GREAT SCOT
Katy McGilvray tells Frances and Michael Howorth how much she enjoys her job as Chief Officer on board a private sailing yacht
What was your first superyacht and where did you join her? I grew up in Gourock, Scotland, a town just about 40 min west of Glasgow. This is where I started sailing when I was about 11 years old. It was only after university that I took a chance and went out to Antibes looking for a job on a yacht. I started on a small 25m motor yacht called Galaxy and joined her in Corfu, Greece and never looked back.
Which is your favourite Mediterranean port and why do you like it? Palma - Every time I come back it feels like home. There are always friends passing through and La Llonja is a great spot to catch up with them. Great location, wonderful food and just the best staff.
What is your favourite restaurant or bar in the Mediterranean and why is it special? It’s small and local and I’d love to shout about it from the rooftops, but that would be telling and may spoil things! My second favourite must be Chèvre D’or in Eze. Spectacular views over Cap D’ail. It serves irresistible food with impeccable service. It’s a ‘once every couple of years’ experience, but always well worth the wait.
The Mediterranean is said to be crowded with superyachts, where do you think the best spot to get away from the others is? I completely agree, it is saturated and I don’t actually know if there are any places left that no one knows about. So my advice would be to hop over to Croatia. It still feels like the Mediterranean but very quickly can feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. But my personal favourite Mediterranean anchorage is Santa Manza Bay in Corsica, but only on the rare occasion when it’s quiet and the weather is calm.
If you could recommend a Mediterranean yacht service to another Chief Officer, what would it be? Coming from sailing yachts I’ve used Marine Results for all things rig related. Ed and his team are great, very experienced and always happy to accommodate us whenever and wherever they can. I have complete faith in the work they do and would very happily recommend their services to anyone.
38 | SUMMER 2021 | ONBOARD
Does being at sea affect your family life? I have been at sea for ten years and so I’ve missed a lot of important things. Birthdays, funerals, Christmases, you name it. I have the privilege of working with my other half, but as we get older we really do appreciate a home life. We spent 6 months at home this year and loved getting to spend the time with our families. Luckily, they are all very understanding and drop everything for us as soon as we have a date for coming home. It’s hard, but it’s the nature of the beast.
What makes your yacht special? Many things! She is a real sailing pedigree! A big yacht that both sails well and is easy on the eye can sometimes be hard to find but here I feel we have it all. She is simply breath-taking and everyone comments on what a beauty she is.
Do you have a pet hate? If so what is it? People beating around the bush! I believe you should get to the point, and honesty is always the best policy. On board I hate it if crew do not ask questions if they are unsure about anything. My door is always open and I want crew to feel as comfortable as possible and be able to ask me anything.
If you had a magic wand, what would you change in your job? Over inflated prices just because you are a superyacht. I hate feeling we are getting ripped off!
What is the most curious request you have had made of you? My parents once suggested I bring the owners up to our house to meet them when we were visiting Scotland! That was one for the books! Let me tell you, it takes a long time to try and get the family home resembling something to that of a superyacht.
What’s the most funny superyacht experience you can recall? I once bought toilet roll emblazoned with pictures of Donald Trump in a dollar store and placed it in the owner’s bathroom. Despite the fact that they were republican, they thought it was hilarious. And yes, it only cost 1 dollar!
What important things have you ever learned from your crew? So much!! A favourite saying comes from an old first mate “there’s many ways to skin a cat”. Meaning that we were working in a very much democratic environment and not a dictatorship. The mate was open to ideas on how to tackle various things. Humility also goes a long way with crew and guests and is vital in our industry. Another saying “It’s only easy when you know how” - in other words, never assume people know how to do something. It might be easy to you but for others, not so much. Make sure the working environment encourages question asking and teaching, it will build a stronger crew working relationship!
QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS
Where in the world would you like to live? I already live there - Scotland
What would your last supper be? Pan fried scallops, duck breast and mum’s chocolate fudge cake
3 dream dinner party guests? My Gran, Prince, and Daft Punk
Where in the world would you most like to visit ? New Zealand
Where would you want to retire? Antigua
What sport do you watch? Rugby
Best childhood memory? Practicing fly fishing in the garden with dad
What superpower would you like? Mind Reader
Pet peeve ? Laziness
Biggest regret to date? Not buying a Porsche 944
Closest you’ve ever came to death? Taking a corner too wide on my motorbike
What’s your guilty pleasure? Simply Red
What makes you angry? Overcooked duck!
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