a decade! Winning races is always satisfying too as there are so many different aspects involved to get the boat around the race course as fast as possible.
What do you love most about working on the water?
I’m very grateful for the fact that a lot of my work is outside in the open air. Arriving in a new port is always fun and I enjoy fishing, swimming and everything else to do with the water.
When not working, where would be your top recommended place to visit in Cornwall?
I’d say the Lizard, its got some of the best beaches going, especially on the west side, to the north is the Helford River and in the middle is Goonhilly downs which, if you like solitude and nature, is a great secluded spot.
Following the fourth refit of the Mariette by Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth back in 2017, what changes have you seen and what
makes the refit stand out? The new infrastructure is impressive, with space for seven large superyachts undercover in the halls, the wet basin with a maintained depth of 6m means that there is always a berth available and we are not limited to lifting or launching the boat at spring tides. This refit was made a lot easier since the project manager and I saw things the same way so I’d say that the people you work with is crucial.
What essential qualities do you look for when recruiting your crew?
Enthusiasm is probably the most important quality. Previous yachting experience is not as important as a willingness to learn and work hard. It is a big plus if they have a prior connection with the water whether that be sailing in dinghies, fishing, surfing etc etc.
In a couple of sentences, can you describe your average day as Captain of the Mariette?
When cruising with the owner onboard we will aim to sail for three or four hours a day – usually in the afternoon. Usually the crew spend the morning catching up on boat business – the chef runs ashore for bread, salad and whatever looks good in the fish market and the guys on deck get on with preparing the boat for sailing and other various jobs. The guests take it easy, a leisurely breakfast, catching up on emails or take a turn ashore. Depending how far we have to go determines whether it’s a light sit down lunch or a sandwich on the hoof. Then it’s sails up. Sailing a schooner is fun because there are up to eight sails to set and play with including the deckhands running up the ratlines to set the topsails. Ideally we’ll reach the anchorage by five or six o’clock in the evening - since it takes an hour and a half for the guys to tidy away the deck. At the same time the chef and stewardess are getting organised inside. Dinner at eight, then bed, get up the next morning and repeat! It’s a nice rhythm.
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Yves de Contades
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