Captain Dustin Grove explains how he got onto the water via golf and would love to make it to Alaska, and believes communication and discussion makes for a happy boat.
How did you become a captain?
I began my career on the water as a golf instructor on cruise ships. From there, I jumped ship from the Bahamas to Florida in 2012, completed my basic courses and landed about a week’s worth of daywork right after. Then, I got a call about a deckhand job starting immediately in Panama. I worked my way up the ranks and eventually took on my first captain role on a 125-foot yacht in Newport Beach, California, in 2019.
Where is your favorite destination for cruising and why?
This is a question I get asked often, and it’s probably the hardest to answer because I’ve been to many beautiful and interesting destinations. My answer depends on what the guests are looking for. If they love beaches, fishing and quiet places, you can’t beat the Bahamas, Maldives or Seychelles. If they’re seeking culture, history and quaint towns, the Mediterranean offers endless options. For cruising, these places are great because they provide plenty of anchoring spots and scenic routes. If it had to be up to me, I would say the Med because there is so much history, beautiful anchorages, beaches, restaurants and culture to explore.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Some of the best advice I’ve received is on communicating with diverse crew members from different cultures and personalities. Try to put yourself in their shoes and see things from their perspective — it makes navigating things a bit easier. Having crew take personality tests also helps in understanding how to communicate clearly with them, not just for me but for all the crew and departments.
Where is still on your yachting bucket list?
Alaska. I’ve always wanted to go, but I can’t complain, as I’ve explored many destinations beyond the usual routes, for which I’m very grateful.
What is the biggest crew challenge you deal with as captain?
The biggest challenge is managing crew expectations while maintaining a professional boundary between myself and the crew yet still being able to enjoy time with them socially.
What do you look for when hiring new crew?
It depends on the position, but generally, I look at how candidates present themselves in an interview or conversation. Real-world life experiences and street smarts are a huge plus. Above all, I value honesty and a genuine passion for the job.
If you were stranded on a desert island, which other crew member would you want with you and why?
I’d choose an engineer. I can cook for myself, so I wouldn’t need a chef. I wouldn’t need my interior crew to make my palm-tree-leaf bed every morning, and I wouldn’t have a tender for deck crew to get me off the island. I reckon an engineer and I could survive, maybe even build a raft to get us out of there.
What key lesson have you learned through experience?
I’ve learned that keeping a daily task list or checklist on my desk helps me stay on top of things. Before this, I’d sometimes forget simple but important tasks. I’ve also learned not to jump to conclusions — listening to others and assessing a situation fully before moving forward with a productive solution or discussion is key.
What is your one top tip for other captains?
Don’t abuse your position or let power go to your head. Share your knowledge and experience with your crew, mentor them and have open discussions about improving the onboard environment for everyone while delivering the best experience for guests. Never be afraid to ask for help or guidance — we don’t know everything. Lastly, be kind and thoughtful to your crew; it goes a long way.
The BOAT International Captains’ Club is a unique group that brings together more than 300 like-minded active superyacht captains for world-class luxury events and networking opportunities in venues and on yachts around the world. For more information, email captainsclub@boatinternationalmedia.com.