Captain Jari Lindgren wants to see the Galápagos Islands, doesn’t want to be a dictator and has learned to trust his gut.
How did you end up getting into yachting and becoming a captain?
I was lucky and fell into it a bit by accident. Some 25 years ago I was working on a small cruise ship in the Far East that was bought by a billionaire and then converted into a yacht in Europe. Management kept me on for the relocation, conversion and cruising.
Where is your favorite destination for cruising and what makes it so?
It’s hard to choose one — all places have their pros and cons. You have to decide for yourself what you like and go for that.
Where is still on your yachting bucket list?
The Galápagos and Pacific Islands.
What is the biggest crew challenge you deal with as captain?
Working together, avoiding drama and gossip and explaining there are no off days defined in a contract (mostly).
What is your one top tip for fellow captains?
Be the captain, not the despot or dictator; give your crew space when they have time off.
What do you look for when hiring new crew?
Attitude, work history and references.
If you were stranded on a desert island, which other crew member would you want with you and why?
Probably the chief engineer — he’ll have an idea of how to get us off the island and I’ll navigate.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Once you’re in that hot seat, it is your decision alone to take and then to stand by it (after having listened to all advice given).
What’s a lesson you learned the hard way or through experience?
Don’t take anything for granted; just trust your gut and experience, and you’ll be fine.