As a captain, ethical leadership, integrity, and clear communication are essential for vessel safety and fostering a positive environment. A good captain must also understand operations, industry standards, and demonstrate accountability, humility, and respect to be a trustworthy leader.

Many believe that captaining a vessel or being part of a crew is mainly about driving and hospitality, media often misrepresents the industry.  Ultimately, this is a maritime industry, and the primary duties are safety and maintenance, with a steadfast focus on managing risks, schedules, personnel, logistics, relationships, expectations, and, most importantly, good communication. In this ever-changing environment, sometimes you must deliver difficult news. Options often become the best solutions, and flexibility is essential.                                              

I prefer private yachts from 80’ to 130’ because I believe yachting is a passion-driven industry that offers truly personalized and unique experiences to yacht owners. Conversely, owners of charter vessels are generally more focused on the business of chartering, which diminishes the uniqueness of yachting.

Although my experience mainly involves larger yachts up to 150m — including refitting, new construction, outfitting, and operations — I also enjoy working with vessels in the 85’ to 130’ range. This size offers a more personal ownership and experience while avoiding the complexities and costs associated with larger ships. Owners often share that their best onboard moments are not when the boat is full, but rather with just a few close friends, where everything feels enjoyable and simple. While vessels of this size have design and storage constraints, a well-structured program and thoughtful planning make the experience rewarding for everyone involved.

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