship. For him, the sea is not just a profession but a lifelong passion passed down through generations.

English, French, Italian

Elisa Gostoli is an experienced Italian stewardess with a solid background in luxury yacht hospitality and guest service. With several years of experience on both private and charter yachts up to 53 meters, she has developed strong skills in interior management, housekeeping, and delivering attentive service to guests on board. Throughout her career, Elisa has worked as Head of Interior on prestigious motor yachts such as M/Y Blanca (53m) and M/Y Race (50m), as well as aboard M/Y India (37m) and M/S Montecristo (27m). In these roles, she has been responsible for overseeing all interior operations, including guest service, housekeeping, provisioning, and maintaining the highest standards of onboard hospitality. Elisa holds the STCW Basic Training certification and a diploma as a Tourism Operator, complemented by a period of study in London which strengthened her English language skills. She speaks Italian and English and has a basic knowledge of French. Highly organized, professional, and guest-focused, Elisa brings warmth and efficiency to the onboard environment. Her experience in hospitality and customer service ensures that guests enjoy a comfortable and memorable stay while cruising the Mediterranean aboard S/Y SHIDA.

English, Italian

A motivated and highly adaptable young deckhand with a solid background as Allievo Ufficiale del Diporto, registered with the Italian Merchant Navy (Gente di Mare ? First Class). He has developed his experience through structured training and seasonal work on both sailing and motor yachts, building a practical and reliable skill set suited to private and charter operations in the Mediterranean. He has gained hands-on experience on vessels up to 76ft during seasonal embarkations in Gaeta, where he was involved in mooring and unmooring operations, daily maintenance, polishing, painting, and general upkeep of the vessel. He has consistently supported safe and efficient yacht operations, always following maritime regulations and onboard safety procedures with discipline and attention to detail. Further experience includes a six-month period aboard a Mochi Craft long-range yacht operating under a German owner, where English was used daily in onboard communication. During this time, he was involved in cruising operations across Spain, France, and Italy, as well as base transfers including Ischia and frequent day navigation in areas such as the Gulf of Naples, Gaeta, and the Amalfi Coast. His responsibilities included navigation support, watchkeeping, route tracking, and assisting in passage planning, as well as ensuring the vessel was always maintained to a high operational standard. He has also completed structured training at Fondazione Caboto, including practical navigation exercises in both day and night conditions on sailing and motor vessels, reinforcing his operational readiness and adaptability in real working conditions at sea. He is recognised as a disciplined and hardworking crew member, fully operational and ready to integrate into professional yacht programs. His approach is practical, safety-oriented, and team-focused, with a strong willingness to learn and progress within the yachting industry. He holds an Officer of Pleasure Craft qualification from Fondazione Caboto, an Italian boating license, STCW basic safety training, and a basic first aid certification. He speaks Italian as a native language, English at a good operational level, and Polish at a basic level. References are available upon request from private yacht owners and captains.