CREW PROFILE

CAPTAIN CONFIDENTIAL

Frances and Michael Howorth chat to Aaron Clark the Captain on board Artefact

Why did you join the superyacht industry? As a young club sailor, I was motivated by the impression I got from international boating magazines. It was a natural progression from working with my father and on larger vessels as a commercial fisherman, where I attained seamanship skills to eventually move in this direction. But it was only after working on high-speed ferries that I transitioned to the superyacht industry as it grew in NZ.

What was your first superyacht and when did you join her? My first superyacht was built in NZ and I was the owner’s representative / build captain, a project I joined at age 26.

Which is your favourite Mediterranean port and why do you like it? Portofino, when it is not full of people in the peak of summer. It has the quaint feel of yesteryear in the Mediterranean coupled with an excellent national park for hiking.

Which is your favourite Mediterranean anchorage and why do you like it? Artefact has a dynamic positioning system, meaning there are a number of places now where I can stop without needing to anchor. This allows us to stop at more favourable locations for long periods. One in particular would be; Stromboli to enjoy an evening of spectacular, colourful performances from the volcano, an experience very few people get to enjoy.

How does being a Captain at sea affect your family life? It does not affect my family life as my wife and I have worked together for 18 years and we don’t have children, we are our primary supports and family to one another. The freedom to being at sea and travels together gives us a plethora of experiences and memories, adding value to both our lives.

What do your crew do really well? My crew is hand-selected for this type of vessel and a private program. Each crew member is identified for their personality, skill set and background to effectively fit in with established crew members and contribute toward progression within their department. I have a crew who have very good sustainability to cater to the daily needs of an owner and family live aboard situation over a lengthy period. They deliver the expectation of what the owner could hope to experience very well.

Do you have a pet hate and if so, what is it? As crew are a big part of the guest experience, I don’t like it when someone doesn’t understand that their place onboard is not be selfish but selfless. We are all servants to the owner’s requirements including myself.

What is the most funny superyacht experience you can recall? I’ve seen a few captains docking superyachts with a technique I like to call “brailledocking”, which is a series of touches and crashes into the dock before finally mooring.

How does the confidentiality concept in the industry help or hinder you? I think it helps the industry, with the aim of stopping too much speculation concerning non-factional topics and promoting the owner’s privacy. It is not our place in the industry to interpret facts with our own agendas to create urban myths.

What advice would you give to someone new entering the industry? Understand what the industry is about and what it has to offer, create a clear career path and understand that you are your best investment in life. You need to set your goals in order to reach them.

What have you learned from your crew? I have many crew who come from larger vessels, having done cadetships and have taught me more about departmentalisation.

What makes you stand out as a Captain? The experience of the 30 years being a captain has given me the ability to process an array of daily challenges. I understand how to effectively oversee all operations integral to the vessel I am commander of, and good communication skills and technical knowledge cannot be underestimated after you have put in place the right people. A good captain does not stand alone but understands how to effectively utilise his/her onboard talent.

How would you like to be remembered as a Captain? Dependable, loyal, able to meet expectations, firm but fair, honest and truly caring for peoples’ needs. And always entertaining.

What would you like to do when you cease being in command of a superyacht? With the wealth of knowledge I’ve gained over the years not only as captain but while supervising builds, it would be futile to leave the industry completely. Too many successful people retire when they are depleted and have nothing left, whereas I can see myself evolving into a new phase of life.

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS

Are you a morning or night time person? All day person

What was the last film you saw in a cinema? The Avengers in 2012

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? New Zealand Bay of Islands

What did you eat for breakfast this morning? Muesli and yogurt

What is your favourite style of cuisine? Asian fusion

What kind of car do you drive? Mercedes GT AMG

What are your favourite clothes? Beach wear

Where in the world would you visit if you had the chance? Antarctic

What sport do you most like to watch? Sailing events

What is your best childhood memory? Winning a toastie for coming first in a yacht club sailing race

What superpower would you like? To turn an idiot into someone tolerable

What is your biggest regret to date? None, just yet!