WHEELY COOL GUY
Captain Stefhan Malherbe talks to Frances and Michael Howorth onboard Wheels
Why did you join the superyacht industry? I have family who are in the industry. They have always extolled the virtues of the job and I cannot remember wanting to do anything else.
What was your first superyacht and when did you join her?
Fifteen years ago, I joined Kisses. At that time, she was in Norfolk Virginia and I visited the Great Lakes twice sailing in her and enjoyed the most wonderful of Mediterranean seasons. Now, that all seems a very long time ago.
Which is your favourite Mediterranean port and why do you like it?
When we have no guests on board, I guess it has to be Palma but when we do have guests that changes to become Porto Fino. My least favourite is probably Bonifacio.
Which is your favourite Mediterranean hangout and why do you like it? I love playing tennis and there are great opportunities to do that in Mallorca so I particularly like Palma as a port when it comes to downtime.
What is your attitude towards hiring couples?
I met my own wife on board a previous yacht and we worked well together so you could say I am an advocate of the concept. My wife is ashore now that we have children but this yacht is almost legendry for couples who have got together on board and are still together after many years.
How do you go about hiring crew? I use agencies where word of mouth does not do the job. I find Elite Crew, The Crew Network and YPI Crew are all very helpful and professional.
What makes your yacht special? I love her exterior lines. Yes she is 11 years old, but her design is almost timeless. But it’s more than just the yacht it’s the owner and the programme that make this a great yacht to work in. I am on rotation
38 | AUTUMN 2019 | ONBOARD
with a fellow South African, we have worked together for a long time and we both share the same values when it comes to being in command of Wheels.
If you had a magic wand what would you change in job? I would definitely cut back on some of the red tape jargon and paperwork.
What’s the most curious request you have had made of you?
I once worked on a 45 metre Feadship whose owners kept a pair of African Grey parrots on board. Our job as crew was to make sure they were well looked after and had plenty of tuna sandwiches to eat. The parrots, called Bentley and Bunty, also liked to watch TV so we had to make sure that the cartoon channel was always playing because that was the one they liked best.
Who was the most funny superyacht crew member you can recall?
I think most chefs fall into that category. They all seem to have a screw loose but you must forgive them that because just about everyone I have met is a true artist and a master of their craft.
What is the worst cock up you have seen another Captain make?
There was a large yacht dragging her anchor in a very crowded spot in Mykonos. Everyone in the anchorage, it seemed, could see this was happening and were beginning to take precautionary action. Everyone that is, except the yacht in question. Suddenly there was a plume of black smoke from her exhaust as the Captain on board her put in some emergency manoeuvring. The lesson to be learned here is to always keep a good anchor watch especially in a crowded anchorage.
And yours?
It was in the St Lawrence Seaway with 6 knots of tide running. The dock staff in the marina were on strike (very helpful at the time...) and it was quite tricky getting alongside to say the least. In retrospect I should have chosen an alternative berth!
What would be your best piece of advice to an aspiring captain?
Have patience with owners, brokers and crew. It is frustrating when things have to change but that is the way life is and it’s our job to get on with it and manage that change and make it all work out. As long as all the changes are for the better, we need to accept them and make sure they are implemented correctly and work.
QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS
Are you a morning or night time person? Morning
How do you like your steak? Medium
What did you eat for breakfast this morning? Fruit salad
What is your favourite style of cuisine? Italian
What food do you dislike? Vegan
What would your last supper be? Good steak
What are your favourite clothes? Shorts & T-shirt
Where would you visit if you had the chance? New Zealand
Where would you want to retire? New Zealand
What sport do you most like to watch? Tennis
What is your favourite colour? Blue
What superpower would you like? To be able to fly
What’s your guilty pleasure? Sweets
What is your biggest regret? Not starting to save money earlier
What is your worst habit? Clicking my fingers
What makes you angry? Bad time keeping
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