“Having excellent crew prior to and during any extended voyage is imperative, adequate funding to ensure that you have a well-equipped vessel is also a must.”
OCEAN: What is your favourite thing about being a superyacht captain?
That would be the ever-changing daily challenges that keep the mind stimulated.
OCEAN: Since leaving the East Coast of the USA, Triple 8 has cruised through Panama, Pearl Islands, Galapagos, Marquesas, French Polynesia and Fiji. Was this an easy process?
We have been 100 percent successful. With thorough planning and preparation, we have managed to avoid any problems along the way. We have been lucky enough to have had mostly excellent agents to assist us with our needs, the importance of this cannot be stressed enough. Having excellent crew prior to and during any extended voyage is imperative, adequate funding to ensure that you have a well-equipped vessel is also a must.
OCEAN: What makes Triple 8 such an interesting vessel to command?
Triple 8 is a superbly equipped ship. Built to the highest standard, she is a formidable seagoing vessel. We have the best equipment available, an unlimited budget to keep all running in perfect order and a very understanding owner.
OCEAN: What has been your favourite destination to visit in this region so far and why?
I really enjoyed all of French Polynesia from the Marquesas to the Society Islands. There was a remote feel to the outlying islands, which is fairly unique in this day and age. The French flair was underlying throughout but there was a distinctly “Island” feel present. There was everything you would need for an island holiday: good infrastructure, excellent food, beautiful islands, crystal water, good weather and excellent yacht support through Asia Pacific Superyachts.
OCEAN: Have you done any charters while in this region? How has the process been for you?
We have done a number of charters throughout the Pacific Islands and Australia. It has been relatively painless but for those wishing to go, I’d suggest using a reputable yacht agent. They really pave the way well for visiting yachts and can save you money in the long run.
OCEAN: You recently undertook some maintenance work. What work was undertaken? Where did you get this done?
Rivergate Marina and Shipyard are without a doubt the best place worldwide that I have ever been to have maintenance done. I have never before felt such confidence in the management as I have at Rivergate. Competitive quotes from multiple contractors are the norm and a personalised service commitment unlike I have experienced before. Upon completion of a year’s voyaging from the USA, we had a number of large and small jobs to perform from paintwork to fabrication. We managed to get everything done well within the time frame and at a cost well under what we expected. The first maintenance period was so successful that we returned for a haul out and more work simply because they were so good at their job.