The Captain's Log: Behind the Scenes - A Day in the Life of a Superyacht Captain

Let me introduce you to Paul V. , a true sailor whose life story is a journey of ambition and mastery.

From conquering the waves as New Zealand's champion skipper to navigating the commanding decks of an 85-meter explorer yacht, Paul's path is nothing short of extraordinary.

His adventure began early, with Paul distinguishing himself in competitive sailing. He didn't just dream; he set his sails toward making those dreams a reality.

At the young age of 19, he launched his own sailing academy. This venture marked the beginning of an impressive journey that led him to the prestigious world of superyachts in 2009.

Paul's adventures span from polar ice navigation to exploring the untouched Pacific, making him not just a captain, but a global explorer.

Q: Can you share a bit about your background and journey to becoming a superyacht captain? What inspired you to pursue a career in the maritime industry?

My journey to becoming a superyacht captain began without me even realizing it, back when I dove headfirst into competitive dinghy sailing at the ripe age of 9.

I spent years competing at both national and international levels, soaking up everything the sport had to offer.

As I transitioned into adulthood, my passion for sailing only grew stronger. At 19, while juggling University studies in Business and Psychology, I made the leap to becoming a full-time yachting coach.

It was during this time that I also managed to secure funding to kickstart my very own sailing academy.

In addition to my sailing endeavors, I spent two years working in executive search as a researcher and analyst. This experience proved to be more valuable than I initially realized.

Working in a professional office setting taught me discipline and instilled a strong work ethic. I also learned the importance of creating efficient systems and structures for day-to-day duties, skills that have seamlessly translated into my role as a captain.

Moreover, my time in executive search provided me with a deep understanding of people and how to recruit the right individuals for the job.

This insight into human behavior and team dynamics has been instrumental in managing crew members aboard the superyachts I now command.

Looking back, it's clear how all those seemingly unrelated experiences were actually building blocks for my future role as a captain.

The leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills I cultivated along the way have molded me into the captain I am today.

It's funny how life works out sometimes – connecting the dots only makes the journey even more rewarding.

?Q: Walk us through a typical day in your life as a superyacht captain. What are the key responsibilities that occupy your time?

A typical day is a dynamic mix of strategic planning, coordination, and hands-on management to ensure smooth sailing for both crew and guests.

My foremost responsibility is to empower the crew to excel in their roles by providing them with the necessary resources and support.

This involves constant assessment of their needs – whether it's better tools, additional staff, or simply guidance and encouragement.

I'm the orchestrator behind the scenes, ensuring that every member of the team has what they need to perform at their best.

Beyond crew management, a significant portion of my day is dedicated to logistical tasks such as planning trip itineraries, managing accounting matters, and coordinating leave schedules.

I act as the linchpin, ensuring that all the moving parts of the operation are seamlessly connected and functioning as a cohesive unit.

Interacting with guests and the owner is also a key aspect of my role.

Whether it's discussing daily activities, troubleshooting any issues that may arise, or simply ensuring their comfort and satisfaction throughout their stay, I strive to maintain open communication and address any concerns promptly.

Ultimately, my aim each day is to create a positive and enjoyable atmosphere onboard, where both crew and guests feel valued and engaged.

Q: How do you ensure the safety and comfort of both the vessel and its guests during a voyage? Are there specific protocols or technologies you rely on?

It begins with acknowledging the strength of nature and adapting our plans accordingly. The ocean can throw surprises our way, so we approach each decision with care.

We also make sure to gather weather information from multiple sources, never relying on just one.

We've built a culture onboard where safety comes first.

Our crew gets thorough training and follows strict safety rules. We do drills regularly and keep learning to handle any emergencies that might pop up.

Q: Crafting bespoke itineraries is a crucial aspect of your role. How do you go about planning exclusive experiences and selecting destinations for your guests?

It all begins with getting to know our guests inside out. We gather information about their preferences, interests, and any special requests they may have.

Armed with this knowledge, we tailor the itinerary to ensure every experience is personalized and memorable.

However, it's not just about meeting expectations; we also aim to exceed them.

I strive to inject an element of surprise and excitement into each itinerary, offering our guests unique and unforgettable experiences they may not have even considered.

Whether it's discovering hidden gems off the beaten path or arranging exclusive activities and events, we're always looking for ways to create moments that will leave a lasting impression.

By blending familiarity with novelty, we ensure that every journey aboard BOLD is truly exceptional.

Q: What are some of the most challenging aspects of being a superyacht captain, especially when it comes to navigating through different weather conditions and international waters?

Being a superyacht captain comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most significant of which is the weight of responsibility that falls squarely on your shoulders.

As the captain, the buck stops with you.

There's no one else to call in case of emergency – no fire brigade or ambulance service. You have to trust your crew, and they have to trust you implicitly. The responsibility is non-delegable, meaning even if an incident occurs while you're asleep, you're still ultimately accountable.

This level of responsibility permeates every aspect of the job, from hiring and training the crew to managing their time and attitudes.

As the captain, you set the tone and culture onboard, and it's crucial to foster an environment of professionalism and teamwork.

Furthermore, being a captain isn't a 9-to-5 job. The camera is always on, so to speak, and you must be ready to respond to any situation at a moment's notice.

Navigating through different weather conditions requires meticulous planning and constant vigilance. Proper weather planning takes precedence over everything else, as the safety of the vessel and everyone onboard is paramount.

Being a superyacht captain demands unwavering responsibility, leadership, and readiness to handle whatever challenges may arise.

Q: In terms of navigation and seamanship, what kind of expertise and training are essential for a superyacht captain?

First and foremost, practical experience on the water is invaluable.

As my coach once told me during my youth in competitive sailing, "Nothing beats time on the water."

This sentiment holds true today as a captain of a superyacht. Spending countless hours navigating various water conditions, honing seamanship skills, and learning to read the elements is indispensable.

Additionally, formal training and certification play a crucial role. Captains typically hold certifications from maritime regulatory bodies such as the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). These certifications attest to the captain's proficiency in navigation, seamanship, and maritime safety protocols.

Effective communication and leadership skills are also paramount. A captain must be able to communicate clearly with their crew, delegate tasks efficiently, and make quick, decisive decisions in high-pressure situations.

Overall, a combination of hands-on experience, formal training, continuous learning, and strong leadership qualities are essential to navigate safely and effectively on the open seas.

Q: As a leader, how do you foster a positive and efficient working environment among the crew? What leadership principles do you find most effective

Fostering a positive and efficient atmoshpere among the crew boils down to a few key things.

First off, giving people a sense of ownership and responsibility is huge. When they feel trusted to handle their tasks, they tend to step up and do their best.

Another big one is showing appreciation when someone does a great job. It's simple but powerful – a little praise goes a long way in boosting morale and keeping crew motivated.

But probably the most important thing is keeping communication open and respectful.

Treating everyone as equals and talking to them like you would a friend builds trust and camaraderie. And of course, leading by example is key.

When the boss walks the walk and sets a good example, it rubs off on the whole crew.

When you get those things right, you create a positive and efficient work environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to do their best.

Q: What is your favourite cruising destination, and why?

?That one is easy. New Zealand of course.

Q: How have you seen the superyacht industry evolve in recent years, and what trends do you anticipate for the future, especially in terms of luxury and technology?

In recent years, I've observed significant evolution within the superyacht industry, marked by a shift towards greater professionalism and a changing perception of yacht crew roles.

There's a noticeable trend towards attracting individuals who view yachting as a long-term career rather than just a temporary opportunity for quick earnings.

This shift in mindset has led to a growing emphasis on work-life balance, with more crew seeking rotational schedules, even if it means sacrificing some pay.

Another positive development is the increasing gender diversity across various departments within the industry.

We're seeing more women taking on roles traditionally dominated by men, which is a welcome change and brings fresh perspectives to the table.

Looking ahead, I anticipate a continued focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility within the industry. There's a growing recognition of the need to operate yachts with minimal environmental impact, and this will likely drive innovation in terms of new technologies and practices.

From eco-friendly propulsion systems to advanced waste management solutions, sustainability will be a key driver of future developments in the superyacht sector.

Q: Finally, what advice do you have for aspiring superyacht captains or individuals looking to enter the maritime industry at such a high level?

Gain practical experience.

Nothing beats hands-on experience on the water. Whether it's through sailing clubs, yacht racing, or working as a deckhand on a yacht, gaining practical experience is invaluable for developing seamanship skills and understanding the dynamics of life at sea.

?Invest in education and certifications.

Pursue relevant education and certifications to bolster your credentials and enhance your knowledge.

Build a strong network.

Networking is essential in the maritime industry. Connect with professionals already working in the field, attend industry events and conferences, and join online forums and communities to expand your network and learn from others' experiences.

Develop leadership and communication skills.

Aspiring superyacht captains need strong leadership and communication skills to effectively manage crew members and ensure the safety and well-being of everyone onboard. Take opportunities to develop these skills through formal training, mentorship, and practical experience.

Be adaptable and open-minded.

The maritime industry is constantly evolving, so it's essential to be adaptable and open-minded to new technologies, regulations, and industry trends. Stay informed, embrace change, and be willing to learn and adapt as needed.

As we bring our conversation with Paul Verry to a close, it's clear that his experiences and insights are as vast as the oceans he navigates.

Paul's journey from a competitive sailor to a renowned superyacht captain is not just a story of personal achievement, but a source of inspiration for anyone who dares to dream big.

For those captivated by the allure of the sea and luxury of yachting, a magnificent yacht, M/Y BOLD captained by Paul, awaits your discovery.

This April-May 2024, you can embark on an extraordinary adventure across the pristine waters of Australia, Indonesia, and West Papua. Each destination promises a unique blend of breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and unparalleled luxury.

To explore the detailed itinerary and for more information on this once-in-a-lifetime experience, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].?

Seize the opportunity to create unforgettable memories aboard M/Y BOLD.