Captain+I: Emile Coetzee - Hurricane Run

Camper & Nicholsons
22nd September 2022
Captain+I

Camper & Nicholsons charter yacht Hurricane Run was delivered by Feadship in 2009, beautifully designed by Terence Disdale and can accommodate 12 guests in six cabins. Her Captain of 12 years, Emile Coetzee, talks to Camper & Nicholsons about what makes the 53.50 metre superyacht an ideal charter vessel and shares his favourite memories from life at sea.

 

How did you first get into yachting?

I had a desire to see the world. In 1989 I set out on a 69 foot schooner to sail from Cape Town, South Africa to the Caribbean and onto the USA – and I have not stopped sailing since.

 

What have been the best yachts that you have helmed during your career?

The 50 metre Feadship High Chaparral and Amels’ 50 metre Thunder Gulch were both great charter yachts. The 45 metre, Jon Bannenberg-designed Moecca was also unique. On board that Oceanfast water jet catamaran we cruised and chartered in Australia, Tahiti, Singapore, Thailand, Maldives, the entire Med, the eastern seaboard of the US, and the Great Lakes over seven fantastic years!

 

How long have you helmed Hurricane Run?

I became captain of Hurricane Run 12 years ago, having known the owners for nineteen years. This is the owner’s third yacht and second Feadship.

 

 

What has Hurricane Run been up to over the past year?

We have been busy with friends and family for most of the summer and have spent a lot of time in St Tropez, Ibiza and Sardinia. But we have also sailed as far afield as Cyprus and up the river to Seville, and also to Venezuela and Miami. That is the beauty of yachting – sail to wherever takes your fancy in comfort and with close friends and family!

 

What elements of Hurricane Run’s design are distinctly Feadship?

The quality of everything; engineering, paint, interior finishes and fitout. Her open plan spaces create a great flow and her swim platform and sundeck make her unique within the Feadship fleet. The simple elegance of her design is one of the first things guests notice when they step on board.

 

What type of group do you think is best suited for a charter on board Hurricane Run?

Extended families or mature groups – we have spaces and toys for all to relax. Rather than enticing the “party crowd” Hurricane Run is perfect for guests who appreciate good food and attractive travel destinations.

 

 

Hurricane Run is for charter in the Caribbean Islands this winter. Which Caribbean destination has been the most popular with her charter guests, and why?

St Barths; it has everything; a Jet Set crowd, great water for swimming, breezy weather, excellent beaches, beach clubs and restaurants. It’s a top quality destination. The British Virgin Islands are also great for their natural anchorages and calm waters.

 

What special skills do the crew of Hurricane Run have that can enhance the charter experience?

Our crew comprises a range of different nationalities with French, English, Polish, Danish and Afrikaans all spoken fluently on board. We have a fit and adventurous deck crew who are experienced tender drivers, while our French-trained chef can make delicious meals with the freshest local produce in Japanese, Italian, Vegan, Gluten free, or allergy-sensitive styles.

 

What do you look for in crew?

With crew I always look for individuals who are motivated self-starters, who strive to get the best out of life. An energetic and positive attitude with a good sense of humour and curiosity is just as important as experience and education. 

 

 

What do you think an owner should look for in a captain?

What makes a good captain is someone who is an experienced individual who is a safe pair of hands – but also a curious spirit. It’s also important to have a fair and balanced leader on board who will lead the crew by example.

 

What tips would you give to those who are new to the superyacht world?

Throw all your energies into working hard at the job and learning everything you can – this is how you build a solid reputation. And remember, it is the service industry, so smile and be humble. This is not the place for thin-skinned individuals with big egos who chase after illusory, monetary rewards!

 

What are the best parts about life at sea as a captain? And what are the challenges? 

The best part is that one has the ability to discover new places and share them with charter guests. But being away from family is a challenge, and I feel that increasing regulations are starting to stifle creativity.

 

 

Which destinations have you most enjoyed cruising in?

Favourites have been Tahiti, Tonga, Thailand, St Tropez, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Los Roques, Venezuela, Antigua, Tobago Cays, BVIs –  too many to mention!

 

Are there any cruising destinations still on your bucket list?

Still on my “bucket list” are the Baltic, Norway and Alaska.

 

Do you believe in any sailing superstitions?

Do not set off on a passage on a Friday! We did once on a sailboat and ran into The 1991 Perfect Storm off Halifax, Nova Scotia…