Captain Charlie Kiss of Freedom keeps it old school but never gets complacent.
How did you get into yachting?
Prior to the summer of 1977, my father’s employer asked if I wanted to work on his boat, a 42-foot Bertram sportfisher. This was an owner/operator boat that needed someone to handle lines, fenders and to keep it clean. I was as green as they come. We would depart from Stamford Yacht Haven West in Connecticut and go to the Montauk Yacht Club at the tip of Long Island for long weekends, and we’d fish the canyons. We did this every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and winters were spent at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida. I obtained my first master’s license in 1985.
What is the biggest crew challenge you deal with as captain?
This is a difficult question to answer because my current crew presents very few challenges. Perhaps the reason for this is they range in age from the high 30s to me at 65 years old; therefore, the maturity level is a driving factor. In the past, some challenges included not honoring the chain of command, alcohol and drug abuse, and lacking the skills for their position despite their resumes stating otherwise.
Your favorite cruising destination?
The Bahamas and mainly the Family Islands. Nassau, New Providence, is convenient for pick-up and drop-off, provision, repairs etc., but the real beauty of the islands, its people and culture, are outside of the main island. In my experience, Eleuthera especially offers everything one can ask for.
Where is still on your yachting bucket list?
I’m in the 48th year of my career, so I can say I have seen all the places I wanted to see by boat, but now I have the privilege to return to my favorite destinations.
If you were stranded on a desert island, which other crew member would you want with you?
I wish I could take them all. Everyone is cross-trained and simply easy to be with. However, since I can only take one, it would be our chef, who has the ability to prepare great food with odd and/or minimal ingredients — with zero drama.
Your top tip for other captains?
Never get so comfortable that you become complacent. Just because you have done something over and over doesn’t mean it can’t go sideways in a moment’s notice. Also, match yourself with an owner who allows you to focus on safety, maintenance and management of your crew. This combination will ensure a safe, enjoyable and memorable experience for all on board.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Captain Paul Canavan once told me, “Pinpoint the one job/career you liked at least 50 percent of the time and hone in on that.”
What do you look for when hiring new crew?
Initially no visible tattoos, non-smokers/vapers, non-drinkers and a clean-cut appearance. Yes, I’m old school. And equally important is someone with a good attitude and willingness to be cross-trained. The “not my job” person would not be a good fit for my program.
What’s a lesson you learned through experience?
I once entered North Bar Channel for a day of fishing in conditions Bahamians call an “Abaco Rage.” We’d done it before in “sporty” conditions and managed to catch fish and return to tell others how great it was. Luckily people, property and environment were all unharmed but my pride got hurt. I learned never to get complacent in any aspect of yachting.
The BOAT International Captains’ Club is a unique group that brings together more than 275 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.