Mochafy22

From sailing expeditions in Europe and South America to island hopping around Italy, Captain Marcin Piekarski has many stories to tell. Taking us on a tour of the 45.02m Sunrise built beauty Mochafy22, here he shares how its well-stocked toy store and no-request-too-big crew make for an unforgettable charter experience.

Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got into yachting?

Although I didn't grow up by the water, sailing has always been a great passion of mine, and I would spend many holidays out on the water as a child. Before starting my professional career in yachting in 2003 I went out on a lot of expeditions, sailing between many European countries and reaching as far as South America – these simply fueled my passion even further! My first role was on MY Indigo Star, and then I went on to become captain of MY Aquarius, back to Indigo Star in 2010 before landing a role as chief officer/relief captain of MY Roma. I joined Mochafy22 in October 2020.

How would you describe the owner’s vision for Mochafy22?

She is a high-end luxury yacht perfect for families and active people. Her owner is very much into a healthy lifestyle, so on board you'll find all-natural cleaning products, options for aromatherapy pillows and room mists, a big selection of exercise equipment and space for yoga or massages. She’s also perfectly set up for kids of all ages, so there really is something for everyone.

How would you describe the style of the yacht?

Her interior is very classy with a modern touch, so guests tend to feel cozy and at home very easily. The perfect combination of the dark wood, light carpets and furniture is gently blended with a touch of colour to create a very stylish space, and she has lots of peaceful areas should clients need to work while on board.

What’s your personal style as captain?

I’m a strong believer that a positive approach and good communication is the best way forward. I spend a lot of time reading guests preferences and studying the weather to make sure we visit the best locations at the best times, while ensuring all their needs are met. The key is to know what the guests want before they ask, and I try to teach this to all crew departments.

What’s the best thing about working on this yacht?

I’m very fortunate that I get to help provide amazing holidays for both owner and guests, and it’s always wonderful to see people leave their holiday with a smile. I also get to see some of the most amazing and unspoiled places on earth, so I can’t complain! We also have an amazing selection of different toys on board for all ages, and a large jacuzzi where guests love to relax.

Which areas of the yacht do guests most tend to gather on board?

The sundeck around the jacuzzi is always popular, as well as the upper deck for meals and the main salon on colder days for board games. And of course there’s always guests on the swim platform enjoying our water activities.

Which types of client are most attracted to charter on board Mochafy22?

As the boat is set up for all types of clients, we tend to get a lot of families, as the adults can relax with a massage or a cocktail in the jacuzzi while the kids are kept entertained by the crew with the large selection of toys available. Everybody wins!

How would you describe the style and approach of the crew?

They are a very positive and friendly professional crew.

Can you share some examples where you and your crew have gone above and beyond to make the guest experience as special as possible?

All our crew are very positive, friendly and professional. One particular example that comes to mind is one charter late at night after all the guests had gone to bed, the crew decorated the main salon with 50+ balloons, flowers and birthday cards to surprise the guest. They absolutely loved it.

Are there any interesting personalities or talents among the crew?

Definitely! We have a multinational crew so we can converse in many languages (English, Spanish, Persian, Polish and Danish), and we also have a piano player and saxophonist plus a massage therapist who is always kept busy. There’s also an ex RNLI (royal national life boat institution) snow instructor and professional mountain biker on board. Everyone is very fit and healthy!

How are the yacht and the crew prepared to accommodate children and teenagers on charter?

The yacht is very child-friendly, and we offer everything from baby chairs and cots to inflatable swings, water slides and various water toys and interior board games, an Xbox and huge selection of movies. And most importantly, the crew just LOVES having kids on board and will spoil them every chance they get.

How would you describe the cuisine on board?

We have an amazing chef who specialises in healthy Mediterranean cuisine. He makes everything from scratch including breads, yoghurt and ice cream, all with fresh local ingredients. He has exceptional plating skills and caters for all special dietary requirements, and is also wonderful at cooking for young children and babies too. He has an open galley approach too, so both adults and kids can come and discuss preferences directly.

Tell us about the toys and tenders – which toys are the most popular with guests?

The flyboard, jet ski and large selection of inflatable toys including our swings, slides, jellyfish pool and hamster wheel are the most popular, but we also have SeaBobs, paddleboards, a banana boat and doughnut which are great fun.  

What are your usual cruising grounds?

We like to discover the less crowded yet beautiful bays with crystal clear waters that are good for water sports, yet still of close proximity to the beach, exclusive shopping and great cafes and restaurants. We usually cruise around Mallorca, Ibiza, Italy and its surrounding islands, plus Turkey.

Which destinations are your personal favourites and why?

Personally I love Mallorca for several reasons. Firstly it offers a huge variety of places to explore, from long white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters to smaller secluded bays and spectacular coastlines with various caves and rock formations. The island also offers a full range of inland activities such as visits to small quaint villages tucked away in the mountains, wine and tapas tours, rock climbing, stunning hikes and cycle tracks suitable for all levels from kids to experts. And of course, Mallorca is the mecca for amazing restaurants and high-end shopping, all of the which can easily be arranged by the yacht in advance.

What have been some of your highlights as captain of Mochafy22?

As I have only been on the yacht a few months and the boat has a new owner, I feel very fortunate to help change and improve the yacht’s interior and exterior design. It’s great to work so closely with the owner and see him and his family so happy on board.